On Cloud XIX

American brasserie XIX (Nineteen) is located on the top floor of the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue, right at Broad and Walnut, and its website boasts that it is the highest restaurant in Philadelphia. With four balconies, all of which offer a breezy and spectacular panoramic view, the whole place has got a swank, jet-set kind of feel, and the fabulous thing is their menus are incredibly varied. One can enjoy oysters on the half-shell at the raw bar, mango mojitos at the regular bar, or antioxidant smoothies from the new juice bar.

Chef Marc Plessis has just debuted his spring bistro menu, which includes daily plates like seafood gumbo and rabbit Bolognese in addition to staples like grass fed beef tenderloin and blue fin tuna sashimi.

May 10th, XIX offers a Mother's Day brunch buffet from 11am to 3 p.m., with over twenty dishes available, including crepes, smoked prime rib, and selections from the raw bar. If you aren't able to take mom on the 10th, keep in mind that afternoon tea is available by reservation, 2 to 4 p.m. daily.

Then there's Cellar Selection Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7 p.m., with sommelier Richard Slutter. Guests are guided through themed tastings for $20, which includes a sampling of light fare.

I highly recommend the $19 Express Lunch, Monday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Not only is the menu fantastic, but also there's a lovely selection of meats, cheeses, salads and bread included. And don't forget, there's Happy Hour, Monday through Friday, 5 to 7 p.m., with specialty priced signature cocktails and craft beers.

The dining room is fantastic as well—centered under a 36-foot dome rotunda, decorated with long strands of pearls, it certainly is elegant. But the balconies are definitely XIX's most distinguishing feature, and their most sought-after tables. This year, for the first time since the 1950s, all four patios are open. If you haven't tried al fresco dining yet this season, consider changing up your routine with this picturesque location. Check it out and get a new perspective on Center City.