ASIA ON THE PARKWAY
Asia on the Parkway is located, unsurprisingly, right on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which is both good and bad. The location is certianly convenient, but the overall feel of the restaurant is kind of weird. The inside is huge, extending into a more private area away from the large windows facing the Parkway. As soon as we walked in, looking perplexed over the choice of doors, a gentleman offered to seat us.
We noticed that there were drink specials, but we opted to just drink water. We began our meal with the fried vegetable dumplings. There were six pieces in all, and they were over fried with thick skin. It came with yummy dipping sauce and plenty of it — we didn't run out, and both of us are enthusiastic dippers. Our server provided a knife when the dumplings came out, no chopsticks to be seen, but Picky noticed they were available upon request.
When it came time to order our meals, Asia on the Parkway accomodated Messy's request to have her pad thai with tofu instead of the beef/chicken/shrimp choices listed on the menu. It tasted really yummy but it should be noted that Messy felt sick the next day, which may or may not have been related. Picky opted for the mango chicken which also came in a "Thai" version. It arrived on a big plate and served on top of a banana leaf with a cup of white rice on the side. Yummy without too much sauce, a good balance of mango, chicken and rice. As a garnish, the dish was crowned with two halves of mango skins.
We were poured some hot tea before our meals arrived and the server was very prompt to refill our tea mugs and glasses of water whenever they teetered on half empty. We went for an early-ish dinner before 7p and the place only had a few other tables of customers.
Messy ***
Picky ***
The final word: Predictable Asian fusion dishes with prompt service.
Asia on the Parkway
1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 1st fl
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 988-9889/0728
Sun - Th: 11am - 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 11pm
July 26th, 2006 at 11:43 am
[…] Messy and Picky takes a look at Asia On The Parkwayat 17th & Cherry Streets and come away pleased. They both enjoyed the vegetable fried dumplings appetizer, and tofu pad thai and mango chicken for main courses. Both Messy and Picky gave their "Predictable Asian fusion dishes with prompt service" at Asia On The Parkway three stars. […]
July 26th, 2006 at 3:00 pm
I really am not a fan of Asia on the Parkway. I work really close by so in a pinch, my coworkers and I will eat there. I haven't really liked the food even once.
The Parkway needs some better restaurants. Asia on the Parkway, Peacock on the Parkway, and Fridays are not exactly exciting, and don't even get me started on the Publican House.
August 18th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
osted by Alexander First on 07/15/2007
Lousiest value and food
I went once their by mistake, actually I just stop to read their menu. Unfortunately I decided to check their lamb dishes.I took a glass of Cabernet, which was bad, but its OK. I ordered lamb leg dish and it was really bad, and it was not OK a bit. First it was not lamb at all! It was poor quality shredded and somehow cooked beef! Unbelievable, but true. I don't think I would ever have a chance to check any other their dish, but what I ate was really bad. After adjustment to price — $13 for meat + $6 for glass of wine it was indeed worst value ever — worth than any highway fast food eateries I visited.
Waitress was nice, their location lovely, but so what? Should I add the weather was perfect, in order to say at least something good about that eating experience?