Is U. the 'Best of Philly'?

Some students and administrators may single out the University community as the best that Philadelphia has to offer -- and Philadelphia Magazine agrees on four counts. This week's issue of the magazine features the "Best of Philly," an annual alphabetical review of the finest "people, places and pizzas" in the City of Brotherly Love. The University's newly renovated Furness Building was named the best architectual landmark in the city. The building, which houses the Fine Arts Library and the Arthur Ross Gallery, celebrates its centennial this year, but the magazine particularly appreciates its sentimental value, noting "it's where world-class Philadelphia architects Venturi and Scott Brown met, 30 years ago." But one Fine Arts librarian said that she is wary of the praise. "If you're here to look at it, it's wonderful," librarian assistant Heidi Rivel said. "If you want to work in it, it has its handicaps." WXPN's disc jockey David Dye won noteriety as the "real FM DJ." WXPN is one of two University-owned radio stations. But, according to Philadelphia Magazine Dye is not just the best, he is also the only Philadelphia "mixmaster with a daily show who's still picking all his own records and putting them together with style." The owner of local eatery the White Dog Cafe, Judy Wicks, said she is proud that her restaurant was named the best with a political agenda this year. "Our [award] wasn't just one you can concoct," Wicks said.. "We have this long-standing program for the community." The White Dog sponsors monthly political breakfast chats featuring guest lecturers on issues of political concern. Philadelphia Magazine also noted that the White Dog serves "wholesome, classy meals." "I'm glad they wrote that -- I didn't want it to seem like our food is not good," Wicks said. "If they do oddball things, the food isn't generally good." Nearby Mexican restaurant Zocalo, located on the 3600 block of Lancaster Avenue, was noted as having the best Mexican food in Philadelphia. Zocalo, however, is not a standard Mexican restaurant -- specializing in a contemporary foods and reknowned for its dish "Shrimp from Hell." "We strive for good cuisine," said Zocalo Manager Marc Cooperstein. "Both creative and traditional." "It just doesn't get any better," the magazine said. "At least not this far north of the border." Wharton alum and Wharton Hall of Fame member Donald Trump faced stiff competition for the best "Atlantic City not-so-big deal." The New York financier tied for first place with his own casino Trump Taj-Mahal, according to the magazine. Spokespersons from the Trump Organization declined to comment this week.

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