[Cherry Valley Bistro]

Has anyone been to this restaurant, which is on Rte 191, 1 and 1/2 miles south of Stroudsburg?. The ad makes it look appealing. Have heard -- from only one couple -- that the food was okay and rather pricey.

Would be interested in other opinions.

Thank you.

[LaCroix at the Rittenhouse Hotel]

While I'll be more than happy to take credit for someone else's contribution,

I think here it'll be noticed before long.

Darn written word.  Always leaves proof.

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Sorry, Herb. I guess I misread the contributor's name.

Enjoy the day!

Peter

[LaCroix at the Rittenhouse Hotel]

I thought Lacroix was really great, serving really interesting, elegant food.

The menu is inherently a series of small courses, so  I agree with Shacke that people who  are more comfortable with one big plate of food might feel a little put-off by this style. I did the 4-course option and although none of them were large, I left completely satisfied. The prices have crept up a bit: three courses for $58, four for $67, five for $75, but that's still not bad. You get dessert, which doesn't count as one of your courses.  The wine is a bit pricey, which is not uncommon, but it's a broad and interesting list.

If you liked Striped Bass, I think you'd enjoy it here too. The food is every bit as good, maybe better, it's a lovely space with a great view, and the service is very polished without being stodgy.

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Thanks very much, Herb. I'll put it on my list for my next visit.

Peter

[LaCroix at the Rittenhouse Hotel]

I have been to Lacroix and of the various philly restaurants, this one seems to have the most dichotomous opinions.  Here is mine:

I had dinner there for my birthday 2 years ago and really enjoyed it.  I like the interesting way the menu is set up.  You can choose from a 3-4-5 course prixe fixe and I can't remember the prices (45-55-65?).  The menu is set into suggested groups of food choices although you are free to pick from either one at any time and there is no rule. 

Having said that, the flavors were interesting and Lacroix is creative.  The portions of each dish are not big but I went for the 4 course and with the dessert it was fine for me.  It's a nice place for people of varying appetites to get on well together.

I am certain you will see other opinions elsewhere but that is mine.  I think it is an e-gulleteers place and worthy of trying.  If you go with a meat and potato crowd, they will likely feel underwhelmed and undernourished.

The service staff for us was kind and prompt.  The big caveat is the absolutely unconscionable wine markup - it is extreme - I want to say 400%.  What a shame.

My 2 cents.

Evan

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Thank you, Evan. Your 2 cents is worth a lot. We were just in Philadelphia and went to the new Striped Bass on Thursday night. It was far different from what I remember eight years ago, but very, very good. Delicious food. Beautiful Asian-inspired presentation. And attentive service. Not an intimate space, as you no doubt know, but quite glamorous and bustling, which pleases me. I detest restaurants that remind me of funeral homes.

The concierge at the Westin, the next morning, told me about Lacroix, pointing out that he had been the chef at the Fountain, in the Four Seasons, I think. That made our friends skeptical, because on their last visit to the Fountain, they were disappointed -- and considerably poorer.

Anyway, Lacroix sounds like it's worth a try. There seem to be quite a few good restaurants in Phildelphia, which we get to from time to time. We go more often to New York City. where I was born and lived most of my life. My personal favorite there -- for a variety of reasons -- is Le Bernardin.

Thank you very much for your comments.

Bon appetit.

Peter

[LaCroix at the Rittenhouse Hotel]

Has anyone tried this restaurant? It was highly recommended by the concierge at the Westin Hotel.

Thanks.

paaly

[L'Impero]

Thanks very much. We may go with a small group (six) after a matinee, in January (but after drinks somewhere else). I'm afraid some in the group may be leery of goat and tripe but there seem to be other familiar choices. It LOOKS great!

[Newport RI Restaurants]

I can recommend White Horse Tavern, the Black Pearl, La Petite Auberge and Scales and Shells.

WHT & BP insist on coats for gentlemen, which is a nuisance when you're traveling by boat and want to minimize packing. Both provide somewhat grungy coats off the peg. WHT is pleasant about it but BP can be condescending. Food at both is excellent -- and expensive.

paaly