182435 Sat Sep 18 23:24:59 -0700 2004 9 15 Pennsylvania 0 978891 Well, soon it will be my birthday, so I would like to celebrate with a marvelous and gratifying meal - I'd most enjoy a tasting menu or prix fixe so I can just sit back and enjoy the Chef's talent. If you could name the place and the price, it be much appreciated... Also of importance: Do you have to make a special reservation for this kind of dining? In truth, it will be my first kind of this sort, as I am young and inexperienced on this matter. Thanks! (Oh, and Ive heard good things about Pasion's tasting menu...what about you) Sat Sep 18 23:24:59 -0700 2004 0 ACM 1 978899 Vetri or Lacroix just let the server know your likes or dislikes and sit back and enjoy the night. If you really want a treat, Le Bec Fin is still unlike any restaurant in town. Still very formal and pricey but a must try. Sun Sep 19 14:21:50 -0700 2004 978891 0 Jenny 1 978911 First of all happy birthday. Here is the deal. There are lots of "Tasting menus" all over town but you need to be wary before you commit. The tasting menu is supposed to showcase the chef's talent beyond the ordinary, if you are looking for a great tasting menu here are a few options... LACROIX does a 3, 4 or 5 course menu with about 4 options in each course category. Generally it is diverse enough that you can find enough interesting things to when your appetite. This is actually the ONLY tasting menu in town. The term tends to be misused by a lot of restaurants in the sense that a tasting menu should be exclusive of ALL regular menu items. In most restaurants in philadelphia, they just make you a multi course meal from the regular menu, that isnt the point. Make sure you specify this while you are shopping around. VETRI has a listed tasting menu, about 40% of the items are very good, the rest are filler. MORIMOTO has Omakase in 3 price ranges, sit at the sushi bar and make sure you add parameters. When i go there, I say Omakase,no menu items,only 2 uncooked dishes. they actually do some amazing things if you force them to think. Its not obnoxious at all, they pride themselves on being challenged. PASION is OK but then again its just regular menu items in smaller portions. LEBECFIN...same idea but overpriced and not worth it. I would go with Lacroix over Lebec if you want french. Cheaper and better food without the silly pretense of south philly waiters talking with french accents. POD....Inquire about a reservation and tell them you are interested in a tasting menu....The chef there Michael Schulson gets it, his talents actually eclipse what the Starr restaurants require of him, he has done a few brilliant tsting menus for us. Tell them to consult the chef. PARIS BAR AND GRILL Again, reserve and ask that they check with the chef Terence Feury....another brilliant guy who would do a rocking dinner for you. Cant think of anything else... Good luck and ahve fun, let us know where you go and what you had. cheers Mon Sep 20 13:34:23 -0700 2004 978891 0 Newgirlintown 2 978972 Just wanna say thanks for taking the time to lay everything out... I guess I misused the term as well...I may be thinking more along the lines of a prix fixe type deal. Your recs will be very helpful, nonetheless! Wed Sep 22 16:18:42 -0700 2004 978911 0 ACM 1 978921 I have heard excellent raves (but not experienced) Chef Shola Olunloyo's Studio Kitchen in West Philly. This definitely requires reservations, as it an R&D kitchen and opens for private groups only, and a committed group of exactly 8 open-minded fellow diners. It is about $65 per person and BYO wine. For more information from past posts go to the link below. Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/178863#962131 Mon Sep 20 16:33:45 -0700 2004 978891 0 xtian 2 978935 Dear God, I'd almost forgotten about this one--so it's still running? Tue Sep 21 08:34:21 -0700 2004 978921 0 KB 1 978934 I second the studio kitchen route. If you do not have a group of 8 you could have Shola come into your home to make you a fab birthday tasting menu. Alternatively, La Campagne has a small room with kitchen upstairs. The chef will prepare a private meal up there to your specifications. Also best for a small group. It is very romantic too. Tue Sep 21 08:03:15 -0700 2004 978891 0 Jo 2 978943 Jo is correct, my previous answer was based on thinking it was just you and a date. He does PR dinners for exactly 8 or 10 people to promote his catering services. I would do the PR dinner, his catering services are exxxxxxxxxxxpensive.....but worth it. Here is the menu he cooked me and my friends 2 weeks ago.The food is Damn good but you need to be seriously into food. Curried Carrot Soup Miso Glazed Fuji Apples Sweet Hijiki Lemon Oil Caramelized Onion and Duck Confit Ravioli Butternut Squash Puree Black Trumpet Mushrooms Horseradish Emulsion Slow Roasted Wild Salmon Pistachio Praline Celeriac and Apple Cream Glazed Chanterelle mushrooms Soy Lime Emulsion Star Anise Scented Breast Of Long Island Duckling Fricasee Of Cepes Almond Cauliflower Puree Toasted Almond Jus Chocolate Cherry Ganache Mascarpone- Malt Ice Cream Espresso Black Pepper Caramel Tue Sep 21 15:25:11 -0700 2004 978934 0 Newgirlintown 3 978946 Just Walked in and I am salivating. What was the best dish and can you give me an idea of cost? Also, do you happen to have a phone number or email for this. Tue Sep 21 18:05:59 -0700 2004 978943 0 Jen 4 978960 E Mail them.....studiokitchen424@aol.com They will sedn you all the info you want. Wed Sep 22 11:10:29 -0700 2004 978946 0 Newgirlintown