So alfa needs to go but Cosi, which is only 4 blocks away on Locust can stay? Alfa and walnut room are mobbed for happy hour and at night and give that block some life after all the stores close. But you're correct, it is a detriment to the street.

LOL. Agreed. Apparently luggage from Neiman Marcus is second rate.

Tumi's fantastic...one of those things where I think you get your money's worth beyond the label. Cheap it aint. Reliable and satisfactory=samsonite.

The facade at Alfa has long been somewhat nondescript, but it appears to be filling a niche that the three or four restaurants that have occupied that space since Rib-It went out of business haven't succeeded at filling yet.

Having attended several "Creative Connects" happy hours at Alfa but not really eaten there, I can't comment on the quality of the food, but I trust that your beef with this place concerns quality more than price point.

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Sandy Smith, Exile on Market Street, Philadelphia
“Basically I figure guns are like gays: They seem a lot more sinister and threatening until you get to know a few; and once you have one in the house, you can get downright defensive about them.” --Theresa Neilson Hayden

FWIW, a lot of what Needless Markup sells is merchandise for people with more money than taste -- or style, for that matter.

Better their customers drop coin at Nicole Miller in the Bellevue.

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Sandy Smith, Exile on Market Street, Philadelphia
“Basically I figure guns are like gays: They seem a lot more sinister and threatening until you get to know a few; and once you have one in the house, you can get downright defensive about them.” --Theresa Neilson Hayden

Exactly, its a quality issue. "upscale" never had much to do with it. I'm all for spaces being used ot their full potential.

I'll rescind the Tumi comment, even though I still believe its not the proper area for that type of store. Another reason being their space is a hole in the wall, so beggars can't be choosers.

Both comments raise questions I think worth following.

First, what would you classify as using the Alfa/Walnut Room space to its full potential? Should it remain a restaurant and lounge? If so, what changes should be made? A more interesting...facade? Menu? (Clientele? ) If not, what should it be?

What would be: A proper location for a high-end luggage boutique? A better use for the small space this store will occupy?

I do think reasonable people can disagree on all of these questions, which isn't to say that I will necessarily disagree with your answers once you provide them. Glad you confirmed my suspicion about your objection to Alfa.

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Sandy Smith, Exile on Market Street, Philadelphia
“Basically I figure guns are like gays: They seem a lot more sinister and threatening until you get to know a few; and once you have one in the house, you can get downright defensive about them.” --Theresa Neilson Hayden

I really don't like to shop but do have my share of luxury goods.. and I am thrilled that Tumi is on Walnut. This is one of the few goods that I happily pay retail for simply because the quality and the design are so strong and the prices are so reasonable versus competing fashion labels. No, it's not cheap, but it's really not that pricey when you consider what you are getting. It's really not much pricier than Samsonite, but vastly more attractive and vastly better constructed.

Can you find Tumi in outlets? Yes, but not much of the line. I've picked up a few pieces at Off 5th for a nice discount, but most products never hit discount racks.

This is a great little addition to walnut street.

I am not sure what the alleged 'problems' are with The Walnut Room/Alfa. I live across the street from Alfa on Walnut and since it opened the only real change has been a marginal increase in late night traffic, which IMO, isn't a bad thing.

Living on that block of Walnut St. has some definite down-sides- the vomit and blood all over the street on Sat & Sun morning from late night Denim revilers, the idiotic suburbanites who block the entire sidewalk waiting for Pietros, the panhandlers, etc. But Alfa is no problem- it is actually a great addition for a drink or late dinner when you don't want to suffer through a meal at Cosi.

I was waiting for someone to bring up Denim since Alfa's been dissed.

In terms of complementing the range of businesses on "Rittenhouse Row," IMO, Denim is more of a sore thumb than Alfa. I've attended a few events there, and it looks to me like the "yellow tag" version of high style (what they call "the bridge-and-tunnel crowd" in Manhattan) -- both in the decor of the space and the dress of the patrons. A PaperStreet party is way cooler and more sophisticated.

G Lounge belongs in Denim's space, IMO.

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Sandy Smith, Exile on Market Street, Philadelphia
“Basically I figure guns are like gays: They seem a lot more sinister and threatening until you get to know a few; and once you have one in the house, you can get downright defensive about them.” --Theresa Neilson Hayden

i think G is perfectly fine where it is