Philly runs on Federal Donuts!

Federal Donuts

Need a quick, local spot when you're on the go in the morning? Federal Donuts, located in numerous spots of the city is where it's at! I went to the Center City location which is situated at 1632 Sansom Street.

Federal Donuts is known for their Korean-styled fried chicken and variety of delicious flavors of donuts. Everything is so fresh that the chicken is fried and the donuts are baked right before your eyes.

I wanted to try two donuts, but it was difficult to filter which two! I ended up going with the Pumpkin Spice Latte and Gingerbread flavored donuts with a small cup of Philly's own La Colombe coffee. What I loved about the Pumpkin Spice Latte one was it had cracked black pepper on which gave it a kick. And for the gingerbread, it simply melted in your mouth with the combination of the icing and spices!

Federal Donuts is great as well because their donuts only range from $1.25-$2 depending on which flavor. I think my total breakfast cost $6 today. Or you can get the special of fried chicken, pickles and a honey glazed donut only for $9! Since you would probably spend the same amount at Dunkin or Starbucks, why not try something different and better?

Other locations of Federal Donuts includes:

1219 S 2nd St

Opening in 2014 - University City

3428 Sansom St 

701 Fairmount Ave

The Italian Pork

Jake's Sandwich Board

If you want a real, authentic sandwich whether it's a Philly cheesesteak or pork sandwich, go to Jake's Sandwich Board on 122 S 12th St. There is no point of waiting in the long line at Dinics in the Reading Terminal with the crazy tourists.Go to Jake's to support a Philly local spot which offers great quality!

This has been my third time at Jake's now and I have gotten the same thing twice.The Italian Pork sandwich is probably the best pork sandwich I've ever tasted. The contents includes pork, broccoli rabe and shredded sharp provolone. The cheese was so fresh and melts in your mouth.

What I love the most about Jake's are the sides they have to offer. With my sandwich, I got fried pickles and they are so good! They come with this house sauce which is out of this world. I also tried the crispy onions, which are simply like onion rings. I liked the texture better of the crispy onions because it didn't fall apart like an onion ring would.

Jake's Sandwich Board offers not only pork sandwiches, but steak, chicken and brisket sandwiches as well. They have great specials during the week suck as $5 BYOP Mondays (build your own pork sandwich) or Free Fries Wednesday!

Jake's also has a 5 pound challenge! The challenge includes: 2ft cheesesteak, 4 soft pretzels, 1 box of TastyKakes, 24 mini Peanut Chews and 1 cherry soda all for $34.95! The perks include the challenge being free if consumed in less than 45 minutes and a photo is added to the wall of Fame/Shame.

So if you are looking for a fun, local spot recognized for their quality of food definitely come to Jake's to see what the fuss is all about!

Attention all Sweet Tooths

Green Eggs Cafe

Anyone and everyone who lives in Philly knows the famous, Green Eggs Café and their signature dishes such as their Red Velvet Pancakes, Crème Brule French Toast or the Kitchen Sink. This restaurant is known for their unique brunch items served all day long.

I’ve been numerous times and have never been disappointed! This time around I got the Tiramisu French Toast because I love tiramisu and French toast is a new favorite breakfast food of mine.

The Tiramisu French Toast consisted of brioche bread layered with espresso mascarpone and house made ladyfinger cookie topped with mocha maple syrup, chantilly cream, cocoa and chocolate covered espresso beans.  I didn’t even feel like I was eating brunch from how sweet and dessert like it was.

Now the portions are huge here. So if you do decide to go, make sure to bring an appetite! Also, if you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you!

Step into Greece

Kanella

I recently found my new favorite restaurant of Philly! I’ve wanted to try this place ever since I moved into the city this past March. Located right in Washington Square, Kanella is a Greek Cypriot Kitchen that offers authentic, yet modern Greek cuisine.

When you first enter the restaurant, you almost feel as if you are stepping into the country of Greece. Between the brick walls with hanging copper pots and blue and white décor, you get the illusion that you’re in Greece looking at the beautiful ocean.

