Jeff L

Sounds great. This is the perfect time for hearty soups. James, do you make your own stock or use something like Kitchen Basics?

They should have no problem at all getting into the Tap on a Tuesday night.

Oops, sorry about that Jenny, it is indeed on 2nd and Poplar.

What Buckethead said is true, but if your husband is somewhat patient, have him go to the Tap (at 3rd and Poplar in Northern Liberties) and head straight upstairs where it is easier to get a table. Otherwise it is a little like a free-for-all there on weekends. It is worth the hassle to get a feel for the place and eat what I (and others on this thread) feel is the best bar food in town.

What specifically do you like about N 3rd? I walked in one day and left after not being acknowledged at the bar for about 10 minutes. There weren't too many other patrons at the bar and it just really soured me to the place. It's been a while and I might be tempted to try it again if your food reviws are tempting.

I couldn't agree with you more about Monk's Cafe. Definite edge with their frites, best I've had since spending time in Brusells. Their beer list is well, stella! I actually still prefer the burger at the Tap but hands down mussels reign at Monk's.

Must agree with your comment about Standard Tap being better than bistros in Paris. Having just gotten back (thanks again to you and Sam for the kind tips) from 9 days in Paris and Provence, I must say that bistro food is not what it was when I last visited a few years back. We found that if you really want to dine well and have a great meal, you must pay considerably more in Paris. Provence was another story altogether with both my wife and I enjoying the food there better than Paris. Anyway, I agree with you about Standard Tap, I have never been even a little bit dissapointed here and the price is right for sure!

White dog does indeed have great bar food and regular fare is quite good too more often than not. I'd forgotten about that place.

I love this place for a few reasons, namely the great food, stellar jukebox cd selection and lively neighborhood pub vibe. But since this forum is all about the food, I'll stick to that. My friend and I went last night before catching Graham Parker at the Tin Angel. We ordered a small order of mussels to share. It was plenty enough for a starter to share, I can't imagine what the large order looks like. The mussels came in a really great garlicky-tomatoey broth that was laced with some type of smoked sausage or andouilly. Perfectly paired with the garlicky mussels. My only complaint was they didn't bring enough bread to mop up the wonderful broth. My friend ordered a cheeseburger and fries, pretty pedestrian until you take a bit of it. I've had them before and can say it's one of the best burgers I ever had anywhere. I ordered the pork sandwich and was amazed at how good it was, might be something to do with the Country Time Farm pork products they use. BTW, fries were really great too. It's really hard to remain consistant at 7:30 on a Friday night. The place was packed and the kitchen kept turning out food a really good pace. I'd be curious to hear others comments about this place.

Isn't it weird how most of us react in similar situations? I have left say a 10% tip in place of my usual 20% or greater when zero tip would have been the correct call. Now is a really good time to remember that tipping is voluntary yet we all feel a stigma about leaving less than we perceive the service merits. How did the word "TIP" originate? It is "To Insure Promptness". Didn't sound like any promptness was going on at Porcini the other night or any civility for that matter. In any event Gastro, it is my hope, and I'm sure everyone on this forum, that you not judge our great city based on this inexcusable experience.

That is really bad and has never been our experience there. Did you say anything to them after the meal, not that it would change anything, but I always say something.

Sorry you had such an unpleasant experience at Porcini. Although I hate to admit it, it does help to know the owner/brothers who were in fact your servers for the evening. I've been going there since it opened and developed a nice friendship with them. I've also always had decent food but nothing astonishing or even anything I couldn't make at home. Just find it to be a nice local place and we never go on Saturday night. You should have been warned about the cramped quarters. It is really uncomfortable, esp for a guy my size (over 6 feet) There is never an excuse for rudeness anywhere. They do have a table management issue there with the attitude that you should just want to wait for your table. They usually send people across the street for a drink. Anyway, sorry you had a bad experience.

Funny how threads take shape. I sure never meant for this sparring to occur. Actually, I feel kind of proud that Philly has received this acclaim from a serious magazine whether or not it has been a great city all along or not. That's all I was trying to say. One thing for sure, Philadelphians (and those of us in the burbs) ain't afraid to speak their mind. I think everyone posting to this thread is on the same page in that they have a high regard for this city, its unique neighborhoods, culture, cuisine, music scene, and everything else that makes a great city great. In the words of Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along? Jeff

All righty, then. Guess I'll have to start saving now for a visit to Peter Luger's next time I'm in New York. However, it was, is, and always will be a "Kansas City strip." BTW, since nobody's bothered to do this yet: You can read the actual National Geographic Traveler article online. Edited to add: The author even managed to quantify another of my fave quips about this place: "It's not really a big city--it's actually 150 small towns all bunched together." ← Thanks for that link Sandy, great article. I think he really got it don't you?? Jeff

Katie: One of my favorite replies when I'm asked how I like Philadelphia--I believe you may even have heard me utter it in your presence--is "It's a lot nicer than the natives crack it down to be." I've met enough non-natives who share my opinion to be firmly convinced that the only thing wrong with Philadelphia is it has too many Philadelphians in it.* (Or, in another of my fave replies, "There's nothing wrong with Philadelphia that a wholesale exchange of the population with Boston's wouldn't cure." Bostonians are convinced they live in God's Chosen City, and many of them couldn't imagine living anywhere else.) Have you also noticed that our best mayors have all been non-natives? (Yes, I wrote about that in the Inquirer too.) As for the old-school steakhouses, we used to have a few. As I understand it, they paled in comparison to the ones you list above, or the one I mention below. They were very popular back in the days before we knew what really good restaurants were like. Once we did, these places were doomed. Frankie Bradley's is now Sisters, the city's premier lesbian bar; Arthur's became Susanna Foo, a dramatic improvement on what had been there before. Awwww, jeeeez, folks, why don't you try a steakhouse in a city where they know beef? And it won't cost you an arm and a leg there, either. Just one of those limbs will suffice. (Though I note that this place has become a local chain too. There was only one of these all the years I lived there. And so it goes: One of the same city's best barbecue joints had already morphed into a chain by the time I left the place for good in 1976.) *Edited to add: Make that "too many of the wrong kind of Philadelphians," for the natives who hang out here definitely love and appreciate their city. ← Sandy, I have been to the original Hereford House in KC when I was entertaining executives from TWA who swore it would be the best steak I ever ate. While it was a good steak, it didn't even come close to the other places mentioned. The thinking out there is that since this is the place where a lot of the cattle is ranched, slaughtered, etc, it stands to reason you would get the best cuts there. IMHO. this logic stopped way short of the best steak I ever had.

Agreed Katie, as I mentioned I like it there. You are right, it is no Peter Lugers or Pete Lorenzo's (what's with Pete anyway?) though I've yet to find anything comprable to Lugers anywhere! One place I really enjoy in NYC from my days of working there is Sparks steakhouse at 46th and 2nd. It's owned by the Cetta brothers and has a world class wine list and is also really pricey. http://www.sparkssteakhouse.com/ New York really does do steaks right but of course one needs an expense account to afford them there.

The indies dominate the local dining scene, and long may they do so. But trust me, the chains have made major inroads: Maggiano's, Chili's, Fox and Hound, Buca di Beppo, Elephant & Castle... As long as we can maintain a balance, though, <Martha>it's a good thing.</Martha> BTW, you are aware that there are a lot of high-end chain restaurants, too, right? Here are several that have operated in Philadelphia for some time now: Capital Grille Ruth's Chris Steak House Morton's of Chicago Devon Seafood Grill (from the folks who bought you Houlihan's) Palm Restaurant McCormick and Schmick's Hmmmm...most of these are steakhouses. Wonder what it is about those that make them prime chain turf? And let us also offer a pat on the back to our homegrown chains and collections, as they have shown they can compete with the folks with the big TV ad budgets: Bucks County Coffee Lamberti's (I see Craig LaBan gave Positano Coast, their third try in the Space that Eats Restaurants across from the Ritz, a very good review) Italian Bistro Starr Restaurant Group (a collection, not a chain, and part of the reason the city's hip quotient has shot up lately) Lee's Hoagie House (yeah, yeah, downscale, but they count; certainly they're better than Olive Garden!) ← Hey Sandy, point taken about the chain invasion. I didn't realize that Capital Grille was a chain though, sad that, I kind of like the place. Anyway, on balance, I think those of us that know and truly appreciate Philadelphia for its one of a kind approach to life, and patronize and support local establishments have much to be proud of.. For what it's worth, I tend not to like the chain steak houses but rather prefer the less visible and less pretentous places. Places like Pete Lorenzo's in Trenton (I'm from there originally and live 20 minutes away). I haven't found a place like Pete Lorenzo's in Philly with aged steaks and grand old style wait service to match. It's kind of a throwback to earlier times. Maybe folks here can enlighten me to a steakhouse, or for that matter, any place that serves a great aged ribeye or porterhouse without the bullshit that the chains seem to bring.

