JennBilMer's Profile
CH7
I heard the new restuarant in Chestnut Hill opened but can't find anything about it - reviews, website, etc. Anyone been yet?
Union Trust
When I walked into Union Trust I was blown away! The space is absolutely gorgeous and unparalleled in Philly.
The maitre d and hostesses were very gracious and I was looking forward to a very special dinner. Things unfortunately went downhill from there.
After drinks at the bar, the bartender handed my husband his credit card receipt to sign and asked if he had a pen. He didn’t, so the tactless bar tender shouted to a waitress behind my husband asking for her pen. Not a big deal, but when combined with other small incidents it adds up to poor service.
We felt very special to be taken to one of the beautiful velvet banquettes at the front of the restaurant, but were not thrilled to be greeted again by the bartender who apparently was pulling double duty. While this was later in the evening, it is still not what you would expect from a restaurant with an $80 steak on the menu.
Soon after, another bartender greeted us with “So are you ready to rock n roll!?” OK for many places in Philadelphia, but not for what UT is trying to be and should be. She then gave fair though coarse service for the rest of the night, at one point complaining to me that she was so ready for one of her tables to leave – though not mine of course!
Oh and after my husband's steak was delivered, the original bufoon bartender came over and told him to cut into the middle of the steak to see if it was done correctly. I think the Grasso's did most of their hiring from former Club Egypt staffers and it shows.
The food was good, but not amazing.
I hope they can get their act together because the space is worthy of the most special occasions.
New Hope Dining...need help
Oh yes and for lunch Sunday, the Inn of the Hawk ( also in Lambertville) has a great outdoor space, good beer and casual menu. Lilly's on the Canal is a fun, airy spot with good food
New Hope Dining...need help
Head accross the bridge into Lambertville for drinks at The Boathouse followed by dinner at French BYO Manon. Hamilton's Grill Room is right next to the Boathouse but it's much more noisy and less romantic. Manon has a small french menu with lots of atmosphere and charm. Dimly lit and quiet with Van Gogh style painted ceiling and Provence style artwork throughout.
Pre-theatre dinner
Thanks! It's the Suzanne Roberts theatre. I know the restaurants I mentioned are a little far, but we're willing to park somewhere in the middle and walk a few blocks. Couldn't really think of anything on the other side of Broad. We've done El Vez, Lolita. Not interested in the Brazilian steak house craze.
Pre-theatre dinner
Hi there hounders - had a baby about 8 months ago so have been out of the dining scene. Looking for somewhere new to go before theatre with two other couples so reservations are a must.
To give you an idea of what we like in the area: Estia, L'Angolo, Melograno, Monk's, Caffe Casta Diva, Tria.
Was conidering Noble, Meme, Parc. Any votes or other suggestions?
Open Table - Always a Bad Table
Anyone else notice that you always get the worst table in the house when you use Open Table? And not only for last minute reservations? I love the convenience of Open Table and was using it as my default for resverations, but I started to notice that I ALWAYS got a bad table. I got the absolute WORST table at Estia for a reservation I made weeks in advance. Do restaurants hate Open Table users? If so, why do they participate?
Bucks County trip
Right across the bridge in Lambertville has some great options...Full Moon for amazing omelettes, Inn of the Hawk or Lilly's on the Canal for lunch, Boathouse for drinks before dinner (this is a must if you like eclectic, they also have a nice outdoor area), Manon for dinner (french byo), Left Bank Libations (in Lambertville House) for after dinner drinks on the porch. Carversville is quite good but there are so many options closer that I might not bother with the drive. Must have a drink at Marsha Browns. Only stay for dinner if you really like seafood. Phillips Mill is very cozy and romantic (also a byo with some french influence). Hamilton's has a nice outdoor area and it's a very fun atmosphere. I'm not a huge fan of the food, but everyone else raves about it. Don't hit Havana's, Logan Inn or Karla's - tourist traps.
S. Philly. Not Italian or Asian
Need some suggestions for a group of 6 going out after cirque in May. Could go into town, but thinking there might be something fun in the neighborhood. We've hit all the best Italian places and a couple in the group aren't into any of the Asian cuisines. Looking for something more like a gastro-pub or Mexican. Been to SPTR and it's a great beer bar, but the food was a little lacking. Any ideas?
Modo Mio
Food is excellent and service is a bit slow, but if you relax and enjoy your wine and company it's a great all around experience.
Suggestions for an upcoming trip to Philly..
Not sure what you're looking for but a few fun places for a group (in no particular order) are: Tria, Tinto, Amada, Monk's (for amazing Belgian beer selection), North Third.
Crispo or Pepolino?
Good thought. Any suggestions for before or after dinner drinks?
Crispo or Pepolino?
