Don't cringe....Restaurant Week (Jan 25-30)

[Hellolaura]

I find it a bit odd that this hasn't really been advertised yet and it's about 3 weeks away.

Can we review the list of restaurants and recommend what is worth the 35 dollars?

Here's the link: http://www.centercityphila.org/life/R... Some offer their menus, too.

I made reservations at Del Frisco's and the only other "deal" I see is Table 31. Any other
"worth it" restaurants on the list?

[Hellolaura]

I know in the past, Estia got some great reviews, especially for RR week. I don't know about the menu they are offering this time around. Can anyone comment?

First Course
(choice of one)

SAGANAKI
Kefalograveira cheese pan fried golden brown served with an ouzo lemon emulsion

SPANAKOPITA
Our famous home made spinach pie stuffed with fresh spinach, feta, and leeks

YEMISTA KALAMARAKIA
Calamari stuffed with a trio of Greek cheeses, grilled served with lemon and extra virgin olive oil

HORIATIKI SALATA
Classic Greek salad with vine-ripened tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, red onions, mixed olives, and wood barrel aged feta cheese

Second Course
(choice of one)

LAVRAKI or TSIPOURA
Choice of fish which is charcoal grilled whole before being de-boned then served with a ladolemeno sauce and topped with capers

MOUSSAKA
A traditional Greek casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, sliced eggplant, potatoes and topped with a Kefalograviera béchamel

KOTOPOULO
Organic chicken slow roasted served over caramelized onions and a yogurt orzo, and finished with a chicken lemon and thyme sauce.

Third Course
(choice of one)

BAKLAVA
Layered phyllo with almonds and walnuts in a honey syrup

KARIDOPITA
Traditional walnut honey cake served with fresh fruit

[jerseytomato]

I went there last year for RW (before the price was upped to $35). The menu was very similar. I cannot remember what everyone had, but I do remember getting the spanakopita and the fish (which one, I can't remember). It was all good, but nothing sticks out as being particularly memorable or out of the ordinary.

[Becfhlax]

Went to Estia last Jan. during RW. Fabulous. Very similar menu.
Went with my sister. She had SAGANAKI, MOUSSAKA, and BAKLAVA. All to die for. I had SPANAKOPITA, LAVRAKI, and Greek Yogurt with honey. Loved it!

[travers]

I'm trying to decide between Amada and Tinto.... thoughts?

[jerseytomato]

I don't know what the menu is for Tinto, so can't comment on the value. I've been to Amada during RW and think it's a great deal. I believe you get a total of 5 plates (1 is dessert) and they're dishes off of the regular menu, although a limited selection. Check out the menu on the RW website and see if it interests you-I think it's worth it. At this point though, you may only find a table at 9:30!

[marianne215]

Chima would be a good deal, if you're into a lot of meat and they're offering their normal menu. I believe it usually runs about $60pp and doesn't include dessert.

Lacroix could also be good, but it would depend on the menu.

The problem we run into for Restaurant Week, especially since it went up to $35, is that we don't order dessert normally so that really decreases the value for us. Have to go someplace that normally very expensive just to get a deal. We went to Oceanaire last time, and were surprised and disappointed to discover that all the entrees came a la carte, so we had to get sides separately. Our bill ended up way more than we expected.

[Carole]

what do you think of Zahav ?

[Hellolaura]

I can't comment on Zahav, as I've never been there. I have heard good things of this place.

[Buckethead]

Zahav is fantastic, one of my favorite restaurants in the city, but the restaurant week site gives no details about what the menu there will be like during RW. Depending on what you can order, $35 may or may not be that much of a deal. My last bill there was only about $35 per person (not including drinks, tax, or tip), and we ordered enough food to stuff ourselves, so I can't imagine ordering more even if the RW deal allows it (and it probably doesn't).

So what I'm saying is that if you want to try Zahav, good, it's a great restaurant, but just go there when you feel like it, because RW is not likely to be much of a deal with the usual RW menu restrictions.

[Gorp512]

Zahav did the Opentable Stimulus Plan and offered alot. It seemed to be a good deal, I would think they would offer close to the same. I have a res at Tinto this time around. Still debating it though.

[Carole]

We did Tinto last time and thought it was decent deal and excellent food/service. The only problem we ran into was that the wine tacked a bit onto the price!