Not just La Colombe. La Cigale, Mugshots, Old City Coffee, etc. The collective/assocation formed for the indie coffeehouses helps a lot. ← I didn't mean to exclude the other indie coffee houses, I'm really only familiar with La Colombe. Anyway, it's really important for the city to keep its indie roots not only for coffee shops but more important, restaurants. It's really nice to see a dearth of name/chain restaurants in center city. The article also mentions the variety of upscale and ethnic food, along with the city's vibrant music scene and booming housing market for younger people moving into the city. Also, they say this about old city "arguably the livliest urban neighborhood betweeb Soho and SoBE (south beach)

Todays Inquirer has a story about the naming of Philadelphia as National Georgraphic Traveler Magazine's Next Great City in its October issue. Funny, I have aways felt it to be a great city. In addition to its great cultural and restaurant scene, the article mentions Philly has less Starbucks than other major US cities...go La Colombe! (I posted this in the France Forum by accident)

Thanks Matthew and John. I do in fact know about the Viaduc as this was why we selected Millau as the place to meet. Thanks for the link John, it is a magnificant structure indeed. Looking just now at Michelin Red Guide (and me with little to no command of French) shows the only 2 fork place to be La Table d'Albanie

We are meeting up with an old friend midway from his home in Cahors and our Chateau in St. Esteve at a place called Millau. My friend knows nothing at all about this town and we are asking anyone on the France forum to assist if possible. We will likely have lunch rather than dinner in Millau and would like any recommendations for a good place. This will be our last day in France and we would like to make it memorable. Thanks in advance! Jeff

I must make the distinction here that Delorenzo's in Trenton is tomato pie as opposed to pizza. The pictures from Pizza Fresco look to me like ordinary pizza, and in no way am I suggesting it is any less good, just that Trenton is famous for a different kind of pizza experience, the tomato pie. Where tomato is the main ingredient and cheese is almost an afterthought. Impossibly thin crust and just an amzing pie. Then if want to start me on the clam pie, well... Jeff

