food

The Atmosphere: I mean, I'm a huge fan of the large, round table. In fact, there truly is nothing better than a round table.
February 8, 2007 at 12:00 am

The Atmosphere: It's comfortable, moderately upscale, and conducive to cordial conversations between visiting professors.
February 8, 2007 at 12:00 am

Privada 2004, Bodega Norton, Argentina (Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) $13.99 (down from $21.99) As Valentine's Day draws near, enophiles all over the land ponder which bottle to serve on the special night.
February 8, 2007 at 12:00 am

The Atmosphere: Pretty awesome. La Buca translates to "The Cave" or "The Hole." The walls of the foyer (the whole 300 seat restaurant is down a flight of stairs in the basement of a building off Washington Square) are covered with frescoes of famous Renaissance paintings, including my favorite piece: Botticelli's The Birth of Venus.
February 8, 2007 at 12:00 am

Nothing goes better with sloth than a little bit of gluttony, so the taste testing labs of 34th Street set out to find the best buffalo wings around Penn for your Super Bowl fiesta.
February 1, 2007 at 12:00 am

The Super Bowl has certain rules that must be observed. Acolytes submit to the orgy of chili, wings and beer.
February 1, 2007 at 12:00 am

For almost 20 years, Brigid's has attracted a neighborhood crowd and groups of friends with its solid beer collection.
February 1, 2007 at 12:00 am

In the thick of the Philly winter it's hard to believe that the spirit of the Mississippi Delta is alive and well this far north.
January 25, 2007 at 12:00 am

Despite all the hype surrounding Restaurant Week, some of the bargains may be gilded. Menus are limited, and $30 is still a considerable amount of money to spend before tax and tip.
January 25, 2007 at 12:00 am

As you gobble your way through Restaurant Week, so must you guzzle your way through some appropriately refined wines.
January 25, 2007 at 12:00 am

Good Dog Bar 224 S. 15th St. (215) 985-9600 www.gooddogbar.com If you're looking to enjoy a burger, beer and some atmosphere in the heart of Center City - without the Rittenhouse snobbery - Good Dog is your one-stop shop for an enjoyable evening.
January 18, 2007 at 12:00 am

Stephen Starr may be a restaurateur extraordinaire, but when it comes to the iconic example of American cuisine - the hamburger - his originality is less than brilliant.
January 18, 2007 at 12:00 am

Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries 1527 Chestnut St. (215) 972-1375 www.fiveguys.com Laminated copies of glowing "best burger" reviews decorate the checkered red-and-white walls of the new Center City Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
January 18, 2007 at 12:00 am

If you're looking for the grandeur of the Titanic set within the Philadelphia city limits, The Oceanaire Seafood Room is the perfect spot to put on your coattails, play dress up, and enjoy a wide variety of fresh seafood. Operating Partner and General Manager Peter Mooradian, formerly of Le Cirque, runs a tight ship - as the service at this 400-seat behemoth rivals any of the top restaurants in the city.
January 18, 2007 at 12:00 am

With pizza, gyros and salads abound, Penn students can be hard-pressed to find a local eatery that provides quality burgers.
January 18, 2007 at 12:00 am

First thing's first: XIX just oozes class. From the low lighting to the $1,500 imported chairs to the sweeping view of Philadelphia's skyline, XIX is trying to make a reputation as the city's swankiest new downtown restaurant.
January 18, 2007 at 12:00 am

Caribou Caf‚ 1126 Walnut St. (215) 625-9535 cariboucafe.com It's hard to imagine that the French can pull off an American staple like the hamburger.
January 18, 2007 at 12:00 am

The Meryltini 1 oz vermeryl 1 oz Smirmeryl vodka 1 oz ameryletto crushed ice to fill Welcome, Madam Street, to the Continental.
December 7, 2006 at 12:00 am

PLASTIC Meryl Street, seen here sporting a smart, sophisticated purple sweater, shows just how fashionable eating plastic can be for the Spring 2007 season.
December 7, 2006 at 12:00 am

Human Rights Watch Report #3R72: Federal agents recently stormed facilities in Xi Pang highlands on suspected sweatshop activities with celebrity connections.
December 7, 2006 at 12:00 am