Kobi

ouch... hopefully Sunday saw some improvement, Gastro. - kobi

Just back from Lua- what a great meal. Very "Manhattan-esque" in style, presentation, and price. Ran about 450 for the 9 of us, most of whom drank, split appetizers, had entrees and split desserts. Service was tremendous, as was the ambiance, and the food was fantastic. Kobi

Heading to Lua this Saturday night with a large party of varying ages. We are all pretty open to all types of food and have heard very good things about Lua. Anyone have any particular dishes that stand out (one way or the other?). Thanks in advance!! Kobi

Agreed that you have gotten some great advice... a couple things I would add: 1- I don't know about the vegeterian meal options, but Pod (37th and Sansom) is a true dining experience. Expensive, but not out of line. Soem great vegetable side dishes, too. 2- Check out Rittenhouse Square, especially on a weekend morning/afternoon. Second that for Fairmount Park. The restaurants surrounding the Square are all good (Rouge known for its hamburger). La Colombe, which I learned about on this site, is a very short walk and makes a great cup of coffee. As for non-food related items, check out City Hall, and take the tour if you can. A truly remarkable building and story. Also Fairmount Park is a good spot to visit and just wander through, and the Art Museum is worth the price of admission just to relax in the main entryway and for the walk up the steps. - Kobi

Anyone have a particular coffee shop and/or local brand that is their favorite? I am partial to Old City Coffee in RTM, but perhaps just as much for the experience as the flavor. - Kobi

Went and enjoyed it yesterday. Certainly not my favorite place in Chinatown, but I would go back. We had a huge variety of dishes- the most dissapointing were the soup dumplings, far behind NGBo and others, IMHO. We also had a couple more "touristy" dishes, of which the best was the Kung Po Chicken. I would probably go back, but have had far better experiences, at less expensive prices, at other, more local places. Having a chinese speaking co-worker always helps the cause. Thanks for all the tips. - Kobi

While I know it receives very mixed reviews on this board and others, I am going with a large group to Joe's Shanghai today for lunch. Having been to many of the Chinatown staples, I was wondering if there are any particular dishes that anyone reccomends at Joe's (on Pell St). Thanks so much in advance. - Kobi

I have seen a few places that always look solid, if not spectacular, but have never been able to pry myself away from my normal L.I haunts when I am there. Any pizza specific reccomendations? thanks! Kobi

Having been to the WM in Hackensack and throughly enjoyed it, I decided on my way home this morning to stop in Jersey City and have a few sliders. I ordered the same thing- four cheeseburgers with onions and pickles with a side of fries. From on the outset, I noticed it was going to be different. The roll looked different, and they didnt melt the cheese on the burger while grilling it. Also, the onions were diced, not sliced like in 'sack. Brushing my doubts aside, I quickly ate all four. While I definitely liked them, and would go back, it was no where as good as the out of body experience that I have had in Hackensack. So, on the way out, I casually asked- "Is it only the two places- in hackensack and here?" at which point I was scolded and quickly told they are unaffiliated, and that they use potatoe rolls in 'sack and not JC. While the place is worth a visit for ambiance alone, next time I am craving a slider I will certainly be back in Hackensack. - Kobi

As a displaced Philadelphian (for now, atleast), I often find myself yearning for the foods I miss most. If I had only one meal to have in Philadelphia, it would have to be a cheesesteak at Steve's, whiz with onions, topped off by a soft pretzel from one of the factories (those in New York don't even compare). A close second, and much more gourmet selection, would be the wasabi crusted filet mignon from Pod, followed by a trip to Basset's. --- Kobi

John: I happen to agree with you about the rolls needing a little more to them but think you should definitely give the place a second shot. I also get fries with gravy on the side which provide a nice contrast to the dog, which I load with mustard and relish. - Kobi

Hi all: As the third generation of my family to be totally enamored with Rutt's, it is hard for me to share this post without jamming up my keyboard with drool. Nonethless, I press on, in search of the elusive secret to Rutt's relish. I know it is a secret, and like Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny perhaps I don't want to know the truth, but I have always wondered what makes the relish SO MUCH better than any other I have ever had. Anyone know? Care to guess?? Want to split a Ripper??? - Kobi

Especially in University City, one of the things I always loved about Philly cuisine was the food cart culture which existed. I was never a big fan of cheesesteaks from most of these places (being a sliced steak fan myself, whereas most carts chop the meat) but loved many other carts- from Freta's on 33rd street (best meatball hero I've ever had) to the now sort-of defunt Crepe Cart (located on Penn's campus, now in the student union building) to the plethora of breakfast sandwiches and fruit carts which dot the city streets. So, I will start off with my favorites: 1- Freta's. A huge contributor to my time at Penn, Freta's was rather nondescript, save for the line which always emanated from her cart. The meatball hero was sublime, and I always enjoyed her egg and cheese in the mornings. 2- Hot dogs at 24th and Passyunk. See Hollyeats for a better review than I could give. 3- The crepe cart. Wow, how good these were. Always worth the 20/25 minute wait, they lost some of their panache when the cart moved inside Houston Hall, but none of their flavor. An awesome, fresh, cheap meal. - Kobi

Thanks so much for the help. Any particular items, especially sandwiches, that you would reccomend? I plan on going later this week. Thanks again, Kobi

I have heard good things about "IFC," especially for lunch. Anyone ever been? Tangentially, any other good recs. for an inexpensive Little Italy lunch? thanks Kobi

Great post and great pictures!! Great idea, too!!!

juuceman: sounds great.. i actually have to be out in Brooklyn next week and am gonna check it out. thanks so much. --- kobi