$40th Birthday Dinner for Four - Need Help!

[doxiemom]

OK - so the best friend and her hubby are coming to Philly for the holidays and spending at little QT with their favorite doxie and his mom. Just so happens the friends hubby's 40th falls that week, and I'd like to take them someplace special that they haven't been, and not too pretentious. Don't get me wrong, I am all about pretentious on certain occassions, but this is not that audience. They have been to and loved: Le Castagne, Matyson (we go there everyt time they visit), Estia, Monk's, Modo Mio and Las Cazeulas. Was thinking about Speck, but the Studio Kitchen thing doesn't look like its ever going to happen. Was also thinking about a Garces Place, Maybe Amada or Distrito? They didn't like Chifa (although I do).

Any suggestions from my fellow hounders would be appreciated.

[kariya66]

I'd try Twenty Manning Grill. Nice decor, decent prices, great food. I've eaten there in its current and past incarnations and have never had a bad meal.

[joluvscards]

Bibou!!!!

[sylviag]

Unfortunately, Bibou isn't open on Tuesdays.

[bonappetite]

I would change the day and go Wed-Sun. to Bibou in a heartbeat

[doxiemom]

Changing the date not an option, sadly. Made reservations for Tinto as they will be staying at Sofitel, and I have always had fun there. But any oter outstanding suggestions are still appreciated!

[Buckethead]

Speck isn't open yet, and I'm not holding my breath. I'd take them to Zahav, Kanella, Bibou, Han Dynasty, or Koo Zee Doo. Zahav's my favorite but they're all excellent, special, and not pretentious (Han Dynasty especially).

[doxiemom]

I wanted to take them to KooZeeDoo, but they aren't open on Tuesday - I should have mentioned it was a Tuesday night deal. I forgot also to mention I am the one person in the world who apparently dislikes Zahav. Food is too salty, service is inconsistent-three strikes and they are out. And the dollar sign in the OP means nothing - I was walking and typing...Thanks!

[gaffk]

That's funny . . . At first glance I thought you were looking for a $40 dinner for for and wondering what response you would get.

[Bigley9]

Zahav? Bistrot La Minette? Kanella? Adsum (if they've quieted the place down as they were talking about doing!)

[urbanfabric]

I'd definitely second all of Bigley9's choices. I think Kanella is probably my favorite of those.

In the Garces domain, I like Tinto and Amada best. Although, you might try his new place at the Cira Centre, JG Domestic.