Visiting our son at college has turned into an eating frenzy. He is tired of college food already and so when he hears we will be in town his stomach starts growling and he starts prowling the Philadelphia restaurant and foodie sites.
This visit we were able to get in three great spots in 36 hours. Hopefully this will tide him over for a month or so…
Pod is right in the heart of "University City" and consequently attracts a young crowd. During the dinner hour it is quite loud and very busy, just perfect for its clientele of graduate students, young teachers and perhaps the occasional undergrad group out for a special night. The very hip (I am so dating myself with this language) décor reminds me a bit of the Jetsen’s TV cartoon show; but in a good way - I loved that show. The ultra modern, red, u-shaped, couch-like, plastic looking seating "furniture" (I’m exhausted even describing the lounge) where we waited for a table would have been very uncomfortable but it was not, and it provided a perfect area where you could be a bit separate with your own group but still feel part of the larger crowd.
We started with Miso soup and Sushi, moved on to Kobe Beef Skewers, a Cauliflower Robata and Shrimp Pad Thai. All were good and artfully presented. The chocolate bread pudding for dessert was excellent! I am sure we will be back many times over the next few years.
Pod is part of STARR Restaurants, which has restaurants not only in Philadelphia, but also in New York City, Atlantic City and Florida. We have not purposefully chosen only STARR restaurants in Philly but every one we have tried to date has been excellent (see my 9/9/11 post, Alma de Cuba). Our next meal just happens to also be at another STARR restaurant…
Also try Zenta in Old City -- younger, a bit funky. Very good sushi with some unusual twists. A good recommendation from our hotel concierge.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tip! We will try next time in the city.
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