Thanks, everyone, for your advice. We made a reservation at a.kitchen, were seated promptly as we arrived, had very good service, decent drinks, and several good "small" plates (I put "small" in quotes because I thought the portions were quite generous. In Canada, where I live now, main courses are not much bigger.) The ambient noise level made conversation among those at our table a bit difficult (though, curiously, I heard clear snippets of conversation from other tables.) In all, though, a good evening.

We are meeting at 7 PM for drinks and appetizers. Not sure if we will be having a proper dinner.

I'm coming back to visit my home town of Philadelphia after MANY years away, and will be meeting up with some friends for drinks and appetizers on July 11. We have tentative plans to go to a.kitchen, but I am concerned that it might be too noisy for conversation. Any other ideas are appreciated. Thanks!

Try the sunshine markets in Kauai for fresh local vegetables, fruit, and herbs. It's food shopping as contact sport! Here is the url for the schedule (I haven't figured out how to add links) http://www.kauai.gov/Default.aspx?tab...

Thanks everyone. I made a reservation at Divino.

I'm organizing from afar a lunch for a pal who just got engaged, and would appreciate suggestions for a downtown restaurant that can accommodate a group of about 10. Good food is the primary criterion. The only restaurant I can think of is Vintage Chop House, but noticed some not-so-favourable recent comments when I searched this board. I'm sure there are lots of choices, but none of the Calgary locals have come up with anything so far.

Thanks for your help!