Philadelphia : The List

Celeb Chefs Cover the Market

BuzzEditor — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:17:00 GMT

Amada

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Though fine dining may have cooled off a little as a result of the past year’s economic turmoil, celeb chefs remain as popular as ever. Fortunately, many of them have opened more casual concepts, allowing diners with tighter budgets to get a taste of their culinary vision. But how do these budget-minded sibs stack up against their high-end counterparts? Read up, and then add your own votes and opinions.

Jose Garces

With five restaurants and counting Jose Garces is easily one of Philadelphia's brightest culinary stars, and with spots like the new Chifa, the current Next Iron Chef contestant seems intent on bringing his inventive cooking to the masses with more reasonable price tags.

Amada

217 Chestnut St.
(bet. 2nd & 3rd Sts.)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-625-2450; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
28	24	25	$52

“Tapas of the heap” sums up the sentiment on Jose Garces’ “sexy”, “sublime” Spaniard in Old City, where armadas of amigos (“book way in advance”) share small plates of “awesome”, “cutting-edge” comida and “primo” sangria served by an “informative” staff; it may be “pricey”, but the $45–$65 tasting menus help contain costs, and if “noise” is a concern, come early (or for lunch).

Key to Zagat Ratings

Chifa

707 Chestnut St.
(7th St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-925-5555; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
-	-	-	M

The little-known culinary hybrid of ‘chifa’ – Cantonese-Peruvian fusion – is explored at this glam, yet moderately priced, Wash West arrival from Jose Garces (Amada, Distrito, Tinto); its ceviche bar has 10 varieties daily, a communal table offers a gathering point for friends and who knows what goes on in the opium den–inspired bar downstairs.

Marc Vetri

Marc Vetri was ahead of the curve, following up his top-rated Vetri with the more affordable Osteria way back in the good-old-economy days of 2007.

Vetri

1312 Spruce St.
(bet. Broad & 13th Sts.)
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-732-3478; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
27	23	27	$88

Although “you’re not under the real Tuscan sun”, fans swear you’re as good as there at Marc Vetri and Jeff Benjamin’s “rustic” Italian “legend” in Wash West, which “continues to amaze” with a menu of “sublime” “handmade everything” and “outstanding”, “knowledgeable” service; it’s “tough to get a table” in the “shoebox”-like space, and be prepared “to pay an arm and a leg”; N.B. there’s no à la carte on Friday or Saturday.

Key to Zagat Ratings

Osteria

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Osteria

640 N. Broad St.
(Wallace St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19130
215-763-0920; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
26	24	24	$56

“Bravo” declare devotees of chef Marc Vetri and Jeff Benjamin (the Vetri team) who’ve “done it again” with partner-chef Jeff Michaud at this “spectacular”, “industrial”-style North Philly Italian “destination” distinguished for its “cutting-edge” cuisine, including “sublime” brick-oven pizzas, complemented by an “interesting” wine list; though less expensive than its celebrated sibling, many say it’s still a “splurge.”

Key to Zagat Ratings

Noodling Around

BuzzEditor — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:41:00 GMT

Table 31

Photo: Kristina Scott

In an effort to combat pasta's bad post-Atkins rap, the World Pasta Congress of Rome (yes, there is such a thing) has deemed October 25 to be World Pasta Day. In its honor, we thought we’d take this opportunity to highlight some primo pastafarians around town.

Splashy Spots

BuzzEditor — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:18:00 GMT

Moshulu

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

The pleasure of dining by the water is something only an aquaphobe could deny. Yet too often the food quality at waterside restaurants is a washout. To give you a leg up, here are five such spots that score 21 or above for Food.

Want more aqua-adjacent options? Check out our full list of waterside restaurants.

Eating Au Naturel

BuzzEditor — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:53:00 GMT

Mission Grill

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

After pigging out this past weekend on ribs, burgers and beer to celebrate our nation's birthday, perhaps you'd like to continue your patriotic eating, albeit the healthy way. To help you out, we've compiled a list of area restaurants that serve American cuisine with a focus on natural and organic ingredients.

