PHILADELPHIA, PA, February 12, 2002 – The secret is out. Philadelphians are dining well these days, and the foodie press is taking notice. Although locals aren’t surprised by the accolades earned by some of the region’s best restaurants, out-of-towners may be. Whether it’s high concept Japanese, pre-Castro Cuban or a BYOB French bistro, the Philadelphia restaurant scene is as diverse and exciting as ever. Here is just a sampling of the kudos earned by local chefs and restaurateurs in the past year:

• Alma De Cuba’s high ceilings, tropical palms and gleaming wood set the stage for a menu of traditional but updated Cuban classics. The eatery received an award for Best Restaurant Design for Restaurants of 100 seats by Hospitality Design. Philadelphia Magazine named Alma De Cuba one of the Best New Restaurants in the region for 2001 while The Philadelphia Inquirer named Alma the Best Latin Restaurant of the year. 1623 Walnut Street, (215) 988-1799

• Avenue B, also named one of the Best New Restaurants of 2001 by Philadelphia Magazine, showcases Chef Francesco Martorella’s deft hand at contemporary Italian cuisine. 260 S. Broad Street, (215) 790-0705, www.mealticket.org

• Bluezette, in Philadelphia’s Old City, is known for its soulful comfort cuisine drawing from Caribbean, Creole and Southern influences. But owner Delilah Winder is making headlines herself, recognized last year for both her culinary and community excellence by Working Woman and the Philadelphia Tribune. 246 Market Street, (215) 627-3866, www.bluezette.com

• City Tavern, the historic dining experience that recreates Colonial haute cuisine, earned the Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences in 2001. 138 S. Second Street, (215) 413-1443, www.citytavern.com

• Davio’s, a handsome Italian steakhouse located in a former Center City bank building, earned the Award of Excellence 2001 by Wine Spectator Magazine. Sommelier James Colabelli specializes in Italian vintages. 11 S. 17th Street, (215) 563-4810, www.davios.com

• The bar at La Terrasse is always crowded with Penn students and professors – and no wonder. The Daily Pennsylvanian voted the breezy French bistro Best Bar Menu in the city for 2001. Everything from small plates of steak frites to chicken fingers made with pretzel crumbs is priced at $10 or less. 3432 Sansom Street, (215) 386-5000, www.laterrasse.com

• Le Mas Perrier, George Perrier’s gracious purveyor of authentic Provencal fare, was named One of the Best New Restaurants in America by Esquire Magazine and one of the Best New Restaurants in the region by Philadelphia Magazine.
  503 W. Lancaster Avenue, Strafford, (610) 964-2588, www.LeMasPerrier.com

• It’s not always the upscale restaurants that earn all the applause. McGillin’s Olde Ale House, the oldest Irish watering hole in town, was named Best McBar in town by Philadelphia City Search.com. 1310 Drury Lane, (215) 735-5562, www.mcgillins.com

• ¡Pasion!, Chef Guillermo Pernot’s tribute to his Argentinean culinary roots, is the only Philadelphia restaurant to be included in Gourmet Magazine’s top 50 USA restaurants for 2001. In another home run, Bon Appetit chose ¡Pasion! as the only Philadelphia eatery out of 100 restaurants for its annual "Our Favorite Places" line up. 211 S. 15th Street, (215) 875-9895, www.pasionrestaurant.com

• The Jetsons collide with Japanese pop culture at Stephen Starr’s Pod in University City, awarded Best Restaurant Design by Contract Magazine. 3636 Sansom Street,
  (215) 387-1803, www.podrestaurant.com

• The Prime Rib, which serves up steak with a side of sophistication and glamour, was ranked Best Steakhouse, 2001 by Zagat Guide-Philadelphia. The restaurant’s steak sandwich also earned a Best of Philly award in 2001. 1701 Locust Street,
  (215) 772-1701, www.theprimerib.com

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to generating awareness of and visitation to Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the new Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.

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