Dolce Restaurant

I’ve never really been the type to want to try the “trendy” restaurants in the city. I don’t know if it’s the fact that I worked in Old City for the past couple years and when the day was done, I just wanted to get the hell out of there, or that I lived in Miami (the trend capital of the world) for 5 years and I was all “styled, cool, and trended out.” Whatever the case may be, the desire to eat in some of Philly’s hottest spots was just not there. Then Restaurant Week came along and I made a reservation.

After reviewing most of the menus in the city, I finally decided on Dolce, an Italian restaurant. I’m glad I did.

Let’s start at the beginning. It was a Tuesday night and the place was packed. My only complaint, although I had a reservation, waiting was not avoided. However, while waiting, I was thoroughly impressed with the ambiance of Dolce. The floor was lit up a beautiful orange/coral color. I did notice, as the night went on, the color changed to blue. After being seated (we sat outside), we were promptly greeted by our server, Christina. She was very friendly and helpful.

We started off with bread and a salad. Insalata Verde, a mix of baby greens, marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and plum tomatoes in a balsamic dressing. It was the best dressing I have ever tasted…sweet and delicious. The appetizer was Filet, thin (really thin) strips with a balsamic drizzle and lemon. Although it was not at all what I anticipated, it was tasty none-the-less.

On to the main courses. I chose the Fettuccini with grilled filet tips. The sauce was a mushroom flavored cream sauce and the tips were seasoned, with what exactly, I have no idea. I was expecting more of an Alfredo sauce, so to me, who’s not a big mushroom fan, the dish was ok. Thankfully the portion was just right (I hate it when the dish is so huge that no human could possibly finish). My date had the filet mignon with mashed potatoes and green beans. The sauce on the Filet was similar to the salad dressing. It was both sweet and salty at the same time. The green beans were cooked al dente and seasoned with oil, garlic, salt and pepper and the mashed potatoes were creamy, also seasoned with a hint of garlic. Because I ate most of his meal, I feel that I have the authority to proclaim its deliciousness. It could possibly be the best Filet I have ever eaten. I recommend going to Dolce on that alone!

For dessert we had the tiramisu and the bread pudding. Both were light, which was perfect after a heavy meal.

So after this wonderful dinner, I bet you’re wondering how the evening could get any better? The icing on the cake? My experience in the restroom, actually, it is not exactly a “room,” it’s more like a wall of bathrooms in the back of the dining area. Ok, so they have the doors that are clear and when you lock them they become opaque so that no one can see you doing your business. I guess for some, they are tricky, because there was a woman sitting on the toilet, elbow resting on knee, chin resting on fist, obviously contemplating life, with the door as clear as day. Um, hello? you are supposed to LOCK the door! Did she not see me gawking at her?! Did she not wonder if anyone could see what she was doing? I mean, that would be my first thought! Needless to say, I was more than entertained by her stupidity.

In conclusion, make the trip to Dolce, try the filet, and lock the bathroom door!

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