Kanella is a great place to eat and share great company with friends. It is BYOB and has unique offerings if you’re willing to try! My sister and our family friend went to catch up because we heard great reviews! For our appetizer, we split the “Dips of the Day” served with grilled pita. The “dips” were beets, eggplant, and garlic. They each had their own taste to it, but I think my favorite was the beet one because how often do you see that on the menu?

For my entrée, I got the Stuffed Pepper. This included rice, lentil, raisin, pine nut, dill and feta served with tomato coulis and Greek yogurt.  My dad always makes stuffed peppers with chopped meat, Spanish rice and tomatoes so I wanted to try something different. What made this dish was the melted feta cheese and Greek yogurt. I could really taste the Mediterranean traditions come out.

For dessert, I got a salted crème tart served with a scoop of pumpkin ice-cream and a cup of coffee which you use the French press right at your table! The crème tart melted in your mouth the coffee was definitely fresh and a great compliment to the dessert.

                

I can’t wait to go back to Kanella soon for brunch! They were voted one of Philly’s best brunches for their Cyprus Brunch!

500 Degrees

500 Degrees

I know it's been awhile, but I'm back! I've very been busy, but I'm still trying to explore this city with it's amazing great eats!

I recently discovered a great burger joint to go to. I was pretty upset that the Five Guys closed near me. I haven't been able to indulge in some comfort food for a while now.

My sister mentioned we try this place called 500 Degrees. It takes fast food on a whole other level. They offer gourmet burgers served on brioche buns. You can either get combo burgers which gets you a burger, fries and drink all for $10-12. Now that's a great deal, especially for the city. If you want to be more adventurous, you can try a "speciality burger".

I got the "Up Side" Burger which has to be the best burger I've ever had! The toppings include: arugula, sunny side up egg, potato crisp, braised bacon. It tasted like breakfast on a Sunday morning! As a side I got sweet potato fries to compliment it.

Next time you want a non-chain,fast food restaurant, go to 500 Degrees. They have unique choices and you won't be disappointed!

Farm to Table

The Farmer’s Cabinet

Yay, the best time of the year is here…Restaurant Week in Philadelphia! My first reservation was for lunch at The Farmer’s Cabinet on 11^th and Walnut Street. This restaurant has always been on my list to try and I thought it be great to go for Restaurant Week!

Restaurant Week includes participating restaurants with pre-fix, three-course meals. Dinner is $35 and lunch is $20. You get a great quantity and quality of food for what you are paying for. It’s a great deal! It goes from September 20^th-25^th and September 22^nd-27^th.

The Farmer’s Cabinet, has an old rustic, 1800s era feel to it. When you walk inside, you first notice the bar with many craft beers on tap and candles lit in Mason jars. Straight back, you see long wooden tables or barrels to sit at. It feels like you are stepping back into time!

For my first course, I got the Smoked Beet Salad which included watercress, almond vinaigrette and crumbled goat cheese. The goat cheese was so creamy, it truly made the salad. And what I loved was the beets were thinly sliced and it was a different texture than used too.

For my second course, I got the Butternut Squash Ravioli which was goat ragout, sage cream, shaved parmesan. The raviolis were on a bed of the goat ragout, which is shredded goat meat. It was a great compliment to the taste of the butternut squash. The dish was three fairly large raviolis and it was the right amount!

For dessert, I got the Goat’s Milk Ice-cream. Now the flavor changes daily. But today’s was vanilla with chopped chocolate covered pretzels! The ice-cream made with goats milk truly makes a difference. It was so smooth and creamy! Add with the crunch of the chocolate covered pretzels, this is probably the best ice-cream I’ve had in a while.

I highly recommend coming to The Farmer’s Cabinet or any of the other participating restaurants for Restaurant Week. Here is the link to the website to see a full list of the restaurants and their menus! Make your reservations fast!

http://www.centercityphila.org/life/RestaurantWeek.php

Burgers, Milkshakes and Mini-golf

Square Burger

You can never be too old for mini-golf, burgers and milkshakes! One day after work, my family came into Philly so we could take my 12 year old brother mini-golfing at Franklin Square. We had an absolute blast!

