We recently celebrated our anniversary at the fountain. We had 7:30 reservations on a saturday night and were promptly seated at a table by the window that had a great view of the Swann fountain. I had made the reservation using open table and had requested a table that had a view. Initial impression was that the dining room was breathtakingly beautiful. The flower arrangements are tasteful and memorable, the space is split up into several rooms and the tables are well spaced and above all the noise level is very low. We had the 6 course tasting menu with wine pairing ($110 for the six courses, $190 with wine). This ended up being the best meal I have had in the city of Philadelphia. The food is not over the top but simple, elegant and consisting of the best ingredients. For example we had a squid ink pasta with gulf shrimp in a saffron sauce that was perfectly paired with a French Rose. The asian inspired pork tenderloin cutlet with wilted spinach was paired perfectly with a Beaujolais and finally the best pairing of the night was the filet of beef paired with a smoky/ earthy Rioja. We requested that we would like to pick our own desserts and they were more than happy to accommodate us at no extra charge. The chocolate souffle here is the real thing; baked in a ramequin with a good inch of fluffiness above the vessel that contains it's chocolaty center.
We enjoyed our dinner (& as we were staying at the hotel) so much that we returned the next morning for brunch ($68). The brunch consisted of a beautiful spread of appetizers & desserts nestled among lavish flower arrangements. You get to chose a main entree from six to seven choices that the waiter will fire upon your request. This was a great treat to end a perfect weekend getaway.
I would elaborate on brunch but I am running out of characters for this review. FYI while dinner requires a Jacket, Brunch is upscale casual. The service above all is completely devoid of any pretension.
Pros: Ambience is the best in philadelphia for a special occasion
Cons: Other than price (which is justified by the ambience, food and service), none
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