help me pick a restaurant...

**toxigal** · 01-23-2010, 01:40 PM

i think the workshop i'm hosting is going to end up being at the Hyatt at Penn's Landing. I need to find a restaurant for the faculaty dinner. It will be 7 people and my proposed budget allows for $75/person.

this is my first time planning a professional event and i'm very nervous and want everything to go well as I'm hoping to propose to host the BIG meeting in a few years....so help me make a good impression!

**Hospitalitygirl** · 01-23-2010, 02:11 PM

TG--do you want to be near the Penn' Landing Hyatt? There are several options near there. Off the top of my head...Positano Coast, which should be able to keep you in budget; La Veranda; The Moshulu; The Spirit of Philadelphia. Give me a minute, and I could probably come up with more.

**Hospitalitygirl** · 01-23-2010, 02:14 PM

The Chart House; Keating's River Grille.

Most of what I've written is pretty much on or near the water. Positano Coast, on the other hand, is across the street from the hotel.

**OldCityTans** · 01-23-2010, 02:49 PM

Chart House or La Veranda would be nice. I'd not do Moshulu, and the walk to Positano might be too much if the weather is bad. The Hyatt has a ~decent~ restaurant too... Actually LaVeranda might be a bit of a walk too.

**Alley** · 01-23-2010, 02:52 PM

Ditto as to what HG mentioned if staying really close by the hotel. Is this going to be on a weeknight? Asking mainly because some places will be less crowded and easy to get in to. I'm asking because there are some good Old City / Headhouse Square options. If the group does not mind a few block walk. Cube Libre, Farmica, City tavern and Plough & Stars.

**bluecuracao** · 01-23-2010, 03:11 PM

Some great suggestions here, especially Positano Coast and Moshulu. There's also Zahav, right near Positano Coast.

Xochitl is not too far away at Headhouse Square. You could possibly stay within your budget there, if guests don't have too many tequilas.

But I would avoid Chart House--their food is not good. The view of the river in the lounge is nice, though, if folks just want to stop in for drinks.

**eldondre** · 01-23-2010, 05:20 PM

I've heard good things about ristorante panorama in the penns view

**Hospitalitygirl** · 01-23-2010, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by eldondre

I've heard good things about ristorante panorama in the penns view

It's excellent.

**supersupper** · 01-23-2010, 06:00 PM

A number of the places mentioned are great for large groups if only because of the convenience they offer, but the food is really nothing to write home about. They have been fine in my experience considering that when you get a bunch of people together, more time is spent on having a good time and not so much attention is on the food.

However, 7 people is not a large group- so my suggestion might be to book a smaller BYOB place where sharing the liquor might be more enjoyable than raiding a bar. The best experience I have ever had in this regard was at la locanda del ghiottone on 3rd street.

**toxigal** · 01-23-2010, 06:45 PM

thanks for all the great suggestions! a few blocks walk certainly is not a problem. i'll start checking out the places mentioned and see which one has a menu i have to try! it's nice being in charge.

**The Count** · 01-23-2010, 08:14 PM

I always like Ristorante Panorama.

They have over 100 wines by the glass, a casual bar dining area or a little more formal dining room, and above average Italian food.

And pretty much everybody likes Italian so nobody is going to complain.

It can all be done at $75 per person for appetizer, entree, and drinks.

It's basically steps from Front and Market, so it's a 2.5/3 block walk from the Hyatt.

**Alley** · 01-23-2010, 08:58 PM

Another vote for Ristorante Panorama. Also, I have yet to get there Bistro 7 I heard is good and byob. There is a liquor store they can walk by on 2nd. Or leave a bottle at their hotel for them to take along.

**LADUREE** · 01-23-2010, 10:50 PM

La Veranda gets my vote.

**billy ross** · 01-24-2010, 10:05 AM

You should consider Steven Starr's new pizza joint. It's really expensive pizza, but it's also really good pizza, and you won't come anywhere close to $75 per person, unless you all get loaded. Even expensive pizza doesn't really add up. I took the fam there for my wife's birthday last month and it is a well-done place. We'll go back. The lentil appetizer was great.

**Hospitalitygirl** · 01-24-2010, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by billy ross

You should consider Steven Starr's new pizza joint. It's really expensive pizza, but it's also really good pizza, and you won't come anywhere close to $75 per person, unless you all get loaded. Even expensive pizza doesn't really add up. I took the fam there for my wife's birthday last month and it is a well-done place. We'll go back. The lentil appetizer was great.

Just a little too far, IMO.

**Reality Czech** · 01-24-2010, 11:29 AM

Taking the faculty for a pizza night very well may assure you will not be in charge next year!

**Malloy** · 01-24-2010, 11:42 AM

Ristorante Panorama FTW.

**The Count** · 01-24-2010, 11:51 AM

Toxigal mentioned that she was trying to plan a "professional event" and make a "good impression".

Pizza, regardless of how unique, probably falls short of that.

**OKT3** · 01-24-2010, 12:28 PM

I vote Panorama or LaVeranda. I've been to CE dinners at LaVeranda and they put on a pretty good spread for that type of thing.

**Alley** · 01-24-2010, 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by The Count

Toxigal mentioned that she was trying to plan a "professional event" and make a "good impression".

Pizza, regardless of how unique, probably falls short of that.

Agree, and it can get a bit loud at Stella. If they are trying to have a conversation it might be impossible.