ladle

1st trip to Hank's on a Saturday night...we showed up on the earlier side and had no wait for an outside table. The oysters on a half shell were fantastic and the waiter really knew his stuff when describing them. I had the lobster roll, which was good though I agree with those who described it as not Maine quality. Husband had the oyster po-boy and loved it. We also shared the mac and cheesy side (because it is hard to refuse a side named mac and cheesy) and were happy we did. Nice to have such a great neighborhood place, even if it isn't in my neighborhood.

Made it to Eamonn's last night and it was well worth the trip. I had the cod, my husband had the burgher and the chips were plentiful. I really liked the Kitty O'Shea sauce. Cheasapeake was also pretty good, though the two didn't mix that well. Once the Kitty O'Shea was gone, I pretty much stuck with the malt vinegar, which I agree is better that what you can get elsewhere!

I have family in Cleveland but had never heard of Lola before - I'll have to get to it on a future trip! There's a great place called Firein a cute area called Shaker Square. I've also eaten at a place called Boulevard Bluewhich had good food, atmosphere, and drinks. If you want a great milkshake, check out a place called Tommy's in the neighboring suburb of Cleveland Heights. These recommendations would require leaving the downtown area but are worth it in my opinion!

Not surprising at all...Philly was named fattest city in the nation a few years back. The mayor started a 76 tons weight loss campaign in response! It's always been my Philly experience that you can get some of the best cheesesteaks (or chicken steaks, as I prefer) at the neighborhood places. Lee's does a good job, as does Abner's in West Philly. The Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory doesn't hold a candle...

I learned about Taco Tuesdays from this thread and have to say thanks! I had the steak and tilapia tacos along with the 5 salsas (my favorite part of the deal). Topped off with the Oyamel margarita, which is strangely the only marg I like, it was a great meal!

Thanks for all the comments! I'll look into Tru - it made the short list before but seems to have gotten knocked off it. Interesting that there are both fans and non-fans of Spiaggia. Any particular items that they do well? Also, anyone familiar with a place called one sixtyblue? I'm finding some good reviews of it and am now pretty interested... I did Minibar last month and while I loved the experience, I'm not looking to repeat it. So Alinea is out this time.

I'm heading to Chicago in a month for a special occasion and would love to find a memorable restaurant to go to before heading to see Wicked. Hoping for something I'd like as much as Restaurant Eve and/or 2941. From research so far, I'm considering Spiaggia and Everest, but am open to other options of all kinds. Any suggestions from folks who've been there recently? Thanks!

Hi - I'm new to posting and just happened to try out Del Merei on Saturday night. I'd happily eat a meal of just their side dishes, though I'd be sad to miss out on the very satisfying buffalo hanger steak. My husband was just as pleased with their NY strip. Dessert sounded tempting but for us it's just not possible to be that close to The Fairy Godmother without heeding its call...mmm, blackberry sorbet and a ginger cookie.