Sky's the Limit on Memorial Day

BuzzEditor — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:23:00 GMT

Photo: Keven Law

Memorial Day, May 25, is almost here, which means it's time for barbecues and trips to scenic vistas. But if you’re the kind who’d rather have someone else do the grilling, and aren’t looking to travel beyond your own city limits, we’ve got some suggestions for you. Celebrate the long weekend with lip-smacking, bib-staining ’cue and escapes to restaurants with rooftops.

Top Barbecue

Rooftop Dining

Do It Outdoors

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:42:00 GMT

Nineteen (XIX)

Photo: Ryan Charles

If you're looking for a spot to dine while worshiping the sun, check out the list below for some choice alfresco bets (including Nineteen, pictured). Or maybe you're more of the outdoor drinking type? Don't worry, we have suggestions for that too!

Tax Recovery

BuzzEditor — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:32:00 GMT

photo: courtesy of Churl

No matter how much you try to forget, your taxes are still due on April 15. But that doesn't mean you can't afford a solid meal – after this rough couple of months, you deserve it! We've pulled out a few cheap eats from our list of Best Buys, where you can reward yourself for tangling with the taxman.

Toasty Tables

BuzzEditor — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:07:00 GMT

Jones

Photo: courtesy Jones

“A fireside is a great opiate," said Leigh Hunt, the poet and journalist. It’s also a great mood-setter, and in a historic city such as Philadelphia, they are fairly commonplace. Here are a few choice spots to warm your toes.

Beau Monde: This Queen Village crêperie has a beautifully decorated fireplace opposite its doorway; though you can’t dine in front of it, it’s an attractive visual (624 S. Sixth St.; 215-592-0656).

Georges': The hearths at this Eclectic in Wayne, surrounded by a circular sofa, are a wonderful setting for Georges Perrier’s bar food (503 W. Lancaster Ave.; 610-964-2588).

Jones: Try to nab a a seat by the mod gas fireplaces, set into fieldstone columns, at this hopping comfort fooder near the Liberty Bell (700 Chestnut St.; 215-223-5663).

McGillin’s Olde Ale House: Though there's a chill vibe at this Center City pub, which dates back to 1860, its wood-burning stone fireplace heats things up nicely (1310 Drury St.; 215-735-5562).

Plough & The Stars: This Old City Irish dazzles its bar crowd with a real wood fire, in front of which musicians play on weekends (123 Chestnut St.; 215-733-0300).

Spasso: Bargain-hunters who flock to this Old City staple for reasonably priced Italian fare regularly ask for a table near its wood stove (34 S. Front St.; 215-592-7661).

Have an Ox-some New Year

BuzzEditor — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:34:00 GMT

Celebrate the year of the Ox.

Photo: Bernard Oh

If you didn't get your fill of New Year's festivities a few weeks ago, take heart, because the Year of the Ox begins on January 26th. The celebrations continue for 15 days, including the annual Lion Dance performances happening at 10th Street and Race Street on January 25th and February 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd. To get you in the mood, here's where to find the Top Chinese from our Philadelphia Restaurants guide:

Five Lunches for $10 and Under

BuzzEditor — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:20:00 GMT

In these turbulent economic times, a filling lunch at an affordable price is a welcome surprise. Especially when that price is less than 10 bucks. But finding such bargains can be tough: fortunately, we've scouted out five local restaurants whose ongoing lunch deals come in at $10 or below.

Bistro St. Tropez

2400 Market St., 4th fl.; 215-569-9269

This Center City West French offers an express lunch every day featuring half of its sandwich du jour, a cup of soup and a side salad for $8.95.

Pattaya Grill

4006 Chestnut St.; 215-387-8533

For just $8.95, diners at this University City Thai can enjoy a soup, an appetizer and an entree.

Thai Singha House

3939 Chestnut St.; 215-382-8001

This Thai spot offers University City diners an $8.95 lunch that includes soup, salad and an entree.

Water Lily

653 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, NJ; 856-833-0998

If you're in Collingswood, it's hard to beat the "business luncheon" at this Asian-French spot, where $9.50 gets you a chicken spring roll, salad, rice and your choice of entree.

Zocalo

3600 Lancaster Ave.; 215-895-0139

The reduced lunchtime prices at this University City Mexican are even better than they look, as most of the $10 entrees come with soup and salad to boot.

