22spots.com

"Originally conceived by chef Jean-Marie Lacroix, the godfather of so many talented Philadelphia chefs, this restaurant's sophisticated approach to ingredient pairings and presentation remains a tribute to his inspiration. The menu, overseen by chef de cuisine Jason Cichonski, offers either a tasting or à la carte experience, with the tastes divided into categories of raw, vegetables, shellfish, fish, poultry and meat. Try the mussels and gnocchi gratin, laced with crispy guanciale (pork jowl), in a creamy curry sauce. Surprises are everywhere, in the dusting of cayenne on the spicy cashews in the butter lettuce salad and in the brine of dried nori that crusts the Niman Ranch rib-eye. The pricey plate of fruits de mer is composed of a mix of pristine raw and cooked shellfish that is a meal for two. The wine list is 30 pages of high-end wines, second-growth Bordeaux, Super Tuscans, some Californian wines, and worldwide diversity. For dessert, pastry chef Fredrick Ortega concocts sorbets in flavors such as coconut saffron and yuzu yogurt. Or try the honey-poached figs, a medley in sweet and savory that includes salty walnuts, goat cheese and the fizz of grape soda. A sparely elegant space with innovative displays of fresh fruits and vegetables as part of its décor, Lacroix also includes Bar 210, with its menu of haute bar cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails" - Gayot

Talk about accolades... Esquire Magazine called Lacroix at the Rittenhouse "The Best New Restaurant in the United States" and Gourmet called it "The World's Best Hotel Dining Room." Certainly the Rittenhouse is one of the world's best hotels, so this is a serious property indeed. The restaurant was named for Chef Jean–Marie Lacroix, perhaps the most beloved chef in the history of this great city. Ambiance plays such a gigantic role in the success of any restaurant and in this regard, designer Marguerite Rodgers created her own masterpiece. Of course, it helps to be located in beautiful Rittenhouse Square and the massive windows overlooking the Square make it all the more luxurious as well as relaxing.

Sommelier Eric Simonis and his Wine Spectator Award of Excellence program include some 600 distinct selections from around the world. Approximately 300 are French with the other half representing the rest of the world. There are some 30 wines by the glass ($9 to $12) and some 220 vintages for under $60. And please don't forget one of the best Sunday Brunches in the City.

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