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

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

The décor (including colorful cushions lining one wall) is as funky as the menu. We tried the fried tofu first, which was kind of bland and didn't come with enough dipping sauce. Picky played it safe with pad Thai and it turned out to be the best pad Thai he has had in Philly. Messy tried an unusual (and delicious!) concoction of fried rice, pineapples, currants, raisins, cashews, onions and scallions. We also enjoyed delectable- and quite large Thai iced teas.

Well, Siam Lotus, it won't be long before the manufactured restaurants start to creep up all around you. And we can say we knew you when.

Messy ****
Picky ****

The final word: A bit of Soho in the middle of nowhere. For half the price.

Siam Lotus
931 Spring Garden St
Phialdelphia, PA
215-769-2031
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11:30AM-2:30PM; 5:30-10:30PM; Fri.-Sat. 11:30AM-2:30PM; 5:30-11PM

A perfect place for a lunch date, especially if you want to avoid eye-contact at all costs. This yummy take-out joint is very vegetarian friendly, but unfortunately, there are no tables, just a row of stools facing the street. Messy's pear, tofu and yam salad was humongous, with the exact right dressing-to-salad ratio. Picky's shrimp pad thai was good, but slightly dry – definitely in need of a lemon slice to add some zing. Otherwise, everything made a tasty picnic to eat in nearby Rittenhouse Park.

Messy ****
Picky **1/2

The final word: Quick and unique alternative to normal take-out lunch fare.

Pad Thai Shack
18 S 20th St
Philadelphia, PA
11-5 M-F

Totally unassuming from the outside, My Thai is classic "I know this cute little Thai place. . ."

The interior is romantic, with low lighting, an exposed brick wall, tapestries and couples everywhere. Unfortunately, the food wasn't that amazing. Maybe our expectations were too high. We had a misunderstanding with our waiter over Thai iced tea, and he got a little snappy with us, but he was happy to vegetarianize Messy's dish.

The Pad Thai was unremarkable.

Messy **1/2
Picky **1/2

The final word: Cozy and cute datespot. Ambience wins over food.

My Thai
2200 South St
Philadelphia, PA
215-985-1878