We also got to try the pad see ew, a noodle bowl with flank steak, egg, broccoli, garlic, and bean sprouts. Or at least that's what we're told, because this bowl was so spicy, the chili was all we could taste, and the heat murdered our taste buds so that we couldn't really detect the flavor of, well, anything in the bowl. Fortunately, the pad see ew (and why would you put a dish on your menu with the name "ew" in it, even if it is the proper name) was the only real misstep of the evening. There were some confusing aspects of the dinner, not the least of which was why Chew Man Chu serves its fried rice as a course of its own, and after the entrees no less. We're not even sure whether the rice was any good; we had a couple nibbles to calm our mouths down after the pad see ew, but didn't really take note of it one way or the other.

And even though we were stuffed from the dumplings and meat, we had to find room for Chef Ophaso's house-made donuts, which were perfectly sweet and delicious, with a surprise bit of chocolate hidden in the center of the cinnamon-ish ball of goodness. They were good enough that our table asked for seconds despite our being very full.

As with any new restaurant, Chew Man Chu has some kinks to work out. But if it does, it will certainly become one of the city's hottest pre-theatre spots.

Quick Nosh:

• So now that Jose Garces is officially an Iron Chef, we know you're eager to check him out in action as one of the culinary men persons of steel. Well, mark your calendars for Sunday, January 17, 2010, at 9 p.m. That's when Garces's first Iron Chef America battle as an Iron Chef will air.
• Plan on indulging in the ages-old tradition known as Black Friday? Afterward, bring a receipt to Avalon Restaurant in West Chester that shows you were out stimulating the economy with your credit card, and get one free entree with the purchase of a second, up to an $18 value.
• Going to the Thanksgiving parade and planning to be too tired to cook after? Restaurant 13 at the Marriott has you covered with a Thanksgiving buffet offered from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and a family-style dinner thereafter. Information and reservations at 215-625-2900.
• 10 Arts Chef de Cuisine Jennifer Carroll (you know her from Top Chef) and Pastry Chef Monica Glass provide two reasons to get thee to the Ritz: Carroll's specialty holiday menus (available for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve), and Glass's hot chocolate and cupcake duo, available in the lounge every afternoon starting November 27, as well as for dessert with lunch or dinner at the restaurant.

Mexican: For margaritas and more venture into South Philly to Cantina at 1651 E. Passyunk Ave. I mean go directly to South Philly, do not stop to look around for something closer to Center City, do not collect $200. And try not to drop $200 on premium tequila shots with the awesome spicy tomato chasers either. Regular old pitchers will probably do just fine and leave you some dough left for cab fare back to wherever you're staying. And that's a good thing, because walking in a straight line afterward ain't gonna happen. Plenty of vegetarian options and outdoor seating available.

Asian: Philly's Chinatown is packed with good Asian food. You can't go too wrong picking at random but we'd like to point you in the direction of Vietnam's killer martinis and amazing crispy spring rolls. Warning: don't be confused by its western neighbor, Vietnam Palace, which is just across the street. If you can't tell east from west, you're in trouble. Philly's on a grid. Learn fast. Or, remember we're talking about one with the blue sign. Blue, not green. If you're craving Japanese go ahead and leave Vietnam and Chinatown behind and head for Sushi Planet. It's a small and cute BYOB on South 3rd that makes the most delicious sushi that you can actually afford. We like the apple and mango rolls. This is a great place to skip your normal spicy tuna roll and try something new.

Traditional: Searching out the far less exotic cuisine of pizza and beer? Two words: West Philly. No, seriously, hop the trolley to Dock Street Brewing Co. on 50th and Baltimore. Local beers with crazy names are brewed before your eyes in the converted old firehouse and the pizza comes in varieties you wouldn't believe. Apple smoked bacon and Gorgonzola? Creme fraiche, spinach, leeks? They've got both. And normal old cheese and pepperoni, too, if you're not that adventurous. If you just want beer and you're too lazy to go to West Philly, there's no shortage of places we can send you. Try Eulogy in Old City, Standard Tap in Northern Liberties, Monk's or Nodding Head in Rittenhouse, or, if you're still on good terms with South Philly after your tequila adventure at Cantina, P.O.P.E. (although we hear they have a new chef making up tasty treats lately, too).

