As I’ve talked about in the past…

One of best perks to being a professional wedding consultant is getting to do fun stuff with clients- menu tastings and cake tastings…

Another great perk is getting to check out locations – sometimes venues or caterers are holding events to showcase their food other times locations just extend an invitation.

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Last night I got to check out a Philadelphia tradition – Old Original Bookbinder’s – established in 1865 and re-opened in 2005 they have been in the Taxin family for three generations.

Our dinner last night was exceptional – known for their seafood- especially live lobster – we found that everything meat or seafood was first rate-

They offer three private rooms which are great for rehearsal dinners – they actually open up into each other to accommodate 150 for a larger group.

Another idea is that they will do an entire restaurant “buy out” for a larger event at a surprisingly affordable minimum.

Their banquet and marketing team of Denise and Natasha paired with Chef David Cunningham have designed banquet menus based on their time honored traditional items but are happy to work with each client to come up with a menu for your group.

Based on our experiences last night here are some standout recommendations:

#1 – Ask for Nick – great server, personable, and made great recommendations

#2- Snapper Soup- one of the things Old Original Bookbinder’s is famous for – I got just a cup but could have gone back for more…

#3 – “Jayme Taxin’s” Yellowfin Tuna Tartare – made with soy, ginger and wasabi – killer appetizer of buttery yellowfin tuna melts in your mouth.

John Taxin carried on a family tradition by naming a dish in honor of his wife- Jayme told us that she and Chef Cunningham had worked together in a NY hot spot and that he recreated this amazing tartare in her honor – this dish alone is worth the trip….

We really had a great time- definitely a place to check out for rehearsal dinners or events… you out of town guests will especially enjoy this piece of Philadelphia history.