davidbdesilva

Yes the food ban has now been lifted but who will take responsibility when the first AK47 is found in one of those "outside" hoagies or a WMD is found in an "outside" stromboli? I don't mean to make light of things but the "security" excuse was one of the lamest I've heard in a long time! GO EAGLES (and, btw, not ALL Eagles fans are classless).

We may have to give Allison's another try but, personally, I've stopped trusting LeBan's reviews a long time ago. For example, I think three stars for Allison's is too high and two stars for a place like L'Angolo is too low. I'm not saying Allison's wasn't good, but it just didn't really wow me like other places I've eaten. And again, I found the decor to be rather boring and uninspired. There are too many other really good restaurants to run back to Allison's, but that's just my opinion (which seems to be in the minority).

I agree that no restaurant is perfect and that Eleven Madison is probably not the best restaurant in NYC. I guess more of what I meant to say was that we had a perfect evening there and there really were no complaints or problems as far as setting, food, wine or service went. Thus, it fit our bill perfectly for our anniversary dinner. I would also have to add though, that it was one of if not the best dinning experiences we've ever had. I would love to go back and try their tasting menu sometime.

The August issue of Cigar Aficionado has an article entitled "Clearing the Air - Can you still smoke a cigar in New York City? The owner of the Campbell Apartment states "A smoking policy should have been my right as an owner to make. I resent the backdoor way the secondhand smoke issue was used. It's hurting to owners." The owners of F.illi Ponte state "Our revenue has dropped 35 percent since we lost the lounge as a smoking area. A lot of our guests would go to the lounge for a cigar and brandy, but that's not happening anymore." They list 17 places that remain were one can still smoke a cigar in NYC. They are: Aubette, Campbell Apartment, Carnegie Club, Circa Tabac, Club Macanudo, Florio's Grill, Grand Havana Room, Hudson Bar and Books, Lexington Bar and Books, Lobby Court Lounge, Merchants NY, Mustang Grill, North West, Scores (Cigars and a whole lot more), Swan's Bar & Grill, and Uncle Jack's. Shouldn't it be the owners decision whether they want to allow smoking in their restaurant/bar or not? They DO own the place don't they? Then, as customers, one can decide whether or not they want to patronize that establishment or not. Yes the staff of that establishment will be exposed to smoke, but then can't they decide whether they want to work at that establishment or not? The cigar bars that I frequent here in Philadelphia have such good filtration systems that there is never smoke in the air anyway. When I visit NYC I hate that I eat dinner in one part of town and then have to take a cab all over town to find a place where I can have a cigar. I agree that people should not have to be exposed to others smoke if they don't want to but it's ultimately the owners decision and then your decision as to whether you want to go there or not.

Visited your fair city last night from Philly for our anniversary and had another wonderful time. After taking over 3 hours to get there (because of turnpike traffic and an hour to get through the Lincoln tunnel! ), we finally arrived at the restaurant at 7:45. We called from the road to change our reservation from 6:30 to 7:00, which they graciously did. I was sure that we would not have a table when we arrived but they promptly seated us with a smile (lucky for us it was not overly crowded). The restaurant is truly perfect in every way. The atmosphere is stunning, the food excellent, and the service outstanding. Highlights of the meal were the red pepper flan app, the loin and shoulder of lamb and artic char entrees (both cooked prefectly), and the HUGE chocolate souffle (way too much for 2, more appropriate for 4). The sommilier was extremely helpful and, for the first time we ordered all our wine by the glass and let him match each course (incredible Chablis 1st cru, Montrachet, Marsannay and Bandol - predominately a French wine list to match the French inspired menu). His matches were perfect and he even gave us each a 3 oz. pour that he never charged us for. I love Philly and it is a great restaurant city, but we have few, if any, places that are on par with Eleven Madison. We felt that, while the meal was not cheap ($200 with tip), that it was quite a good value for the quality of the meal. They also have 5,6, and 7 course tasting menus for $60,$70 and $80. We ended the evening by having drinks at Guastavino's (beautiful space, quite a singles scene) and then drinks and a cigar at Club Macanudo (being an avid scotch and cigar man). So what started out being a hectic and aggravating trip turned out being another lovely night in NYC. We fell into bed at 4 am, feeling quite happy with our evening. Thank you egulleters who recommended that we try this restaurant!

