Food & Drink
Penne: His
The Atmosphere: It's comfortable, moderately upscale, and conducive to cordial conversations between visiting professors.
Sommelier's corner
Privada 2004, Bodega Norton, Argentina (Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) $13.99 (down from $21.99) As Valentine's Day draws near, enophiles all over the land ponder which bottle to serve on the special night.
La Buca: his
The Atmosphere: Pretty awesome. La Buca translates to "The Cave" or "The Hole." The walls of the foyer (the whole 300 seat restaurant is down a flight of stairs in the basement of a building off Washington Square) are covered with frescoes of famous Renaissance paintings, including my favorite piece: Botticelli's The Birth of Venus.
1ST ANNUAL PENN KING OF WINGS COMPETITION
Nothing goes better with sloth than a little bit of gluttony, so the taste testing labs of 34th Street set out to find the best buffalo wings around Penn for your Super Bowl fiesta.
Brewmaster's Corner
The Super Bowl has certain rules that must be observed. Acolytes submit to the orgy of chili, wings and beer.
Beers from the Ceiling
For almost 20 years, Brigid's has attracted a neighborhood crowd and groups of friends with its solid beer collection.
Down on the Bayou
In the thick of the Philly winter it's hard to believe that the spirit of the Mississippi Delta is alive and well this far north.
2007 Restaurant week primer
Despite all the hype surrounding Restaurant Week, some of the bargains may be gilded. Menus are limited, and $30 is still a considerable amount of money to spend before tax and tip.
Sommelier's Corner
As you gobble your way through Restaurant Week, so must you guzzle your way through some appropriately refined wines.
Welcome to the Good Dog
Good Dog Bar 224 S. 15th St. (215) 985-9600 www.gooddogbar.com If you're looking to enjoy a burger, beer and some atmosphere in the heart of Center City - without the Rittenhouse snobbery - Good Dog is your one-stop shop for an enjoyable evening.
Podthigh
Stephen Starr may be a restaurateur extraordinaire, but when it comes to the iconic example of American cuisine - the hamburger - his originality is less than brilliant.
Five guys in one room
Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries 1527 Chestnut St. (215) 972-1375 www.fiveguys.com Laminated copies of glowing "best burger" reviews decorate the checkered red-and-white walls of the new Center City Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
Under the sea
If you're looking for the grandeur of the Titanic set within the Philadelphia city limits, The Oceanaire Seafood Room is the perfect spot to put on your coattails, play dress up, and enjoy a wide variety of fresh seafood. Operating Partner and General Manager Peter Mooradian, formerly of Le Cirque, runs a tight ship - as the service at this 400-seat behemoth rivals any of the top restaurants in the city.
Hamburger rations were always the fashions
With pizza, gyros and salads abound, Penn students can be hard-pressed to find a local eatery that provides quality burgers.
So you liked Rocky Vi?
First thing's first: XIX just oozes class. From the low lighting to the $1,500 imported chairs to the sweeping view of Philadelphia's skyline, XIX is trying to make a reputation as the city's swankiest new downtown restaurant.
Reindeer Meat
Caribou Caf‚ 1126 Walnut St. (215) 625-9535 cariboucafe.com It's hard to imagine that the French can pull off an American staple like the hamburger.
Drink Of The Week
The Meryltini 1 oz vermeryl 1 oz Smirmeryl vodka 1 oz ameryletto crushed ice to fill Welcome, Madam Street, to the Continental.
What Meryl's Eating
PLASTIC Meryl Street, seen here sporting a smart, sophisticated purple sweater, shows just how fashionable eating plastic can be for the Spring 2007 season.
Overseas Finance, Meryl-Style
Human Rights Watch Report #3R72: Federal agents recently stormed facilities in Xi Pang highlands on suspected sweatshop activities with celebrity connections.
