The Hawk

Issue date: 3/19/08 Section: Features

Ever wonder what dining at the Brady's might have been like? Jones hits both the psychadelic interiors and comfort foods like potato pancakes.

Not only can you sit in a pod at Pod, but you can also adjust your own lighting.

Ah, themed restaurants. These are the places you go to escape reality while enjoying the delicious (and sometimes overpriced) fare and the exotic ambience. Didn't go away for spring break? From a trip to the Italian coast to a futuristic recess to the Brady Bunch's family room, you can feel like you're miles away at one of these eateries.

Ever dreamed of jet setting to the Mediterranean? Then make sure you check out Tangerine. With its convenient location on Market Street, it's no wonder this place is always packed. If you're early or just want to get a head start before dinner, the lounge combines sleek sophistication with a modern edge.

The luxurious leather seats make you feel at home and just one sip of any of the signature cocktails will make you want to stay for awhile. For any first timer, The Tangerine is a no brainer: made with a blend of vanilla vodka, tangerine puree, and club soda, it tastes like a creamsicle (although it'll definitely hit you harder than the Popsicle kind!).

The main dining room is a warm combination of reds, oranges, and yellows, favorable for both romantic dates as well as group gatherings. The menu is full of vibrant flavors and lively food combinations, such as the grilled pomegranate pork chop filled with a chorizo-corn fritter, escarole and sweet corn jus. Finish your meal off with dessert and a nice glass of port and you've got it made.

If you're craving the psychedelic era of the '70s or perhaps always wanted to eat dinner at the Brady's house, Jones is just groovy, baby. The interior boasts bold reds, pea greens, and a fireplace, nestled between two brick pillars. Diners can enjoy comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, potato pancakes with sour cream and applesauce, and deviled eggs for starters, then get down to business by noshing on entrees such as Thanksgiving Dinner (which is pretty self-explanatory) and fried chicken in a basket. Don't let these down-home staples trick you. Starr restaurants are never plain, no matter how hard he tries, so although you might feel like you're stuck in a time warp, you're actually eating in one of the most in-demand restaurants in Philly. If you're all about the food and would rather go with a liquid diet, the bar is quite "shagadelic," as Austin Powers would say. The cocktail names are quirky throwbacks such as "Father Knows Best," "Betty Crocker" and "Bananarama," and will leave you with warm and fuzzy memories from the good old days.

The Amalfi Coast offers spectacular views and authentic Italian dining, but clearly Philly is nowhere near there, so what are we to do? Positano Coast allows you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and retreat to an immaculate Italian paradise. As soon as you step into the restaurant, the cool blues and crisp whites, complemented by the large photos of the coast, make you feel like you're on a beach, regardless of the temperature outside. The plates are small, but are designed that way so you can share with the other members of your party and sample little bits of everything. Granted, this isn't the best solution if you're a big eater, but it's definitely something worth trying once. The food is immaculately plated, and the smaller portions mean you're able to try more than a few things while still leaving some room for dessert. In the warmer months, you have the option of dining al fresco on the balcony, overlooking historical Old City. If you can't bear to leave, make a stop in the Sopra Lounge, which is full of inviting couches and loungers and features a full cocktail menu to top off your evening.

For all you sci-fi fans, Pod is right up your alley. Don't worry if you're not into Ewoks and Dr. Spock; you'll still fit in just fine. As soon as you walk in, you're greeted with thumping music and the changing colors of the spotlights up above.

If you've got a bigger crowd on your hands, then lucky you: you'll probably be dining in a pod. Pods are first come, first serve, so a reservation doesn't necessarily mean you'll get one of these coveted niches. Once in the pod, you have the ability to change your lighting: orange if you want everyone to look like an Oompa Loompa, blue for a Smurf-like world, or pink for a cotton candy wonderland.

The rest of the inside is full of mod furniture: the white bar stools and chairs give the place a very retro vibe. The bar looks like it could be made of ice with its blue undertones. The menu is Asian fusion and the portions are enormous (enlist friends to help you out). Make sure to leave room for dessert, especially the Pod Sweet 18 which has, you guessed it, 18 slots full of various desserts and dipping sauces. You'll probably have to roll yourself out of the door, but it's absolutely worth it.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools