Philadelphia is My Home

14
Jun

Sonsie in A.C.

Author: Momish, Category: Atlantic City, Dining Out, Jersey, The Shore

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Here’s a little tidbit about me - I was not born in Philly.

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No, I was actually born in Atlantic City. My mom’s side of the family is from there. So, naturally, I am one of those people that take off for the shore every weekend I can get away. Considering AC is practically Little-Philly-On-The-Beach and summer is finally here, I thought it would be good to tell you about a great place we ate at last weekend.

I don’t know if you have had a chance to check out the new pier at Caesar’s, but there are tons of great shops and restaurants there. We wondered around for a bit before we decided to eat at Sonsie.

I had never heard of this place before, but apparently the original restaurant is in Boston and has quite a reputation. It ended up being an excellent choice and I will definitely be heading back there again. Here’s why:

First off, the service was exceptional. Everyone was courteous and attentive beyond our needs. And that was despite our jeans and constant queries of “how much is that” or “what does that cost”. They didn’t even scoff when we sulked and pouted like small children because we wanted a booth with a view. (Plus I refused to eat my dinner staring at a blown up picture of some woman’s nostril. If you go there, you will see what a mean. They call it “art work”).

Anyway, dining out is all about the food, right? Well, that and the wine. In both instances, Sonsie shined. The food was great! It was flavorful and different, yet not too fancy to the point where it makes your head spin. I hate walking into a restaurant and agonizing over the menu because all the dishes include some ridiculous combination of flavors that have no business being put together. Why ruin a perfectly good fillet of fish by baking it in a mango and coconut chutney sauce, then drizzling it with olive juice and laying it over a bed of chili basted polenta?

Sonsie’s menu was diverse and unique enough that it was hard to chose a dish, and none of the entrees were the typical foods I would have been able to make in my own home. The wine list was just as impressive. Yet, surprisingly, the prices weren’t jacked up beyond the usual gouging. My husband, the wine snob, left there perfectly content, which speaks volumes (no pun intended).

Finally, let me just say that no one at our table was able to finish their meals. The dishes weren’t piled high diner style, but were hearty enough. If I hadn’t eaten three rolls, a half a pound of calimari and a salad, my main entree would have been just the right amount. Next time we are going to check out their wine and cheese happy hour. It sounds great.  If you’ve tried it, let me know!

Other Info:

• Contemporary American Cuisine 
• Entrees range under $30
• Dress is casual elegant (you can get away with jeans, but probably not sneakers)
• Website: Sonsie 
• Website:  The Pier at Caesar’s