by Corey A » Wed Sep 14, 2011 8:12 am
Came back home on Sunday and I was completely blown away by the dining experiences in Philly; Han Dynasty, Zahav and Vetri being the highlights.
If you get the chance to go to Vetri, it is definitely worth the splurge.
Han Dynasty featured the best Sichuan cuisine that I've had. Handmade dan dan noodles and cold beef & tripe in chili oil being my favorite dishes of the night. The owner, Han Chiang, is a cantankerous thirty-something dude that rules his restaurant with an iron fist. He told us some great stories such as how fuqi feipian got its' funky name.
Perhaps the most shocking aspect was how much of a bargain this was. I had to book it two months in advance, but it is a grand tasting banquet that happens on the first Monday of every month. $25 cash not including tip, but no tax. Beer was no charge, but I definitely factored it into the tip. We ended up getting 22 courses total which were served family style. About 11 courses into the feast, Han told us we had made the halfway mark and not to "puss out" on him. A very funny and passionate guy, if you know how to take him. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.