Help me find the right spot!

[KitchenMom]

Ok, gulleteers, I'm trying to organize a dinner for next Thursday (3/22) and need help finding the right restaurant. Here's the deal: A group of acquaintances, all women, are getting together. There will be four (or five) core diners, with one other joining later for drinks/dessert. One is a vegetarian, another doesn't like Indian or sushi. Otherwise I think any cuisine is fair game. A bar would be preferable, but BYO might work.

I'm having trouble thinking of a place that is flexible enough and is also moderately priced (or at least with moderate options). I've thought about Osteria, but am worried that it is too pricey and also, at least based on opentable, doesn't have a large enough table available. The only other thing I can think of is a Starr place like El Vez, but I'd really rather not.

Any other ideas?

[Diann]

I just had dinner for the first time at Horizons recently and couldn't believe that I hadn't made it over there earlier. It's all-vegan (vegan wines, too), so that will suit your vegetarian person, and, more importantly, it's just really good food. Definitely try the Yucatan chopped spinach salad, the paella, and the grilled seitan. Everything's under $25 and they have a full bar plus good dessert options. We each had a cocktail, glass of wine, appetizer, entree, and split dessert, and it was maybe $55/pp with tax and tip. The restaurant is on the second floor of the building and they have two bars -- one loungey area on the ground floor, and a smaller bar on the top floor -- so that'll work well for your group.

I do love Osteria and also Xochitl but they're not quite as affordable/large-group friendly as Horizons... still, if you decide against Horizons it might be worth it to give those places a call.

Edited March 16, 2007 by Diann (log)

[JasonZ]

Hi Kitchen Mom:

I noticed you're from the Phila 'burbs, so one question is whether a Phila 'burbs restaurant is a possibility, or if you've settled on Center City.

If 'burbs are OK, you might want to look at Nectar, Michael Wei's American restaurant (he also owns YangMing in Bryn Mawr and CinCin in Germantown) in Berwyn. Can handle all your likes/dislikes (we recently had a group of 10, ranging from vegetarians to sushi gotta-haves, and it all worked).

If Manyunk is a better choice, go for Jake's -- CIA trained chef, private room as well as bar. Discuss what you vegetarian wants (is she a lactoovoveg; vegan?) -- he did a very nice custom menu for my daughter, a lactoveg, a couple of years ago.

If CC, others will have more experience and comments than me, but Amada would work -- good wines, individual plates & choices. Surprisingly, Davio's, a "Northern Italian steakhouse", handles vegetarians (Italy has a wonderful vegetarian tradition -- just call David Boyle with a heads up) easily as well as anyone else's preference -- my favorite is the Jail Island salmon -- and has a great wine list and ambience.

Good luck!!

Regards,

JasonZ

[Alec Hart]

My suggestion is Cantina Los Caballitos on Passyunk Ave. They have plenty of vegetarian/vegan options and also take good care of us omnivores.

They have a great party table that accomodates up to 10 (or 12) people.

And their drinks are out of this world.

-- Alec

[KitchenMom]

Thanks for all the ideas. Horizons is a great idea. I've been dying to try it and I know my vegetarian friend (who does eat fish & seafood, BTW) loves it there. I worry that the people I don't know as well won't want to go there, but maybe I'll push for it.

JasonZ-Nectar sounds great, but we'll be coming from all over and will want to meet in CC. I unfortonately, am in that desolate section of the 'burbs that has almost no good restaurants (the culinary wasteland of Elkins Park/Cheltenham), but I'll keep Nectar in mind.

Our numbers keep fluctuating, so I'm waiting for more concrete info before I make a reservation, so feel free to keep those ideas coming. . .

[zeffer81]

As a vegetarian with a carvnivorous boyfriend/family/friends, etc., I've always ejoyed Vietnam for a fun atmosphere and a wide-ranging menu for people with various dietary preferences. There are plenty of "safe" things for non-adventurous eaters.