After reading some of these reviews, I have strong beliefs that the attitude of the patrons was part of the major reason they had issues.
I visited Fork on Friday, May 25, 2018 before attending the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern exhibit which was a few blocks away.
First, the service is excellent and the type that one doesn't see much anymore -- main server, secondary server, walking staff (lovely ladies dressed in black) and bussers who all made sure that our needs were attended to properly. I miss this type of service, even in ridiculously, high-priced restaurants in NYC.
Second, the menu had unique offerings including stinging nettle rigatini (my friend ordered this) that was not only delicious, but hand-made by the culinary staff from stinging nettle grown on their property! I originally wanted the bucatini without andouille sausage, but I understand that the sauce was prepared with the sausage in it. So I chose the lemon pepper fettuccine with king crab, charred broccoli, and scallions so that my friend and I could sample both meals. The wine list is quite nice with numerous selections to pair with everything on the menu.
While I sympathize with folks with dietary restrictions because I also have them, I do not expect chefs or every restaurant to disrupt the kitchen to accommodate me. This is why I peruse the menu and ask questions concerning my dietary requirements before being seated to respect the chef and myself. When possible, I look at the restaurant's website and call ahead of time with my questions. YELP is such a blessing to assist us in this and other ways. Many people do not realize that a kitchen is set up for the evening for efficiency and even slight variations for one person can disrupt the flow for everyone else's dining pleasure. If a kitchen cannot accommodate my requirements, I eat elsewhere.
Someone mentioned food poisoning from sea food -- with shell fish, in particular, that is always a risk one takes -- especially these days with increasing pollution to our planet. A restaurant of the quality of Fork can not be held responsible for that. I enjoyed several oysters without issue.
Third, I am very particular about cleanliness and the quality of bathrooms even before I consider meals. I liked that I could see almost the entire, CLEAN kitchen located in the back from where we sat at the first table in the corner, just passed the bar area. The bathrooms are quite roomy, separate little rooms that are clean and nicely decorated and located in a separate hallway so that they are not distracting or noticeable from the dining area.
Fourth, the ambiance is lovely! The lighting is dim enough so that most folks will look appealing and tables are lit to be able to see your food -- which is what chefs want because the visuals are the first part of your culinary experience. The music was not too loud, even when the restaurant quickly filled up and the noise level was not at a "roar." While casual clothes were acceptable, I appreciated that no one was daft enough to wear flip-flops and backyard-BBQ attire. This restaurant has a level of casual elegance so even if you dress up, you won't feel overdressed. I was very pleased that everyone who was sat near us was fashionable so that they didn't feel out of place near us and they added to the ambiance!
I look forward to having meals at Fork the next and each time I visit Philly. If you read my other restaurant reviews, you will understand the quality that I am accustomed to and why I sing the praises of Fork. read more