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A Rittenhouse Square Bistro Named Among Best in US For Outdoor Dining

By Michelle Durham

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A French-themed restaurant on Rittenhouse Square has been honored as one of the best outdoor restaurants in America by Travel and Leisure magazine.

Center city has always been a popular outdoor dining destination for thousands each year from the across Delaware Valley.  Carol Anne Serena, general manager of Parc, seemed thrilled but not surprised that the Stephen Starr bistro made the list of seventeen spots:

"Pretty cool! I always say that if I didn't run the place, I'd probably be the 'Norm' of the place (a la 'Cheers').  I'd probably be here every day."

serena carol anne _durham
(Parc general manager Carol Anne Serena. Credit: Michelle Durham)

Some of the restaurants on that list have beautiful gardens, but those who dine outside at Parc have a view of cars and passersby.  Serena (right) doesn't think that's a problem.

"It's the best people watching in the city, without a doubt," she tells KYW Newsradio.  "It's like a story every day."

David, from Doylestown, is passionate about Parc.

"Always great food, and I just ran into a friend of mine!" he said today.

Does it bother him that his view of Rittenhouse Square is sometimes blocked by parked cars?

"We are in the city -- it is expected," he said.  "It's part of the fun of it."

Another Parc guest, Kelly, liked a different aspect of the passing parade:

"People are always outside with their puppies," she noted.

Carly, who was there with her daughter Amelia and a friend, said she appreciated the service:

"And it was very kid friendly.  There is no kids' menu, but they made a kid's dish for her," she said.

 

 

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