Franklin Square is one of Philly’s five original parks. It offers the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, mini-golf and Philadelphia’s own, Stephen Starr’s Square Burger. First we enjoyed playing a game of mini-golf together. The course was full of Philly themed statues that were fun to step back into time!

After a fun game of mini-golf, we indulged in SquareBurger. SquareBurger is noted for best burgers and best milkshakes of the city! Their SquareBurger, which is a top choice, includes American cheese, onions, pickles, mustard and ketchup.

Their signature shake is titled the “Cake Shake” made with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpet, creamy vanilla ice cream, and a slight swirl of butterscotch. I’ve had the Cake Shake before and it is out of this world. The shake is served with a thick straw so you catch all the pieces of the krimpets. Every month, there is a Shake of the Month to bring in new flavors!

I never had food here before, so I had to try the Square Burger and it was so good! I got the Shake of the Month, which is Pumpkin Pie. It was a nice taste of fall from the nutmeg, cinnamon, caramel, vanilla custard, topped with whipped cream and graham. It was very nice to spend time with the family and enjoy the meal by the beautiful fountain of Franklin Square!

Franklin Square and SquareBurger are only open until the end of October so make sure you get there fast! Here is a list of events that are taking place:

Spooky Mini-Golf October 4- 27, 6-9 pm

Pumpkin Fest: October 5, 11am-2pm

An Elixr for Hunger and Thirst

Elixr Coffee

Probably the best coffee bar I’ve been to here in Philly! I went to Elixr Coffee on one of my days off for breakfast and to get some work done.

Elixr Coffee is definitely the best place to go for a light bite and to bring your laptop to put your headphones to get in your work mode and zone. Inside is very spacious and you don’t feel like you’re on top of anybody. It is also a great place to stop if you’re shopping along Walnut Street to get a bite to eat or some coffee to recharge yourself!

The coffee shop is located in Rittenhouse between 15th and 16th on Sydenham Street, just below Walnut.

Elixr Coffee offers the worlds best coffees to enhance your coffee experience! What’s neat is each week, they choose four different coffees to serve hand poured. It truly makes a difference!

I got an iced coffee with a yogurt, granola and berry parfait. The coffee was amazing. I loved the presentation of the yogurt parfait because it was served in a mason jar! I thought what a fun way to have a healthy breakfast and start the day out right!

Elixr Coffee also has pastries for breakfast and paninis for lunch! I will definitely be back to try a panini for lunch or for what Elixr Coffee is really known for, their Affogato!

Grilled Cheese on a New Level

Melt Kraft - Old Sheppard Valley

What can be more comforting then a grilled cheese sandwich?

Inside the Reading Terminal Market, Valley Shepherd Creamery recently opened up which offers artisan grilled cheese by Melt Kraft along with a small market! This farm to table grilled cheese shop includes an assortment of items to accompany your cheese!

I got the Avenue D Classic which includes : Valley Shepherd Tewksbury, Valley Thunder and Melter Skelter with a side of fresh, hand-cut potato chips that are seasoned with dill which had a tasty twist to it! All the cheeses melted in between the homemade bread was truly a home-style meal!

If you want a fresh tasting and local meal, definitely pay a visit to Valley Shepherd Creamery for a Melt Kraft creation!

Center City Sips at Sampan

Sampan

Sampan has been on my list of restaurants to try here in Philly and I can finally cross it off my list!

If you haven’t heard every Wednesday night, certain restaurants participate in Center City Sips which is half off drinks and appetizers! Each restaurant has their own selection of drink specials: $5 cocktails, $4 wine, $3 beer and half priced small bites!

Owner and Chef Schulson of Sampan loves to showcase Asian cuisine with modern ethnic techniques! Happy Hour starts at $2 and everything on the menu including drinks is under $10

I went with one of my good friends, Caitlin to catch up over a few drinks! It was a little busy and loud, but we were able to talk through it. The restaurant has an indoor and outdoor seating. We sat inside at the bar.

To start off, we both got the Sparkling Sake Sangria which featured ginger, peaches, sake and champagne! It was so sweet with the fresh fruit and champagne.

