A towering gilded statue of the Buddha generates elegant calm in this 175-seat, Pan Asian restaurant with sleek, modern decor. Immensely popular, Buddakan is a restaurant that is great for both large parties and intimate dinners.

Located in the heart of the bustling Old City neighborhood, Buddakan features two full bars as well as a popular (and hard to reserve) 20-person, lit-from-within, community table for sharing food and conversation.

The fare is top notch – appetizers include seared kobe beef carpaccio, endamme ravioli, miso tuna tartare and tea smoked spareribs. For the main course, delve into delicious dishes like Japanese black cod, wasabi crusted filet mignon, roasted ponzu chicken and collosal tempura shrimp. For dessert, the chocolate bento box will please just about anyone.

Be sure to make your reservation before coming to town as Buddakan fills up quickly especially on weekends. Better yet, make your reservation right now .

The restaurant´s namesake and head chef, Morimoto (of Food Network´s Iron Chef fame), has created a menu offering the very best in contemporary Japanese cusine. While regulars flock here for the exquisitely prepared sushi, Morimoto offers diners a broad spectrum of flavors that delve beyond nigiri and sashimi.

In recent years, the restaurant has made it onto Gourmet magazine´s

Schulson returns to Philadelphia after having opened Buddakan in New York City for Stephen Starr and Izakaya at the Borgata in Atlantic City and then having gone on to star in Style network´s popular series Pantry Raid and TLC Ultimate Cake Off.

Chef Schulson has been looking forward to a time when he could come back to Philadelphia and cook in a small, personal space, which he has now achieved with Sampan. To him, Sampan is a place where he can prepare serious food from across Asia while interacting with guests and sharing his love of the cuisine with them.

Design

Designed by Philadelphia´s Sparks Design, Sampan features distressed metals, reclaimed timber and a rustic, natural aesthetic anchored by a custom-crafted, color washed painting that lends a warm ambiance to the space. In contrast to the large scale restaurants such as Manhattan´s Buddakan and West Philadelphia´s Pod, where Chef Schulson served as executive chef, this 80-seat gem is a cozy setting that allows his passion for Asian flavors, thoughtfully prepared, to shine.

Cuisine

Schulson´s says his mission at Sampan is to make the more exotic and unfamiliar flavors of Asian cuisine accessible and inviting to American palates.

Sampan menu is composed of a variety of small plates – Chef Schulson´s preferred way to cook because it is ideal for sampling and sharing. Tempting dishes include: his signature Edamame Dumplings, with truffles, shoots and sake broth; Thai Chicken Wings with pickles, mint and basil; Pekin Duck with tamarind pancakes, scallions and cucumbers; Lamb Satay with yakitori, penko and ginger; Crispy Chili Crab with Hong Kong noodles, black beans and ginger chips; Mao Pao Tofu with pork, ginger and garlic; and Wild Mushroom Salad with goat cheese, puffed rice and truffles.

Prices range from $5 to $19.

Conveniently located in the heart of the Washington Square West neighborhood in Center City Philadelphia, the Alexander Inn is a great place to base your stay in Philadelphia.

The d

The Philadelphia Downtown Courtyard opened it´s doors after a grand $75 million restoration, recapturing the grandeur of its 1926 origins while incorporating state of the art systems throughout.

Designed by renowned architect Phillip H. Johnson, the 18-story, 498-room hotel is listed on the

The Philadelphia Downtown Courtyard opened it´s doors after a grand $75 million restoration, recapturing the grandeur of its 1926 origins while incorporating state of the art systems throughout.

Designed by renowned architect Phillip H. Johnson, the 18-story, 498-room hotel is listed on the

The location puts you right in the middle of the prestigious University of Pennsylvania and its many nearby educational, medical and corporate centers. And Center City Philadelphia is only a short cab ride away. So if you want to get out and explore the city, you are set.

Take in a show at the Annenberg Theater; visit one of the many museums the city has to offer; dine at area restaurants that boast a range of cuisines, from Thai to Indian to Japanese to classic comfort cuisine; peerless boutique shopping along Walnut Street from University City to Old City.

The beautifully appointed guest rooms are equipped for the technologically sophisticated and include two dual-line phones with voice mail, data ports and high speed and wireless Internet access. Each room also offers WEBTV, plush terry cloth robes and luxurious bath amenities provide a touch of indulgence. Additionally, a refreshment center is now located in each guestroom with snacks and refreshments along with an in room safe for valuables and laptops.

The Hilton Inn at Penn is a recipient of the AAA Four Diamond rating. There is also a 24-hour fitness center with a full range of cardiovascular and weight training equipment.

Penne Restaurant and Wine Bar

One of University City´s finest Italian restaurants is Penne at the Inn at Penn. Featuring innovative, regional Italian cuisine and hand-made pasta made fresh daily, Penne is a great choice for lunch or dinner.

The pasta is handmade right in front of you and then dished up along side delectable entr