By Kitty Jay
FoodConnect New York
myhusbandhatesveggies@yahoo.com

Its possible that I am way behind the times in extoling the virtues of Philadelphia's Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar. But hey, I am not from Phillie. I can tell you one thing, however: Whenever I am in Phillie, my husband's hometown, its the only place I want to go.

"A Philadelphia Institution. Sensational cocktails and a brilliant menu of global tapas in a restored stainless-steel 60's diner. Continental's oversized olive-shaped halogen lamps pierced with huge toothpicks and olive-green banquettes are suspended overhead as you snack on Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, Seared Tuna with Mushroom Risotto, BBQ Chicken Quesadillas and Teriyaki Filet Mignon." - The Continental

The inventive cocktail list includes a great selection of martinis (I sipped on a "Buzz Aldrin" just last evening - a zingy mix of Absolut Peach vodka, triple sec, and Tang, served in a chilled Tang-rimmed glass), while hubby enjoyed a classic Mint Julep - his personal cocktail test of any bar. We bypassed our normal order of Lobster Mashed Potatoes for a new item we spotted on the menu - Lobster Mac 'n Cheese, and paired that with a "Continental Cocktail Party for Two" - a scrumptious mix of pork dumplings, lobster egg rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and vegetable spring rolls - served with oversized, red, retro-styled chopsticks. The sampler was as good as always, and an excellent portion for two people. The Lobster Mac n' Cheese was, in a word, heavenly. I was a bit skeptical when I saw they chose rice-like orzo pasta to craft the dish, but realized that it made perfect sense for doiling out delicious spoonfuls at this tapas/family-style restaurant.

One last note on the Continental. Maybe we are just hardened New Yorkers, but we were bowled over by the friendliness of the staff last night. The hostess went out of her way to get us a booth, seeming to really be genuinely concerned that we get a table we were thrilled with, even at 9pm on a Friday with no reservation. Our server was equally sweet and efficient. Thumbs up, Continental. You are welcome in NYC any time.

The Continental (Original Location)
138 Market Street, Philadelphia