To eat, we split the Edamame Dumpling and Chicken Bao Bun! The edamame dumplings were swimming in truffle oil and sake broth so they literally melted in your mouth! The Bao bun had the soft texture of the bun but amazingness on the inside with crispy chicken in a chili sauce with sweet basil.

Sampan is located on 124 S 13th right in the heart of Midtown Village!

Need a new Philly local spot?

Milkboy

Milkboy on 11th and Chestnut is where it’s at!

Besides being a restaurant and bar, Milkboy is a music venue which brings in cool local bands trying to make it big! With all these combined, it’s a fun and relaxing atmosphere.\

I met up with my dear work friends for happy hour at Milkboy and we had so much fun! There was a great drink selection and the bartending staff was very friendly. It’s important to feel welcomed and have a knowledgeable staff that can get you to try the out of the ordinary and have a great experience to make you want to come back.

I started out with a Pimm’s Cup with spiced nuts. I got a little of the sweetness with my Pimm’s from the cucumber and lemon and then the savory from the spiced nuts!

To eat, I got the Meatball Grinder and the pomodoro sauce is what really did it for me. What’s great about the menu is all the items are comfort, American bar food, also vegetarian friendly! So there is something for everybody!

Happy Hour is served from 4pm-7pm. All drinks are $2 off featuring a great beer section, specialty cocktails and daily specials!

Breakfast with a Phillies Sighting

Talula's Daily Market 

If you’re a true Philly foodie, then you know the famous Philadelphia restaurateur, Stephen Starr and two of his famous restaurants, Talula’s Garden, which is a “farm to table” restaurant or Talula’s Table which is a “fresh country market”.   Aimee Oxley who is teamed with Stephen Starr owner of Talula’s Table, recently opened Talula’s Daily Market, which is café and market located on Washington Square Park!

If you haven’t heard, Talula’s Table which is located in Kennett Square, only does one nightly seating for one group. Reservations are very difficult to come by and there is a yearly wait!  That’s why Talula’s Daily Market is a perfect substitute where you’re still getting the quality of service and food!

Talula’s Daily Market will be selling breakfast items such as, breakfast sandwiches, frittatas and scones, lunch items such as quick sandwiches and salads or, cheese plates!  La Colombe coffee, juices and other drink options are served all day. At night, the café and market will be serving a seasonal, home-style menu with table service which will be serving beer and wine.

Talula’s Daily Mission is: “At Talula’s, we believe our food should mirror our lives & beliefs. The future of farming, the environment and family traditions depends on the choices we make about what we eat”.

All menu items are homemade and give you that sense of comfort food and family tradition. I went to Talula’s Daily Market for breakfast and it was so cozy inside!  The restaurant teamed up with Anthropologie so the café doesn’t even feel like a café.  It feels like you’re stepping into your second home! There is even a long table in the center of the restaurant to make it feel like you’re in a dining room of a home.

That’s how I felt when I went to Talula’s Daily Market! I felt as if I fit right in.  Most people think a restaurant on Washington Square Park maybe “stuffy” or too high end, but not here!  I felt so comfortable being here and very open to all different markets of people to offer such a high quality product!

Everything looked so delicious that it was a hard decision to make for what to eat!  I ended up going with an iced coffee and a piave cheese, arugula and mushroom frittata!  It was so hearty and comforting!  I definitely want to go back to try all types or one of the delectable scones! I even saw one of my favorite Phillies players, so I think I have found my new favorite breakfast places.

California Dreamin'

Underdogs

Every once in a while, my sister and I venture out to Rittenhouse Square to go to our favorite hot dog joint, Underdogs restaurant!  Known as Philly’s “finest hot dogs and sausages”, Underdogs is the best place to come with a big appetite!

The best thing about this restaurant is that each hot dog or sausage is a combo ranging from $6.50-$8.00. With this combo, you get your menu item of choice, a drink and french fries with a dipping sauce!

On the left is my hot dog. I got the “California Dreamin’” which is served with avocado, tomato, lemon mustard vinaigrette. For my fries, I got the spicy peanut sauce for dipping. if you love peanut butter, then you’ll be in your glory because its smooth and creamy with a kick to it.  On the right, my sister ordered “The Michigan” which is served with beef chili, onions, cheddar cheese and mustard. I had that one before and it is very good!

