Jeff L

I strongly suggest doing the vast majority of your eating in Philly as opposed to Langhorne, Pa - home of Sesame Place. Unless of course you like chain restaurants like Pizzeria Uno that is. Actually, if you have to eat when at Sesame, the margherita pizza at Bertucci's isn't bad at all and it's cool for kids. I would caution against getting almost anything else there except kidfare. Also, they have Harp on tap there! And of course, I strongly second Holly's choice of Sweet Lucy's

Arguably New York's best sushi restaurant.

I too thoroughly enjoyed Gayle's food as I reported in the Gayle thread. I'm wondering though what a chewed lemon wedge has to do with allergies.

Interesting article. I've always wondered about this, how even the better supermarkets get this fresh looking color to their tuna. Now I know. I just thought they flash freeze the fish and the color is retained. Apparently not the case. If you do get to Gayle, I'd be interested in your opinion of the place.

That's considered sacrilege in Philly! I'm leaning toward that double egg bacon and cheddar. Nothing like that here.

Actually It's neither as I havent actually been to Gayle yet. My term "Gayle-ish" wierd just refer's to the fact that they pair fresh un-oxidised Tuna with lamb. Again, I havent had the dish but I think most people would agree it's wierd and I suspect it doesnt work....? Did you try it ? "Tastes of Tuna and lamb" ? ← No I did not nor did any of our party of 4. I don't remember seeing this on the menu the night we were there but can assure you it wouldn't be my selection. Either lamb or tuna by itself would be wonderful but together, I think not. btw, what is un-oxidised?

From reading some of your previous posts and knowing a little bit of your background, I didn't get the impression you were out to trash this or any place V. I think you have honest intentions, but really there is no excuse for sending out dirty water or not cleaning off tabletops no matter how new a restaurant. If they got that wrong, how can they hope to get the food and service right? Is Gayle-ish a positive nod or less than positive? I got the impression it was not positive. I do, however, agree they have some weird pairings indeed but we all really loved the food when we were there.

I'd have left after looking at the dirty water on top of the dirty table. Doesn't bode well for a memorable meal.

Thanks for the clarification on wedge. You've obviously gone to the wrong cheesteak places in Philly, but alas another thread indeed.

Hey! I didn't know anyone noticed I went back to work ... My kids choices: Steak and cheese, on a wedge; American combo with provolone. Spouse likes grilled cheese and tomato. Don't be put off by a long line during rush hours; it moves fast. ← Excuse me but what is a wedge as it relates to this sandwich? Is it merely bread cut in the form of a wedge, I'm confused. Also steak and cheese to a Philly guy sounds like not the real deal. Where I'm from they're cheesesteaks!

OK, you got my attention. What would you order if it was your last time there?

I'll be travelling to New Haven CN the next morning (weekday by the way) so I don't mind eating outside of town. I'd like to sample some of New Haven's famous pizza, i.e Sally's, Pepe's, etc also. I assume these pizza joints are open for lunch no?

I don't know if your palate is uneducated or not, I suspect not. Wine is really so subjective a matter it's less to do with an educated palate than personal preferences. That's not to say that you won't pick up on particular nuances with a more refined palate, just that people have different opinions about the same wine. Then of course there's that cost justification thing, you know I spent x dollars I better love it

I'll be in this area in a few weeks and would love suggestions for lunch and dinner. Please no touristy places just the real deal. Any kind of food prepared well is good although I'm partial to steaks and great Italian food simply prepared. I also love sushi so this would fit the bill too. Thanks in advance.

At long last, Philadelphia City Council has approved a smoking ban in all restaurants except private clubs. Also potentially exempt are bars that can demonstrate their total food gross is less than 10%. I have no problem with this exception and really don't mind people smoking in bars in general. What I do find offensive is being around smoke while I'm eating. Now if I'm out at a music club, well that's just part of the scene and I don't mind it there either. Interestingly, the ban, which starts on Jan 1st 2007, limits smoking to 20 feet from an establishments front door. I always hold my breath when entering a public building where smokers are lined up outside the door to avoid the wall of smoke. But how is one supposed to know that particular place is deemed smoke-free when they are 20 feet away? Are we happy about this? Comments?

I must report here that I agree with you 100% on this one Mike. While I didn't find it at all sour, I do agree completely on it being thin. I also don't get all the raves from Laban recently on this wine. I bought 2 bottles and have earmarked the 2nd as a gift for someone. Oh well, they can't all be great. fyi, I tried responding to your pm several times and they all bounced back. Did you change your email address? If so, update it in EG

Ah, many memories of meatball parms at ungodly hours from this place. Great solid cheesesteaks, hoagies etc here. My wife's folks had a beachfront house close to Panzones many years ago and we lived at that place. Definately check it out

James, Green Gables has been really great in the past but i've not been in a few years. It's byo but can get quite expensive.

Ditto, this place really shouldn't be on anyone's go to list imho. On top of the mediocre to just awful food, it's way too loud.

Actually I originally thought about posting this on the NY board but decided to post here as most people are familiar with them in Pennsauken. I have no problem if Holly or anyone else wants to move this over there

Not only is the entire inventory properly kept at 55-56 degrees, the whole transportation chain from vineyard to store is also properly refrigerated. As someone who was involved in the containerized freight industry in the past, I can tell you it is a very expensive undertaking but one that underlies Moore's commitment to excellence and proper storage. I know of no stores in New Jersey that can make this claim although I am sure there must be one or two out there. I think what is most appealing to their approach is the individual attention given to everyone, novice to expert. These people really know their wines. Just tell them what you are making for dinner and you will have a few excellent pairing suggestions within minutes.

Wow, this mornings Inquirer reports on Greg and David Moore's newest venture, 5400 square feet of space over 3 floors at 33 E. 20th street in Manhattan. The place is outfit with a basement that has a childrens play area, temperature controlled (as the other locations) to be at a constant 56 degrees. Second floor has a gourmet kitchen with a 40 seat tasting area. They plan to offer this space free to non profits and charity organizations for informational tastings. EG is mentioned when 2 guys walk in to the empty store (one a big time wine importer with over 3,000 bottles in his personal cellar and a caterer) and are immediately impressed with Greg's knowledge, selection, temperature control and most importantly his relationships with the growers and their families. As someone who has supported Moore Brothers since the early days at Triangle in Camden, let me be the first here in the PA forum to wish them success. It will be a tough market for them to crack with all the other wine shops, but then again, no one does it like they do.

I heartily second Acacia. Always wonderful, make a res for sure ← Thanks! These are the two restaurants we are deciding on - Acacia & Mediterra. We had been to Mediterra a few years ago & it was very good. Just thought we'd try to avoid that whole Princeton-traffic-parking thing... ← The Lawrenceville parking thing is a whole lot more doable

Saxchik, let me also offer congrats to you. This is an interesting winelist with some pretty hefty mark-ups. I think you guys can't go wrong with Cotes du Rhone- Guigal FR `01 Chateau D' Ampuis. Guigal is a respected producer of Rhone wines and I think all will enjoy this selection. It pairs nicely with most food as well. It's not terribly big but at 40 bucks...It is however $2.00 over your $40 limit As to whites in your price point, I would suggest 8042 Vouvray-Michel Picard FR `02 $ 30.00. Vouvray is a good middle of the road choice for most white wine drinkers. Perhaps others here can weigh in on their choices but that's my thinking. Best of luck!

I heartily second Acacia. Always wonderful, make a res for sure