Prix Fix Lunch, or Fab Lunch, but Quiet, and With Parking Nearby

[Bashful3]

Hi CH"s; I need your help again. Have car, treating friend with difficulty walking next Friday; want
to be able to hear each other talk without shouting. A place within 1/2 block of Market Street
from City Hall to 20th would also be fine, as our bus goes down Market Street, and I wouldn't have
to drive.

What do you suggest, and why? I really don't get into Center City often; parking tends to be
easier in burbs or S. Jersey, but I'm not coming up with an idea. Seafood, French, Continental
all would be fine.Not Mexican, INdian or spicy. Quiet is a huge plus.

[sockii]

I would suggest XIX - wonderful fixed price lunch of I think it's still $19 or $20, right near City Hall. Elegant dining room, if you make a reservation you're likely to get one of the best tables in the place with a lovely view. You get a salad/cheese/meat buffet, cooked to order entree and dessert buffet for the price. And it's all great. I can't think of a fixed price lunch in the city I think is a better deal given the ambiance, food and quiet atmosphere.

(sorry, didn't see you'd already reserved LaCroix - I've only been for Sunday brunch but was excellent. But do consider XIX for a future luncheon in the city!)

[Bashful3]

I have a confession to make. I'm such a newbie on some of these well known places, that
I confused The Palm with XIX. I was expecting that fabulous view! Thanks, sockii; I'm going
to make a rez for XIX the next city luncheon.

[sylviag]

Try R2L.
It's only half a block south of Market, entrance on 16th Street.
An elevator whizzes you up to the elegant room with stunning views.
Quiet, excellent service, and a decent lunch at a decent price.

[Bashful3]

Thanks all for your suggestions. Checking out menus on all, I chose La Croix, with a wrinkle
on the parking situation. Hubby will drive us there, and we will take a cab back. Hubby
averse to valet parking, so he will be our valet...

Remembering other lunches there, I know it will be quiet, with flawless service and lovely
atmosphere. Glad I ate at the Palm last week, great value, but clubby decor + noise being
the negatives. Prix Fix lunch a better value at Palm, and I would recommend it highly for
most people who have not been there before.

[sylviag]

Sometime in the future, get to R2L for lunch. That's where I've been taking people lately - not expensive, no cab fare, and lovely atmosphere. Food's pretty good, too.

[Bashful3]

Hey Syl, I think you know something I don't. I checked out their menu on their website,
and it looked kinda pricey to me. Do they have any Prix Fix lunch specials?

I really wanted to go there, but was concerned I might run into sticker shock.

[cwdonald]

I am not aware of anything, but on average, a soup, and a sandwich or a main + dessert is going to run you 30 dollars before beverages tax and tip, which is about six dollars more than LaCroix's wonderful three course lunch.

[DaisyM]

I suggest requesting a table overlooking the square. Have a lovely time.

[Kshell]

If parking and not driving is the primary difficulty, you might consider a place that offers valet parking like the Fountain at the Four Seasons or LaCroix (which offers a three course lunch at a very reasonable price). I was in a similar position last year with a broken leg and valet parking was a blessing, even if more expensive.

[DaisyM]

+1 for the Four Seasons and LaCroix. I always think of a great hotel when quiet is needed and valet parking makes much easier for your guest.

[Buckethead]

Matyson is the only place I can think of that's within 1/2 block of Market between Broad and 20th, does lunch, is good, and is quiet.