Keeping Kosher in Philly

BuzzEditor — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:43:00 GMT

With the Jewish high holidays in full swing – Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins at sundown – it seems as good a time as any to talk kosher. So if you're looking for somewhere to break the fast tomorrow, or are just a fan of food prepared to strict standards, we suggest you consider these kosher spots from our recently released 2009 Philadelphia Restaurants guide:

Max & David's

8120 Old York Rd., Elkins Park; 215-885-2400

“Religious and secular” diners alike get their fill of “terrific” kosher Med and Eastern Euro fare and “friendly”, “old-fashioned” service at this “gourmet” spot in Elkins Park, where you can BYO as long as it’s Kashrut-compliant; while some may find the decor “cheesy”, fromage and other dairy are strictly treif here, and remember it’s closed for Sabbath; N.B. now open for lunch Mondays–Fridays.

Harmony Vegetarian

135 N. Ninth St.; 215-627-4520

Admirers of this Chinese veggie specialist in Chinatown attest it “works magic” (“you’ll never know it’s not the real thing”) with its all-you-can-eat dim sum ($24 for two) that’s a “dream come true”; even meat eaters are in sync about “not missing the beef” when there’s this much “flavor” going around.

Singapore Kosher Vegetarian

1006 Race St.; 215-922-3288

“You won’t miss the meat” given the “interesting menu” of kosher vegetarian fare say supporters of this Chinatown option; it’s not big on decor but prices are modest too and “very nice servers” add to the “calm, soothing atmosphere.”

Maccabeam

128 S. 12th St.; 215-922-5922

Fans insist this “storefront” kosher Israeli in Center City “proves you don’t need too much ambiance” when you’re dishing out such “satisfying” eats at “such low prices”; still, others feel the “nondescript” digs could use a “makeover”; N.B. it’s closed for Sabbath (sundown Friday–sundown Saturday).

For more Philadelphia Top Lists, click here.

Paul Newman's Legacy

BuzzEditor — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:21:00 GMT

Legendary actor Paul Newman passed away over the weekend. Although best known as a movie star, he was also renowned as an entrepreneur/philanthropist thanks to his Newman’s Own brand of food products, which began as a line of salad dressing and grew to encompass everything from popcorn to lemonade to spaghetti sauce. All profits from this enterprise were donated to various charities, allowing him to harness his global fame for the common good. Not incidentally, he was also a racecar driver and even a restaurateur (Dressing Room in Westport, CT).

Ultimately, his legacy lies in his movies. As a tribute to his wide-ranging body of work, here is a list of 20 notable Newman films, rated and reviewed by our voters. It is excerpted from the 2009 Zagat Movie Guide.

Key to Zagat Ratings

Absence of Malice

1981 | Directed by Sydney Pollack | With Paul Newman, Sally Field, Bob Balaban | 116 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
21	25	21	20

"Newman and Field ignite the screen" in this "textured" "hard-hitting" courtroom drama demonstrating how "guilt by association" causes a "newspaper to ruin a man's career"; most say that the "irresponsible press" is a topic made for the movies, but some feel this "slight" effort "should have been better" – starting with the "not-believable ending."

Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid

1969 | Directed by George Roy Hill | With Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross | 110 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
26	26	25	25

"Compulsive charmers" Newman and Redford play a pair of wisecracking, "magnetic" "antiheroes" trying to stay ahead of the law in this "outstanding" Western "buddy movie", loaded with "adventure and humor"; it fuses a "snappy" script, Burt Bacharach soundtrack and "too many classic scenes to count" into a "sentimental favorite" that's "never boring" from start to "unforgettable" finish.

Cars

2006 | Directed by John Lasseter, Joe Ranft | Animated | 116 minutes | Rated G

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
24	-	23	27

Disney/Pixar's "well-oiled" animation outfit rigs a "familiar fish-out-of- water story" ("Doc Hollywood", anyone?) to "talking cars" and rolls out this "delightful" joyride featuring "exceptional" renderings and "adorable" vocal characterizations by Owen Wilson, Paul Newman and comic Larry The Cable Guy; parents appreciate the "great" soundtrack and "offbeat" cultural references – real lifesavers when the young 'uns "watch it for the 30th time."

