Are you talking about "La Veranda?"

I was going to suggest this place but didn't want to cause any more confusion. It is one of the most highly recommended Italian Restaurants in that area of Philadelphia.

Prehaps like Big Daddy suggested, on Saturday evening we can eat in this Italian place and then walk down to the Moshulu for dessert and drinks afterwoods.

Then we can do Bookbinders on Friday.





Don Cardi

Food, food, food. Don't you guys have some eggs to color or something??? :p

I will definitely go wherever you guys decide, but I want you all to know that, no matter what, NOTHING can match the Tuscany Grill, and, no matter how hard you try, you all are never going to duplicate that experience.

So, Happy Easter! I've gotta go stick my cheesecake in the freezer (and God knows that sounds like a code for something dirty, doesn't it?).

Say, SB - does your family do the Italian wheat pie thing?
My grandmother, then mother...always made them from scratch. It's become such a staple, I can't even imagine an Easter without them!

Luckily my sister has continued the tradition...as I seriously do not think I would have the patience to bother with the homemade recipe. Have you seen all the work that goes into those things!?!?

Anyway...enjoy!

Apple

I was thinking of Mig....Seafood is fine with me.

But I wouldn't go to Bookbinder's. It was very mediocre (IMO) for the price.

Plaw, what day are you planning on coming down?


Don Cardi

Apple, My mother made the appetizer pie, Pizza Rustica, with prosciutto and sopresata, etc. She was chopping for hours. Then she put it in the oven last night, and took a peek at it after it was baking a little while. She decided that it needed 5 more minutes, sat down to watch a little TV, and fell asleep for 20 minutes. She woke up just before it burned; however, it is a lovely golden brown. After all those hours of preparation, I think I would have a severe breakdown if I burned it in the baking process.

YES...the Pizza Rustica, my sister makes that too. 'Almost' burnt is ok...personally I prefer a crispy crust...and will only eat it when heated. I think cold pizza rustica is gross.

And the 'bird's nest' sweetbread, with the hardboiled egg in the middle.

I tell you, Easter is to ricotta what Thanksgiving/Christmas is to pumpkin!

Enjoy...
Apple

Thank you Neal for thinking of your favorite redneck. That was sweet of you. If you want to go to Bookbinder's that is fine with me. I don't want to be a party pooper. I'll find something on the menu.

Just a suggestion here.

It seems that several here may not want to have Dinner at the Moshulu.

I found two restaurants right near the Moshulu. One is an Italian place called "La Veranda" and the other is a steak and seafood place called "The Chart House."

I ate at The Chart House when I was in Newport Rhode Island a few years ago and thought that it was very good.

Perhaps we can decide on one of these places and then walk over to The Moshulu after dinner for dessert and drinks.

Again, this is just a suggestion on my part, seeing that there were several here who were not too crazy about actually having dinner at The Moshulu or having just seafood.

At least The Chart House has BOTH steak and seafood.

But I think that no matter what, being that we are Godfather people and the Moshulu is Godfather related, we have to get there no matter what we decide.

Calling Big Daddy Don......Are you familiar with The Chart House or La Veranda? Give us your thoughts on these two places.


Don Cardi

Why didn't we have this trouble finding a place to eat last year

I'd be happy with going to The Mushula just for dessert/drinks after dinner -- or before dinner when we can still take pictures of the exterior.

Good point a couple made -- we should find a decent Italian joint for Friday or Saturday.

So let's see... so far we have...

FRI DINNER - Italian or Shula's or ?
SAT BREAKFAST - Hotel
SAT LUNCH - Pat's or other cheese steak place
SAT DINNER - Italian or Shula's or ?
SAT DESSERT - Mushula (or afternoon)
SUN BRUNCH - Bookbinders or hotel?

(4 months away... it'll probably take that long to decide! )

Hey, we can go back to Harold's if you want! But no way are we going back to the Tuscanny Grill!

I am just trying to make some suggestions.

Geoff brought up "Bookbinders" which to me is just fine. Personally I would like to try it out. Some said that they don't like seafood. Some want seafood.

If we did Bookbinders on the Friday night that would be ok with me. However Plaw said that he doesn't want to go there. So an Italian Restaurant is fine for Friday also.

Several have indicated that The Moshulu menu does not look too appealing to them. Several of have no problem with that but feel that being that it has some Godfather Significance, we should at least go there for drinks or something.

It seems that almost all of us have no problem with a steak place.

So here is a list of places that I came up with after searching the internet :

1) The Capital Grille
1338 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. Phone: (215) 545-9588. One of 15 locations nationwide, the Capital Grille was selected by the readers of Citysearch in 2002 as Philly's best Steakhouse. The Capital Grille specializes in dry aged steaks. It is known for its classic steakhouse cuisine, an award-winning wine selection, premiere private dining, personalized service and relaxed elegance. http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/menu/dinnerAppetizers.asp


2)The Prime Rib
1701 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. Phone: (215) 772-1701. With 3 locations nationwide, the Prime Rib is nicknamed "the civilized steakhouse." Chosen by Zagat, Philly Magazine and the editors of Citysearch as Philly's best steakhouse, the Prime Rib features large cuts of prime beef, extra-thick chops, and fresh seafood in an atmosphere that evokes the supper clubs of Manhattan in the 1940's.
http://philadelphia.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=philadelphia&zu =http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theprimerib.com%2F

3)Barclay Prime
237 S 18th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 732-7560
The ground floor of an Rittenhouse Square apartment building now resembles a library, elegant with crystal chandeliers, marble tables and walnut bookcases. Manicured patrons are a Manhattan-esque mix of social affluents and business hobnobbers. The a la carte menu includes steakhouse classics such as oysters Rockefeller, 12-ounce filets, porterhouses, wedge salads, creamed spinach and butter-poached lobster. The main attraction is the Kobe cheese steak with the $100 price tag. http://www.opentable.com/rest_profile.aspx?rid=3424&ref=830

Or we can go to Ruth's Chris or Shula's.


Italian Restaurants :

Ralph's Italian Restaurant
760 S 9th St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 Phone: (215) 627-6011. This Italian Market restaurant was established in 1900 and is still owned by the same family. It has gone through several decorative updates and structural additions. It is known for its huge portions of classic "South Philly" food served in a Godfather "family" atmosphere. Click on the link :
http://philadelphia.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=philadelphia&zu =http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ralphsrestaurant.com%2F

La Famiglia
8 South Front St., Philadelphia, PA 19106 Phone (215) 922-2808. La Famiglia reminds the patron of an elegant private dining room in Italy with its paintings and family treasures displayed throughout. The restaurant has an extensive wine cellar. This is one of several restaurants owned by the Sena family (hence the name).
More:http://philadelphia.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=philadelph ia&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.la-famiglia.com%2F

DiPalma
114 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106 Phone: (215) 733-0545. Contemporary Italian cuisine in an elegant yet casual European-style atmosphere. Cozy downstairs bar features a world-class wine cellar and live entertainment Thursday - Saturday.

Then there is the one, La Vernda, right near the Moshulu.


Don Cardi

Yea we just have to take a group pic in front of the ship. Maybe we can find someone to take the pic for us.

I'll bring my tri-pod.

No need... I AM a tripod. (yeah, right! )

DC - Thanks for the research! I'm hoping people who've been to some of those can recommend a couple, so we don't end up wondering why "it looked so good in pictures, but......"

Edit: Never mind! This one seems perfect for us, a nice family place, everyone minds their own business:

...okay, so it was the "huge portions" that got my attention first!

I will be coming down for the whole weekend, so hopefully someone will be able to drive me around

SB and Apple (and TIS), do your families do that brioche thing with fresh mozzarella and prosciutto inside? I don't usually like prosciutto, but I love it in this. I had so much of that this weekend, I might burst. In addition to everything else, of course. I haven't eaten a thing all day today, and I'm still not hungry.

Just so everyone knows, as long as your camera has a place on the bottom of it where it looks like something can be screwed in then you can use the tripod I have.


I think after this will be the first time everyone will see me not all dressed up

Letizia, I know what you're referring to but cannot think of the Italian name. Am sure SB will be able to help out!!

Anyway, no...we don't have that at home but DO try ordering it whenever we're at a GOOD Italian restaurant! It's deep fried, but somehow the dough seems almost light & fluffy! It's delicious and some places have you dip it in red sauce. I can only handle a few bites though, because after that it does get a bit heavy on the tummy.

Like pizza rustica isn't .... !!!

Apple

See, its times like these where I wish my car was still alive.

I'd totally drive to Philly by myself. And pick up anyone else who wanted to come along the way.

I'm glad you are coming for the whole weekend DMC.

Apple, I haven't had it deep fried, but I can imagine that being the "right" way to do it. I've never had it anywhere except home and my relatives' houses, so they probably just don't fry it so it'll be a little healthier. We call it "Pugliese" but I don't know if everyone else does too... sometimes the names we give things end up being just what my mom, grandma, and aunts call it because of an experience they had. I don't trust it to be the official name. Maybe they were in Puglia on vacation when they first had it, or something.

So the way it stands right now it looks like we are going to eat breakfast, talk for the next few hours about where to eat lunch, eat lunch, talk for the next few hours about where to eat dinner, eat dinner and drink.

yo Yo YO - Big Daddy in da House ......