Happy Hour: This one's simple. Bump is the best. Sweet potato fries + discounted specialty cocktails = Yum. If the naked men on the walls aren't to your taste, Good Dog makes for a good alternative.

Late Night Bites: Nothing has the power to cure your hangover before it begins like the Munchie Platter at Midtown II on 11th and Sansom. Mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, onion rings, cheese fries: all that is good and deadly. We have other great diner options, but only one place to get a Munchie Platter. Not recommended for tourists with heart conditions.

Brunch: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but we know you're not getting up early for it. Go to Sabrina's in the Italian Market or Art Museum area if you want straight-up good food. National Mechanics is for those who like booze with their brunch. Editor Jill doesn't much like National for night time on the weekends and that's completely fair. Fridays and Saturdays can be incredibly invaded and obnoxious. But Sundays 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. it's still the best place to make your own Bloody Mary.

Shopping

There might have been a time when hitting South Street was worthwhile. That time is gone. Sure, head down for a late night Lorenzo's slice if you must. And there's nothing wrong with a show at the TLA. But Zipperhead is gone. No, Crash Bang Boom is not the same. The scene is dead. Most of the time it's just a huge hassle to fight your way through the swarming tourists, bad parents, and emo kids. It's just not worth it no matter how badly you want a new novelty T-shirt or adult toy (NSFW). But then again, if you actually are one of those aforementioned tourists, maybe you don't mind all that nonsense.

For awesome non-novelty T-shirts and more try Sailor Jerry. Ladies retro fashions are to be had at Vintage Connection on 9th and Bainbridge. Otherwise spend some time wandering around Old City. There are lots of cool shops on North 2nd and 3rd Streets like Lost + Found for clothes, AKA Music for nerdy music stuff, The Book Trader for nerdy literary stuff, and Brave New Worlds for nerdy comic book type stuff. Our old favorite, Big Jar Books, alas, is closed. Oh, and the galleries are up there too.

Night Time

We never shut up about North Star Bar so why would we now? Go there, it's awesome. Silk City and The Barbary are the most fun for dancing and The Trocadero is famous for punk rock shows. Fluid has great drum and bass (check their calendar, dates vary) and DJ ?uestlove of The Roots is in residence Saturdays when he's in town. If you hate live music and dancing, check back up in the food and drinks section for something more relaxed, or kick back in one of Sugar Mom's bumper cars. The basement bar can be tough to find if you don't know the way. It's tucked away on Church St. just one block above Market St. between 2nd and 3rd (map).

Women

Now, on to our reader's request for places to meet ladies. Cute Philly girls can be found at any of our favorite spots. The same can be said for guys... and girls looking for girls and guys looking for guys, too. We're all kinds of diverse in this town. Just be nice or we'll kick your ass. Some stereotypes are true. If you're looking for a late-night drunken rendezvous (not recommended) there are ads in the back of the free weeklies and Lucy's Hat Shop just before last call for that (WE REPEAT: NOT RECOMMENDED). If you want to "look" at the pretty girls you can do so at Delilah's or bikini bar Cheerleaders (NSFW). Hey, we cover all our bases. If you tell us you like large dance floors populated with sweaty college students and booming Black Eyed Peas—why, we don't know, but we don't discriminate—we'll point you to Cavanaughs River Deck. If you like gay 'ole piano sing-a-longs we'll gladly accompany you to Tavern on Camac. The great thing about Philly is there is something for everyone. To that end we'll give you something you didn't ask for:

Outdoors

For children or the child-like, just off the Ben Franklin Bridge, Franklin Square Park has a carousel and mini golf. Back out in West Philly, we like the Clark Park Farmers' Market, held Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For biking or hiking try the Schuylkill River Trail. Or step off of the path and into the water. Hidden River Outfitters offers various kayak tours down the river whose name is both harder to spell and pronounce than Delaware.

There you go. More than enough stuff to fill one weekend. Our recommendations are in no particular travel order and are located all throughout the city. But no worries, public transportation is easy to figure out and most places are walkable. Cabs are recommended for drinking exploits far from your crash pad. Yelp lets you send addresses to your phone and Not For Tourists can also be helpful. And don't forget to check Phillyist for the scoop on upcoming weekend events. If we missed your favorite spot feel free to post it in the comments below. But please, no whining about the tourists taking over. Our momma taught us how to share.