PhillySpeak.com

We just stepped into the clean, sleek, corporate environment of Le Castagne on Chestnut Street before the clouds opened up and with wind and rain molested those on the sidewalks.

The dining room was almost empty except for an older party of four. The seats and tables in the rather small bar area were filled. I squeezed in and was able to order a cosmo and white wine, and opened up a tab.

A cute red head, Emily, with her hair tied back, was serving the rabble, but she took and served every order with a smile. Somehow or another Emily kept the crowd at bay and after the after work surge had left was in an almost even keel sort of way for a bartender.

The house wine was especially good even though it was an inexpensive brand. The place was so crowded we had to stand while we chatted. I would like to come back another day and snag a window table where I can watch the Chestnut Street parade go by.

Center City Sips is a great promotional effort. Lot’s of folks come into the restaurants and bars and order bargain drinks and appetizers between 5 and 7 P.M.

YO! No disrespect intended. But, every night, at almost every decent restaurant bar and every upscale bar between 5 P.M. and 7 P.M. is a thing called Happy Hour.

At Happy Hour there are always discounted prices for all kinds of drinks. You do not have to wait until Wednesday. There may be some special drinks or appetizers during Center City Sips, but usually Happy Hour, on any night gives you about the same thing.

So, whatever night you want to visit Center City, or any other part of the city, between 5 and 7..dude! dudettes! it is Happy Hour and drinks are at a discount.

How Lucky are we.