davidbdesilva

As an avid single malt scotch and bourbon drinker who has tried most of them, my personal favs and, IMHO, the best out there would be: Pappy Van Winkle's (save some money and buy the 15 y/o over the 20), A.H. Hirsch 16 y/o, Jefferson Reserve, and Bookers. These are all pretty expensive ($50-80) but worth it in my book. I have a bottle of Eagle Rare 17 y/o which is very good, though lighter in style from the above. A cheaper, though still very good, brand would include Woodford Reserve ($28). If you like bourbon then you would also probably like Rye, which is very good and tends to be cheaper. A bottle of Old Overholt (for about $12) is very smooth and quite enjoyable. A bottle of Michters small batch rye ($50), while expensive, is worth it. Hope these help and enjoy!

Well, after saying what I just said, I still visit places like Philip's Fine Wines in Stockton and Welsh's Wines in Lambertville, though their prices are no better than Pa. (but the selection of fine wines is). I have yet to make it to places like Moore Brothers or Canal's and hope to in the future.

I have had 2 wines that I have bought in Pennsylvannia lately that are both great bargains and which I have truly enjoyed. The Panarroz Jummila at $8.49 and the Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon at (I think) $11.99 are both excellent, in different ways. Both are highly rated by wine mags, which is understandable. The Jumilla is a new wine for me and, along with the Montes Alpha, has driven me into exploring more of the Spanish and South American wines (which, to be honest, I had explored a few years ago and was disappointed). Also, to be totally honest, my latest trips into NJ have made me realize how well priced wine is in Pennsylvannia. Now granted, I am comparing our state stores to little wine and liquor shops I've stopped into in mid to Northern Jersey, but Pa. consistently has as good a selection and sometimes shockingly better prices. By and large, things have seemingly improved greatly in Pa. wine stores.

Pernil Asado you say Katie??? I am so there. Though the $40pp tapas tasting menu sounds like a very good idea, being the carnivore that I am I will probably lean toward getting something along these lines. I think one needs to remember that this is an upscale restaurant with an exceptionally talented chef. It seems that when this combination happens in a French or even Italian restaurant higher prices are readily accepted but when we're talking Spanish some people complain about pricing. We just spent $150 (including tip) at Sovalo and had a slightly above average meal. While I don't happen to have a money tree as well, I am willing to spend that on an excellent meal, which it seems I'll get at Amada. It also seems that a good meal can be had for a reasonable price as well. Either way, I'll be there.

I'm with 'ya Holly! Get some Sangria in her and that Cuban blood flowing and watch out! Go Katie! Go Katie! Are we off topic yet again?

All the reviews I have read (from here and that "other" board) have said the same things, that Amada is awesome. FINALLY, a real Spanish restaurant in Philly! I saw a piece on the news about the Flamenco dancing on Wednesday and Friday evenings at 8pm and now there is even more reason for us to go. Looking forward to getting there ASAP and I am thrilled for you Katie that you are working there.

Well, we finally made it to this lovely restaurant and I must say we were VERY impressed. The space is very nice and has a great vibe. It is small but we never thought it got too loud or crowded, though we were sitting close to the table of 6 next to us. Now we are not big fans of Mexican food but loved the food at Lolita. For apps we had the two specials, the guacamole, salsa and tomatillo with chips and fried plantains and the squash soup, both very large and very good. The entrees stole the show though. We had the lamb (loin and shoulder) and the beef tenderloin (both $23 and quite a bargain, the most expensive entrees on the menu). The lamb was tender and cooked to perfection, as was the incredibly tender beef, which was a bit zippy as well. We skipped desserts and hit Capogiro instead. I must admit that I was not that impressed with the pitcher of passion fruit/mint magarita's that we had and for $12 would probably skip that when we go again. I also bought a bottle of excellent Jumillo that I found in the state store that day, which went perfectly with the lamb and beef. For $78 (without tip) we thought it was reasonably priced, especially for the quality of the food. We both agreed that we would return and soon!

