Matyson

Matyson (37 S. 19th St btw Market & Chestnut) appears to be a super popular lunch time favorite. Reservations are a must due to its small seating capacity. I would describe the atmosphere as a cleanly, sophisticated rectangle. Although, I feel the artwork detracts from some of the sophistication - big, unattractive depictions of fruit and fish in unpleasant colors and compositions - art being subjective of course.

Our waitress was forgetful, but apologetic.

The menu is reasonably priced for the lunch entrees;however, the appetizers seem disproportionately priced. Nevertheless, I must say there wasn't one thing on the menu that I wouldn't want to order; but on a cold, gray, winter day, the Lamb Bourguignon held the most appeal. The portion was perfect and the gravy was flavorful, however, to my palate the lamb tasted more like beef.

They make all of their desserts on the premises and I truly enjoyed the Coconut Cream Pie with slivers of fresh, toasted coconut atop. The cream was deliberately unsweetened, so as not to war with the sweetness of the Chocolate ganache, macadamia nut crust. The coffee, very good- always a plus.

Rating: Pretty Middle Toe