"T-Pain. The Golden Bachelor. Beyonce’s "Jolene." No matter the category, we love a creative renaissance, and the same goes for Laurel on East Passyunk, an intimate French restaurant that went from a high-end tasting menu to a la carte. They still have the same elements: stellar (but never stiff) service, a chic interior, and inventive French dishes we can’t get enough of. The mirror-lined space is appropriate for a big deal date, but it’s still casual enough to sit at the bar by yourself and blend in. We’re always impressed by the originality of the ever-changing menu, but some of our all-time favorites include the boquerones on sourdough brioche, mussels with a paprika aioli, and scallops in an oyster cream sauce you’ll want to bottle." - alison kessler