Brian Gerstel and I would like to recommend some favorite Philadelphia restaurants and stores that we patronize frequently. We can personally vouch for the quality of the food and of the items sold at these establishments. We also feel that they will provide a really fun time for visitors to our fair city. Let us know what you think of them!
Colleen's Restaurant (a.k.a. Les & Joey's)
Park Towne Place, South Bldg.
2200 Ben Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 567-4339
We started going to this restaurant about four months ago on the recommendation of a friend, and it's been a love relationship ever since! The funny thing is that since we started eating at Colleen's/Les & Joey's, many friends and acquaintances have volunteered their admiration for this establishment. Colleen's is the catering arm of this business (it's a lovely, glass-enclosed area with a parachute ceiling), and Les & Joey's is the everyday restaurant. This modest eating place also connects to a sports bar and a small grocery/deli. It simply has it all. Owners Les & Joey really know how to cook a great meal, and they use excellent, fresh food to do it. While we've talked mostly to Les (he's Mr. Personality, and really is a hell of a nice guy), Joey is also friendly and is (as is Les) a terrific cook/manager. We particularly recommend the Baby Lamb Chops with Raspberry Inferno Sauce (you can get this as an appetizer or a dinner, and yes, you can get the sauce on the side), the Strip Steak, the Escarole Soup, and the Bruschetta Bread (an appetizer made with tomato, onion and garlic on toasted Italian bread, and surrounded by roasted red peppers). The dessert tray at Colleen's is a feast unto itself, and the restaurant serves Ellis Coffee, one of the best coffees found in Philadelphia.
More listings to come! Be on the lookout!!