USVI-On-Line

thinking about a few nights there around the holidays. We've been many times but I have a few questions.
Where to stay? I'd love to try Rittenhouse but I think I can get better value. Not looking for cheap but decent price (under $200).

Also, restaurant recommendations. Not interested in Buddakhan I don't think. But high quality not trendy per se.

Of course I may never leave Monk's but that is another story

Hit The Continental for some out of this world crazy martinis

Try Fork for some nice bistro style cuisine.

I hear Morimoto is a must. Go Omakase, and leave yourself in the chef's hands.

If your going with a large group. The 10 course meal at Indonesian Restaurant at 10th and Race (on the edge of Chinatown) is AMAZING! (and cheap)

Otherwise, for Asian, try The Imperial Inn on 10th St...for my money, the best Chinese food in philly. Not that out-of-the-carton bullcrap you get other places. Full on, whole ingredient, Chinese cuisine.

Since I live here, I cannot offer any hotel help...i just go home

Mary Beth, we have stayed at The Westin @ Rittenhouse and it was nice. I don't know what price range it might be in ?

We are big fans of Jose Garcia's restaurants having been to Amada and Tinto. Both are tapas style dining, reflecting the cuisines of Spain and Tinto is specifically Basque. He has done fantastic research and the food shows it.

"Amada is not a typical, trendy tapas restaurant. "..is the first line at their website. I can attest to the quality of both of these restaurants. They are popular but the food is excellent.

http://www.amadarestaurant.com/

http://www.tintorestaurant.com/restaurant.php

Amada is Old City, but Tinto was walking distance from The Westin, 20th/Sansom-ish.


He recently opened a Mexican place in West Philly called Distrito that is next on our list. Our son has eaten there as he lives in University City and claims it was very good also.

There are LOTS of good restaurants in that area...so thats a start!

MaryBeth, love Monks so you don't have to explain

I love to go to BYOBs because I like to bring the good wine that I have and it saves money. Matyson is wonderful and it's on 19th in the Rittenhouse area. There is also a great wine bar called Tria nearby.

Rittenhouse is a great place to stay because there is great shopping nearby and the square looks so pretty around the holiday with the decorations lit up in the trees at night.

Nancy, do you know if we could get wine nearby Matyson? I like that idea!

Hi, Mary Beth,

Well, PA is controlled by the Liquor Control Board so our selection is not as good as New Jersey. I would recommend you bring a good bottle with you (if you can). But, if you want to buy one, I will find the closest one to Matyson for you. Let me know and I'll find it for you.

Nancy

Thanks Nancy. We can certainly bring our wine but some times I like to start with a sparkling or chilled white and just thought I could pick that up as I go.
Still not 100% sure what our plans our but I appreciate the offer. Will let you know!

mary beth