I may be being a bit too harsh, but personally I don't think there's much of a comparison. I believe that Spain has the most acres planted in all the world (?) but I have been less than impressed with what I've had (quantity over quality? I know I know that USED to be Italy's problem as well). Italy, on the other hand, has the most varieties of wine in the world and, in my opinion, the most interesting and unique wines. From whites to reds, sweet to dry, North to South, Italy makes the best wines in the world, period. I think the question ought rather to be: who makes the best wines in the world, Italy or France? I still vote for Italy.

Recently purchased this single malt Scotch whisky and it is quite good. Having really enjoyed other whiskies from Aberlour (10 yr. old, 15 yr. old sherry wood finsh), I decided to try this (expensive) single malt, which is matured in Spanish oak Oloroso butts. The nose is slightly smoky with red apples and sherry character, the taste intense, buttery and creamy with good sweetness, and the finish long , mellow and slightly peaty. Being 60% abv (120 proof), this is not for the faint-hearted. I had a dram of this today with a strong cigar (Oliva "O" maduro) and it was quite the intense experience! In a neat "apothecary bottle (reminiscent of the village chemist), I would recommend this whisky to seasoned drinkers who enjoy full-bodied single malts that have tons of character and depth.

Wife and I are planning on visiting your fair city once again (from Philly) for our 19th anniversary and I wanted to get some expert advice on where to eat from you egulleters who know NYC so well. It will be a special evening in that not only will it be our anniversary but also a well needed break from my cancer treatments. As far as what we are looking for, we are NOT looking for the more formal and extremely expensive places to eat (Jean Georges, Alan Ducaisse, etc.). What we would enjoy is a restaurant that combines excellent food with a romantic or hip/fun atmosphere. Any type of cuisine is OK since we enjoy all types of food. Examples that come to my mind are places like Blue Hill, Annissa, Asia de Cuba, Picholine, Son Cubano, etc. I have seen Suba's website and the place looks great but have heard so-so reviews of the food. Price range would be about $200 with wine (is that too low for some of the places mentioned?). I know this isn't very specific but I trust any and all advice I'll get from you all, thanks!

Sounds good to me as well, especially if it's in September sometime. Sounds like it would be a great opportunity to have some great food, see the Philly egulleters/DDC'ers and meet some of the people I read about on the Jersey board. Count me in!

These posts take me back to my childhood spending hot summer days walking the boardwalk in Ocean City. I remember fudge from The Copper Kettle and Pizza from Mack & Manco. I worked the summer between my junior and senior years in high school (1979) at an ice cream place called Godshalk's. Using homemade hot waffles and ice cream, dusted with powder sugar, we made heavenly ice cream waffle sandwiches that were very popular. I then fell in love with the daughter of the family that owned Mack & Manco pizza, wrote to her for a while, and then never heard from her again. Ahh the wonder and heartbreak of being 17 again at the boardwalk in the summer!

I am listening Katie! We have been to La Locanda once, years ago when Guiseppe was still alive (that WAS his name wasn't it?) and were impressed. I guess I have avoided going back because of the (then and not now?) no reservation policy and LONG wait for a table outside (where they had tables and would open your bottle for you so you could start drinking before you got in to ease the wait). From what I've heard, it sounds like the place is even better than it was, which means I DO need to go back! After our excellent meal at L'Angolo and our somewhat disappointing meal at Tre Scalini (it was good but not as good as I expected), I'm in the mood for giving La Locanda another try. Thanks Katie for helping me to realize that there ARE some places in Philly serving excellent and authentic Italian fare!

Thanks for the excellent advice. I do like Aglianico del Vulture very much and hadn't thought about that. No, I did not get the Mastro Taurasi for that price at a restaurant. It was a BYOB and I brought it from home (got it at a Pa. specialty store for I think about $28). I'm SURE this would be in the $60-80 price range at a restaurant, if not higher, that's why I love BYOB's so much.

Just had an extremely lovely 1995 Mastrobernardino (sp?) Taurasi Radici, a beautiful Italian red with an explosion of fruit and just the right amount on tannins. It was the highlight of our meal (which was at Umbria in Philly, a longtime fav of ours but somewhat dissappointing this time). Unfortunately, it is priced ($25-30) so that I cannot afford to keep morte than one in my cellar at a time. Can anyone steer me to affordable ($15 range?) Taurasi's of this quality, or is this unrealistic? This type of wine, IMHO, proves the quality of wine that the Italians are capable of making and, again IMHO, makes French wines seem a bit boring.

Anyone ever try the "Rib Rack" on Rte 73 (Township Line Rd) in the Burholme section of the NE? I pass there often, treking back and forth to Fox Chase, and wondered if I should stop in and bring some home. Thanks for any feedback.

That is why, when properly poured, a Guinness forms a perfect "Bishop's Collar" (the black robe with the neat white collar), which BTW, is one of my favorite neighborhood pubs in Philly. The Bishop's Collar- "Salvation by the Pint"!

Good point about the Stelvin, I can be cutting edge and environmentally sensitive at the same time! Great website Katie, the guy does seem a little on the edge but is greatly innovative. I like Bonny Doon wines and find them to be inventive, well made and well priced. Their Moscato is delightful as is their Malvasia. I was pleased to see that they also make a Friesa as well, I'd like to try it as it's scent and taste are delightfully light and refreshing.

I get the feeling that this trend will continue. I recently bought an expensive bottle of white wine from Bonny Doon and, to my surprise, it was a screwtop as well. Attached to the neck of the bottle was a little pamphlet explaining that, according to them, the screwtop actually insures better freshness than a cork. I took this bottle to a BYOB and was actually quite embarrased as I twisted the top off and it made that twist-off sound. I also recently saw a sauvignon blanc from the marlbourough region of NZ with a screwtop as well. So it seems that this trend may be on the upswing.

Finally had the chance to try L'Angolo (1415 Porter St, just off of Broad) and my wife and I truly enjoyed it. A little converted rowhome with tables close together and a buzz of conversations (though definitely not too loud), this little gem of a place has a great atmosphere and is truly in the South Philly tradition. The owners are from the Puglia region of Italy and their cooking is said to reflect this region. For apps, the wife and I split a pasta special of homemade ravioli filled with broccoli rape and ricotta ($15), excellent. For entrees the wife had a monkfish special ($20) that included the most tender and delicious mussels and clams I've ever had (and the fish was excellent too). I had the grilled veal chop special ($23). I almost didn't order it because I've had way too many that were overcooked and dried out with no taste. Well, this one was done perfectly medium and was tender, juicy and delicious. The bottle of Feudi Fiano di Avellino that I brought was excellent and went very well with the meal. For dessert we split a homemade cappucino cheese cake that was very good and had coffee and espresso. Total bill (without tip) was $70 and well worth it. We will definitely return but not before trying Tre Scalini to see which is better. Finally, an Italian restaurant that serves quality food at good prices!

