Room (and Bar) with a View . . . The Penn's View in Philadelphia Philadelphia used to be thought of as a dull place, and consequently was the butt of jokes for decades. It was so unexciting, in fact, that WC Fields infamously stated, "I once spent a year in Philadelphia; I think it was on a Sunday." But things have changed. Jokes about boring Philly aren't appropriate anymore. That's because downtown Philadelphia is now hip, hot, hustling and bustling, with great restaurants, clubs, galleries, boutiques, and of course, many famous historic sites. Philadelphia is our hidden, national treasure with a glam side. Gentrification has taken off over the last 15 years to fill center city with fashionable people, shops and artistic endeavors. You'll never get bored in Philadelphia.
When you're visiting, a wonderful, romantic place to stay is the Penn's View Hotel. On the National Register of Historic Places, it's an intimate, non-smoking, boutique hotel, located in the heart of the Old City. Its waterfront location offers great views and an easy walk to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, and other historic sites that make up the birthplace of America. Also within walking distance are the vibrant nightlife, theatres, shopping, and strolls along the Delaware River. Privately owned by Luca Sena of Naples, Italy, and managed by his son Carlo, the hotel has a warm and welcoming ambiance that makes it feel as if you're entering an Italian home as the honored guest. The Senas have imbued each room with comfortable furnishings, Jacuzzi baths, fireplaces, and great views. Two outstanding features of the hotel are its restaurant and bar.
Il Bar is the central focus of the restaurant. This fascinating wine bar features a custom-built, 120-bottle keeper providing an extensive "by the glass" wine tasting opportunity for visitors. You can have a lot of fun just ordering your wine at Il Bar. There are 27 "Flights," each of which is a tasting of five different wines (1.5 ounces each) from a select group or region. Flights allow you to taste-compare a variety of wines or sample an expensive wine you might not normally splurge on. They have over 150 wines available by the glass, in tasting Flights, or by the bottle. The "everyday" wine list changes every week! Oenophiles will love the 530 vintages on the Proprietor's Reserve List. It's no surprise that Ristorante Panorama was named Best of Philly for their Wine List in 2008 and is well known as having one of the best selections of fine wines in the country. For the end of the work week, the Panorama Wine Bar presents special "Friday Night Flights" from 6-8 PM. This Happy Hour includes cheese, hors d'oeuvres and a wine tasting discussion with sommelier William Eccleston and a guest wine specialist. The cost is $20.00 per person in advance or $25.00 at the door. Tickets are available at www.localwineevents.com. Whether it's a Friday or any other night, if you enjoy wine, make sure to plan an evening at the Ristorante Panorama for a Flight you'll remember for a long time. And spending a night or two for a getaway at the Penn's View Hotel will definitely add to the enchantment. Various packages are available that include accommodations, dinner, and flights of wine. Like us, you'll come away realizing Philadelphia isn't just the city of Brotherly Love . . . it's an exciting city for wining, dining, and romance! PENN'S VIEW HOTEL |
Ristorante Panorama
