This is a great present, by the way. I would love it.

I like the Stephen Starr idea because it gives them flexibility on restaurant type and getting a reservation on short notice. (Some of the places named are hard to get into).

I also like Amada (another Jose Garces). In the burbs near them, Sola is good (but $$).

Get a gift certificate for Stephen starr restaurants. It includes a range of great restaurants (including le diplomate here).

Pat's steaks.

http://distritorestaurant.com/

Distrito has terrific mexican.. Jose Garces..

Petruce et al.

Buddakan

I second the rec for Fork. I also loved Garces Trading Company when I went.

Tallulah's Garden/ Tallulah's Daily or Zahav

I was in Philly this summer and absolutely loved Barbuzzo.

Oops, I mean the whole issue was where to eat in Philadelphia and then individual articles, one of which is linked.

I love Fork in Old City (Philadelphia). It's been around a while but was recently revamped, and the owners are top-notch.

Here is an article from Philadelphia magazine from earlier this year on "where to eat"

http://www.phillymag.com/articles/faq-philadelphia-restaurants/

I haven't been but that Avero in Wayne sounds good, although might be more casual than you were thinking.

I'll be visting my brother's family over the holidays, I and want give him and my SIL a gift certificate to go out to dinner while I'm there to babysit their kids.

They live in Ardmore, work in Philly, and like a wide range of cuisines. Any restaurant recommendations?

Thanks!