Thank you all for taking the time to reply and give me very useful information. I hope to someday (read: sooner than later) make it to the island where my grandparents came from some 85 years ago and see the incredible scenery you talk of. Thanks again! David

Wife and I had an opportunity to eat at Alison's at Blue Bell last weekend. We were both disappointed and delighted at the same time. First of all, the restaurant itself. While I understand that she needed a bigger place, I felt a bit of a selling out job. The restaurant itself, IMO, is bland and unappealing. It's like a big box with no character at all, blue paper on the windows (whats with that?), very unlike her previous place which was small and cozy and had character. It is in a nice section of Blue Bell, thus there were more than their share of blue-haired woman arriving in Mercedes, Lexus, etc. Now for the food. Our appetizers took longer than they should have so our server brought us a complimentary plate of fried calamari, tender, lightly fried, very good. My appetizer of grilled asparagus with shards of parmasean cheese was very good (a carry over from the previous menu). My wife's shredded chicken quesidillas, on the other hand, came out fairly burnt and the dish was not that great. Entrees though were right on the mark and very good. My crab cakes were excellent, pure crab and no filler and wife's snapper was perfectly cooked and very tasty. Alison is awesome at seafood (of course) and her menu is primarily that. Dessert (lemon semifreddo) was refreshing and very good. Her prices have risen fairly significantly though. While an article I read listed entress as "$14.50 to 25", this is not true. The cheapest entree (chicken) is $15.50 and nearly all the other entrees run from $23-25. Thus, for two apps, 2 entrees, 1 dessert and 2 coffees, the bill (with tip) was $90. This is far more than we used to pay at her previous location and for that kind of money I'd sooner head into the city for a meal. So, if you want a meal of finely prepared seafood in a boring BYOB in the 'burbs, then go to Alison's. While I enjoyed the food, I won't be running back anytime soon.

What great posts with tons of information. It puts longing in my heart to see the land of my grandparents (who were from Messina). Next summer is our 20th anniversary and I would love to spend it in Sicily. Can anyone tell me if the East, central and Western parts of Sicily are vastly different? I would love to stay in a town by the water with some nice beaches. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Great story. Reminds me of a tradition we have started in our house with our three kids. While helping my child with a winter school project we rediscovered the tale of La Befana, an Italian old woman/witch who visits children on the eve of Epiphany and leaves fruit and nuts in their stockings. Well, much to my pleasure, I discovered that for La Befana one leaves out a plate of broccoli rape with sausages and a glass of red wine. Needless to say I have kept this tradition up over the years and the children are always pleased that both are gone in the morning!

I am very happy that Southern Italy, Sicily (my heritage) and Sardinia are now making many excellent wines. That is what I have predominatly been drinking (along with Tuscany of course). I love the wines that have been mentioned, Aglianico del Vulture, Salice Salentino, Brindisi, Taurasi, Sangrinito and the like, in the right winemakers hands, IMHO, are awesome wines. I have a 1996 Terre Brune at home that I'd like to sample sometime soon. As a result of my love of Southern Italian wines, I have neglected to explore the far North of Italy. Thanks Craig for all your suggestions and expertise on Italian wines.

Katie, I regret not being there to drink (and not spit!) with you. It sounds like it was a great class (can Marnie teach a bad class? I don't think so). I'm glad you commented on the Simard St. Emillion and that it was good. This is one wine that seems to be readily available in Pa. wine stores and I've always wondered if it was good. I have enjoyed Chateau Greysac and think it is a reasonably priced and well made Medoc. I recently bought a bottle of 2000 Ch. Haut-Beausejour so I'm glad you liked that too. Hope to be bending the elbow with you again some time while listening to Marnie's expertise!

Marlene, while I do not claim to be an expert by any means, vintage port that is young (under say 10 years old) tends to be quite tannic and that predominates the taste of young port. I believe the English like to drink their port young, but the standard belief is that, for vintage port, give them 10-20 years to mature. Thus vintage port is something that, bought young, is an investment for the future. You also list Taylor 10 and 20 year olds, by this I take it that they are tawny and not vintage ports (tawny's list their time spent in barrel, vintages the year they were bottled). If this is the case they are ready to drink. Tawny port is ready to drink when it is bottled because it has been aged in oak and will not mature in the bottle. Vintage port does it's maturing in the bottle and thus looks different (purple as opposed to brownish). Hope this helps and I am impressed by your collection, enjoy!