Katie, That's what I figured myself. It was very yummy indeed. Folie a Deux is a very good vineyard and I know their wines are not cheap. While I can't remember any specific examples, I do remember thinking that their wine list was quite reasonably priced. I'll have to look for the red as well. And, I don't want to give the impression that I had a bad meal because it was far from it, just a let down after hearing so many raves and felt like there are many other places to eat that are as good or better.

After hearing many raves and write-ups about Sovalo, I decided to give it a try. Already familiar with the space as the former Pigalle, I was not disappointed by the atmosphere and consider this to be one of the sexier places in Philly. But, that being said, I don't know what all the fuss is about. First of all, I was told that they could "squeeze us in at 5:00" so I took the reservation. The place was completely empty when we got there and there were many 2-tops still available when we left at 6:30. Now with a completely empty restaurant we were seated at the front directly behind the hostess station, at which the hostess stood, facing us with arms crossed, throughout nearly our entire meal. I would glance over my shoulder and see her mere feet behind us, like someone looking over your shoulder as you eat. After being given the menus and wine list, our very young server asked "have you decided on the wine?" to which I said "well first I'd like to look at the food and then decide on the wine" which got a "very wise choice!" Do you think? Oh thank you for saying so! We were very surprised at the youth and inexperience of the waitstaff. Started the meal with expensive drinks (Belini and Limone at $9.75). On to the food. We decided on half portions of pastas for our apps. Wife's butternut squash filled ravioli's with hazelnuts were very good, but we felt that the same version at Ravenna, a local fav of ours in Montco, were better. My homemade tagilatelle with rabbit ragu was very good, albeit lacking enough salt. Overall, their pastas seem well made and were better than the entrees we had. Wife had a bass for entree, can't remember how it was prepared, but it did not wow either of us. My pork chop over white polenta was good, cooked perfectly in spots but a little dry in others. We didn't see how any of the food was distinctively Californian and seemed pretty straight ahead Northern Italian. The food was good but very similar to that which we've had in other good Northern Italian restaurants. The wine list is reasonable priced and all from Calif. or Italy. We had a "Menage a trois" (Muscat/Chard/Semillion) from Folie a Deux at $28. All in all it was a good meal but nothing fantastic, especially at what we paid. Surely not up to the raves we've heard and not good enough to make us want to return.

Had our meal at Brassiere Perrier last night and enjoyed ourselves, albeit feeling a little underwhelmed. Resy was for 7 and it was completely full by then. We had a lovely server who was very friendly, attentive, and always kept our wine glasses full. For apps wife had the yellow tomato gazpacho and I the cavatelli with pancetta, both very good. For entrees wife had horshradish crusted salmon and I the sauteed skate, again both very good and very impressed with how perfectly they were cooked. Desserts were a good chocolate tart with pistachio ice cream and a very good pineapple upside-down cake with excellent ginger ice cream. We enjoyed a very nice bottle of Vouvray, which was fairly priced at $40. The food was straightfoward and very good but I guess I was expecting a bit more. While being a very good meal overall, it paled in comparison to our restaurant meal of last year at Le Bar Lyonnaise. But then, maybe that's why I was expecting more? The restaurant is beautiful and I love what they do with lighting there.

Haven't to Audrey Claire in years but your report Katie makes me want to go back. I agree that the food is very good and I personally love that type of atmosphere. Last year we had a great meal at Le Bar (and spent way too much on great wine), this year it was a toss up between Pasion and Brassiere Perrier. Based on what the menus looked like, we chose Brassiere and will be going Tuesday night. I'll report back but I expect a great meal. Its been my experience that the better restaurants don't dumb down the menus during restaurant week and that you do get a good feel for what the food is like there on a regular basis.

Being a Pinot Noir lover but never having had a NZ PN (but wanting to try them), could someone tell me what they are like? I know that is a difficult question but, e.g. do they resemble west coast PN? French Burgundy? or none of the above? Do they tend to be heavily oaked (which I dislike) or not? Thanks for helping out this novice and for any and all input!

