First, let me say that I am a big fan of Eric Ripert, and have been looking forward to trying this place since it opened last year.
We started with drinks at the bar, which is right next to the... More >
First, let me say that I am a big fan of Eric Ripert, and have been looking forward to trying this place since it opened last year.
We started with drinks at the bar, which is right next to the restaurant- and both are in the open rotunda lobby which has a beautiful high ceiling, but also helps the noise to carry- and boy, did it ever. Granted, this was not the restaurant's fault, but the bar was packed with men in suits and people in nametags- apparently in town for a convetion of some sort. It was tough to get the bartender's attention and patrons were acting inappropriately (let's leave it at that). The whole experience at that bar is not something I'd subject myself to again. however, the space is nice and seems like a nice place for a quiet drink, when the Boys' club isn't there.
When we did sit at our table in the restaurant, the noise level was a bit better. We ordered 2 of their signature cocktails (an orange vodka cocktail, and a pomegranate cocktail). These were delicious, but at $15 each, I wasn't going to have more than 1.
The apps were decent. my beet salad was fresh and flavorful, the goat cheese was smooth and creamy- a good way to start a meal. The sea bass app which my boyfriend ordered was very small, and as he said, "tasted like fish sticks".
Onto the mains. I had the PA Brook trout and was pleasantly surprised to see 2 decent sized fillets. It was served over bok choi which was cooked perfectly, but the hazelnut\beurre blanc sauce was a little salty for my taste- and I was not able to finish it all. My BF had a steak (NY Strip, I think) and said it was good- not great. I didn't try it.
Desserts were the biggest letdown simply because of their size. They are about 2 bites each, so sharing is out of the question. The beignets were very good, but the apple cider that is served with these is very fragrant and was a bit like drinking potpourri. The parfait was decent, but a strange consistency.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'd go back here unless there is a change of menu or restaurant concept. With Eric Ripert as "culinary designer"- this food should have been alot better- or half the price- to make it worth a second visit.
Pros: Food portions, cocktails
Cons: desserts, $15 drinks, noise!
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I have lived in Philadelphia for almost ten years, so I've had the opportunity to go to most restaurants here, but this was one of the best meals I've had in Philadelphia or anywhere else! This is... More >
I have lived in Philadelphia for almost ten years, so I've had the opportunity to go to most restaurants here, but this was one of the best meals I've had in Philadelphia or anywhere else! This is the only review I've ever been inspired to write. The food was amazing, the service was very friendly and down to earth and everyone I dined with agreed that it was a fantastic experience and that we would definitely go back- and I think we're looking forward to the next time already! We were there for restaurant week, which, at many restaurants means that it's a watered down experience and that you are rushed through your meal. Here, they treated us like royalty- they even gave me a complimentary specialty cocktail to celebrate my Birthday! They went out of their way to make our experience special- even giving one guest something that wasn't on the menu in order to satisfy special dietary needs! It is a very special place. Everything was impeccable- the service, food, and decor. The only thing lacking was the pretentiousness that is often associated with this caliber of restaurant- and we didn't miss that one bit! Anyone who is looking to have a special evening should try 10 Arts.
Pros: Fantastic food, service, and ambience
Cons: none
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I must say that I made reservations for 10 Arts nearly a month in advance and looked forward to enjoying a well crafted meal. The reality was a different situation with an extremely lackluster meal... More >
I must say that I made reservations for 10 Arts nearly a month in advance and looked forward to enjoying a well crafted meal. The reality was a different situation with an extremely lackluster meal and an overly aggressive chef upset that we we were not happy with the meal preparation. I have never in my life been confronted by a chief, both hands gripping the edge of our table convinced that we had no right to question the food placed in front of us. If we had been greeted with a polite explanation of the preparation I feel we would have had no issue, but to be nearly accosted by a chef with an angry attitude was, pretentious, unprofessional and unnecessary. Never again, 10 Arts...never again.
Pros: Near theaters and hotels
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Foodie New Yorker that I am, I was excited to see that Philadelphia had a Ripert restaurant opened just before my Aunt's 80th Birthday celebration. I booked about two weeks prior with Elizabeth who... More >
Foodie New Yorker that I am, I was excited to see that Philadelphia had a Ripert restaurant opened just before my Aunt's 80th Birthday celebration. I booked about two weeks prior with Elizabeth who couldn't have been nicer. When we arrived, they made my Aunt feel like a star and everyone greeted us warmly. We ordered a few of the cocktails - some named for PA artists - and they were delicious and refreshing - particularly the watermelon/mint martini on a hundred degree + day! For starters, we ran the gamut but the highlights are the fresh oysters and the grilled octopus. Mains included a lot of fish - of course since it is Ripert of Le Bernardin - and the wild bass was a fish-lover's dream. The trout was truly excellent and the steak was eaten with gusto. If you're going for the steak, get the mashed potatoes - there must be a pint of cream and butter in them but they are truly delicious. Dessert was light as we were all pretty full but everyone has room for the sorbets - the apricot and coconut were the highlights. They also brought delicious petit fours and chocolates to the table and my Aunt's dessert had a chocolate "Happy Birthday" sign attached. I highly recommend 10 Arts for a good time, great food and excellent service.
Pros: Ambience, service, food
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I heard that Eric Ripert was opening 10 arts in Philadelphia and was instantly online setting up a reservation. The food was phenominal. For appetizers, we had the calamari and the corn chowder. ... More >
I heard that Eric Ripert was opening 10 arts in Philadelphia and was instantly online setting up a reservation. The food was phenominal. For appetizers, we had the calamari and the corn chowder. Both were amazing. The calamari is fried with a tasty remoulade on the side and the corn chowder was very hearty. The chowder had a real smoky taste to it that was fantastic.
For entree we had the trout and the rabbit. The trout was in a sweet sauce that really complimented the fish. The rabbit was breaded and topped with a mustard sauce and salad. Both were amazing but I actually liked the trout better. I would definitely recommend both but the trout I would get again.
For dessert, we got the chocolatepeanut and their special dessert which was an olive oil sponge cake with peaches. I know it sounds strange for a dessert but it was great. The olive oil sponge cake went great with the peaches but it was not like sponge cake drizzled with olive oil. If this is the special when you go here, definitely get it!! The chocolate peanut was very chocolatey, but my fiance loved it because it had crumbled peanuts in the dessert instead of a heavy peanut butter.
The hostess and staff were very helpful and made great suggestions.
Now for the cons, which arent much. $8 for a bottle of water? If I would have thought about it, I would have gotten tap. I didn't really drink the water that is why Im complaining. Also the drinks are very pricey. We spent alot more on the drinks than we expected, but it was a birthday celebration so we didnt mind.
I would definitely go back again.
Pros: food, location
Cons: drink prices
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