Quick early b-day dinner - Philadelphia
Greetings from LA, Philly hounds! I'm flying into Philadelphia on Saturday and am looking for a relatively quick dinner to celebrate my birthday before going off to a show at Penn/University City at 7PM. My flight should arrive at 4:15PM, and I would most likely take the R1/Septa to my dining destination (can get to Center City by 5:15PM).
My sibling is willing to come down for dinner from NYC for my b-day IF there is a good meal involved. I spent my college years in Philadelphia, so we've been to a few places... Morimoto and Buddakan included.
Taking the early time and limited duration into account, does anyone have recommendations for this dinner? I believe anything around Morimoto caliber (we think it's awesome, sibling wants to have the omakase but no time for that on this trip) will get said sibling onto the bus to Philly.
Not looking to break the bank, no alcohol planned, using public transportation, must get to University City by 6:45PM!
Is there anything that fits my schedule and budget? :P Would appreciate suggestions... please advise if I should give up on trying to pull sibling down for my b-day too.
(I know it's early in the game, but would Osteria be wishful thinking?)
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I loved osteria-- went with friends the other night. there is always walk-in seating with full menu at the bar or in front of the open kitchen counter. dinner starts at 5pm i think. www.osteriaphilly.com .marigold kitchen is also a tasty spot (byo)! good luck with dinner.
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if you are going to a show at the world cafe, the restaurant there is not too bad in a pinch. it's a bit over-priced for what it is, but is safe. two other places worth checking out include thai singha house at 39th and chestnut and lemongrass at 36th and lancaster, both thai. there are some good indian buffets around 40th street too, though i forget which ones i like. sorry!
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I'd go to Marigold Kitchen. It's convenient to your location, and very good. When you make the reservation, tell them about your time constraints. Forget about Osteria, there are no reservations to be had till next month and you don't have the time to wait around for seats at the bar to open up. It's also 20 blocks away from where you need to be for the show.
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On second thought, eating in University City would make more sense. Closer for your sister, via train and taxi/bus also. Marigold Kitchen comes to mind for an early dinner. Another excellent choice would be Nan, corner of 40th and Walnut--an easier location actually for both you and your sister to reach--no taxis needed.
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re: Bashful3
I will second Nan. I was just at Morimoto a few weeks ago -- and would pick Nan over Morimoto in a second. (granted, the 'scene' is not the same)
just a quick note, Nan is at 40th and Chestnut, not Walnut. Here is a link to their website:
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re: DanielleM
Nan over Morimoto, really? Interesting... I saw Nan so many times while I was studying in Philly, but never had the chance to go there. Good suggestion!
Thanks for all the nods to Marigold Kitchen... it sounds like an excellent choice, and I did call them about timing.
Plans are still in flux with the indecisive sibling, but I feel armed w/great options. Thanks folks!!
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re: gsmoose
I think I was expecting alot from Morimoto and was disappointed. With Nan, I had no expectations, and thought the food was fantastic. They are totally different though - Nan is a clean simple understated atmosphere, with many french influences on their menu. Morimoto is sleek, flashy, and has many exotic things on the menu. But I would go back to Nan in a second - whereas Morimoto, I was glad to go, but I won't go back. I was underwhelmed.
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