Conference Schedule: The Palm

The pre-season is now behind us and the PST heads into its conference schedule.  The upcoming schedule is a virtual SEC West of steakhouses, all heavyweights.  First up on the conference schedule: The Palm.

The Palm is located in what could be described as the "Steakhouse District" of Philadelphia, with four major steakhouses within 100 yards of each other.

The Rabbit was away down South with Ms. Rabbit because he thought it was too cold.  So he was replaced with Pierpont's friend who claimed to be a former AHL goon which is basically a tautology. Anyway, he is code named Hanson.

1.  The Decor.

The venerable Palm is located in the equally venerable Bellevue-Strafford building.  The Palm is situated in the lobby of the office portion of the building and is carved out of that lobby space.  This gives it the feel of a pop-up location rather than a stand alone restaurant.

Like all Palms, the walls are adorned with caricatures of notable individuals.  The difference with the Philadelphia Palm is no one known who the people are:  Carl Lipbalm?  Moreover, judging by the facial hair of the male caricatures there has not been a new one since 1986.

Accept for the complete strangers on the wall starring at you while you eat, the space is beautiful and contains many of the original details of the Bellevue lobby.

Rating:  Three of Five Steers.

2.  The Bar.

After our experience at Ruths Chris, my dog could be mixing drinks and it would have been an improvement.  However, the Palm bar is top-notch.  Drinks were appropriately made and the crowd was lively.  My one nit is that the bartender asked me if I wanted my Manhattan with dry or sweet vermouth.  Manhattans do not contain the dry version.

Rating:  Three and a half of Five Steers.

3.  The Scene.

The scene at the Palm was professional and lively.  No one in full deer camo - although deer season starts in a little over a week.  No complaints.

Rating:  Three of Five Steers.

4.  The Service.

The Palm was the first place on the PST that we experienced true steakhouse service.  Our server Randy was a seasoned pro.  Appropriate conversion, but no too intrusive, attentive, and knowledgeable of the menu.

Rating:  Four of Five Steers.

5.  The Steak.

After excelling in other areas, unfortunately the Palm steak was a let down.  Pierpont, as did I, thought it was a little tough and gristly.  The steak certainly did not appear aged at all.  It also lacked the broiled char that is a hallmark of a good steak.  Finally, it was not seasoned.  Asia thought it was a "purest" steak and he appreciated that the taste stood on its own.

Rating:  Two and a half of Five Steers.

Next up:  Morton's.

(Note:  December is a bye week for the PST as we will dine with the ladies of the PST at an undisclosed location.  See you next year.)