Thanks! It's more of a special night out so I think we'll go with Pepolino. It looks a bit more cozy too.
Crispo or Pepolino?
I have reservations at both this Friday but can't decide. Anyone have input?
Late lunch/early dinner in Brooklyn
Will be seeing a matine of Macbeth at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and are looking for recommendations for a late lunch type of meal afterward. Could be something nice and special or a casual gastropub. Any suggestions?
New Hope dinner recs
NOT a fan of Karla's. If you want casual and fun try Lilly's on the Canal in Lambertville, or the Inn of the Hawk (more of a pub).
Brunch Buffet
Just had a great brunch last weekend at the Washington Crossing Inn. Excellent almond crusted french toast, Eggs B, nice atmosphere. Only complaint is the didn't have pre-made scrambled eggs. I hate waiting for the omlettes to be made - though at least there wasn't a line. Also Lambertville Station has a nice buffet.
Philly Foodies Need Restaurant Rec
Hi all - we'll be coming to NYC for dinner on Saturday, March 29th. Last few NY visits we hit Cafe Boulud, Artisinal and Babbo, and loved all three. I'm a vegetarian but I can usually make out fine, even if they have to make me something off menu (though Babbo was not very imaginative).We were considering Daniel or Balthazar, but I'd love to hear from you all. We're looking for special, but fun (not stuffy). Thanks!
Inn at St Peters?
We went for Thanksgiving so you can't completely judge by a holiday meal, but the portions were beyond miniscule and left you a little disappointed. I'm used to small, European style portions, but this was a bit ridiculous. My soup was maybe two ounces.
Dining Recommendations in New Hope?
The Inn at Phillips Mill has lots of romantic atmosphere and the food is always good to great. Don't eat dinner at the Logan. It's fine for lunch but not dinner. Manon in Lambertville is also a wonderful french byo and now that I think about it probably my first recommendation. Hit the New Orleans style place (can't think of name) for drinks at the bar and/or Left Bank Libations (Lambertville) for cozy after dinner drinks. Try lunch the next day at Lilly's on the Canal (also Lambertville). And make sure you check out Blue Racoon (a home store in New Hope near Victory Brewing). Have fun!
Anyone try the new Chestnut Hill Italian yet?
Unfortunately I have to report back that dinner was rather mediocre. Service was very friendly and attentive, especially considering how packed they were, but the food was disappointing.
I had the salad with mushrooms, which sounded promising, but was just greens with sliced, raw button mushrooms (why?). Husband had the carpaccio which was ice cold so rather tasteless. A friend had the portabella stuffed with sautéed spinach, which was just that (no cheese, no drizzle of balsamic. I do better myself at home). Another friend ordered the grilled calamari, which they told him they were substituting with fried, and was fine, but instead of the lemon aioli promised in the menu, it came with marinara.
My entrée was actually very good. I had the pesto pasta that usually comes with shrimp, but I asked for veggies instead. The pasta tasted homemade, was a generous portion and the pesto was quite tasty. Unfortunately my fellow diners didn’t fare as well. Two veal dishes were good, but overly salted, and pasta with chicken in a cream sauce was totally bland.
Price was good though and it was byo so it’s not without promise. Given it’s so new, I’d try them again in a few months.
Anyone try the new Chestnut Hill Italian yet?
I believe it's called Bocelli and is a byo. Might try tonight and will report back
Anyone try the new Chestnut Hill Italian yet?
It's where Al'Dana was, which I miss terribly! Two doors down from McNally's.
Anyone try the new Chestnut Hill Italian yet?
I've heard that it's open and was thinking of checking it out this weekend. Has anyone been yet or hear anything about it?
Help! James, Gayle, BPerrier, Marigold, Lacroix...?
Definitely not James. My husband and I were very disappointed in the food and the service. I would recommend Gayle - it's cozy, fun, interesting and delicious.
Estia - delicious but way too loud
Ate at Estia last night and though the food was great, the live music was deafening. Really ruined the dinner b/c I had to literally shout to be heard. Just a warning for those who like to chat during dinner.
McKenzie Brew Pub
Agreed on the food at the General. Their beer selection has been lacking lately too. I'll scratch McKenzie's off the list. Thanks
Gift Cert Ideas for CC Philly
Caffe Casta Diva on 20th is amazing and reasonable. Your friends sound like my husband and me (he being a carnivore and me being a veg) and we both love it. They take cards too
McKenzie Brew Pub
Anyone ever been? We love brew pubs like Victory, Stoudts, Iron Hill and the General Lafayette. Thanks for the input!
James
Just went to James last night and I was extremely disappointed. The food was nothing special and the service was awful. The atmosphere was great and cocktails were interesting and quite good, but overall we were totally let down by the experience. Did we miss something?