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

1958 | Directed by Richard Brooks | With Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives | 108 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
25	27	24	23

"Man, these people have problems": "steamy Liz" "in that white slip" and a "dynamite" Newman "couldn't possibly look better" as they "burn up the screen" in this "sex-soaked" Tennessee Williams drama of "love, rejection" and "Southern family politics"; the "towering" Ives presides as the ragin' Big Daddy, adding an "incredibly interesting" Lear-like thread to all that "eye candy."

Color of Money, The

1986 | Directed by Martin Scorsese | With Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio | 119 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
16	21	16	17

Something different from Martin Scorsese, this "generation-later" "follow-up to The Hustler" details how a washed-up billiards baron molds an up-and-comer into his protégé; though somewhat "predictable", "excellent acting" from the "powerhouse Cruise" and the "finely tuned", Oscar-winning Newman "saves it."

Cool Hand Luke

1967 | Directed by Stuart Rosenberg | With Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Strother Martin | 126 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
26	27	24	22

"One of the best movie lines ever" ('what we have here is a failure to communicate') and that "famous hard-boiled egg scene" make this "damn great" Deep South prison drama memorable – not to mention the efforts of "consummate pro" Newman playing one cool con on a "chain gang", abetted by a "strong" Kennedy, who grabbed an Oscar for his supporting work.

Exodus

1960 | Directed by Otto Preminger | With Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint, Sal Mineo | 210 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
23	23	26	25

An "all-star cast" drives this story of the "founding of modern Israel", a "stunning", "satisfying" Preminger epic "faithfully" adapted from Leon Uris' best-seller; fans single out the star turn from a "too-gorgeous-for-words" Newman "in his prime", and if the plot has some "bathos" mixed into its "high drama", it's ultimately a "moving" moving picture.

Fort Apache, The Bronx

1981 | Directed by Daniel Petrie | With Paul Newman, Ken Wahl, Rachel Ticotin, Ed Asner | 125 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
21	23	21	20

Considered "shocking in its day", this "gritty" snapshot of a "city overtaken by crime" set a "new standard for cop dramas" with its "tell-it- like-it-is" depiction of hookers, junkies and the NYPD; "not-bad-on-the- eyes" Newman is "at his acting best" as the veteran "good guy" on the force, with strong backup from a "wonderful ensemble."

Harper

1966 | Directed by Jack Smight | With Paul Newman, Lauren Bacall, Julie Harris, Arthur Hill, Janet Leigh, Pamela Tiffin, Robert Wagner, Shelley Winters | 121 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
21	23	20	21

Renowned for its all-star, scenery-shredding cast, this "fun" private *** flick features a "vintage Paul" hot on the trail of a missing husband; if the "plot is entirely predictable", "none of the actors are", with special kudos to an "entertaining" Bacall as a witchy wife and a "classic" Winters as a blousy, boozy starlet.

Hud

1963 | Directed by Martin Ritt | With Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, Patricia Neal, Brandon De Wilde | 112 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
26	28	24	24

"Stud muffin" Newman is at his "bad boy best" playing an "alienated", "black-hearted" cowboy in this "truly adult" "modern Western" about a "struggle between a father and son"; sure, "Neal got the Oscar" (as did "heartbreaker Douglas" and that "gorgeous black-and-white cinematography"), but in the end, Paul's "heartbreakingly cool" anti-hero gets the most reaction.

Hudsucker Proxy, The

1994 | Directed by Joel Coen | With Tim Robbins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Paul Newman | 111 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
22	22	21	23

"Big business" and the "bootstrappy American dream" are satirized in this "sly satire" via the Coen brothers about a "plucky mailroom clerk" who "invents the hula hoop" ("ya know, for kids") and becomes president of the company; despite a "refreshingly cynical" script peppered with "dialogue so crisp you can hear the gum smacking", a few find it a bit "odd", though it's certainly "never dull."

