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Date Night
Philly native Steve Ward of VH1 Tough Love doles out sage advice for those in search of memorable nights on the town. AS TOLD TO MARNI PRICHARD MANKO.
Where to eat: New to the bustling Midtown
Village nabe, Zavino Wine Bar Pizzeria (112 S.
13th St., 215-732-2400) features a well-edited
selection of beer, wine and cocktails, and of
course an appetizing array of pizza pies. A late night
menu is also available for those in search of
a bite after a show or movie.
After-dinner activities: Take in a Kimmel Center performance, such as The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Mattila Debuts (philorch.org).
Steve's word's of wisdom: A few years back, National Geographic dubbed Philly “America’s Next Great City.” With so many top-notch shopping and cultural attractions, it’s easy to fi nd something intellectually stimulating to do.
Total cost: Approximately $200 for a light dinner, alcohol, parking and tickets
Where to eat: Offering inventive Israeli cuisine, chef Michael Solomonov’s Zahav (237 Saint James Pl., 215-625-8800) has become a favorite spot for Philly foodies.
After-dinner activities: Head next door to the Ritz Five (landmarktheatres.com), where you can catch the latest independent flick. If live entertainment is more your style, check out a concert at the TLA on South Street (livenation.com).
Steve's word's of wisdom: Society Hill is a terrific area to wander around. Admiring the nabe’s architecture can stir up conversations about American history, Philadelphia legacies and social change.
Total cost: Approximately $150 for dinner, drinks and movie tickets
Where to eat: Union Trust steakhouse (717 Chestnut St., 215-925-6000) has soaring 65-foot ceilings, an impressive wine list, some of the best steaks in the East and a truly outstanding raw bar.
After-dinner activities: Head to G lounge (111 S. 17th St., 215-564-1515). You never know who you’ll see in The Vault (a private VIP area), from local athletes to Hollywood actors.
Steve's word's of wisdom: Bottle service typically gives you front-of-line access and personal service, but real scenesters know that tipping your servers well will get you just as far.
Total cost: Approximately $350 for dinner, wine and bottle service
Where to eat: Izumi (1601 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-271-1222), a Japanese BYOB restaurant along pretense-free East Passyunk Avenue, is hip without being haughty. The menu includes great dinner-for-two items as well as dishes such as fresh uni (sea urchin) for the more adventuresome couple.
After-dinner activities: South Philly is the hottest old-is-new neighborhood with lots of little cafes, boutiques and quaint neighborhood bars you can wander into after dinner.
Steve's word's of wisdom: Order sharable dishes like the $50 sushi/sashimi platter for two. Be sure to ask for table number 1, near the Singing Fountain—it’s the best seat in the house.
Total cost: Under $100 for dinner and drinks
Where to eat: Chef Masaharu Morimoto, one of the country’s top restaurateurs and star of the immensely popular cooking show Iron Chef, helms Morimoto (723 Chestnut St., 215-413-9070), a brilliant restaurant featuring contemporary Japanese cuisine.
After-dinner activities: Head to Stephen Starr’s Barclay Prime (237 S. 18th St., 215-732-7560) and relax with a 1982 St-Emilion Château Cheval-Blanc Bordeaux red.
Steve's word's of wisdom: Although it’s becoming chic to be thrifty, some still find it thrilling to go all out. Be sure to arrange for private transportation after that fantastic bottle of Bordeaux.
Total cost: If you have to ask...
Steve Ward is the chief executive officer of Master Matchmakers. The locally based company was founded by his mother, JoAnn Ward. For more information visit mastermatchmakers.com.
ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN S. DYKES
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