The first time Messy went to this restaurant, she had a most delectable experience. The ambience: awesome. The room: spacious. The bathroom: hands down the most beautiful one in Chinatown. Most importantly, the food – Japanese appetizers and rolls – was sublime and inexpensive. Messy even found what would be her signature drink if it was served anywhere else: a combination of sake and plum wine served with a cherry (Blech– Picky). The experience was so wonderful, Messy knew she would have to return with Picky in tow.
When we visited Serendipity the results were very different. This time, Messy decided to branch out into the non-Japanese section of the menu (Serendipity also offers Chinese and Thai dishes). Big mistake. Although the portion was huge, the Pad Thai was dry and flavorless. Messy spent her meal kicking herself for not sticking with the sumptuous rolls she'd had before, which our dining partner – visiting from Connecticut – was happily consuming right across the table.
Picky was brought to Serendipity under the assumption that he would find something to eat in the non-Japanese section of the menu (he doesn't like most Japanese food). He started off with the wonton soup. How could he go wrong? It came out looking like wonton soup, but tasting like watered-down broth and with a flavorless filling. Even a large schmear of hot paste did not improve things. It got worse when the General Tso's chicken came out. It didn't even look right this time. This dish was barely edible, had Picky not been starving, he would not have finished it, but he was, and he did.
Messy ****1/2 (Japanese) & *1/2 (other)
Picky 1/2
The final word: Stick to Japanese food at a Japanese restaurant.
1009 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 592-8288
Sun – Thu: 11:30am – 10pm
Fri – Sat: 11:30am – 11pm
I forgot to ask yesterday, have you guys tried the new Japanese place on 20th? between walnut and samson? I can't remember the name, but it's somewhere between (cheaper than) Sushi on the square and (nicer than) Tampopo