Hustler, The

1961 | Directed by Robert Rossen | With Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie | 134 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
25	26	24	22

"Dark, tense and beautifully delivered", this "ultimate movie about winning" is also a "love poem to the game of pool", featuring "Newman on a roll" opposite Gleason in a rare dramatic turn that nearly "steals the picture"; it's "convincing", "gripping" stuff, and though Paul reprised the character of Eddie Felson in The Color of Money, connoisseurs claim this first take is so "much better."

Road to Perdition

2002 | Directed by Sam Mendes | With Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Daniel Craig, Jude Law | 117 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
23	26	22	25

"Hanks proves his versatility" in this "evocative period piece", playing a "cold-blooded hit man" for the Irish mafia during the Depression; the "intense journey" is "impeccably done", with Newman in "stellar form", Oscar-winning cinematography that will "take your breath away" (notably that "tommy gun scene in the rain") and "top-notch screenwriting" that "stays true to the novel."

Silent Movie

1976 | Directed by Mel Brooks | With Mel Brooks, Marty Feldman, Dom DeLuise, Sid Caesar | 87 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
20	20	19	20

"Kudos" to Brooks for ditching dialogue and scoring "audience roars" with "clever" sight gags in this "entertaining" send-up of silent films; expect a parade of "star" cameos (Burt Reynolds, Liza Minnelli, Paul Newman), though the "best moment" belongs to mime Marcel Marceau, who utters the picture's "only spoken word."

Slap Shot

1977 | Directed by George Roy Hill | With Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean, Strother Martin | 122 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
22	18	19	17

Right up there with the "funniest sports flicks", this puckish comedy finds "Newman on skates" as the "foul-mouthed coach" of a "dark horse" minor-league hockey team with a "strange way" of turning every face-off into a riot on ice; it "epitomizes the goonery" of the high-sticking '70s, resulting in "crazy", "profane" and "fairly violent" fare that hardcore fans "cannot live without."

Sting, The

1973 | Directed by George Roy Hill | With Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw | 129 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
27	26	27	26

"Deftly" charming its way to Best Picture honors, this "classy" comedy "caper" "succeeds in spades" as a "likable", "fast-paced" vehicle for Newman and Redford, radiating "great rapport" as a pair of grifters playing a gangster for a sucker in Depression-era Chicago; a "funny, intriguing" "period piece" set to "elegant" Joplin rags, it raises the "suspense" stakes with "masterful" plotting and a final "zinger" that saves the sharpest sting for last.

Sweet Bird of Youth

1962 | Directed by Richard Brooks | With Paul Newman, Geraldine Page, Ed Begley, Shirley Knight | 120 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
24	28	24	23

A "young, gorgeous" Newman and "brilliant" Page ("what a combo!") reprise their stage roles in this cinematic adaptation of Tennessee Williams' play about a wannabe actor/gigolo and a faded, Sunset Boulevard–esque movie queen; sure, the story has been somewhat sanitized for the big screen, but most birdies still tweet "how sweet it is . . ."

Torn Curtain

1966 | Directed by Alfred Hitchcock | With Paul Newman, Julie Andrews, Lila Kedrova, Wolfgang Kieling | 128 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
23	24	23	22

This "compelling" Cold War spy thriller via Alfred Hitchcock concerns an American physicist who defects to East Germany, bent on espionage; while it "isn't the greatest Newman or Andrews" effort, it still "has is moments", notably the 'silent murder' sequence and Lila Kedrova's "compelling" supporting role as a down-and-out countess.

Towering Inferno, The

1974 | Directed by John Guillermin, Irwin Allen | With Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, William Holden | 165 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
18	17	18	22

"Make sure you know where all the exits are" before settling into this "big, bad '70s disaster" flick starring a skyscraper, a fire and a "rogues' gallery of great actors"; although the "passable" "special effects were top-drawer for its time", cynical sorts snort it's more of a "made-for- TV movie" by modern standards.

Verdict, The

1982 | Directed by Sidney Lumet | With Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden | 129 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
23	25	23	20

A "David-vs.-Goliath" legal struggle is the underpinning of this "underrated" courtroom drama about a "burned-out lawyer trying one last case to keep from going under"; Newman's "intense", "tour-de-force" turn is one of his "greatest" roles (leaving many "stunned" that the Oscar eluded him), while the "mesmerizing" Rampling "excels" as the love interest.

