A friend has sent me several links to amazing restaurants in Philly. I am going to have to come back just for the food. Now, I live in Tampa. We have money and tourist to support these types of places but all we have are chain restaurants. What gives?

Steven Starr.... wanted to do the entrepreneurial thing with restaurants.  Since I have been around philly - (starting about 1976 while still being ejukatid) the history of the city is totally fascinating.

William Penn sits atop city hall, and while there once was an agreement to never obstruct his view with buildings that would be higher than his line of sight, that stunted downtown development for many years.  And while this agreement was well intended, (Kevin Bacon's dad is credited with the agreement), it did in many ways hurt the city.  Now, with the develpment of West Market Street in a final stage, we see the city developing the services that one would expect in a major metro area.  I say, hats off to those that have contributed.  Because of this shift and the development of downtown Philly, a growth in high quality housing and the support services that go with a populus that wishes to remain downtown at night has led to the support of the theater, music, nightclubs and restaurants!  The restaurants are a tribute to the immigration into the city from all over - Greece, Cuba, Mid-east, the far east (China, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand Japan and others)... even Russia... All over!

Acceptance of this and an embracement of it by the city supports this influx of foods and the assimilation of the various cultural mix.  This is as America should be... and not isolated enclaves of ethnic purity... which seeks to replace the "melting pot" with only "pure breeds"!  

In addition there are a couple of cooking schools within the city (and while they are not as renowned as some, they do hold their own). Schools include the one supported by the Art Insititute of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute.  

Oh, don't mistake it, there are the chain restaurants - Ruby Tuesdays.... along with the usual assortment of McDs, Wendys and Burger Kings... but if you really want original, ethnic or local food... we've got it... but it did not happen overnight.

An additional treat in Philly, are the many sidewalk vans where you can purchase a wide variety of foods - everything from fresh fruits, to gormet chinese meals... yum!  yea... Philly is like that....

my personal favorite thing to do?  Take a beautiful lady - in a nice black cocktail dress which demonstrates her assest in a delightful way, to one of these fine establishements... and see just how long it takes for her to be noticed among a room full of beautiful women... cause I only take the best to those!

Spiderman is better able to defend our city from criminals and such... and we are less dependant on Batman...   But I, Bizzaro Superdude, am still here to help hobbiests.... in times of need.!! Bwahahahahahahaha!!!

-- Modified on 4/8/2007 6:17:19 PM

Heather, Please post them here, and by the way... are you planning a trip to Philly anytime soon?

http://www.theeroticreview.com/discussion_boards/viewmsg.asp?MessageID=23632&boardID=28&page=2

If you get the chance go to Genos or Pats for a cheesesteak.

Reont bogart the links...

At first they were sent to me seperatly, but I think they are all here
http://starr-restaurant.com/
Yummy! I may just have to move there if my waisteline can handle it.
I still have some time available on the 19th and 20th of April.
Kisses,
Heather

maybe the best thing about Philly, is the independant restaurants... and the local surprises!  and delights!  This is my adopted home... and it has welcomed me in ways i never expected!  Yea.... PHilly ain't as bad as her reputation... she is feisty... some would say a bitch, me I say headstrong... she is smart too... afterall -look at her papa!  Ben Franklin... some of the folk she taught... mr Eli Lilly, Wyeth, Burroghs, Welcome and others....   Home to many colleges and universities... with sports teams, that while they don't win that many championships, they are champions who inspire and raise the hopes of many...  Greatness?  yea, it is here!