2010-08-18

Han Dynasty, Old City Philadelphia

Han Dynasty, 108 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19106-3009, (215) 922-1888.

Han Dynasty's menu specializes in authentic spicy Sichuan cuisine. Since I've never been to China I can only take their word for it, but it seems likely. I've been here twice so far and everything's great. The rabbit dish I had was very good, but has lots of small bones to negotiate which can make it challenging to eat. Nothing for it until we start breeding boneless rabbits I suppose.
Spicy Chinese food's a favorite of mine, so I love the place. Prices are modest considering the quality. I've had $100 per head dinners I didn't like as much, but this is really depending on my personal taste. If I had to cite a comparable experience so far as the quality of the food I would have to say it's equal to Nobu Next Door in NYC., but at $25 per head for dinner with an appetizer and main dish compared to $50+ for Nobu Next Door it's a better value. This is NYC compared to Philly, which is more expensive across the board.
Service is far better than average for this locale and the staff are very knowledgeable and accomidating.



Erin preparing Dan Dan Mien Noodles


3 cup Chicken


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2010-08-08

Asian Bistro

The Asian Bistro just opened recently and was giving out 25% off coupons with the bill good until 08/31. Good Sake, good service. It looks like these guys are doing decently competing with Restaurant Row. I've gone there twice so far and will go again because with 25% off it's a good deal and right around the corner from me. The decor's decent enough to bring a date to, but not like the really fancy places like El Vez. There was a Korean place here before. I went there with friends and we took bets about how long it would last. Guess we were right about it getting "redecorated" which is code for sold most of the time, except for Xe Lua, where it means a 2 week vacation for all the staff. FYI Do Not go to a restaurant the week before they go on vacation. Xe Lua's great, but the food was sub-par by far when I went there just before they went on break. I'm guessing it was clean out the 'fridge time.