butterfern

I second the Seafood Unlimited idea. They have simple, fresh fish and are reasonably priced.

Coca de vidre it is! Thanks, folks! This is what it looks like: http://www.mundorecetas.com/recetas-de-coc...receta4931.html

I recently travelled to Spain and enjoyed a treat that I've never seen in the U.S. It was a very large, very thin, crispy pastry, sprinkled with sugar and sometimes drizzled with chocolate. It was oval in shape and about 12" by 4". It was pretty common in Barcelona, but I never found out the name. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Thanks for the recommendations, all. We had brunch at Orchids on Sunday and thought it was great! $42/person. We recommend it highly.

Thanks, everyone, for your help. We're going to try Orchids. I'm looking forward to it, based on your recommendations. Ideas for Big Island brunches are still most appreciated...

Thanks, Machi! I'm currently debating between Orchids and the Mandarin Oriental. Their website mentions two different brunches. Which one were you recommending - Hoku's or the Plumeria Beach House? Do you happen to know what the difference is?

I'm currently planning a two-week trip that will have me in Oahu on one Sunday, and on the Big Island (Kailua-Kona area) the next. Any suggestions for great brunches? Neighborhood places and fancy resort buffets are both welcome. Many thanks!

I went to Capogiro yesterday and tried two flavors that I hadn't had before. Macadamia was fine, but not as good as the other nut-flavors I've had. Thai coconut milk was delcicious. I want some more.

I had a dinner there about a month ago. We only had entrees. The thai basil shrimp (pad ka prao) was very tasty, but spicier than it is at most Thai places. The pad thai was about average, flavor-wise, but unusual in that the noodles were cut in 1-2" long pieces, the way some little kids cut up their spaghetti. I thought the room was very pretty and the service was good.

I stopped in shortly after they opened and was unimpressed. The crust seemed floppy (undercooked?) and the cornmeal dusted on the bottom was gritty and hard - like eating sandy pizza. It was opening week, though - maybe they've improved. Some of the prices seemed high - their specialty pies (named after baseball teams) were ~$19.

Thanks, everyone, for the great suggestions! I'll let you know which ones we try.

Since you folks did such a good job finding a brunch locale for Rooneytunes, I thought I'd solicit suggestions for a similar situation. I help organize a monthly dinner discussion sponsored by Philadelphia Cares. We try to visit a different Center City restaurant each month, and are always looking for new ideas. Here are the specs: - Approximately 20 people - Event is on a Friday, generally at 6:30 PM - $25-30/person inclusive of tax and tip. Beverages are extra, although some places have included coffee or soft drinks. - 3 courses with 2-3 entree choices, including a veggie option. Appetizer and dessert can be simple (e.g. salad, ice cream) Places we've gone in the past include Astral Plane, London Grill, Wok, and Abraccio. Any ideas for places we should try in the future? More info about the event is available at: http://www.philadelphiacares.org/citacad/friday.htm Many thanks!