Philadelphia Eats

Off to Philadelphia for a couple of days and am
looking for Chowhound and other interesting food
possibilities....Local specialities, ethnic food, or
just good cooking are my criteria; moderate prices are
a plus, but I will pay for a special experience;
casual dress and relaxed atmosphere appreciated. Food
quality is the key; ambiance is a distant second.

I am staying downtown and will not have access to a
car.

Jim Zurer -- Washington DC

PS A line on cheesesteaks will also be appreciated.

Run, or preferably, gallop to Le Bar Lyonnais
underneath Le Bec Fin on Walnut Street between 15th &
16th.

Chef Perrier is consistently as one of America's finest
and this is the only way to experience his cuisine is a
less formal environment than the exceptional (and worth
every penny!) Le Bec Fin upstairs. If you order
anything that every swam you'll be astonished as just
how remarkably good "bistro food" can be.

The only bad news is that there are a grand total of a
half dozen tables and, after 9:00PM, Le Bar Lyonnais
doubles as a cigar lounge.....so eat early!

Have you checked out Philly food websites? I think
UPenn students operate a fairly extensive one with
lists and reviews on it which might be helpful.
When we visited the market, it was on a Saturday
aftern0on, and most of the Pa Dutch vendors were
closed. Early on a weekday (lunch at latest) is
probably best there.
There are several well regarded new places in Philly,
including one on a moored boat (but the name escapes
me) Chef cooked at the Beard House this fall. Le Bec
Fin has a walk-in cafe operation as well as good lunch
deals in their main restaurant (reservations needed
for latter) They have a web site.

sorry, the restaurant-on-a-boat is called The Mosholu
and the website is http://dailypennsylvanian.com/

howdy jim, for cheesesteaks hit jim's steaks south st and 4th I believe. also good are pats, and gino's for cheesesteaks. susanna foos for chineese, striped bass for fish , chanterelle for fusion, enjoy, walk around south st while in philly

Thanks for the cheesesteak recommendations....but I
should have made clear that I am on travel with my
Department of Labor colleagues and "moderate" cost is
an important consideration.....I don't think they will
cotton to Striped Bass or even Suzanna Foo on
pocketbook grounds.

Lower end recommendations are what I am really looking
for.

Thanks.

Jim Zurer - Washington DC

You will need to catch a cab to Overtures at 609
Passyunk. It is a small place and you would be wise to
call for a reservation. Interesting atmosphere in an
old building. Extremely friendly and good service. We
have never been disappointed in the food. The menu is
quite varied and there are always interesing specials.

I will also be in Philadelphia this Saturday. What
kind of food does Overtures have? Italian? French?
American? Price range? Any other dining suggestions
are greatly appreciated.
Also, what's good at the Reading Terminal Market for
lunch (sit down or take away). Thanks.

I had a great cheesesteak in the Reading Terminal Market, I think at a stall on the west side, but that was a couple of years ago. Let us know what you find.

this is too late for all on this string,however,
please know that if you e-mail i will be happy to
tailor a restaurant guide for you in exp.-mod-inexp-
cheap ranges. jim's steaks on south street is realy
the very best for cheesesteaks - do not, under any
circumstance, be tempted by the cheesesteak stand at
the reading temrinal - if you're there, for to the
south side, by george! across from iovine's produce
stand for italian specialties, or walk two blocks to
chinatown and go to vietnam palace or thai garden east
on 11th street. for roast duck, sang kee on ninth,
for dimsum lunch, ocean city also on ninth. rangoon
on ninth is good burmese. (this is all around the
terminal) there are many moderate italian places
insouth philly, and a fair number of reasonable spots
on old city as well. in center city, good buys and
good food can be found at circa (walnut st., friday,
saturday, sunday, astral plane, L2, beaujolais. go to
art muserum area for great bargains - london grill,
cuvee notre dame ($5 for duck confit salad or mussels
and pommes frites for lunch!), zola, rembrandts, rose
tattoo. feel free to e-mail, as i said.