MysticMilt

I think everyone else has you covered for food, so I'm going to throw in my recommendation for the "what to do" part of your question. Both Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are obvious choices, but in my opinion those two terrific sites have been eclipsed by the incredible National Constitution Center, which just opened last year. Derek and I went with a friend in September, and let me tell you: I was completely blown away. This is not your average museum, kids. The visit started with a presentation that gave an overview of the history and impact of the Constitution, and it wasn't just some cheesy slide and re-enactment deal. It was presented in a theater-in-the-round format, and narrated by a really good actor (or at least our show was). The script was incredibly moving, and by the end of it I saw more than a few people quickly brushing away tears. Anyway, after that we all exited at the top of the theater, which put us in the big loop that makes up the bulk of the Constitution center. I cannot even begin to tell you how rich that experience was -- there was so much to see and learn about the Constitution that it would take hours to read it all. And it was presented in an engaging, dynamic manner, rather than your standard display case/written explanation format. For example, one of the first things that catches the eye after exiting the theater is a giant cone-shaped sculpture that is peppered with video screens, each of which is cycling through a series of historical portraits. At people-height at the base of the cone, the screens are interactive and you can learn about scores of individuals, both famous and obscure, who are important to the history of the constitution. Really and truly: I went thinking this was going to be another vaguely interesting American history museum, and I came away from the experience so proud of my country and of this awesome document that was written by rebels and shaped a nation. It is, hands-down, my favorite Philadelphia landmark. It should not be missed!

This is the part that worries me most, being a person of only a tenuous grasp of the French language. I have no problem with brusque waiters in a café, but I worry about how to handle it if I do encounter some genuinely bad service and I lack the linguistic skills to "fight back," as it were. Don't get me wrong: I'm doing my best to brush up on my French, and I will make a valiant effort to speak it in as many situations as possible, but I do have low-grade anxiety over being defenseless against some rotten guy who loathes Americans. Suggestions? Or are my concerns baseless?

The other thing that I love love love about Tria is that, IIRC, most (if not all) of their wines are available by the glass. My husband and I both love wine, but a bottle, and sometimes even half a bottle, is just too much wine for us, both money-wise and consumption-wise*. Most restaurants make only their lowest-quality wines available BTG, and since we're not Sutter Home folks, that usually means no wine with dinner. But at Tria we can try just about anything on the menu and split a glass and we're good. * - Yes, yes, you oenophiles, I hear you. No such thing. Sheesh.

We ate there two weeks ago and we had a considerably better experience than Laban. I thought everything, from the tapas dishes to the wine to the cheese, was fantastic. We shared a panini of prosciutto and fig jam that was positively sublime. We had a lovely little Malbec, and when asked for a recommendation for a complementing cheese our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable, and helped us pick a terrific one that really tied everything together. The mushroom bruschetta was meaty but not overwhelming, and the breadsticks with garlic dip were a little bit of heaven. The only dish I would have skipped is the sauteed asparagus, which were good but ultimately forgettable. Anyway, the meal was excellent and just a hair over $40. Based on the quality and uniqueness (for lack of a less clumsy word) of the food and the overall pleasant experience, it was a bargain. We'll definitely be going back.

Andrew, thanks for splitting this off into its own topic. I'm really enjoying reading everyone's theories. I, for one, hope that all of this is just part of a community's natural ebb and flow, and that Manayunk will rise again. Yes, the parking sucks, and yes, there has been an increase in the number of so-called mall stores, but I remain ever hopeful. As long as places like Pacific Rim and Le Bus can stay in business, there's hope. What I hope doesn't happen is that Manayunk suffers the same fate as King Street in Charleston, SC. When I was in college there ten years ago King Street was a marvelous and picturesque strip of cool little boutiques and funky eateries. I went back there early this past spring for a wedding, and man, what a change. Most of the unique stores have been replaced by generic crap lik Restoration Hardware, Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria's Secret, The Gap, .... on and on. It was heartbreaking to see such a formerly charming street subjected to the mass homogenization that is plaguing suburbia. Anyway, I desperately hope that Manayunk is able to weather this down period without becoming just another glorified outdoor mall.

Katie, in your opinion why is it that Manayunk is becoming a graveyard? I mean, I agree with you, what with the closing of KC Prime still fresh on the brain, but I can't figure out what the problem is over there. It's a cute area, it's teeming with people who can appreciate a good meal ... you'd think that quality restaurants wouldn't have a problem staying open.

First Kansas City Prime, and now this. I never had a chance to eat at Carmella's, but when KC Prime closed I kept meaning to go there, figuring it was the only place I could get that awesome white chocolate bread pudding. Sigh.

Derek and I attended a class right around the corner from you, shinyboots, at Savona. It was taught by Dominique Filoni, who was just as friendly and non-pretentious as you could possibly want. The degree of hands-on depends a bit on the class size, since the cooking is done in the kitchen, which isn't very big. But you'll definitely learn a lot, and best of all, the meal that's the focus of the class is served to you and your classmates in the beautiful wine cellar downstairs. I didn't see any classes scheduled on their calendar, so you might want to give them a call to find out what they have coming up. We've also caught one of the free demonstrations that the Viking center has from time to time, but I've never gotten around to attending one of the actual paid classes. I imagine they'd be pretty fun, though.