Gelato: Definitely check out Capogiro (the link is to the eGullet thread about the place, but they also have a website; I just don't remember what it is offhand). Amazing flavor combinations -- my favorites being grapefruit and campari sorbetto and the Mexican chocolate gelato. It's at 13th and Sansom, for reference, and what might be fun is going to Lolita (a Mexican-influenced BYO across the street with fantastic, fresh-squeezed margarita mixes) for dinner Saturday night, and then having dessert at Capogiro. There's a state liquor store at 12th and Chestnut, for picking up tequila. Note: Lolita doesn't take reservations on Saturday nights, and it's somewhat small, but if you have to wait, you can go across the street and have a pre-dinner gelato. Or, have an expensive drink at El Vez, which is similar to Lolita food-wise, but has a full bar. Cheesesteaks: I have never personally been that impressed by Pat's or Geno's, but I think the neon spectacle of Geno's is certainly worth seeing at least once. I actually prefer Tony Luke's (also in South Philly, I think at Front and Oregon) for cheesesteaks AND that true Philly sandwich, the roast pork Italian (tender roast pork, sharp provolone, spicy broccoli rabe, crusty roll. Perfection.) You should definitely check that out. And read through Holly's site for some other cheesesteak recommendations, as well as general good eats around town. Dim sum: Don't know if you've already picked a place but my recent favorite has been Lakeside Chinese Deli (funny name, really fresh high quality food). They don't roll the dim sum around on carts like most other places, so you miss out on that aspect of the experience, but because the food is made to order it tends to be hotter, fresher, and better. Since you'll be visiting on Sunday, the Reading Terminal Market will be closed -- otherwise I would definitely advise you to check it out. If you can squeeze in a brief visit on Saturday (they close at 6PM), I would still try and go. I don't know if the Italian Market is open on Sunday or not (my guess is yes) but I'd definitely visit...you'll be in the neighborhood when you hit up Pat's and Geno's, at any rate. There's lots of great Mexican and Vietnamese food in the same neighborhood, too, if that interests you. The DiBruno Bros. store at 17th and Chestnut is a gastronomic paradise, full of cheeses and smoked meats and all sorts of other goodies. Great for a picnic or stocking up for the ride home. If Mexican doesn't strike your fancy, there are a ton of other amazing BYOs you should check out for dinner Saturday night. I think the glut of BYOs here is a distinctive feature of the city, which is why I'm recommending them -- Marigold Kitchen, Melograno, Matyson, Pif, Radicchio...take your pick. There are threads about all of these restaurants on this board. Pick up one of the Chairman's Selection wines in a Wine & Spirits store; it will be a great bargain and I have yet to try one that I didn't like. Hope this is helpful, and enjoy your stay in Philadelphia! Edited: So Jeff and I obviously share the same mindset...sorry for the repetition; we were posting at the same time ← Thanks Diann, I left out the best part of the Tony Luke sandwich, broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. We are of the same mind here! Jeff

As far as cheesestaeks, my favorite is Jim's on South Street. Better than Pat's and Geno's and offers great people watching as it's in the middle of the South Street circus. For something even more unique to Philly and less known outside of Philly is the roast pork sandwich. Here you have only 2 choices in my opinion, in center city the Reading Terminal has Dinic's Roast Pork with Greens (greens at Dinics is sauteed spinach) not sure if they are open on Sunday, or for the best sandwich in the country, try Tony Luke's on Oregaon Avenue close to the stadiums in South Philly. Everyone here will agree that Capogiro will provide the best gelato available in these parts, and imo, outsode of Italy. It is located at: Capogiro Gelateria 119 S 13th St Philadelphia, PA 19107-4807 Phone: (215) 351-0900 For Saturday night dinner, too many places to list. What type of food do you most enjoy?

My apologizes to Jeff for not being able to attend the 2nd round tasting, I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. It looks like new selection of Chairman’s wines are slated for mid-October / November so that there will be a supply to get through the holiday season. Mr. Newman could probably chime in here if my recollection is incorrect, I believe that at one of his seminars for employees he said one of the reasons the you see influxes of Chairman’s products in November, March, and July is that the wineries are willing to make deals at that time. If you think about the winery cycle the harvest is complete in October so all the new products have to be stored in barrels or bottles. To make room for the new juice the products in bottles have to be moved if they want to move it quickly they may consider Pennsylvania as a way to move it since they only need to ‘sell’ it once, so more selections appear in our stores in late Oct early Nov. In early March the deals come from wineries trying to boost their post holiday sales. When the products hit the shelves in July / early August, wineries have moved products before the close of their fiscal year so that their bottom line looks good. All in all, it is a win, win, win situation. Wineries are winning because they get a boost in operating capital, we win because we are moving products quickly and you are winning because the deals are being made on good wine! There is definitely an ebb and flow to how many wines are in the stores but you should start to see more selections coming in during the next several weeks, when the cycle continues...As always hope this helps. Deidre ← Deidre, thanks for your prompt and reasonable explanation as to the inventory/delivery issues regarding Chairmans selection wines. Of course after reading your post it made perfect sense to me. I guess I was just salivating at the prospect of that super tuscan and not thinking too much about harvest and seasonal changes to figure it out for myself. I would like to thank you here Deidre for this explanation and for the invaluable insights you have provided to other members of this forum. You were indeed missed at my wine tasting, particularly because the notes surely would have been more professionally recorded!! Jeff