Spent a very nice week in Chincoteague but am still amazed at how few good dining spots there are. Firstly, I am very glad to report that Saigon Village is still open and offers the best food on the island. Ate there twice as the kids absolutely love it. Very good Pho, BBQ chicken, pork and beef, curried egg noodles, etc. Though ate there on the Saturday night before we left, it was quite crowded (its a very little place) and our food took an hour to come out and people were complaining. Well worth the wait though. I also ate at AJ's on the Creek with my wife. This was better than we had hoped and is the closest thing to "fine" dining on the island. I had a bouillabaise type dish with scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams and oysters in a garlickly broth that was better than I hoped for. Wife's crab imperial was typical and so-so. The wine list was very reasonable priced and we got a bottle of Wairu NZ Sauvignon Blanc for $28. All in all a decent meal but somewhat overpriced. We also hit a deli on South Main street that advertized "Philly Cheesesteaks" and "NJ Hoagies" (where they are called subs, not hoagies). Asked for 3 cheesesteaks to which the lady said "do you want any mayo, lettuce or tomato on them?" What??? After declining she said "You just want plain cheesesteaks?" Uh, yeah!!! I asked that the roll not be toasted to which she said "then it'll be really doughy" and she showed me a cold, semi-baked roll that needed to be toasted. Relunctantly we ate them and they were actually not that bad. But for $6.75 each I thought they were wildly overpriced. Moral of the story: one goes to Chincoteague not to eat but to have fun. If possible eat at Saigon Village as often as possible!

It is time for me and my family to head to beloved Chincoteague Island for fun in the sun. I love the Island but I am always so disappointed in eating there. Last year we loved Saigon Village and ate there 3 times but alas, I hear it has closed. We tried, on a recommendation, Bill's right on Main St. and thought it was pretty bad. So, are there any new places worth trying or old places that I've overlooked? Just thought I'd give it a shot that maybe there is. Thanks for any and all help!

Ah the quest for pernil, one of the culinary wonders known to humankind but oh so hard to find (at least good pernil). I remember ordering it from Cafe Habana when they first opened and being appalled at the cold, dry, lifeless form on my plate (have not been back so it might be better now). One of the best pernil's I've had is at a little place called Diaz in Avon-by-the-sea (near Ocean Grove) at the (northern) Jersey shore. Go there if your ever in the area! Thanks Katie, now you have me jonsing for some as well. May have to visit North Philly to fulfill my desire! Thanks for the post, I'll have to check this place out. Wouldn't a Latino restaurant crawl through north Philly be fun? Hit the porky principal, then El Bohio, then Tierra Colombiana, then others. It would be a meat and carb overdose for sure!!!

definitely the sammy's (cheesesteak with onions and wiz, roast pork with the prov and rabe) and the pretzels but lets not forget dessert: a great lemon water ice (my Sicilian grandfather made the best), a tastykake of some sort, all washed down with a Frank's Black Cherry Whisniak!!!

not sure how close these are but how about Birchunville Cafe in Chester County or the Farm House in Emmaus? Birchunville gets consistently great reviews and is quaint, byob and serves great food. The Farm House serves very good food along with a fantastic beer and wine selection. I would think that both might fit what you are looking for just not sure how close they are. I would think that Emmaus would not be THAT far? Hope this helps.

Cinghiale, we will be eating at Meze next week and I have a question. Must everyone at the table (in our case, the two of us) order the meze? Or can one person order the meze and the other a la carte? I imagine both would have to do the meze. Also, is it really enough for two people to share and if so would that even be allowed? We will probably order to meze to sample more types of dishes and I know my wife will never finish it all. Perhaps we shouldn't finish every course and pace ourselves. Thanks for any help you can offer!

Thank you for reminding me of An Indian Affair in Manayunk! I have been once and found it to be very good. It is a bit pricey for an Indian restuarant (I had absolutely delish lamb chops that were $17-18 I think) and the regular dishes were a tad high but not outlandishly so. It is nice inside, not THAT fancy but a cute cozy little cafe that is BYOB. I would recommend trying it. I agree with the poster who said that the Indian places in the 'burbs are MUCH cheaper (and BYOB) than in the city.

I agree that the best Indian I've had was at Khajuraho. It was bright and intense, spiced well but not overpowering, I loved it. I must venture into central Jersey though (Edison area) and experience it there as well, problem is trying to decide among the plethora of choices!

I'll agree with Rich that Sultan in Lansdale (5 minutes from my house) is very good. I also like Spice Grill in Chalfont, a stones throw from where I work and serving $6.99 lunch specials. But Amon's I've not been to, and 202 and Germantown Pike is quite close as well. I will have to try it out! Being a lover of Indian food (as are my kids as well), I must make it to Jersey to encounter what I keep hearing is the best Indian around. Lawrenceville is not that far Rich! I'll have to load up the van and head over there sometime soon!

Good pictures Andrew (except for the fat guy scarfing up the fish!). I was really tempted by the pigs blood and fried pigs intestine, but liked what we all got. I really did enjoy the grouper fillet in curry sauce that I ordered and thought the fried sea bass(es) was very good as well. Did 12 of us really down a dozen bottles of wine? Damn that Gewurz Katie brought and the Sept Grains that Gary brought were very delish. A fun time for sure!

Well, as the one who started this topic I have been quietly devouring all your excellent input. Some of it is starting to make sense, some of it less so because I've not had some of the wines discussed. Some of the recent low end reds I've had have been a Jadot Marsannay which, for around $18 I enjoyed at a nice restaurant, but seemed to lack much depth or character. During restaurant week here in Philly, I had a 1999 Potel Santenay 1er which I enjoyed (I didn't enjoy the $75 price tag though, espcially when I saw it for $28.50 in the wine store). I have also recently had some Pouilly-Fuisse's that I've enjoyed as well. Not to start another topic but, what's the general opinion on these wines? I know they are not top flight white burgundies but I enjoy them and wonder if they are good values or not. I really like some Premier Cru Chablis' as well, which seem to be good values. Thanks again!

I agree, my wife (who is rather petite) and I split a bottle when out, I probably consume about 60% of it though. That seems to be the perfect amount with a good dinner. After dinner we often go out and I have a scotch/cognac with my cigar while she enjoys a cosmo or two. At home, I usually have 1-2 glasses with dinner 5 times a week or so (every night in the summer, when my wine consumption increases, especially whites). I think that we need to look to the Europeans more in regards to alcohol consumption in general. To some extent America has, and as a result, modified the definition of "moderate" alcohol consumption to up to 1-2 spirits or 3-4 glasses of wine per day. I still remember reading about a study done of a small French village where, on average, they consumed 1/2 bottle of wine at lunch and another 1/2 bottle at dinner with no ill effects and actually beneficial results (long age, low heart disease, etc.). Could you imagine businesses allowing employees to have wine with lunch like in Europe? I wonder if everyone would be happier, stress would go down and production would go up or nothing would get done? If I ever make it to Europe and get to experience the sensual (of the senses) lifestyle that is commonplace I might never return!

This topic has also frustrated me as well. I thought that Tartin was an authentic and good bistro and I recently had an excellent (and I think pretty authentic, albeit high-end) restaurant week meal at Le Bar (where one spends triple the cost of the meal on wine!). I have not been to Caribou or Pif. I guess I am spoiled because I had a very authentic and absolutely delish meal at a place called Le Gigot in the village in NYC. Small, romantic and cozy place right across the street from Po on a lovely tree-lined street. I can't quite find that type of meal here in Philly unfortunately. I also miss Bleu Angel and thought it was very good, probably because I ate there when it first opened and it was Shola Olunyolo in the kitchen! Oh, and Le Jardin was absolutely fantastic while Robert Capella was there! Too bad that the owner went and screwed that all up!