Pheasting in Philly

Last week, the Phartbloggers partook in an age-old Philadelphia tradition (well, at least for the last few years)—the Center City District’s Restaurant Week. This is a wonderful opportunity to try a new place, go out on a limb, and get a great dinner for a good price. All of the participating restaurants prepare a three-course dinner for $30 per person. Now, we don’t typically go out for multiple-course dinners unless it’s a medieval restaurant in Siena, Italy, but that’s a story for another day.

We had the joy of sharing dinner with our friends, the Gilberts. Check out Mr. Gilbert’s awesome blog. He’s a hoot: http://www.hotpatriotaction.blogspot.com/ We decided to go to Bistro Romano, which is an Italian place off of Headhouse Square in Society Hill. It was pretty much the coldest night ever, so we were very happy to get into this warm establishment. We were greeted by our friends at the bar. Unfortunately, as soon as we got there, a renegade patron decided to knock into our friend and spill her wine all over her outfit! But the lovely bartender helped clean up the mess AND comped our drinks. We’re off to a great start!

The décor is quite authentic Italian-American. Sinatra playing, dim lights, exposed brick walls, but it wasn’t cheesy. It was actually just dim enough to be soothing and not be pitch black. We enjoyed our meals thoroughly. PB #1 had a stuffed beef dish, and I had the tilapia. And the desserts—oh…my…goodness. I was incredibly full. We had a wonderful chianti and a glorious time. The Gilberts had their rehearsal dinner in a private, wine cellar-like room in the restaurant. I think the PB’s will have to look into that possibility for our nuptials. PB #2 loves nothing more than a pasta, a good red wine, and some Sinatra.
Also, Bistro Romano often has a murder-mystery dinner theater. PB #2’s old roomie starred in one of their productions once. Check it out!

Basically, you can’t lose with Restaurant Week. No matter what, you feel like you’re getting a great deal. And in the middle of January, it’s nice to treat yourself. I think they do it twice a year, so definitely keep an eye out!