New Years Eve Dinner at Waterworks

First of all the location is amazing. This restaurant sits directly below the Philadelphia Art Museum right on the Schuylkill river (next to boat house row).

During the warm months there is outdoor seating available right on the water.

Once we were seated our first decision was what water will we pick from the list of 20+ choices?? We went with a effervescent (sparkling) water from brazil.

Next we had to pick cocktails. I chose for both of us, I had a blueberry cosmopolitan and I picked a "hot and dirty" for my husband.

They were so different but both Oh so good! My cosmo was made with blueberry vodka, white cranberry juice and fresh blueberrys. Neill's "hot and dirty" was made with house infused pepper vodka and extra olive juice. We both enjoyed them immensely.

For appetizers Neill chose the Grilled octopus which is described on the menu as-

Grilled Octopus

Sliced red onion, fresh coriander, warm Water Works organic extra virgin olive oil

Let me just tell you it was like no Octopus either of us has ever tasted. It was heavily spiced and oh, so, tender, it honestly tasted almost like really good beef. It definitely some how took on a bloody meat flavor that was divine!

My appetizer choice was-

Diver Scallops

Strawberry bacon salad, berry vinaigrette

The scallops were seared perfectly and the micro greens in the salad were a bitter welcome addition, it was a very light refreshing appetizer and a great way to start my meal.

For our entrees Neill chose the Cowboy steak Oscar served VERY rare and I had surf and turf. The truth is they were just ok, the lobster was tough and reminded me that I shouldn't order lobster because i rarely like it. The crab on top of Neill's steak was cooked in a light brandy cream sauce and paired wonderfully with the steak. I would say the highlight of our main course was the mushroom risotto we split as our side.

We shared their signature dessert

The Water Wheel

Flourless Scharffen Berger choclate torte, Bavarian cream, raspberry jam, Chambord ganache, raspberry pearls.

It was beautifully presented and VERY chocolaty!!

We also split a lovely bottle of 2003 french red wine, the only thing we remember about it, is it was number 420 on the wine list ;)

Overall a really lovely meal at a wonderful historic location!