22spots.com

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."
        -- Craig LaBan, Philadelphia Inquirer

If you happen to be a fan of ambiance, it won't get any better than this. Take the elevator to the 19th floor (which explains the XIX) and be prepared for a stunning restaurant experience. The original Bellevue-Stratford Hotel was opened in 1904 and the ornate 50-foot domes and the spectacular oversize dangling old world pearl chandelier represent a dazzling piece of the room's history. The restaurant was updated by designer Marguerite Rodgers in cream and leather, and the beauty of the room is accentuated by the sweeping views of the Philadelphia skyline. In the restaurant business (as it relates to ambiance) they constantly refer to the "wow factor" - this one happens to be the real thing and the ambiance here is in a league of its own.

Of course, ambiance by itself won't get it done. The food has to be very good, and it is. Chef de cuisine Marc Plessis is quickly establishing himself as one of Philadelphia's top chefs (Style Magazine recently featured Chef Plessis as one of the "Ten Hottest Chefs" in Philadelphia). The French-born, classically trained, Southern-raised protégé of renowned Atlanta chef Gunther Seeger is a relatively recent arrival on the Philadelphia culinary scene, having come from Vix in Miami. He has placed his emphasis on seafood, and while an immense and magnificent raw bar sets the perfect stage, the good chef does his thing.

XIX is a perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, afternoon tea, or cocktails at one of the city's new most interesting bars. It's all happening at one of the city's new favorite restaurants.

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