The True Test

Last weekend my parents were in town and I spent a long time stressing about where to take them to eat while they were here. There are so many new places that Sean & I want to try but I didn't want to risk it. So now the decision was which of the restaurants that we have enjoyed are worthy of a second trip? And a trip with the added pressure of visitors?

For Thursday night, I decided upon yet another French Thai restaurant, Nan. I had been to Nan with my colleagues for a work party and it was a delicious BYOB in West Philadelphia, an area that we would have otherwise not seen during my parents' visit. Although I will admit that the designation French Thai eludes me, the food was delicious the first time....and the second time. I had the crab cakes and they were some of the best that I have had, with a delicious lime citrus sauce that made the crab almost melt in my mouth. Both Sean and my mother went with the filet, which I had recommended from my previous visit, and it was also delicious. My father went with a Thai lemongrass crusted salmon filet that luckily was not too spicy for his taste and was good enough to earn him the clean plate award.

On Friday night, we went to Bistro Romano, a cute Italian restaurant in Old City with a cave-like romantic basement dining room. Although this was also a hit with the group, I will admit that I was less impressed with my second experience here. Sean and I both had the Caesar salad which was prepared tableside in an impressive demonstration. The salad had a bit too much dressing for my taste but it would please most palates. Sadly, my main course fell a bit short of the mark. I went with the chicken ravioli and filling inside was quite dry and pasty. The sauce was good but not great. I will say that the rest of the group enjoyed their meals and we will probably return again. I am hoping this one entree just isn't their best and I will have better luck next time.