Quick Bites
Posted by Foobooz on January 15th, 2009
Is it ever a good sign when a restaurant cuts its hours? Savona in Gulph Mills cuts back to Tueday through Saturday and dinner only. [The Insider]
Speaking of shrinking hours, Old City’s Prive has scaled back to just Wednesday through Saturday.
You can never have too much barbecue, so we’re happy to see Holy Smoke is looking to open next month on Leverington Ave in Roxborough. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]
In vegetarian dining news, Kingdom of Vegetarians has been sold and there are big changes at New Harmony. [Meal Ticket]
Joe Sixpack has the impressive for Jersey beer list of The Taproom & Grille in Haddon Township. [Beer Radar]
Elsewhere in Jersey, we learn that the Whitman Diner in Washington Township is reopening February 9th as The Whitman. A diner with an upscale martini lounge.
A La Maison has opened as “a rustic French BYOB” on Lancaster Avenue in Ardmore. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]
The Tiedhouse in Fairmount has added Sunday brunch.
Related Tags: A La Maison, Harmony-Vegetarian-Restaurant, Holy Smoke, Kingdom of Vegetarians, Prive, Savona, The Taproom & Grille, The Whitman, Tiedhouse
October 18th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
After stumbling upon Prive 3 months ago, because it was the only place open in Olde City on a Sunday, I figured having a drink and maybe dessert wouldn’t hurt. As a personal rule of thumb, I am hesitant to go to a place known as a lounge or club for food. If you do something really well such as being known as a lounge or club, chances of also doing food really well, in my opinion, are slim to none. After ordering wine and some sort of chocolate dessert, my friends and I enjoyed their outdoor seating. With prompt service, we were soon brought a trio of decadent treats which among other things had a chocolate mousse adorned with gold leaf. The portion size for this particular selection was a wonderful value for the price, and even better for sharing, not to mention the presentation was excellent. There is nothing better then receiving a beautiful looking dish, and having it taste just as superb.
Most recently, friends and I took the plunge once again and decided to have dinner at Prive. Let me preface what I am about to say with that I have a much expanded palette. My mother has written a cookbook, and I have been spoiled growing up having wonderful food in the kitchen, and also being spoiled by dining with some of the best chefs in the world, having them personal cook for my family and I. It is safe to say that I know good food. After being seated in their front room which is a clean but sexy chic white stone wall with pink neon lights streaming down from their upstairs, the atmosphere was surprisingly pleasant. Since I am vegetarian, we started off with three appetizers: Warm Pear & Taleggio, the Daily Cheese Selection, and the Exotic Mushrooms. Let me stress once again, the presentation matched the taste. The Exotic mushrooms with its creamy taste and texture was especially mind blowing. Following that we all tried their homemade Cavatelli, which is a spicy pancetta in tomato butter and mascarpone. Not only were we impressed that they were not like most places, having frozen pasta brought in as the base to an entrée but the small pieces of tomato in the sauce was mouth watering. Portion size with this entrée was also more than enough to share. Having a small amount of room left, we tried two of their many cheese cakes, one of which was a Curry Cheesecake. Again, our tongues were left wagging from the smooth creamy taste of their made in-house cheese cakes with crushed pie crust bottom and drizzle.
I am shocked yet embarrassed that I haven’t dined at Prive sooner, and that I would have ever classified Prive as just another Lounge trying to make it in the restaurant world. They have not only succeeded in the nightlife department but soared when it came to their food fare. It is also always nice when you have a restaurant with the chef, and owners available and proactively coming around to personally make sure you are enjoying your meal and time. Showing that level of hospitality, grouped together with a gorgeous layout, atmosphere and scrumptious food, it makes Prive a no-brainer when deciding where to dine. Make the time and dine at Prive, it will soon surpass your expectations and I assure you, will sail to the top of your favorites list of places to dine in Philadelphia.