Since I completely fell down on the job last year, there are a few reviews that I just never got to because I’m a horrible person. Rather than mete them out in lame separate posts, I’m going to consolidate and beg your forgiveness.
Pizzeria Stella
I’m a fan of Stephen Starr, because the man knows how to combine showmanship with good food at completely reasonable prices. Stella continues his success. I loved pretty much everything about my experience: the decor is casually fun and appropriate and the service was spot on. And the food? Great. We had a lightly dressed (shut up!) romaine salad, made more interesting with the addition of mint. The star of the two pizzas we shared was the Tartufo, a bad-ass little number with truffles, parmesan and egg. Did I mention that Starr is a showman? The pizza arrives with the egg still in tact, but the server dramatically breaks the yolk and drizzles it all over the pizza. Yes, please. More. It was great. Now I have to go try the other “fancy” pizza places in town to see who’s winning.
Sullivan’s
We had a bit of a problem for our anniversary dinner. I had decided we’d go to 101 Bridge in Phoenixville to use a restaurant.com gift certificate only to find it closed. We walked across the street to Marly’s, and proceeded to wait at the host station for 5 minutes while no one bothered to check to see if anyone wanted to eat there. I get huffy about such things so we walked out. In the car, we perused Open Table and settled on Sullivan’s. Turns out it wasn’t much of a settle. The setting is classic steakhouse decor and the patrons fit the bill with seemingly tons of people on expense accounts; we were one of very few two-tops. The service was good and largely attentive, though not without its moments of “server shuffle” which so annoys me. The food was strong: the meat was flavorful and nicely cooked, and even the fish dish we got was well-seasoned and interesting. Do I need to go back anytime soon? No, but it was a good experience, somewhat surprisingly.
Le Bec-Fin
Once we heard the news that this landmark institution was closing, we knew we had to get there before we couldn’t (and, I do in fact feel a little betrayed but also glad that Perrier has reneged and will keep the place open). With two friends, we decided to go all in and do the grande degustation with the wine flight. Don’t mess. Would that I could remember (and taste) every morsel, but I will say that a highlight was the escargots cassolette with hazelnut and champagne garlic butter. I also will say that the service rivaled Joel Robuchon for its attentiveness, knowledge (the sommelier rocked), and unobtrusiveness, even as it had its own Philly flair. I look forward to returning soon at some point to take advantage of the ridiculous bargain of the 4-course, $40 40th anniversary menu. Great meal. Perhaps one of the best I’ve had. (I’ll have to take a look at my top 5 again).
Table 31
Friend Mike and I headed here for a restaurant week dinner. We were one of very few diners, which I thought was strange, considering that the meal was very good, from what I remember. What I also remember though was the hateful way it ended, with the server deciding that his friends eating a few tables away were more important than us getting our check. It completely ruined what had been a good meal and made me not want to eat there again. Bad boy.
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Summary Reviews
13.Jan.11
Since I completely fell down on the job last year, there are a few reviews that I just never got to because I’m a horrible person. Rather than mete them out in lame separate posts, I’m going to consolidate and beg your forgiveness.
Pizzeria Stella
I’m a fan of Stephen Starr, because the man knows how to combine showmanship with good food at completely reasonable prices. Stella continues his success. I loved pretty much everything about my experience: the decor is casually fun and appropriate and the service was spot on. And the food? Great. We had a lightly dressed (shut up!) romaine salad, made more interesting with the addition of mint. The star of the two pizzas we shared was the Tartufo, a bad-ass little number with truffles, parmesan and egg. Did I mention that Starr is a showman? The pizza arrives with the egg still in tact, but the server dramatically breaks the yolk and drizzles it all over the pizza. Yes, please. More. It was great. Now I have to go try the other “fancy” pizza places in town to see who’s winning.
Sullivan’s
We had a bit of a problem for our anniversary dinner. I had decided we’d go to 101 Bridge in Phoenixville to use a restaurant.com gift certificate only to find it closed. We walked across the street to Marly’s, and proceeded to wait at the host station for 5 minutes while no one bothered to check to see if anyone wanted to eat there. I get huffy about such things so we walked out. In the car, we perused Open Table and settled on Sullivan’s. Turns out it wasn’t much of a settle. The setting is classic steakhouse decor and the patrons fit the bill with seemingly tons of people on expense accounts; we were one of very few two-tops. The service was good and largely attentive, though not without its moments of “server shuffle” which so annoys me. The food was strong: the meat was flavorful and nicely cooked, and even the fish dish we got was well-seasoned and interesting. Do I need to go back anytime soon? No, but it was a good experience, somewhat surprisingly.
Le Bec-Fin
Once we heard the news that this landmark institution was closing, we knew we had to get there before we couldn’t (and, I do in fact feel a little betrayed but also glad that Perrier has reneged and will keep the place open). With two friends, we decided to go all in and do the grande degustation with the wine flight. Don’t mess. Would that I could remember (and taste) every morsel, but I will say that a highlight was the escargots cassolette with hazelnut and champagne garlic butter. I also will say that the service rivaled Joel Robuchon for its attentiveness, knowledge (the sommelier rocked), and unobtrusiveness, even as it had its own Philly flair. I look forward to returning soon at some point to take advantage of the ridiculous bargain of the 4-course, $40 40th anniversary menu. Great meal. Perhaps one of the best I’ve had. (I’ll have to take a look at my top 5 again).
Table 31
Friend Mike and I headed here for a restaurant week dinner. We were one of very few diners, which I thought was strange, considering that the meal was very good, from what I remember. What I also remember though was the hateful way it ended, with the server deciding that his friends eating a few tables away were more important than us getting our check. It completely ruined what had been a good meal and made me not want to eat there again. Bad boy.
Like this: