Friday Saturday Sunday

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Posted by Wendy / no comments » / Restaurants

Friday Saturday Sunday is located in Philadelphia a couple blocks off of Rittenhouse Square at 261 South 21st Street. This restaurant has been around for years and with good reason. Its small intimate setting is a welcome change to some of the warehouse size trendy restaurants that have become popular. The food is very good. Nothing exotic.

The restaurant is famous for its rich mushroom soup, made from local Kennett Square mushrooms, chicken broth, cognac and cream.

Every bottle on the wine list is marked up a mere $10. Dress is everything from jeans to suits, and the service is vigilant but hands-off.

I don’t remember what I ordered the first time I went to this restaurant but I do remember that I did not eat my vegetables. It’s a story that I’ve told to many people to try and convey the feel of the personal relaxed service.

I made a comment to my date that I did not finish my vegetables because I was saving room for dessert. I did not realize that our server was nearby while I was making this comment.

Our plates were cleared and we were eager to order dessert. Our server returned and instead of asking me for my order he asked my date what he would like. Slightly surprised that I did not get to go first but not alarmed I patiently waited my turn to order. There was an awkward pause and then I coyly suggested I was ready to place my dessert order. That’s when my server looked at me straight faced and advised that since I did not finish my vegetables I could not have dessert. He was so serious about it that I immediately thought I had somehow offended the chef by not finishing my meal. I was stammering to apologize and trying to figure out how to rectify the situation. All I wanted was dessert. My date was just as shocked as I was. Thankfully, the server started laughing and admitted that he overheard our conversation and just wanted to play a little joke on us. Amused and relieved I placed my dessert order. Again, I don’t remember what I had but I do remember walking away from that experience eager to go back.

On my last trip there we enjoyed a Five Leaf Salad with Goat Cheese (honey, walnut oil vinaigrette and toasted walnuts) for our starter meal. For my entree I tried the Horseradish-Panko Crusted Tilapia (cilantro-lime beurre blanc). My dining companion chose to have the salmon special which was a blackened salmon. For dessert, cheesecake with chocolate crust and fresh berry coulis and an order of tiramisu. Everything was delicious.

If you are looking for something other than a trendy hot spot this restaurant is a great alternative.

Price: moderate to expensive. Reservations recommended.

Photo from Friday Saturday Sunday