And so, with 2009 about to begin, that's exactly what I'll be doing over the course of the next 52 weeks. But instead of wracking my brain trying to find an Israeli, Indonesia, Indian, or Iraqi restaurant inside the city limits, the concept is a little different this time (and admittedly somewhat easier). Instead of matching cuisines to letters, I'll simply be matching restaurants to them. Fortunately, with the vibrant restaurant scene throughout the city, it should be both pretty simple and pretty tasty.
There is but one catch -- every restaurant I'll visit will be one I've never been to before. This is unfortunately going to eliminate quite a few of Philadelphia better places, but hopefully it will also allow me to find some venues that I wouldn't have scouted out before. I'll come up with a list of possible choices in a poll for anyone who happens to stumble upon this site (my wife) that will help guide the final decision.
After each visit, I'll give a synopsis of what I saw and tasted, what I liked and disliked, and hopefully share a funny story or two. Other folks will undoubtedly will be coming along during the year, and hopefully they'll share their thoughts as well.
Ineligible restaurants for Round One (the "As"):
- Alma de Cuba -- Good drinks (drinking a mojito at an outside table in the summer is prime territory for watching the beautiful people stroll by) but mediocre food.
- Amada -- Almost everyone who likes to eat out has been at Amada by now, even if it is less than 5 years old. The chef (Jose Garces) has made quite a name for himself and his food is consistently excellent. I'm sure Amada is on the Top 10 list of most Philadelphians.
- Ansill -- You need to have a sense of adventure at Ansill (as do your companions). I hope you don't mistakenly think that sweetbreads are a pastry.
- Aqua -- Simple Malaysian food. Nothing fancy, but you get your money's worth.
- Artful Dodger -- I was here the night I met my wife. That's about the only good thing I can say about the place.
- Aspen -- In the neighborhood but never a favorite. High prices, spotty food. They have been closed for a few months reportedly for tax purposes.
- Audrey Claire -- Lots of good publicity, but the one time I was there, I was unimpressed. I'd go back for another try in the future though. Too many people have too many good things to say.
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5 comments:
He he..I'm the wife. I get to say where we go..nobody else's votes matter :) So there. That's solved. I can promise that I will always comment after each restaurant visit.
That being said, my husband is a rock star in the kitchen (among other places) so he knows a good restaurant.
I have a few for later in the alphabet...M-memphis taproom, S-sketch...if you dare to venture to my side of girard!!!
I'm the Dad. Is this the little boy who thought fine cuisine was McDonald's or Wendy's? As for suggestions for the letter 'A', the only fast food dining spot that I know of that starts with 'A' is Arby's. Somehow, I don't think that will be among the finalists. Happy Eating!
What does the wife think?
This is what I thought:
1)The food was excellent! We had nachos that were out of this world..and not what you would think of as traditional nachos. I had shrimp tacos were very good too..lots of flavor. Everyone enjoyed the apps and entrees very much. The prices were good too. I used to live in this neighborhood that Scott described and loved living there. I just wish this place was there when I was living right down the street
2)Bring your sweater or a blanket cause you might be very, very cold. I had a sweater on and it helped, but a friend of ours wore short sleeves...brrr. There is what they call a "wind tunnel" coming from the kitchen per our waitress.
3)I wouldn't recommend the mojitos..I was disappointed. I did send mine back. The rest of the drinks were so/so.
4)Would I go back?? Oh yeah! The food was so good that I would sit with my coat on and eat away.
As Scott's mother, I am amazed at his outstanding cooking ability and astute restaurant critiques. I never could have guessed that Scott would develop these abilities as his favorite childhood foods were Swanson's frozen chicken pot pie, canned ravioli and hard as a rock water ice (which he would scrape at for hours -- much to the dismay of everyone else in the household). And not to embarrass Scott too much, but he certainly showed no interest whatsoever in cooking. In fact, he would often rather wait for me to get home from work than bother to open a can of soup or other canned food even if he was starving -- easier to let Mom do it.
Scott has definitely inspired me to become a better cook. I still get teased about some of the food I served when my children were growing up -- dry fried flounder (please pass the cocktail sauce) and tuna casserole with crushed potato chips (horrors!). I am a bit intimidated when Scott comes to dinner, but if I get a compliment, I know that I must have made something really good.
I am enjoying reading the accounts of your eating adventures, Scott and Erinn. I look forward to your future postings.
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