Traveling advice for Philly/NYC

[mattman91]

I wanted to hire an expert traveling agent by the name of Deon Thompson, some of you may know him, for my upcoming trip to Philadelphia and New York City. Apparently he is already somewhere in Europe looking for work. Oh well.

Anyways, I was wondering if some of my Duke family has any suggestions for dining and entertainment in either of the two cities. I will be in Philadelphia Sunday night until Monday evening, and the next four days i will be in NYC. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[4decadedukie]

I respectfully suggest you consider dinner at Ralph's (http://www.ralphsrestaurant.com/), on South Ninth Street in Philadelphia. Ralph's is neither a fancy nor a well known eatery; however, the food and the ambiance are as authentic as they are excellent. I know many long-term Philadelphians who decidedly prefer Ralph's to more famous Philadelphia - Italian restaurants.

[sue71, esq]

Oooh good call. I ate there once for a business dinner. Wow.

[mattman91]

I respectfully suggest you consider dinner at Ralph's (http://www.ralphsrestaurant.com/), on South Ninth Street in Philadelphia. Ralph's is neither a fancy nor a well known eatery; however, the food and the ambiance are as authentic as they are excellent. I know many long-term Philadelphians who decidedly prefer Ralph's to more famous Philadelphia - Italian restaurants.

Thanks for the suggestion. I may just have to try that one out, im a sucker for Italian food!

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Obvious answer for NYC (http://www.carnegiedeli.com/home.php) ! Have a Woody Allen for me!

[77devil]

I respectfully suggest you consider dinner at Ralph's (http://www.ralphsrestaurant.com/), on South Ninth Street in Philadelphia. Ralph's is neither a fancy nor a well known eatery; however, the food and the ambiance are as authentic as they are excellent. I know many long-term Philadelphians who decidedly prefer Ralph's to more famous Philadelphia - Italian restaurants.


Ralphs is good if you like traditional southern Italian. Tre Scalini is decidedly better food with a much more interesting menu and BYO wine.

[sagegrouse]

In NYC you can't go wrong at Convivio in Tudor Village -- not far from the UN. The prix fixe was a real deal ($50 or so) but may have increased since last November. I also like. I also really liked WD-50 at #50 Clinton St. in Alphabet City (you know, Ave A, Ave B, etc.). This is a foodies dream. I also second Ozzie's nomination of the Carnegie Deli.

My favorite Philadelphia restaurant is a Pan-Asian spaceship of a restaurant called "The Pod" near the UPenn campus (Sansome St. between Walnut and Chestnut and east of 37th St.). The futuristic decor (it's a big place) really adds to the enjoyment of the excellent food.

sagegrouse

[Channing]

For New York I have to recommend Caracas Arepa Bar at (I think) 7th st and 1st ave. Its Venezualen and fantastic.