I've been to both stores numerous times, and DiBruno wins over Claudio's every time. DiBruno's service and the cheese selection have always been a step above, even when they're packed. Having said that, I will admit that I haven't focused on how their olive selection compares, and I will say that Claudio's does seem to have some stuff that DiBruno doesn't, like the dried beans and whatnot. And also: Claudio's has the new mozzerella factory, which is fantastic. But given a choice between the two? My heart belongs to DiBruno, every time. Back on topic: Buttercup, I'm not sure where you are in the D.C. area, but if you're anywhere near one, you might try Wegman's. They have an excellent olive bar, and I've gotten both the green and black Cerignolas from there before. Excellent texture, marvelous buttery flavor. They're my favorite!

Rib Run II: Electric Ribaloo.

Ditto on all the suggestions in here -- especially Monk's. The food there is just incredible and an excellent value. My own suggestion is one I think I've made in other threads on here: Beau Monde. I consider that place to be one of Philly's best-kept secrets. It's a lovely little authentic Brittany crêpes, both savory and sweet. Two people can have a terrific meal there and get out for less than $40 (not including wine). It's definitely one of my top five favorite restaurants, because (like Monk's) you're getting really, really great food for very little money. Also, while it doesn't fall into the "budget" category, exactly, I had to say this: My god, were y'all right about Django. My dad was in town this past weekend and we ate there on Friday night. I knew it was going to be good, but I didn't know it was going to be that good. The waitstaff was all very warm and friendly, and Amy, one of the owners, came by our table and chatted with us for a bit. She was quite lovely. Oh, and the buzz is true: the cheese plate is to die for, if you're a cheese fan. Best of all: three people, each of whom had an appetizer, an entrée and dessert, and the bill came to $120. I almost felt guilty. Almost.

Thanks, y'all, for all the great responses. This thread has been way more active than I anticipated, and it's been fun reading everyone's posts. For those of you keeping score, I have found a lovely little black number that I think will be perfect. Now I just need to find some great jewelry (I am all thumbs when it comes to scarves -- I invariably end up looking like a boy scout) and strappy shoes and I am good to go. As for the rest of the week, while I will definitely be putting a polish on my overall look, I've decided that I'm willing to endure any continental derision that might crop up and just wear my (clean, non-torn) jeans and tennis shoes for the day-to-day stuff. Cute but comfortable will be the theme of the week, I'm thinking.

But if it's super-expansive, then it is, by definition, super sized, no?

While dressing up to go to dinner is a no-brainer for me, the thing that's a bit challenging about dressing up everywhere is that as a tourist you're going to be doing the typical touristy things. Your days are filled with visiting museums and monuments galore, doing lots and lots of walking, being out in the sun (and heat, during the summer months). Tennis shoes and jeans may not be chic, but they're utilitarian and comfortable. I may look fabulous in a sleek pantsuit and kitten heels, but how much fun will I have if I have blisters at the end of the day? Surely there must be a happy medium between sloppy-but-comfortable and dashing-but-miserable, right?

Y'all are brilliant, thank you. I think I'll probably go for something along the lines of this with a wrap and great shoes, although maybe I can find something with a slightly lower hem. At the knee instead of just above it. I am très relieved that I'm not going to have to bust out with the Badgley Mischka. Thank you for indulging my girlie topic.

I live in the Philadelphia area, but I was raised in the South. So while my absolute favorite and most comfortable outfit is jeans and a cute top, when need be I can clean up fairly well. I love Ann Taylor-ish stuff and Talbot's when they're not being too fusty and soccer mom-y.

The place: Taillevent in mid-October. The players: me and my husband. The problem: What on God's green earth do we wear to this thing? So we have dinner reservations at Taillevent for a Friday night in October. I've seen the lovely pictures of the dining rooms on the website, and I know this will be a pretty swanky affair. My concern, though, is the attire gap that probably separates dinner in your typical top-notch American restaurant (to which I've been countless times) and dinner in a top-notch French restaurant, especially one with the pedigree of Taillevent (to which I've never been). In other words, just how fancy will be fancy enough? Are we talking a tux for my husband and (god forbid) Chanel formalwear for me? Are we talking a step above business formal? How haute do we need to be to keep from looking like utter rubes at our milestone dinner in Paris?

Unless you're married (heh) to the idea of staying downtown, you might also consider Savona, near KOP. It's rapidly becoming my favorite restaurant in the area, and I say that as someone who's familiar with most of Philly's best eateries. If you go, you absolutely must try the truffled mashed potatoes as a side dish. That stuff is like edible heroin. Except legal. And without the nasty side-effects.

My husband and I are also going to Paris in October, and we've rented a marvelous apartment from Paris Best Lodge. Most of them are in Le Marais, and they are all incredibly charming. Thierry, the guy who owns several of the apartments and manages several more for friends of his, has been absolutely terrific so far, and I'm really looking forward to meeting him in person. We're staying in La Verrerie, although we lusted after the Temple Royale one but it was already booked. Anyway, Thierry's guestbook is filled with nothing but warm praise for him and his properties, so he's definitely worth a look.

It may seem a little silly on first blush, but if you really have a hankerin' for the WC sliders, you might try the Roadside Sliders at Cheesecake Factory. They're an appetizer dish, and I believe you get a plate of six for seven-ish dollars. It's not the same, of course (CF uses a higher quality beef, which, in this one case, isn't necessarily a good thing), but they are rather tasty.