Carlson1105

Jeff took us on a little tour last night. The back room is for large parties. First one is tomorrow for 35 people.

Dined at Osteria last night. Enjoyed the Fritto Misto, Salumi, Rigatoni with Gorgonzola, and the Special of Spaghetinni Lobster. Everything was very enjoyable. Better call first if you want pizza though. As we went to order our pizza, the server mentioned that she forgot to tell us that the pizza oven was cracked, and there was no pizza being made. Jeff told us the problem should be taken care of by Saturday. Can't wait to go back.

Going tomorrow night, Vadouvan. Since you seem to have worked your way through the menu, what one thing should not be missed?

I beleive the Chef from The Waterworks (Adan) is now at Alma de Cuba.

This is going back a way, but does anyone remember Dewey's on 18th St. where Little Pete's is now? My dad and I used to go every Saturday morning for breakfast for years. The waitreses where the nicest, and always remembered what your "ususal" was.

I agree Vad, the restaurant was able to print my name and happy birthday on the top of my menu, but not able to print an accurate, up to date wine list. However the menu thing was a nice touch. They rolled it up like a scroll and tied it with a ribbon and presented me with it after the meal. Too bad the food and service were mediocre at best, or I would have saved it.

My wine experience at Nineteen was also poor. We ordered a French Sauvignon Blanc from our server, and this young gentleman with an accent arrived at our table. I gather it may have been the previously mentioned bev manager. He arrived with a South African Sauv. Blanc, saying they were out of my choice. He said it was in the same category (which I found out meant it was the same price). He opened and poured it and it was warm. I informed him of this, and he said that he would put it on ice. He poured us a little and took the bottle away. Looks like they try to be like Babbo by keeping everyone's wines on the raw bar table. After finishing the small amout of warm wine, he was gone, as was our bottle. We were able to ask a busperson for our wine, and she proceeded to empty the whole bottle, filling both of our glaases to the rim. Still warm, we drank it, and never saw this gentleman again. Pretty dissapointing for $50 a bottle. Food was average, service a little to casual. Thought maybe our server could remember 2 apps and 2 entrees with writing it all down in a notepad. Very pretty room, though not sold on the big plastic pearls ovet the raw bar.

Cacia's has always been my favorite, although lately I've been getting it at Erlton Italian Bakery on Haddon Ave. in Collingswood. They make it at the bakery in Camden, but sell it out of this storefront too. 90 Cents a piece, room temperature, square, and they usually ask you if you want a middle or end piece. If you call ahead, they will send over a whole one from Camden. 18 bucks or so, but it's huge (takes up 2 pizza boxes). Great to bring to a party, always a hit.

New 5 Guys Burgers and Fries open 0n 1500 block of Chestnut. Tried their S. Jersey location and found it to be very good. Not fancy, but tasty burgers with lots of free toppings.

Quite a shame indeed Vadouvan, that you never got to sit down at a SK dinner. I'm sure you would have loved it. Maybe someday. I know I enjoyed it.

Chef is Adan Trinidad, formerly of El Vez, Sous Chef is Francisco Mateo, formerly of Out of the Blue

I second the Matyson truffle/parm fries. Had them recently with the Ribeye special. North 3rd's are up there on my list too.

As for the Cherry Hill Wegman's, I went on Saturday to shop for my Father's Day Bbq. Funny how I had to do all the shopping and cooking for "My" day. Anyway, I got there at 1:00 and left around 3:15. Not because of the crowds, but I couldn't bring myself to leave. So much better than the local Acme or SuperFresh. I was also stuffed when I left from the massive amounts of food samples they were giving out. You could really just go there for lunch without spending a dime. Some of my favorites were the "wet aged" steaks, very tasty Italian Sausage, and you can get those New England hot dog rolls that are split on the top instead of on the side. Prices are reasonable and there is no wait to checkout. The cashiers were waiting for me at the front of the aisle. A very enjoyable shopping experience.

Went last night, and I agree with Katie. All the food was very good. Sampled the Empanadas, Flautas, a salad with grilled cactus, the Vaca Frita, the Snapper, and the Chili Chocolate mousse. The mole verde on the Snapper was the highlight for me. The drinks were great as well, including watermelon, blood orange, pomegrante, and raspberry margaritas. Service was friendly and effecient, and everything went very smooth for a week old restaurant. Place was almost full when we left around 8:30. I highly recommend getting over there to try Miguel's tasty menu.

I beleive Didier suffered a brain tumor and they moved back to France. They were very nice folks who shopped in my store (Previn) frequently. I beleive T Rodgers was the name of the soul food place.

Today was the 3rd week for the Collingswood Farmer's Market. Worth a visit.

I was there on Wednesday night, and I loved it. Great atmosphere, 40 or so wines by the glass, very friendly owners. On this night there was another bartender, several servers, and chef and a sous chef. Seems pretty well staffed. I was impressed with the cork wall which Jason (The Owner) told me was made with over 5000 corks cut in half and glued to a sheet of plexiglass. Lots of exposed brick and a wall made up of wooden wine crates were also nice touches. Looks like they did a lot of work to a building that has been empty for over 10 years. Didn't get a chance to eat, but will definitely be back to do so. I wish them the best.

Can anyone suggest some good takeout lunch spots in Center City? Looking for more than sandwiches, maybe some good international dishes. So tired of the same thing every day.

A good example would be Donkey's Place on Haddon Ave. in Camden. Little dive bar serving a great cheesesteak on a poppy kaiser roll. Lots of meat, very good!

Some of the best I've had lately are the Tomato Bisque with the tapenade crotini at Pumpkin and the Cream of Broccoli with cheddar and bacon at Salt & Pepper.

I second the previous post. Had the Falafel platter yesterday, very good. Took it to go, and was still hot and tasty when I got back to the shop.

Made it to Pumpkin last night for the first time, and was tremendously impressed. Great service, great space, very comfortable and warm. Started with the tomato bisque served with a crostini topped with tapenade and the PEI mussels in a mustard saffron laced broth. Both were great and I had to use my wife's soup spoon so as not to let any of the sauce go to waste. Main courses were slices of pork loin with fingerling potatoes, asparagus and a smokey bacon finish. I had the whole Branzino as served in an earlier post with a Basque style sauce. Fish was extremely flavorful and cooked to perfection. Was also offered as a filet for those who want to take the easy way. Shared the chocolate carmel pot de creme served with a chocolate chip cookie for dessert, and was equally impressed. Our server was very knowledgeable, personable, and effecient. The meal was perfectly paced, not rushed, not drawn out. We were thankful for that, as it seems more and more we are the victim of the server standing over you with entrees when you are halfway finished with your apps. Thanks to Ian and Hilary for a very enjoyable and tasty evening!

The difference in the cheesesteak hoagie is that the lettuce and tomato are on top of the meat, not sweating under the heat of it.

I worked at the Armand's Chicago Pizza on Wisconson Ave for a few years in College, and they thought of the hot lettuce cheesesteak. They also put mayo on it. Being from Phila, I always ordered it with no mayo, and no veggies.

The serve a Steak and Cheese in DC, but the meat, cheese and onions are put on top of lettuce and tomatoes. Nothing like hot lettuce on a sandwich.