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a paradigm indeed
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by Jennifer Estaris
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Shadowing the aura of innumerable other foggy bathroom doors (that lose their novelty with each turn of the lock in my opinion), Paradigm ends up being the paradigm of your everyday swankerie. Or I could be wrong. Perhaps like all of Philadelphia, this exhibitionist bathroom mystique is a pioneer for the rest; there's nothing like remembering the old days when whispers of explicit taboo spread amongst those who ate off designer plates and worried about awakening their hypothalamus glands. It explains the contemporary design that has become bland in comparison to other a la mode bars/restaurants.
Yes, they have handmade modish chandeliers, yes they have fuzzy and chrome thrones, yes they have granite stands where edibles and quaffables are placed. Some say the restaurant came about when South Beach and SoHo f*cked in Philly. But don't get me wrong; it's a fun place to mock yourself. When being Joycean about art versus pornography, Paradigm could easily slip into that funk any day now. Let's hope not, because relatively speaking, Philly could use a few more of these, if not for any other reason than to allow me to bitch hard yet live good.
The stuff that sits atop the plate? Quite cosmopolitan. Those in the restaurant should eat these pretty things once in awhile instead of trying to look anemic. I prefer the ostrich, healthy and red. Ostrich is like a steak
with a strange vibe--the vibe from knowing that you're eating a slightly
trendy substance. Other interesting yummies include lobster spring rolls and caviar sundaes, guaranteed to boggle and delight. Expect to spend in the $30s for the infinitely voguish couple at dinner.
The waitstaff? I've heard complaints about their swiftness and blatant ignoring of certain customers. But honey, that's because you don't fit in. The bartender, at least the one I discussed films with during a less busy night was quite nice. So, unfortunately for me I'd have to say I was quite comfortable, which I find rather perturbing. Expect to see me here while trying to impress a lifeless yet attractive client.
The rest of the clientele? Young, rich, and anemic--oh, I mean glamorous. Things can get older, as you are in Old City and things can get crowded, as you are in Old City, so after a show/film/opera/concert, why not stop by this little snobbery known as Paradigm, with its red velvet bouncers and black clad urbanites. And ooh, what about that see-through loo?
Brilliant, they would say. Simply brilliant.
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I would like to see shorter reviews. While the writing may be witty and
humorous, it tells little about the restaurant. When I want to go out and
eat somewhere, I want to read a short, to the point review, that is
informative. I would like to see less story and more information. I got
lost in all the witty words and wanted to just stop reading the review. I
think philly2nite should be somewhere where one can get quick information,
sometimes on the way out the door. Please take my feedback into
consideration.
Margot Vinen
I just read the article on Paradigm and I must say I agree with
everything written. I was in London in '95 and a friend of mine's flat
had windows that "opened and closed" with that same 'gas substance' that
Paradigm has in their bathrooms. I think it's quite funny and pathetic
that the bathrooms are a main attraction to Paradigm. It's just another
example of the US (Philly?) lagging behind in restaurant design. Have
you ever been to London and seen all the incredible restaurant
interiors??!! It's amazing. I think that if restauranteurs (is that a
word?) in Philly were to take more time in developing a whole
atmospheric revelation in their designs then maybe the restaurant's life
wouldn't be so fleeting. Taking an old building and making it posh and
frilly with superficial perks isn't what I consider
good interior design. But, I'm getting ahead of myself.
I'll write you guys again later on. 'Tis almost happy hour time.
Trish
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