Morimoto

What a gorgeous restaurant (but I wouldn't expect anything less from Stephen Starr). We went for Morimoto's "Signature Hour," so the drinks and appetizers were half off. However, I would love to go back and try some raw fish and sushi. Therefore, please note that this blog entry is about the signature hour appetizers, but hopefully there will be another one sometime about dinner. (Hint: order the sparkling ume if you like champagne).


Spicy Lobster Skewers: I could not believe this was only $7 because there was plenty of lobster and it was absolutely dynamite (no pun intended, since it truly was spicy!) The lobster was far from chewy; it just melted in my mouth and was accompanied by spicy orange sauce for a great kick. I was pleasantly surprised to taste such quality lobster at a "happy hour" type of event.


"Angry" Wings: I'm not sure why they were angry (they really weren't that spicy) but the flavor was wonderful - sweet, sticky, and tangy. The crunchy rice noodles on top were an annoyance and not needed.


Pork Gyoza: There was a nicely-sized piece of pork inside the dumpling - and it tasted great - but I wasn't too crazy about the dough (it was almost too crispy for me; I like it a little more delicate and thin).


Kobe Spring Rolls: This dish was my 2nd favorite after the lobster skewers. I don't remember the crispy shell as much, because the kobe beef's flavor was overpowering, in a wonderful way. What I liked about all of these appetizers, including this one, is that the meat/filling was never skimpy.


Morimoto Brownies: No wonder this is their most popular dessert - it was fantastic! The fudgy brownie bites would have been wonderful on their own, but the caramel dipping sauce and candied walnuts not only made it fun to eat, they added immense flavor and sweetness. This dish is a definite must-order for anyone that loves caramel.

Salento

Mussels in Red Sauce: While the mussels themselves were certainly delicious, the ingredient that knocks this dish out of the park is the red sauce. The garlic (and whatever else is in there) makes you want to slurp it with your spoon and dip endless amounts of bread in it (which is exactly what we did).


Veal Ravioli: I could not have eaten this entire dish because it was so heavy (so I'm glad I just had a taste), but the bite I had was memorable. I had never seen ravioli so big and filling. The whole pieces of veal inside were abundant and the pasta was freshly made.


Mixed Grill: I was extremely pleased with my dish and I loved how it tasted fresh from the grill (which it was). The grilled basa, calamari, and shrimp were amazing; fresh, grilled, and not too much else (just some lemon did the trick).


Chocolate Torte: Dense and rich; just like fudge. May be too rich for some, but I indulged and devoured every delectable bite.

Famous 4th Street Delicatessen

By far the best lox in town. Thinly sliced. Moist. You have to go...now. Enough said.

The Morning Glory Diner

Look out Sabrina's! I just enjoyed one of the best breakfasts I've ever had (and it wasn't in Manhattan, where up until recently, has always been considered to have the best of everything, especially Sunday brunch); it was at The Morning Glory Diner at 10th and Fitzwater. Brunch in Philadelphia is certainly at the forefront of the "brunch" competition. Philadelphians not only line up for hours at Sabrina's, waiting to eat their overwhelming portion of stuffed french toast, they also wait hours (and for a very good reason!) at The Morning Glory Diner. Our 50 minute wait (during the rain, at times) was definitely worth it!

Pecan Waffle: served with whipped peach butter - Every bite was sweet and warm; the peach butter had real pieces of peach in it.


Monkey French Toast: challah French toast stuffed with caramelized bananas & mangoes, topped with caramel sauce and whipped cream - The expression on my face (the "eye bulge," as my husband calls it) after I took my first bite sums it up. This french toast is probably the best I've ever had. The mango was so soft and sweet; I was surprised with its ripeness. The next best thing was the caramel sauce; that mixed with the whipped cream really made this dish sweet. The french toast was made from large, thick slices of challah bread (which they keep in the "backyard fridge" that you can see while you wait). I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.