The Best Cheese Steaks in Philadelphia

BuzzEditor — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:50:00 GMT

A cheese steak from Tony Luke's with provolone and fried onions

photo: Bryce Edwards

Sometimes you feel like eating a great steak and sometimes what you really crave is a classic cheese steak. Luckily enough, the City of Brotherly Love is the undisputed king of the cheese steak and home to numerous spots serving the specialty. So if you're in the mood for one of the all-time great sandwiches, here's our list of Top Cheese Steaks from the just-released 2009 Philadelphia Restaurants guide:

Tony Luke's Old Philly Style Sandwiches

39 E. Oregon Ave.; 215-551-5725

The “amazing” cheese steaks are worth even a “wait in the cold and rain” at this “classic South Philly” stop off I-95 near the stadiums, where it’s a given you’ll “park in the median” amid truckers and watch “counter people” “yell at the drunk customers”; the “prices match” the “picnic-table” setting, but “who needs decor when you have the hot pork with greens?"

Dalessandro's Steaks

600 Wendover St.; 215-482-5407

“If they serve cheese steaks in heaven” they must order them from this Roxborough “hole-in-the-wall” cheer fans who venture away from “touristy” Ninth Street for these “meaty”, “awesome” sandwiches slathered in “fried peppers” and served by the “coolest rushed staff around”

Steve's Prince of Steaks

2711 Comly Rd.; 215-677-8020

7200 Bustleton Ave.; 215-338-0985

1617 E. Lincoln Hwy., Langhorne PA; 215-943-4640

Boosters boast these steak stands “reign supreme” in Northeast Philly and Lower Bucks with their “awesome” cheese steaks of “sliced rib-eye” (“not chopped-up ground beef”) served by royally “rude” counter guys; “you don’t go there for decor”, but regulars recommend it anyway for an “artery-clogging” experience without “driving to South Philly.”

Jim's Steaks

2311 Cottman Ave.; 215-333-5467

431 N. 62nd St; 215-747-6615

400 South St.; 215-928-1911

469 Baltimore Pike, Springfield PA; 610-544-8400

“What decor? what service?” ask fans who “drool” in line at “almost any hour of the day” at this “bare-bones”, “cafeteria-style” Philly cheese steak foursome for “awesome” creations “cooked in front of your eyes”; be sure to order “with Whiz” – and bring “Rolaids for dessert."

Campo's Deli

214 Market St.; 215-923-1000

Take “out-of-towners” or drop in on your own to the Campo family’s “affordable” Old City hoagiery for “great” sandwiches loaded with “first-rate” fillings; they offer “arguably some of the best” goods around, and “fast”, yet “friendly” “whaddya-want” service helps keep things moving.

To see more Philadelphia Top Lists, click here.

The Best Steakhouses in Philadelphia

BuzzEditor — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:48:00 GMT

Capital Grille

photo: Courtesy of the Capital Grille

Cheese steaks are wonderful and all, but sometimes you need, well, a real steak. If you're looking for a stellar prime rib or porterhouse to enjoy with a fine glass of red, here is the list of Top Steakhouses from the just-released 2009 Philadelphia Restaurants guide:

Barclay Prime

237 S. 18th St.; 215-732-7560

“Choose your weapon” from the “pick-your-knife selection” and “feast away” on “fantastic” beef (including “awesome” Kobe cheese steaks) at Stephen’s Starr’s “expense-account extraordinaire” meatery on Rittenhouse Square; a “posh” “library” setting and “knowledgeable” servers enhance the city’s top-rated non-chain steakhouse (just remember to get your “credit limit increased” before you go); N.B. jackets suggested.

The Capital Grille

1338 Chestnut St.; 215-545-9588

“You get what you pay for” at this “swanky”, “old-school” beefery (one of the “best chain steakhouses, hands-down”), a “Grand Central Station” near City Hall where Philly’s “movers and shakers” gleefully “break out the platinum card” for “prime” cuts that “cost a car payment” and “professional” service that “meets expectations”; the “always-packed” bar attracts a “suit-and-briefcase” crowd that knows to “watch out” for the many specialty drinks.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar

555 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, PA; 610-688-9463

Main Liners welcome this “classy”, “pricey-but-worth-it” wood-adorned beefery off the Blue Route in Radnor, home of “perfectly cooked” steaks, 100 wines by the glass and “perky” servers who “know” their stuff; for best results, go on an “expense account”, and if you have a need to “be seen”, try the “hopping bar.”

