Tangerine, Fork or Other?
In Philly with wife for a fun/romantic night away, looking for a great dinner spot. New Amercian, Fusion, Seafood, or Italian. Setting is important and not Buddakhan loud. Have been recommended Tangerine and Fork but not sold. Thoughts?
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gina
Dec 25, 2006 12:32 AM
I have to disagree that Tangerine is underrated. I've found too many of their dishes to be overwhelmingly sweet. And they really should take the crab-feta phyllo off the menu--it's terrible.
If you have not had your night out yet, I'd recommend Bistro 7 (BYO), also in Old City.
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re: dream_of_giusti
rabidog
Jun 1, 2008 05:49 PM
how about smile cafe (thai) on 22nd just south of chestnut? i'd call ahead - it's a small place - and BYO. food was great, some of the best thai i've had in phila (erawan around 23rd and sansom is another favorite). also, though not food-related, our waiter painted most of the artwork that is on the walls. there was an amazing abstract painting of the italian market there. loved that spot!
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re: saturninus
Definitely agree with "NO" to Roy's. Our last experience involved weird service, and bad food. The fish tasted grainy, not fresh at all, and the balance of sauces with the fish we had was either non-existent or overpowering, with no middle ground. The prices are out of range for the quality of the food. And, the room itself is very noisy! We will not be going back!
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Tangerine was quite good but has small portions so I always order an extra couple of appetizers. Fork should be avoided as the food is not very tasty although the portions OK. I like Alma De Cuba and Armada but you have to order an extra appetizer or 2 to get a good idea about the restaurant. I was recently at Django, a Byob. I had a 7 course tasting meal including foi grais, which was unique, delicious, and ample. My wife and I walked out at the end of our meal stuffed and happy. La Ongolo on reed and Broad is not that romantic but a small and intimate place serving wonderful Italian food. They have hommade pasts including lobster ravioli,
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Put a fork in it...sounds like Tangerine is the spot. Estia looks great too (like Milos in Montreal) but I will save it for the next trip. Stripped Bass will need to be on an expense account. Many thanks.
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re: disher
bluehensfan
Dec 22, 2006 04:38 PM
That spot is cursed and more so is the spot across the street! (Smoked Joint R.I.P.)
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re: disher
The last time we were at Estia it was packed full - very lively. We had a wonderful meal, taking advantage of the $35 three-course dinner. There were several choices on that menu and everything was excellent. I may be wrong, but I think that this time they have found the right formula.
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I've eaten at Tangerine 2 times, once romantically (that sounds funny :-)) and once as a part of a business dinner. I think the ambiance for a romantic dinner is right on there. The whole wall of the back room is lit with votive candles tucked into the walls and the seating is done very well (as in not overcrowded, not noisy), at least the times I've been there. The food was good both times. Have I had better meals elsewhere? Maybe. But the combination of the atmosphere and the quality of the good is a good bet.
I can't speak for Fork as I've never eaten there... -
Tangerine is underated, the hidden gem in the Starr empire. Might I also suggest, for a nice, quiet meal, the Old City BYOB <a href="http://ae.philly.com/entertainment/ui...>?
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bluehensfan
Dec 21, 2006 10:50 AM
I would pass on Fork. The food there on our last visit was a disapoointment and our sentiments have been echoed by several other posters here.
I have been anxious to try Tangerine but have not been there yet. I hear it's very romatic and the food is pretty good, but can't comment on it myself.
Seeing that seafood is on your list, have you considered Estia? If you're looking for extremely fresh, simply prepared fish (with capers and olive oil) and grilled octopus and the like in a romantic setting with limestone and exposed timbers, it may be what you're looking for. Some of the non-seafood entrees are fine but not overly complex, and pale in comparison to how fresh the seafood is. And it's not loud at all. http://www.estiarestaurant.com
