I have been trying to get into this restaurant for about 6 months now. I have read various positive reviews from both Craig Leban and Chowhound. Overall, these reviews were positive. I was able to get snaggle a New Years Eve reservation for 4. We were seated in the total rear of the restaurant, a great location because the breeze from the door opening and closing was a non-issue. We were quickly offered water and the waiter took our orders. After the orders were taken, we received bread and a small appertif. I ordered some type of chicken stuffed ravioli. It was pretty good, not great but tasty in a warm butter/oil sauce. For my main, I had the Surf and Turf, which was actually glazed beef short ribs and scallops with a nice parsnip puree. It was quite good. The scallops were pan fried to perfection, with a crispy edge and a soft, tender middle. The short ribs were just OK, they were a little bit chewy and there was too much glaze. We did ended up going back to my house for desert and coffee in time to watch the ball drop (I live in Conshy). The total bill was not terrible and the food and overall service was quite nice. I'll probably try it again during a non-holiday. Map:

Kim and I continue to search and search for a good bowl of Pho. We received a coupon for Pho Thai Nam a few weeks ago and we decided to give it a try. Recently, we have been disappointed by Pho at both Vietnam and Wild Rice. Both of these establishment had OK Pho, but nothing as good as South Philly. So, we decided to check pit Pho Thai Nam when we once again got the hankering for some Pho. Finally, I can say that we were able to find Pho that is as good if not better then the stuff down in South Philly. In addition, the tables, chairs and floors were actually clean! (If you have ever been to Pho Hua off Washington, you'll know what I mean) Overall, it was very good Pho. As good, if not better then the stuff in the city. Much better then our previous trips to suburban soup shops. In addition, we tried the Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls which were excellent. Kim and I have since been back to Pho Thai Nam for a second visit and it was equally as good! We have finally found a local, suburban Pho soup that we can enjoy. Everything else is pretty good at Pho Thai Nam. The decor is a bit drab. I'm not sure if there are not enough tables to fill the restaurant or what, but it needs something. Maybe a half wall, not sure, but it needs something. Lastly, the service is pretty good. The food came out quickly and it was piping hot, so no complaints there. If you live in the western suburbs of Philadelphia and want a great bowl of Pho soup, check out Pho Thai Nam. Map:

Well, what do you expect. We get a call from my brother at 5:00 PM to join us for dinner at 7:00 PM at Pasta To Go (PTG). Its a BYOB, its in Roxborough, how bad can it be. Well, it was quite good. I was surprised. It seems PTG was/is a catering outfit that has morphed into a restaurant as well. This is often a questionable decision by the owner, as it is my experience that caterers often get the food right, but often miss a step when it comes to service and decor. Unfortunately, PTG is has continued my preconceived notion of these issues. Shame, the food was so yummy. We arrived promptly at 7 PM and was quickly whisked away to a table in the corner. A waitress told us we could not sit there and that it was reserved and moved us to a different table. The same waitress then began to review the specials. A table next to use stopped her mid sentence and complained about an item on the bill. She fixed it left our table, fixed the bill and continued the specials. The table interrupted again with another problem, the waitress left our table, fixed the bill and returned. We heard about the tomato salad special 3 times, not a great start. In retrospect, I blame the other table as much as the waitress, they should not have interrupted. Beyond that, no major mishaps. I didn't have a knife, so I grabbed one from another table. There were major water spots on our wine glasses and generally it was freezing cold in the restaurant. The decor was muted and simple. It needed something, not sure what, just something. But, all of those items can be forgotten if the food is good and the food is pretty darn good at PTG. We started with the calamari and clams casino. My squid was light and crispy, perfectly done. My brother's clams casino was also very good, with a little spice that is not typical but still good. I enjoyed veal medallions with tomato and mozzarella, which provided a generous portion of veal, string beans and whipped potatoes. I don't want to call them mashed potatoes, because it is entirely possible that these were instant, whipped potatoes. They were thin and runny, almost like polenta. Not great...Kim had the pork loin, which she reported back to be as being dry and not very tasty. For desert, Kim had the crème brûlée and I had the cannoli. I think Kim's choice was better then mine, but I'm a sucker for a good crème brûlée and this was pretty good. Overall, a pretty good meal. Would I rush back? Probably not. It was pricey for the location and the food, the four of us ate for about $150 including tip. For a BYOB, this is a bit high.