Morton's The Steakhouse

1411 Walnut St.; 215-557-0724

640 W. DeKalb Pike, King of Prussia; 610-491-1900

Bring your “appetite” and your “Lipitor” for the “manly sized” steaks in a “manly setting” at this meatery chain whose “high standards” extend to outposts in Center City and KoP; just don’t forget your “corporate expense card” for the “pricey”, “second-to-none” porterhouses and seafood hustled out by a “can-do” staff – even if the pre-dinner “raw” meat presentation isn’t your thing.

Prime Rib

1701 Locust St.; 215-772-1701

“Old-fashioned supper club” meets “classy” steakhouse at this “sophisticated” “temple” to beef in the Radisson Warwick, where “Fred Flintstone–size slabs” of “expensive-but-worth-it” prime rib come complete with all the “trimmings” – plus “nightly music”, a “well-schooled staff” and on Sundays, a three-course “bargain” prix fixe; N.B. jackets required only in main dining room (other areas business-casual).

To see more Philadelphia Top Lists, click here.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Philly

BuzzEditor — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:46:00 GMT

Modo Mio is the fifth best Italian restaurant in Philly.

photo: Ryan Charles

The 2009 Philadelphia Restaurants guide is out, and 5,507 avid diners like you have spoken. Despite the fact that 28% of Philadelphia surveyors say they prefer Italian food (American came in second with 14% of the vote), none of the city’s five Most Popular restaurants – Buddakan, Amada, Le Bec-Fin, Alma de Cuba and Capital Grille – are Italian. So where's an Italian food lover to go? Here are the five Top Italian restaurants in Philly.

Vetri

1312 Spruce St.; 215-732-3478

Although “you’re not under the real Tuscan sun”, fans swear you’re as good as there at Marc Vetri and Jeff Benjamin’s “rustic” Italian “legend” in Center City, which “continues to amaze” with a menu of “sublime” “handmade everything” and “outstanding”, “knowledgeable” service; it’s “tough to get a table” in the “shoebox”-like space, and be prepared “to pay an arm and leg”; N.B. there’s no à la carte on Saturdays.

Mercato

1216 Spruce St.; 215-985-2962

“If you can get into” this “hip”, “minimalist” BYO bistro in a Center City storefront, you surely will “love, love, love” R. Evan Turney’s “amazingly fresh” American-Italian fare (and “flights of olive oil”), delivered by an “efficient” staff that gracefully “navigates the cramped quarters”; N.B. reservations are accepted Sundays–Fridays between 5-6:30 PM for parties no larger than six (cash only).

Ristorante San Marco

504 N. Bethlehem Pike; 215-654-5000

“Top-rate” Northern Italian seafood and “impressive” wines suitable for “celebrations” are the draw at this “upscale”, “villa”-like “find” near Ambler; while the service may be “impersonal”, it’s “dedicated”, in “old-school fine-dining fashion.”

L'Angolo

1415 W. Porter St.; 215-389-4252

First “squeeze to get into” this “charming” South Philly Italian BYO owned by the Faenzas of Center City’s Salento, then “squeeze to get out” after “filling up” on “affordable”, “outstanding” antipasto and “divine” pasta proffered by “vivacious” servers who “aim to please”; just be sure to “reserve early” – “the food is plentiful, the space is not.”

Modo Mio

161 W. Girard Ave.; 215-203-8707

Accolades abound for the “absolutely first-rate”, “imaginative” Italian fare of Peter McAndrews at his “warm” BYO on the edge of Northern Liberties – particularly for the “outrageously underpriced” $30 four-course prix fixe dinner with “just the right amount to eat”; the cooking supercedes gripes about the “noise level” (“bring earplugs”), “cash-only” policy and front-of-the-house “glitches.”

To see more Philadelphia Top Lists, click here.

