There's also Dim Sum Garden, on 11th between Market and Arch. A few people I know have been there, and they love it.

I can hang out until about 8:15, but then I've got to head out...to another forum GTG! Which you guys are more than welcome to accompany me to--it's not far from Chinatown.

Surely someone OUTSIDE of Center City makes Dim Sum ...

Have you decided on a day for the Pudges expedition, Brian?

I am NOT available on Thursday. (I'm going to a Chinese Feast that night and I'll need the belly room for the multi-course menu).

Thursday is right out for me too. Mary's birthday that day. Bookbinder's followed by IMax and maybe something else special is the plan.

I vote Friday evening six pm. Yes? Wolf: I will call you soon to make a date.

Busy Busy Bee today and tomorrow.

B

Sounds good to me. Where are we Dim Sum-ing?

Suggestions Rich?

I'll defer to Blue on this one. I haven't been to Chinatown in over a year and don't know anyone who has been.

I found those links, but I don't have any first hand recommendations.

I'll show up wherever you guys decide, but I'll be late. If you don't think you'll be hanging out very long, let me know, because I'd hate to get there when you guys are getting ready to leave.

BTW, Blue, can you give a link to the 'other' board whose GTG you are going to at 8:15?

Window of opportunity is narrowing, bri. I like you and all, but BF and his mom outrank you ...

I'll go anywhere in Chinatown, but if I'm the one who gets to make the choice, I'd pick Dim Sum Garden.

Here's the thread about the other GTG. Where: Dark Horse Pub, 421 S. 2nd Street (at Headhouse Square in Society Hill).

Dim Sum Garden it is. Friday evening at six until about eight or nine.

The wife is here now, safe and sound.

See you guys there!

Pudge's was outstanding as always, and I had a lovely time with Brian and MrsR.

There was an interesting moment toward the end of our visit when I had an interaction with a patient's family member, but hey, it's par for my course.

Wolf, so far it looks like we're the official Cellar welcoming committee for the Philly area--you have the burbs territory and I have the city. But some day I hope we can join our hostess-ing forces into a single event.

Dinner was wonderful tonight. We ended up going to Imperial Inn; not for dim sum (we learned the cool cart service thing stops at 2 or 3PM), but for 2-course Peking duck and a plethora of other tasty dishes. Our waitress was pretty enthusiastic to take photos of us! So those should be forthcoming...

Brian allowed photos in more than one location? That's pretty impressive.

Ask and you shall receive. I was going to load these first thing when I logged on, but I got suckered into a political discussion.

Dinner was great. It was nice to meet Mary and Blue. When the first location didn't pan out. I suggested Imperial Inn from memory, even though I hadn't been there in over 15 years. It still turned out ok, since Imperial Inn is 'old school' Chinatown, with yellowed menus that look like they predate the discovery of the printing press, and a cocktail bar that serves Rob Roys and other cocktails your mom and dad enjoyed. If anyone ever wants to have an outing based on the "Mad Men" series (which came up in our discussion), slap on your thin ties, suits and bullet bras, and head over there.

The Peking Duck was different than I've ever had it. Instead of plain duck with scallions and Hoisin sauce on pancakes, the first course of two had small round sweet buns instead of pancakes. The pancakes came out on the second course, which was shredded duck with veggies. The picture doesn't show it all, but we ordered the Pu-Pu platter for two, Phoenix Roll, Shrimp toast, one full Peking duck in two styles, lo-mein, heaven and earth, and scallops and garlic.

We should have brought a shopping cart to help us haul away the leftovers.:D Brian and Mary didn't have a fridge in their hotel, so Blue and I got to bring home the goodies. Jeffrey loves duck and will have a pleasant surprise for lunch today.

Brian looks good, but a little thin. Mary and Blue were both lovely. We had a great conversation. I would have gone to the Pub if I didn't have a few pounds of spoiling leftovers in the back of my car. It's just as well, because by the time I made it home I was a bit tired.

It was a great evening.

P.S. The next time I go into Chinatown, I will purposely do what I accidentally did last night. I arrived at 6:30, which is the exact time that parking on Arch street near 11th goes from tow away zone (4pm-6:30) to free street parking on weekdays.:thumb: