http://www.chow.com/boards/15 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:33:51 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/376941#2348541 Whether you're new to Chowhound or a longtime poster, please be sure you've seen our Posting Etiquette at http://www.chowhound.com/topics/367605 -- it is also linked from the footer of each page. Thank you! Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:33:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/376941#2348541 http://www.chow.com/topics/562692#4086399 On any given Sunday, guests of the hotel stroll in quite casual. I've seen jeans, etc. I have gone casual and dressed, depends on my mood. I personally do not wear jeans, but it is not snobby there. Hope that helps. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:44:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562692#4086399 http://www.chow.com/topics/562774#4086356 you'll probably be confined to one of the downtown hotel restaurants; Marriott or Doubletree are close OR trekking across The Mon to Station Square. There are a variety of larger chains in that area. http://www.stationsquare.com/info/restaurants.cfm enjoy the burgh Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:25:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562774#4086356 http://www.chow.com/topics/562495#4086223 Soft pretzels from Reading Terminal. Can't get them in NYC! Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:23:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562495#4086223 http://www.chow.com/topics/561976#4086219 Shoot... I am so much of an Aztec hot chocolate addict at Naked Chocolate that I even get it in warm weather! Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:21:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561976#4086219 http://www.chow.com/topics/419537#4085964 This weekend I made another trip over to Jaipur, which was originally recommended to me by my vegetarian Indian boss, and is now by far my favorite Indian buffet in the area! Jaipur's weakpoints IMO are the relatively smaller selection (compared to other buffets) and a surprisingly lackluster rendition of basmati rice. However, the rice has been steadily improving, and with 3-4 vegetarian entrees and 3-4 meat entrees, the selection is hardly as limited as one might fear. In general, I find their food wonderfully spiced and full of flavor, yet without the heaviness of TOI. Also for the omnivores out there, I must say that Jaipur's chicken dishes are head and shoulders above any other place's! The chicken is always deliciously tender and bursting with beautiful tandoori smokiness... quite a difference from the sometimes tough, tasteless chunks of breast meat that I've found elsewhere. I do wish that Jaipur would include a mango lassi or other drink like many other places do, but overall, quite a deal IMO for $8.95 weekdays and $10.95 weekends. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:43:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/419537#4085964 http://www.chow.com/topics/561421#4085957 The Passyunk/South farmers market is on Tuesdays starting at 2 pm. And, not to be too nitpicky myself, but it is Queen Village, not Queen's Village (it's my neighborhood and I love it and agree it is the best, especially when combined with our neighbor Bella Vista. I lived in Old City 1988 to 1998, before the construction boom and when Steven Starr was a newbie, it was great then but it has changed, it has certainly lost some of its "neighborhood-ness") Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:39:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561421#4085957 http://www.chow.com/topics/562586#4085822 Other place that comes to mind is Tinto. Have been to the upstairs room there which is fantastic. Amada also has some back areas both are Tapas style. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:49:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562586#4085822 http://www.chow.com/topics/181476#4085807 I love Ianelli's and always found them to be underrated. Is Marchiano's really better? Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:45:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/181476#4085807 http://www.chow.com/topics/562602#4085749 From Go Phila.com .... * The Italian Market’s Dessert offers more than just desserts these days. Now, tea lovers can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea that includes four finger savories, two fresh-baked scones served with housemade clotted cream and lemon curd and a selection of mini-sweet treats. An extensive selection of loose-leaf teas is also part of the $16 offering. Thursday-Saturday, 3:00-6:00 p.m. 806 S. 6th Street, (215) 923-9733 * The Four Seasons Hotel’s Swann Lounge is the place to go for a relaxed afternoon tea after a day of exploring the many museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Tea sippers can choose between “Social Tea” and “Royal Tea,” both of which include tea, scones, finger sandwiches, desserts and fruit tartlets. The “Royal Tea” includes the addition of an alcoholic beverage like sparkling wine. Monday-Saturday, 3:00-4:30 p.m.; reservations recommended. 1 Logan Square, (215) 963-1500, www.fourseasons.com/philadelphia * For a traditionally elegant high tea experience, visitors should head to The Rittenhouse Hotel’s Mary Cassatt Tea Room and Garden, serving afternoon British tea and cocktails daily. A floral garden provides a scenic vista and warm weather seating just beyond the tea room’s French doors. Daily, 2:00-5:00 p.m. 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, (215) 546-9000, www.rittenhousehotel.com * Tea drinkers looking to enjoy a warming drink in an ornate and feminine Victorian tea house should look no further than Tea With an Accent, offering afternoon tea five days a week. A harpist occasionally plays music as patrons enjoy their tea served on fine china and silver cutlery, surrounded by crisp table linen, fresh flowers and candles. Saturday-Sunday, 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m.; Wednesday-Friday, 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 90 W. Afton Avenue, Yardley, (215) 321-9866, www.teawithanaccent.com Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:24:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562602#4085749 http://www.chow.com/topics/562201#4085478 RichieT is right on the money! He offered every one of my suggestions. People tend to forget about Benkowits' and Wiener World (though if you're in the mood for a good dog, I think the "O" is your better bet). If you like pierogies - go with yayadave's suggestion of Perogis Plus! Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:02:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562201#4085478 http://www.chow.com/topics/562146#4084983 This is Monday so the original poster has been to dinner. If you decided on Toscana, please post the results. My wife and I had lunch there just over a year ago. The frozen peas in our minestrone hadn't thawed. As it was summer, I tried the signature lemonade. Worst lemonade I ever had. Must have been the B team on duty for lunch that day. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:00:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562146#4084983 http://www.chow.com/topics/562247#4084906 thanks, PG! The dinner is Oct 16. will report back. Janet Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:32:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562247#4084906 http://www.chow.com/topics/562541#4084513 Other places to consider in the area are Golden Pheasant Inn on River Road south of Frenchtown. If you enjoy beer, go across the bridge at Milford, and go to the Ship Inn. Great brewpub and authentic british food. Nice atmosphere, and no TVs! Weyerbacher brewery is just a brewery... you will get a tour. They closed down their brewpub about seven years ago. If you are up that way and want to visit a brewpub drive over to Bethlehem and go to the Bethlehem Brewworks. Or drive to New Hope and go to Triumph, or on to Lahaska and visit Porterhouse. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:20:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562541#4084513 http://www.chow.com/topics/562373#4084117 Send an e-mail to Major504@msn.com. I've got some people. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 02:40:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562373#4084117 http://www.chow.com/topics/562164#4083887 Curiouser and curiouser... If anyone has further information, I hope they post it here. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:39:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562164#4083887 http://www.chow.com/topics/557486#4083432 I live in the area and really enjoy Leggio's Pizzaria , 1092 Highway 315 Blvd, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702 (570) 822-0828. It's not just pizza. I love their penne with rose sauce. Prices are reasonable and service is great. It's about 3-4 miles from the arena. Give yourself enough time to get to the concert - traffic is very busy.... Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:34:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/557486#4083432 http://www.chow.com/topics/561347#4083214 They are frequently out of seeded rolls by 9PM (at least in my experience) Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:27:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561347#4083214 http://www.chow.com/topics/562016#4083165 We ate at Le Bec Fin during Restaurant Week -- the meal was advertised for Le Bar Lyonnais but was served throughout the restaurant. It was an absolutely superlative meal -- food, service, ambience, everything! All for $35! It was Le Bec Fin at its best (but with only one dessert instead of the dessert cart). Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:58:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562016#4083165 http://www.chow.com/topics/544625#4082807 It IS open. My wife stopped in a brought home some take out. We had a really good Rib combo platter & a sweet potato. My young son had the chicken fingers. The ribs were surprisingly good, as was the sweet potato! My usually very fickle son totally enjoyed his meal! I/we look forward to our return, which will be soon as it is very close to where we live. I will update on the whole experience at that time! Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:20:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/544625#4082807 http://www.chow.com/topics/562302#4082730 Thanks for the update. I really enjoyed Angie Brown's and was so sad to see it close. Plus, Chestnut Hill really needs some good new restaurants. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 13:12:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562302#4082730 http://www.chow.com/topics/531946#4082452 Yes, I go there regularly, but cannot think of the name. They're nice there, and carry a variety of imported Turkish products, but not so much fresh products. I love the sour cherry juice they carry. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 04:54:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/531946#4082452 http://www.chow.com/topics/455308#4082233 Finally ate at Sorrentos after wondering about it for some time. While not unpleasant...I would have to agree with the 'average'. Pleasant, pinkis, kinda weary looking room. Nice waitstaff..modest portions..definitely has a following though. Wife and I had baked 'sicilian' style ziti (baked ziti with eggplant) and chicken picatta. Both were nice..not unpleasant..average. Went here because From The Boot was too crowded..didnt want to wait..next time we'll wait : ) Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:37:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/455308#4082233 http://www.chow.com/topics/452757#4081980 My husband & I have been & we enjoyed it. We had a few drinks at the bar & then ate in the dining room. Overall service was fine-no complaints. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:18:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/452757#4081980 http://www.chow.com/topics/561716#4081227 My wife went to Blue Fin yesterday, it is open. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:35:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561716#4081227 http://www.chow.com/topics/556488#4081217 Was staring at the sweet potato chips yesterday and I finally found the fried chicken area! You pay them directly and there are a lot of choices. I hope someone can fill me in on what they like there. Was too full to get anything because my friend and I finally got around to the food court. We hit Friends and the smoothie place. I got steamed dumplings and my friend got mushroom stir fry with rice. The stir fry was huge, and there were eight or so dumplings with dipping sauce. We also got some nice hot (temp not spice) yellow broth, a small bowl of yellow veggies or fruit, and a little dish of red stuff which I think was kim chi. It was pretty spicy to me. My friend loved the broth best and we devoured almost everything. It was a good value and gave me the sense of adventure that I think is sometimes missing in my life. The smoothie was tasty and hit the spot. Afterwards we just got apples, potatoes, peaches and bananas. I really had to restrain myself though. On the way to the bathroom was the coolest thing ever! A stack of hula hoops with tenacle suckers all around the inside. I wanted to buy one so bad!!!! Must resist! If anyone wants to explain to me more about what we ate that would be great. I want to be a bit more knowledgeable before my next trip but dunno how long I can wait. The hula hoop is calling to me! Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:26:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/556488#4081217 http://www.chow.com/topics/561768#4081015 Tampopo is the only thing I miss about working in center city! The spicy chicken teriyaki is amazing! Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:03:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561768#4081015 http://www.chow.com/topics/562248#4080941 Do you think there's better vegetarian in Pittsburgh than Hoi Polloi? Hoi Polloi 1100 Galveston Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15233 (412) 586-4567 thanks, Janet Sat, 04 Oct 2008 09:07:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562248#4080941 http://www.chow.com/topics/560910#4080556 Linda, If you're going down to Belfast, go to ... Crap. I'm blanking on the name. Something Mer. Anyhow, it's right off of 33 to the east, on the Left side at the intersection with 191. I found a bunch of old threads a while ago looking for a place in the Stroudsburg area. I know that there were a bunch that I was really kind of excited about, but I was only going to be in the area for lunch. I think that End of the Trail (right off of the AT on the Penna side of the river) was one that was highly regarded. There were a couple in the downtown area that were well regarded. If you want to travel a little further afield, but not as far as NYC, Easton is getting a lot of better places. On, or just off of, Sullivan Trail (191 exit, turn right and Right again onto 191S) you have Fat Daddy's BBQ (phenomenal dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork); Mediteranean Cafe (Lebanese Deli in strip mall across from Giant). Downtown Easton, you have Sogo for very good Japanese/Sushi, Phenom for good Thai, and a host of others, some I've tried, others not. Bethlehem is also rich in good restaurants, and just do a quick search for that. It's also a nice place to explore with a lot of cool/funky shops. (more funky on the south side). Good luck and let us know if you find something great in the Stroudsburg area. It's not heavily posted about, so it could use more attention. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:27:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/560910#4080556 http://www.chow.com/topics/562161#4080531 You can get them at any of the supermarkets on Washington Ave - 1st Oriental at 6th and Washington, Hung Vuong at 12th, or Hoa Binh at 16th. It's better if you go early on a weekend while they're still warm and fresh. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:17:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562161#4080531 http://www.chow.com/topics/561030#4080445 Check out Wolffs Apple house, ( Pennel rd. Lima, they have a web site )it may be really far out of your way, but if it is an apple and it is available they will have it. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:28:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561030#4080445 http://www.chow.com/topics/554877#4079772 Thanks! I will. But from your description I would prefer the brisket on rye. I'll check it out! Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:55:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/554877#4079772 http://www.chow.com/topics/561951#4079771 There is yet another Mexi place in the general area. Called El Ricon Mexicano. http://el-rinconmexicano.com/ I get Trend as well, but usually trash it without reading. Guess I won't do that any more!! Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:55:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561951#4079771 http://www.chow.com/topics/561748#4079425 What's nice though, is that they let you share the prime rib since it is such a huge piece. It's $9 extra, however both people get their own salad & side for the extra$. Also, the crab stuffed mushrooms are really good. I would recommend reserving the PR with your reservation, they do run out. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:40:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561748#4079425 http://www.chow.com/topics/561776#4078864 Flemings is great, especially their porterhouse, ask for it, its not on the menu great wine selection too Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:04:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561776#4078864 http://www.chow.com/topics/561947#4078849 Cafe du Jour, East Carson Street Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:55:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561947#4078849 http://www.chow.com/topics/561726#4078828 Thanks for the suggestions. Sounds like we'll be in good shape for the weekend! Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:40:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561726#4078828 http://www.chow.com/topics/558698#4078377 Yes, that will be interesting indeed. All I can say is that I have been to Cuba in CH once and once is enough. We recently spent a week in Miami Beach and were in the envious position of having to choose, from among a myriad, which Latin restaurants we wanted to eat at. We ate at a Cuban restaurant (Sazon) twice and it was sublime. So far beyond anything I've had in this area (even Tierra Colombiana) and likely ever will. We then moved onto Colombian, Argentinian, and Uraguyian.....it was fun needless to say. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:59:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/558698#4078377 http://www.chow.com/topics/472230#4077616 Try Valley Forge Pizza on Route 23 across from La Taverna. Also, Villa Pizza by the bowling alley on Rt 724 has great pizza and platters. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:50:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/472230#4077616 http://www.chow.com/topics/555719#4077594 Two good restaurants that have not been mentioned are Rillo's (fantastic Italian food!) and the Boiling Springs Tavern. The Tavern has a yummy and unique menu. Other than that, California Cafe is also good. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:44:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/555719#4077594 http://www.chow.com/topics/560714#4077271 If you want to stay in old city, I'd 2nd Farmacia or Race Street Cafe. Otherwise, Sabrina's in my favorite (Bella Vista). Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:50:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/560714#4077271 http://www.chow.com/topics/560848#4077244 I think Distrito would be great. It might be a little more than your price point if you drink a lot, but it's fantastic Mexican food (way better than El Vez), fantastic margaritas, and a really fun atmosphere (I'm over 40 and my hubby and I loved it). The decor is busy, but really fun--masks, lots of cool different seating, lots of color, a nice lively buzz w/o being too noisy. I'd go for a fun birthday anytime. It's def. not romantic, though, if that's what you want. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:41:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/560848#4077244 http://www.chow.com/topics/561532#4077238 I like Charlie's but i wouldn't take the family there. 4 people would not fit in those booths. I'd choose Capital Grill. Pricey but good food plus he can bounce back and forth between the bar. I ran into Mike Schmidt in there a week ago. Actually had a conversation with him at the bar while the Phils were on. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:40:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561532#4077238 http://www.chow.com/topics/555357#4077233 Just a note: the Flourtown Market is a "bricks and mortar" market; Glenside and Oreland are outdoors & Saturday only. Glenside is larger. Glenside & Oreland re just 5-6 minutes away from each other, Here's a review of the Oreland Market http://www.yelp.com/biz/oreland-farmers-market-oreland#hrid:6anVIDVJ3DZ7rqyxoJVnfA Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:39:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/555357#4077233 http://www.chow.com/topics/558263#4075564 I agree with the lobster roll oddity - though I must add that I had an absolutely killer lobster roll at Eleven. It's on the lunch menu. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:24:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/558263#4075564 http://www.chow.com/topics/561690#4075550 So I had the great fortune of getting a project in the Poconos. The gorgeous mountain views makes for some of the best runs I've ever had, and subsequently works up a huge appetite. However, the place still seems like a culinary wasteland--mostly because, I suspect, I don't know where to look! My hotel is near Stroudsburg and my work in Swiftwater, but I'm willing to commute up to 30 mins for a good restaurant/shopping tip. The Shop Rite/Mr'Zs in Stroudsburg are disheartening at best and while I found a cool little Turkish grocery store on Main street in Stroudsburg, but Ayran will hardly feed me for months. Does anyone have any tips for me? I do prefer ethnic food over American, but I will eat anything that is fresh, well seasoned, and full-flavored. I do like healthy food more than fried foods, but I'm wiling to eat the best damn fried sandwich if there is one near the area. Can a girl get some culinary love? Thank you!!! Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:21:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561690#4075550 http://www.chow.com/topics/560019#4075549 I love the brunch at Lidia's in the Strip District - delicious and a good value. They only do brunch on Sunday. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:21:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/560019#4075549 http://www.chow.com/topics/560464#4074970 Thanks for your blog post! I'm going there on Sunday, thanks to one of my friends who did the obsessive phone calling and planning, 8 months in advance. Our menu looks similar to yours. I am just afraid of not being able to eat eight courses!! Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:13:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/560464#4074970 http://www.chow.com/topics/559882#4074961 I would submit that you might want to consider Horizons- amazing vegan cuisine in a comfortable, slightly upscale setting. There's really nothing else like it- not in SF, not in NYC, and as foodies, take note. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:10:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/559882#4074961 http://www.chow.com/topics/561160#4074801 Bitars at 10th and Federal has good falafel and gyros. Sarcones at 8th and Catherine for Italian deli, Red gravy Italian and waitresses that call you hon and toss carafe of chiati at you: Villa d'Roma on 9th at Carpenter Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:03:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561160#4074801