XIX

We read the reviews so you don’t have to. Craig LaBan visits XIX atop the Bellevue.
Craig LaBan heads to the top of the Bellevue, or as it is known today, Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue.
What he finds is a grand old restaurant that’s come alive in modern garb. XIX Nineteen is the name of the new restaurant. XIX has both a cafe and main dining room as well as a central bar that may be “the city’s best spots for a secluded drink.”
The wait staff is understated and well informed, especially about the 350 item long wine list.
Chef Marc Plessis “is one of the most sophisticated arrivals on our dining scene in a while. He blends a polished classical technique with top-notch seasonal ingredients into gorgeous plates that show some exotic inspirations, but are never convoluted.”
Especially shining is the tempura fried soft-shell crabs, beef carpaccio, and the tuna sashimi from the raw bar. The raw bar is an “obvious pleasure” cooked menu has stars as well. Grilled octopus, strip steak, and rack of lamb with Indian flair all are memorable.
For dessert the deconstructed carrot cake was “startling.”

3 Bells

LaBan: XIX (Nineteen)
XIX Nineteen [Official Site]