See, be seen for less with Rouge's $16 lunch

July 20, 2:34 PMPhiladelphia Cheap Eats ExaminerRobert DiGiacomo

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Philadelphia Cheap Eats Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

  Chilled carrot soup at Rouge

Philadelphia's Rouge is still a place to see and be seen, despite having suffered the indignity of being upstaged by Parc, its newer, flashier and bigger Rittenhouse Square counterpart.

That it's no longer the only trendy sidewalk cafe on the square makes the intimate space a bit more accessible, while the slow economy has helped make it more affordable, too.

On a sunny afternoon, there are few better spots to perch than at one of the sidewalk tables, or at a window seat inside.

Chef Matthew Zagorski offers a daily two-course lunch special for $16, with a selection of about 10 small plates. Pair a flavorful chilled carrot soup with a "petite" crab cake and roasted vegetable salad, or maybe fried calamari with a mini version of Rouge's signature burger and fries.

The choices change daily, so the food –– like the women of a certain age who frequent the spot –– never gets old.