Caroline in the City
As a freshman, I knew nothing about Philadelphia Restaurant Week, a biannual event that allows diners to enjoy a three course meal at some of the city’s finest eateries, all for a fixed price of $30.
A friend from my writing seminar, who was almost as clueless as I was, invited me along to venture out to our first downtown eating experience. While most restaurant-goers chose swanky expensive restaurants like Le Bec Fin, Alma de Cuba, or Brasserie Perrier, our ignorance led us to select a restaurant at random - Glam.
At the time we had no idea that Glam was less known for its dining atmosphere, and more known for its questionable, and some might say “trashy,” club scene. Accosted by a blinding, fluorescent pink entryway, we were immediately skeptical of the whole endeavor we were about to undergo. Rather than turn the cab around, we decided to venture inside, where we found the interior to be much homier than expected. It was only 7 p.m. on a Tuesday, so the partygoers were obsolete, and the ambience was actually quite charming. There was only one other party in the eatery, a mother and a daughter, and more than enough staff to help all four customers.
Allowed our pick of their entire menu - an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert, I naturally chose the most expensive items - crab cake, filet mignon, and chocolate fondue. My friend did likewise. The meal was nothing less than delectable and presented very “glamorously.” Additionally, we had excellent service and were given gift cards at the end of our meal urging us to come back. If I had stuffed myself with anymore surf, turf, and chocolate, I would have had to be rolled out of the place. Who would have thought that Glam would have such a good kitchen?
Since that first Restaurant Week escapade, I have dined at many of the other participating and more conventional restaurants, such as Cuba Libre, Bistro St. Tropez, and Tangerine. While these restaurants may rank higher in the Zagat ratings, I have to say my trip to Glam was probably the most memorable and perhaps even the tastiest.
Next Monday marks the beginning of this fall’s Restaurant Week. While many of Penn’s students may have waited too long to score reservations at the designated hot spots, I urge you to take a chance with the Glams of the restaurant world. These lesser known places have countless openings and go all out for the event - giving you an elegant and satisfying dining experience.
Caroline in the City appears every Wednesday and Friday.
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