My wife and I have enjoyed several outstanding brunches in Philadelphia. We find its a less crowded, less expensive alternative to dining out.

Does anyone have opinions on their dining experiences for Sat/Sun brunch at the following places?

1. Bleu (18th & Locust)
2. Figs (25th & Meredith)
3. White Dog Cafe (36th & Sansom)
4. Brasserie Perrier
5. Alma de Cuba

I know some people are huge fans, but we have had some terrible brunch experiences at White Dog. Long waits for tables (with reservations) or conversely, very bad tables when hardly anyone was there, spotty, forgetful service or bad attitudes, errors on the bill (never in our favor), etc. We have had many wonderful dining experiences, but the White Dog consistently let us down (after the 2nd bad experience in a row, we went only on the insistence of out of town friends, who left wondering "why does everyone think this place is so great?").

I've eaten dinner at Bleu and Brassiere Perrier and both were outstanding, very different dining experiences. Never had brunch at either of them, but since the dinners were excellent I have to assume that the brunches are excellent too. Actually, I wasn't even aware that they had brunch. I will definitely have to try both!

Gilbert: Penang is actually one of my favorites. Good, inexpensive food, festive atmosphere. I love getting a window seat in the nice weather. (Otherwise it's too drafty sitting by the door.) I've been to Vietnam Rest., but was a few years ago and I don't remember it that well, however I'm actually going there on Mon. w/some co-workers, so will report back.

I'll agree w/the others that White Dog cafe is hit or miss. I like the atmosphere more than the food. I can also attest to bad wait service - I briefly was a waitress there (bad service not being a fault of mine), but the service and attitude of the other waiters blew me away! Don't spend your money there unless you like bad attitude with your bad food.

Mika, thanks for backing us up on the White Dog. Its long-lived popularity surprises me.
Re Audrey (Audrie?) Claire: try to get an end table--the tables are very close together and if you're in a middle table, hope you don't have to get up for any reason! But it's hugely popular. We used to live a block away and think of it as a summer place, everyone spilling on the street and inside enjoying fresh salads.
Our favorite place for winter brunch was (we live in Europe now) The Plough and Star on 2nd and Chestnut. A big fire in the fireplace, live accoustic music, excellent food (not typical Irish pub fry-ups, more French/Irish). The Plough and Star also has the most relaxing afternoon tea in town--go there on a wintry, snowy week-day afternoon, sit by the fire, read the Inky or a book, watch the world go by and enjoy a delicious, hearty Irish tea spread.

My wife and I recently went to Porcini at 2048 Sansom St. for dinner. It's a very cozy but cramped neighborhood BYOB restaurant. The dining experience was claustrophobic with 15 other people in a tiny living room space.

The main dishes were not as great as I had expected. The borghese pasta special was too salty. Most entrees were only $12-17, and the appetizers ranged from $6-9. Overall, it's not a bad place but did not meet expectations.

Any recommendations for other Italian restaurants in Center City?

I thoroughly enjoyed Cuba libre (society hill) and I don't remember it being that noisy. also Le Coloniel (vietnamese) is outstanding, with excellent atmosphere, can get crowded though.

Didn't Le Coloniel close?

Le Colonial has become Alma de Cuba (another Starr restaurant).

As for Italian in Center City, I've heard good things about La Castaigne (sp? should be Italian for Chestnut, which is the street where it's located near 20th) but haven't been there yet. I think it's owned by the same people who own Panorama. There's also De Angelos, but it's way overpriced.

Oh no! Le coloniel closed? well it was great while it lasted. I only go to philly every once in a while so I didn't know it closed. They are still open in Chicago though-and great!

oh and another thing. we are wasting our time, she went to philly 3 months ago, and probably no longer needs our advice.

The original poster may no longer need our advise, but I think this is a valuable thread for anyone looking for good Philly restaurants.

My wife and I enjoyed a lovely Valentine's Day prix fixe dinner at Zocalo's. It's a contemporary Mexican restaurant on 36th St. north of the Penn campus. A bit off the beaten path from other restaurants in Center City.

We enjoyed a choice of 3 entrees (poblano oyster gratin, braised pork with pumpkin puree, and a three leches cake) for $35. The atmosphere is romantic and ideal for couples.

Has anyone dined at a new brasserie, Loie, that opened recently? It's on 19th St. next to La Colombe just north of Rittenhouse Square.

Haven't eaten there yet--it's owned by Avram Hornick, same guy who owns Lucy's Hat Shop and several other places in Old City. I think this is his first venture west of Broad.

I went to Loie, on 19th St., this past Sunday for brunch. It's very new (they're still remodeling parts of the place) and had great service and atmosphere.

But it's not as delicious as Bleu. The double ham omelette I ordered was a little too salty, but it should improve over time. My wife loved the eggs benedict. Dinner and late-night entertainment may be better experiences than the weekend brunch.

Anybody out there who has dined at either Jones or the Blue Angel on Chestnut St.?

Just went to Philly this past weekend. Do not go to La Locando de Ghiottone on N.3rd. It was a real rip off and the food was awful.

The Bleu Angel was a delicious choice for duck cassoulet, moules frites, and other bistro specialties. It's a bit more expensive than other bistros in Center City. Our total bill for 2 people came to $60, with an escargot appetizer, Belgian beer and bottled water.

My wife and I are in search of Cuban cuisine and mojitos. Are there any dining or bar lounge experiences out there with the following?

1) Alma de Cuba (17th & Walnut)
2) Cibucan (20th & Sansom)
3) Cafe Habana (S. 21st St.)

Go to Pasion! It is fantastic and they also have amazing ceviche! You can make a meal out of trying all the different types.