Philadelphia : The List

Celeb Chefs Cover the Market

Amada

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Jose Garces

217 Chestnut St. (bet. 2nd & 3rd Sts.) Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-625-2450; reserve online

707 Chestnut St. (7th St.) Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-925-5555; reserve online

Marc Vetri

1312 Spruce St. (bet. Broad & 13th Sts.) Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-732-3478; reserve online

Osteria

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

640 N. Broad St. (Wallace St.) Philadelphia, PA 19130 215-763-0920; reserve online

Noodling Around

Table 31

Photo: Kristina Scott

Splashy Spots

Moshulu

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Eating Au Naturel

Mission Grill

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Sky's the Limit on Memorial Day

Photo: Keven Law

Do It Outdoors

Nineteen (XIX)

Photo: Ryan Charles

Tax Recovery

photo: courtesy of Churl

Toasty Tables

Jones

Photo: courtesy Jones

Have an Ox-some New Year

Celebrate the year of the Ox.

Photo: Bernard Oh

Five Lunches for $10 and Under

2400 Market St., 4th fl.; 215-569-9269

4006 Chestnut St.; 215-387-8533

3939 Chestnut St.; 215-382-8001

653 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, NJ; 856-833-0998

3600 Lancaster Ave.; 215-895-0139

Keeping Kosher in Philly

8120 Old York Rd., Elkins Park; 215-885-2400

135 N. Ninth St.; 215-627-4520

1006 Race St.; 215-922-3288

128 S. 12th St.; 215-922-5922

Paul Newman's Legacy

Absence of Malice

1981 | Directed by Sydney Pollack | With Paul Newman, Sally Field, Bob Balaban | 116 minutes | Rated PG

Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid

1969 | Directed by George Roy Hill | With Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross | 110 minutes | Rated PG

Cars

2006 | Directed by John Lasseter, Joe Ranft | Animated | 116 minutes | Rated G

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

1958 | Directed by Richard Brooks | With Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives | 108 minutes | Not Rated

Color of Money, The

1986 | Directed by Martin Scorsese | With Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio | 119 minutes | Rated R

Cool Hand Luke

1967 | Directed by Stuart Rosenberg | With Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Strother Martin | 126 minutes | Not Rated

Exodus

1960 | Directed by Otto Preminger | With Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint, Sal Mineo | 210 minutes | Not Rated

Fort Apache, The Bronx

1981 | Directed by Daniel Petrie | With Paul Newman, Ken Wahl, Rachel Ticotin, Ed Asner | 125 minutes | Rated R

Harper

1966 | Directed by Jack Smight | With Paul Newman, Lauren Bacall, Julie Harris, Arthur Hill, Janet Leigh, Pamela Tiffin, Robert Wagner, Shelley Winters | 121 minutes | Not Rated

Hud

1963 | Directed by Martin Ritt | With Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, Patricia Neal, Brandon De Wilde | 112 minutes | Not Rated

Hudsucker Proxy, The

1994 | Directed by Joel Coen | With Tim Robbins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Paul Newman | 111 minutes | Rated PG

Hustler, The

1961 | Directed by Robert Rossen | With Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie | 134 minutes | Not Rated

Road to Perdition

2002 | Directed by Sam Mendes | With Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Daniel Craig, Jude Law | 117 minutes | Rated R

Silent Movie

1976 | Directed by Mel Brooks | With Mel Brooks, Marty Feldman, Dom DeLuise, Sid Caesar | 87 minutes | Rated PG

Slap Shot

1977 | Directed by George Roy Hill | With Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean, Strother Martin | 122 minutes | Rated R

Sting, The

1973 | Directed by George Roy Hill | With Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw | 129 minutes | Rated PG

Sweet Bird of Youth

1962 | Directed by Richard Brooks | With Paul Newman, Geraldine Page, Ed Begley, Shirley Knight | 120 minutes | Not Rated

217 Chestnut St.
(bet. 2nd & 3rd Sts.)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-625-2450; reserve online

707 Chestnut St.
(7th St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-925-5555; reserve online

1312 Spruce St.
(bet. Broad & 13th Sts.)
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-732-3478; reserve online

640 N. Broad St.
(Wallace St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19130
215-763-0920; reserve online