Can anyone recommend any restaurants and things to do in Philly?

[imbues]

Hi everybody, we will be going to Philadelphia soon to use an LL package we bought to stay at an AKA at Rittenhouse Square.

Can anyone recommend any restaurants in Philly? Or anything to do? I have looked at websites and have an iterary. However, you guys have so much experience that I thought I'd ask for your thoughts just in case I've missed something. Thanks.

[bonniejoy03]

Go down to the Riverfront and enjoy any of the restaurants down there. (Chart House is great.) Take a walk at night on South Street for a different, funky experience. Check out if there are any exhibits at the Art Museum. (not sure if any major shows.) Right now, there is a transit strike in Philly so hopefully you can do some walking or the strike hopefully will be over before you arrive.....Oh, and the biggest thing to remember if you are going to Philly......wear red and support the Phillies!!



PS- When are you going?

[imbues]

HiBonniejoy, I don't want to post on the board exactly when we are going, but lets just say that we will probably be walking. It's not a problem, we usuallyenjoy walking around anyway. We planned on the MET all ready. It was my the main attraction to Philly for me. We're also planning on the science institute and the Body Exibit since we haven't gone to see it in NY.





I think there is another medical muesiem there I'd like to see. Didn't omegaet once say he went to it? Can you recommed it Omegaet?

[thepiranha]

Imbues, if I had one meal to eat in Philadelphia, I'd probably go to Morimoto's for omakase. Omakase is basically a fixed priced dinner, in this case, as Japanese one. If you're not familiar with Morimoto, he's a well known Chef on the Iron Chef T.V. show. If you're a fan of French food, Le Bec-Fin on Walnut Street is reputed to be one of the finest French restaurants in the country. For casual food, if you're not a vegetarian, I'd definitely recommend getting a Philly cheesesteak. Philadelphia Magazine ran an article on the best cheesesteaks in the city, and Cosmi's on South 8th was chosen as the winner. Pretty impressive title considering that there were fifty competitors. Believe it or not, the author ate cheesesteaks at fifty different restaurants over a thirty four day period. I wonder how much weight he gained? I'm sure every Philadelphian has his or her favorite sandwich, but you might want to try this place out.

[omegaet]

imbues...are you thinking of the Mutter Museum at The College of Physicians http://www.collphyphil.org/mutter.asp

As far as places to eat.I personally enjoy a stroll through the Reading Terminal Market.noshing from stand to stand http://readingterminalmarket.org/

Nanee's Kitchen is my favorite Indian food stand and never seems to disappoint in their offerings. Also, I NEVER EVER skip a scoop or two of Bassetts Rum Raisinin my humble opinion, the best in the world....lines can be long, but the flavors are worth the wait!

[imbues]

Hi thepiranha , Thanks for the recommendations! I am a vegetarian, but my husband isn't so you never know maybe he will try a cheese steak. We might check out the French restaurant, if we can get reservations. (AKA is on Walnut St) Even though most French restaurants do not have much on the menu for vegetarians, if you call ahead and let them know you are a one, the chefs usually go out of their way for you. Thanks again.

[imbues]

omegae,

Yes, that's the one you were talking about some time ago. I think I'll try and squeeze it in If I can. It sounds interesting.



I love Indian food and I hope to go to Reading Market just for your recommendation of Nanee's Kitchen. I'll put it on my list. It will be good to have especially if it's raining out. We can eat our way across Philadelphia and roll back to NY.



I'll skip the rum raisin scoop though... so there is hope I won't gain five pounds just talking about this weekend.



Thanks so much.Message Edited by imbues on 11-04-2009 04:24 AM

[omegaet]

imbues...we're vegetarians as well...so that's one of the reasons we like Nanee's Kitchen.....the other reason is that the food there is freshly made and can be "spiced up or down" according to your taste buds. We enjoythe counter service at the different places inside the Reading Terminal Market (reminds us of eating "street food" in other exotic destinations).



If you're not going to actuallytaste any ofthe selections available at Bassett's Ice Cream....at least stop by andgaze for a while so I can have a vicarious experience.

[bonniejoy03]

HI I...well, the Phillies lost but the transit strike is still on.....enjoy your trip and if you have time, head to the Delaware River area and enjoy your choice of restaurants. Now, if the Eagles are in town...wear green!! ENJOY!!!

[[email protected]]

The transit strike makes it tough but it should be over soon or so they say.

If you like archaeology and anthropology - the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropolgy at the University of Pennsylvania has great stuff - world class exhibts - an exibit on Iraq just opened with wonderful treasures on exhibit.



Phila Art Museum is also very good as is the Franklin Institute.



Lots of good places to eat from the high end Le Bec Fin to lots of vendors in Reading Terminal. Le Prive is good, Distrito in West Philadelphia (near U of PA is excellent Mexican food - got 4 stars - faculty and students eat there quite a bit) There is also The Marathon Grill on 40th St. near U of PA as well as many Thai, Ethiopian, Indian restaruants on or near campus - La Terasse, The White Dog Cafe and the list goes on....

Denise