A few weeks ago, I dedicated my column to a review of the Gaybor-hood’s best restaurant values — both well-known and best-kept secrets. This week, I’m highlighting my top restaurant picks from other parts of Center City. I selected the places that provide Philadelphia’s highest-quality service, food and atmosphere at a reasonable price. In researching this column, I was pleasantly surprised by how many of Philly’s best-reviewed eateries have diversified their menus in light of the economic crisis. Some of our ritziest restaurants have made strategic adjustments without sacrificing quality, making it possible for residents and visitors to remain budget-conscious while experiencing the best Philly has to offer.
One of Philly’s newest restaurants is Union Trust, 717 Chestnut St. The most recent in Philly’s parade of high-end steakhouses, Union Trust has made an immediate impact on restaurant culture with a diverse menu and an immaculate space that must be experienced to be adequately appreciated. With a plethora of superior meat and seafood options throughout the day, the restaurant also features a penny-pincher’s lunch menu with everything from a 10-ounce prime burger ($12) to a decadent crab-cake sandwich and fries ($15). Visit www.uniontruststeakhouse.com for details.
If you ask any Philadelphian to name the city’s most extravagant restaurant, it’s likely they’ll say Le Bec-Fin, 1523 Walnut St. The crown jewel of internationally renowned restaurateur Georges Perrier’s empire, Le Bec-Fin has long had a reputation of impeccable quality and, for many, being too expensive. But over the last year or so, the menu has expanded and changed to include more reasonable prix-fixe options for lunch and dinner. Most exciting, though, is a new bar menu with a number of appetizer and entrée offerings priced from $15-$35. This strategy has dramatically increased Le Bec-Fin’s affordability and accessibility for an entirely new customer base. But don’t take my word for it — check out www.lebecfin.com.
For those of us who work in Center City’s business district, lunchtime is critically important. I recently read that more deals are negotiated during lunchtime than in boardrooms and on golf courses combined. Picking a high-quality lunch spot that won’t drain your expense account is a critical skill. If you work in the business district or near Rittenhouse Square, my top recommendation is Pietro’s, 1714 Walnut St. The space is comfortable, the menu diverse and, whether you order a salad with chicken or a pasta dish, you’ll get out for under $20. A list of all locations and hours is available at www.pietrospizza.com.
Another great lunch spot is Tinto, 116 S. 20th St., Jose Garces’ restaurant and wine bar. Tinto features the Bilboa Express Lunch, which includes two generous courses, beverage, tax and gratuity for only $18. For each course, diners select from about eight options that range from cheeses and salads to soups and sandwiches. The service is fantastic and the décor relaxing. See www.tintorestaurant.com for more information.
If you need a lunchtime getaway to unplug and relax, look no further than Capriccio at Café Cret, 16th Street and the Parkway. They have wonderful soups and sandwiches, as well as a full menu of specialty coffees and teas. The average lunch is under $8, and it’s the only place to enjoy picturesque views of the Parkway’s architecture as you dine on a spacious patio. Visit www.capricciocafe.com to view photos and sample the menu.
That’s about it for this week, but I look forward to seeing all my readers at the PINK Pub Crawl starting at Tavern on Camac at 9 p.m. March 21. Visit www.nightlifegay.com for all the information.
’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer.
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