Actually I have also been to both La Veranda and The Chart House. The Chart House is a 'nice' place - actually kind of a interesting layout and overall a good menu selection - food was good - not anything special though and the price was average, maybe a bit on the high side, but not what I would consider expensive - not like a BookBinders. The restraurant sits on Penn's Landing and again if you call for reservations - ask for of the river view.

La Veranda is the place I mentioned in my earlier post. Very, very good - if you like Italian. And I was serious earlier when I said the rumor is that it is owned and run by the mob. Not sure there is any truth is that but regardless, I thought this place was fantastic. Nice ambience, dimly lit, low music - and the food was great, as was their service. The type of place where they have multiple waiters waiting on you - a few at a time and we were only there with another couple. Price wise, I didn't think it was overly expensive - a bit on the high side for Italian but over all a fair price for what you get. Again both good places - I prefer La Veranda over Chart House given the choice and would recommend that.

One other suggestion - the Spirit of Philadelphia is right next to the Chart House. Most probably know the Spirit of NY - same thing. Leaves from Penn's Landing takes you up and around the river. The place where all the waiters and waitresses all want to be on broadway so they perform during the night - nearly every waiter is gay also. Food is not bad, not as good as you will get from the restaurants you have mentioned but kind of nice night to spend on the ship. Just need to be careful of the weather - if it rains not a very enjoyable trip than.

I think that Pork had a pretty good agenda laid out in his post. I am trying to think how far of a walk is La Veranda is from the Moshulu. It is a bit of a walk but I don't think too far, maybe a mile but might want to check to make sure you can get from La Veranda to the Moshula via the Penn's Landing area as La Veranda sits a bit further down then the others. Pretty sure you can, but has been years since I have been to the Moshulu so don't want to give bad info. If it is where I think - walking off that pasta along the waterfront to get some drinks and dessert at the Moshulu may turn out to be a good night for everyone.

I suggest if you do so - on the walk back, have PL share his trip to Vegas and his meeting of Flopsie and Mopsie ... :p

Thank you Big Daddy.

I don't know about the rest of you, but La Veranda sounds perfect to me for our Saturday night dinner. Then as Big Daddy said, we can walk over to The Moshulu and have some drinks.


La Veranda is a beautiful restaurant with fabulous Italian cuisine, a friendly atmosphere and superior service. Known for it’s incredible River view, La Veranda is both romantic and relaxed. You’ll be able to enjoy the view from almost anywhere. We invite you to sample our wonderful anti-pasta, fabulous fish dishes, variety of tasty pastas and meats all done in front of you on an open grill. We welcome large private parties, anniversaries and other romantic evenings. La Veranda offers an extensive wine list and is open for lunch and dinner.





What does everyone who is going to be there on Saturday think?


Don Cardi

Sounds good to me. I'm up for everything that's bee suggested so far except probably the Sunday brunch. I'll be leaving around lunch time on Sunday.

For heaven's sake, this is getting a little crazy. It reminds me of earlier in the thread when everyone was trying to agree on the convention location.

We're never going to find a place that will make EVERYBODY completely happy, whether regarding price/atmosphere/cuisine/location. And as Don Cardi said earlier, the point is we're all going to be together. Especially on Saturday which is apparently when the most people are going to be around.
Don Cardi put together a pretty good list of suggestions, all of which I assume are in reasonable proximity to our hotel. I suggest that the Consiglieri's and Mig (since she did help arrange accomodations) narrow it down to THREE final choices and then have everyone vote. And THAT's where Saturday's dinner will be.

Then, you guys who will be in attendance the entire weekend make your breakfast/lunch/dinner choices based on whatever else is around to tickle your fancy.

No matter what, MY Saturday vote will remain for the Moshulu, since after all it IS GF related and I personally adore eating by the water on a summer evening. But if a majority chooses another place, that's fine with me too.

So keep me posted...see you all on 8/19!!

Apple

If everyone wants to go to Bookbinder's, that's OK with me.

It certainly is a Philadelphia "institution".

I'm merely offering my opinion about the place, having eaten there fairly reently.

For the money we would wind up spending there, we can do much better food-wise.

Well, do we need two separate polls, one for Friday and one for Saturday? As for brunch on Sunday, I think our hotel rooms include breakfast. But, heck, I've never been one to turn down a brunch buffet. There's something so indulgent about brunch, isn't there? I would just keep in mind the potential loss of brain cells on Saturday night, and how that might effect us on Sunday morning.

DMC - You can ride around with me and Mr. Babe. No problem.

I like the idea of a walk along the waterfront and drinks or dessert at the Mosholu for Saturday night. I would suggest either Shula's or La Veranda for dinner, and then meandering down to the Mosholu. Would someone who knows how to do it set up a poll??

By the way, JG, did you achieve tripod status because you have sagged in that direction?? :p