08/17/07

Overpriced small servings, Pretty but boring atmosphere

by kcpeyton

I chose Chez Colette because the reviews were good, it sounded pretty, and it was close to the Academy of Music, where I was going to a show. I was concerned that it would be overpriced, that the serving sizes would be small, and that it might not be so fun to eat in a restaurant that has a reputation for being empty. Unfortunately, all that turned out to be true. The hours are actually not 6 am to 11 pm. We arrived at 4:45 for our 5 pm reservation, and there were no staff in the restaurant. When a host arrived, he told us the restaurant did not open until 5. We sat in the Sofitel Hotel lobby and had a drink, which was nice. The service in the lobby was very attentive and friendly, and the service in the restaurant itself was very friendly as well, although slow - we did not get out until 7 pm. The big problem was high prices for a very small amount of food. The food itself was excellent - we had stripped bass, filet mignon, and the crab cake, plus the mixed greens salad - - all really well prepared, very attractive. Just wasn't much of it. No one in my group minds paying high prices, but at Chez Collette, you really don't get your money's worth. The decoration of the restaurant is very pretty, but it's not "fin de siecle" style, not really. It's a fairly nice hotel restaurant, but very reminiscent of, well, a hotel, and it is empty of people, which causes a lack of festive feel. Not romantic, not much "atmosphere." One thing that was exceptional was that we were given complimentary desert and coffee, I think because we were sent to the hotel lobby to wait for the restaurant to open - this was very generous of them. I wouldn't go back, though, because of the high-priced small servings and the sort of boring atmosphere. I would suggest Brasserie Perrier on Walnut St. as a good alternative, or Vallani's on Pine St.

• Pros: Friendly service
• Cons: Overpriced, small food servings

10/26/06

Weekday Lunch

by alee34

I had one of the best weekday lunches here a while ago. The service was excellent and the food was satisfying. Definetly try here if you're sick of Marathon or grabbing something in Liberty.

• Pros: Lunch

Hotel brasserie shows promise, but boasts few customers.

by Contributor

In Short
Old-time black-and-white photos and framed mirrors hint at Paris in the '20s. Mondrian-esque light panels overhead add a modern, abstract touch Music ranges from the jazz stylings of Dave Brubek to French chanteuse Edith Piaf. For the main course, select filet of beef with tangy, green peppercorn sauce or poached sea bass with succulent red bell pepper coulis. Finish with refreshing lemon or heavenly profiteroles stuffed with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce.

06/29/05

pleasant surprise

by mbradshawpa

A recent trip to Philadelphia had me staying at Hotel Sofitel. On my last evening in town I decided to dine at Chez Collette. A good move. I had one of the best meals EVER! Starting w/a green tomato gazpacho style soup then a perfectly prepared rack of lamb over soft polenta w/grilled asparagus. Veuve Clicquot champagne and a decadant choclate dessert rounded out the meal. I was sorry to see ,as had been mentioned in previous reviews, a very empty dining room. Myself and seven other diners on a Monday evening at 7PM. Also, the service was impeccable. Guests and locals should check this out. I will be back.

• Pros: great food, great service, great prresentation

03/15/04

Surprisngly Good

by timmyh37

I read the other reviews but went anyway.

I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it! The service was polite, prompt, and professional. The food was excellent (I'd give it four stars out of five), and the atmosphere was Paris in the 20's with a slight modern touch.

Although, like these other reviews, there were few customers, it was 5:00 on Sunday.

Overall, I would definitely recommend it.

• Pros: atmosphere, food , service

02/15/03

Mr.

by skierrj

Although the food was fairly good, overall, we were very disapointed. Our dinner started with a stained tablecloth that was replaced graciously by the host. Service was adequate at best and our waiter, while efficient, did not go out of his way to be friendly or offer suggestions about the menu or wine selections. Restaurant atmosphere was your basic Holiday Inn, not what I would expect from a supposedly upscale European Hotel.

• Pros: Not crowded
• Cons: Little atmosphere, Service, wine selection

10/09/02

A pleasant surprise

by pjlevin

After reading the noted reviews, I thought I had an obligation to put something different out there. In early May, a friend and I decided to give Chez Colette a try. We have a monthly habit of trying some place new and this was it. The place was empty but for one other table, which was rather discouraging. An eatery with one table filled at 7pm on a Fri evening is always unsettling. Nonetheless, we were greatly impressed with the service (sincere and prompt), the food (wonderful calamari and the filet was phenomenal) and the ambiance (warm and welcoming). I have suggested it to many people without hesitation. Something I can't do for many other Philadelphia eateries where attitude and mediocre food are all it takes to get on the map (see Trust).

• Pros: Nice setting, Varied menu, Great service
• Cons: Too many empty tables