Step into what famed NYC gourmand Mario Batali claims is “possibly the best Italian restaurant on the East Coast” to experience pure gastronomic nirvana. Inspired chef Mark Vetri’s eponymous masterpiece emphasizes hand-selected fresh seasonal ingredients served with seamless balance, simplicity, and succulence. Witness his signature guinea hen breast stuffed with prosciutto and foie gras or a supple pasta dish such as chestnut fettucine with wild boar ragú. If you are fortunate enough to snag one of the 35 seats in this casual, but rarefied room on a Saturday evening, the must-try performance is the degustazione, a 6-to-8 course original culinary experience, accompanied by a specially printed menu, hand-painted by the chef himself. Arguably Fanelli’s favorite dining experience in 2007! Vetri’s casual joint is Osteria, 640 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215.763.0920.