Lastly, what makes the hot dog is the roll. The bread is so fresh and the key asset to the meal. The bun acts as the balance beam and holds the ingredients together without the bread getting soggy!

When you walk in the restaurant, all you see is painted hands on the wall with names or businesses inside them. Underdogs has a cool contest going on. If one tries all the hot dogs or sausages on the menu, you can get your name on the wall!

Do you have what it takes to be an underdog and try all the dogs? All Dogs are 100% Beef Big Boys on Cacia’s rolls. Vegan hot dogs and gluten-free rolls are available upon request, so anyone can eat here!

$10 Pocket Deal

Eat a Pita

On the go for lunch but don’t want take out or fast food? Eat a Pita is a great substitute that offers fresh, local ingredients that is perfect for a healthy meal!

Located in Midtown Village, Eat a Pita offers Mediterranean, American and Cajun influences in their pitas, Panini’s, soups and salads.

I got the July Special which was roast beef, tomato chutney and broccoli rabe with a side salad of farro only for $10!  The farro salad was so fresh and the Panini had a perfect mixture of the flavors and textures in the ingredients.

On the regular menu, customers can “pick their own pita or salad” by choosing out of three categories: produce, protein and pour”. Or if you can’t decide, you can choose from Eat a Pita’s creations!

So next time you’re thinking of having that Big Mac, head towards Eat a Pita for a healthy route! 

Happy Hour at an Unbeatable Price!

Cooperage Wine & Whiskey Bar

Cooperage Wine & Whiskey Bar which is “southern bistro” located right on Washington Square Park inside The Curtis Building, is a great place to go with coworkers after work or catch up friends! All food items are only $5 with great craft beers on draft for $3 or house wine and mixed drinks for $5!

got the BLT sandwich which was served on a 9 multi-grain bread with a special twist: pesto! I am not a big fan of mayonnaise, so the pesto gave the sandwich a fresher and better taste that really held the sandwich together.

Ever go to a bar or restaurant for happy hour where your hunger was not satisfied? I have a place for you where you’ll receive a great bang for your buck!

Cooperage Wine & Whiskey Bar which is “southern bistro” located right on Washington Square Park inside The Curtis Building, is a great place to go with coworkers after work or catch up friends! All food items are only $5 with great craft beers on draft for $3 or house wine and mixed drinks for $5!

I got the BLT sandwich which was served on a 9 multi-grain bread with a special twist: pesto! I am not a big fan of mayonnaise, so the pesto gave the sandwich a fresher and better taste that really held the sandwich together!

All items are served with potato chips so you are really getting a full meal! Happy Hour is served Monday-Friday so be sure to stop in!

Un-wined at Happy Hour

Tria

Have a stressful day at work? Come “wine’d “down at Tria Wine Bar! Tria, located in Washington Square West or Rittenhouse Square is a wine, cheese, and beer bar that has a knowledgeable staff to enhance your food experience!  They have an extensive menu of regular priced wines, beers and cheeses to choose from, but I tried the

5 great tastes for $5 each—white wine, red wine, cheese plate and two beers.  It’s part of  Tria’s  very reasonable Happy Hour served Monday through Thursday from 5 to 7 pm:

For my happy hour, I got Rosemary and Fennel Marinated Olives with Olive Oil Rosemary Potato Chips with Herbed Aioli with a glass of white wine! The rosemary and fennel in the olives really brings out the flavor if the olives. The herbed aioli beats any kind of veggie dip!

So if you’re looking for locally grown food with great wine and beer, Tria is the place to go!

Affordable Restaurant for the Twenty-Somethings

Le Viet 

If you’re young and either going out with your friends or trying to impress your significant other, Le Viet is where it’s at! Le Viet showcases traditional Vietnamese food with a modern twist through its sleek atmosphere and decor.

My sister, Catherine who is 27 and I came here right after a hard day at work. We’ve been looking forward to this wonderful meal. Of course looking at the menu beforehand, we came hungry and was excited to indulge in this experience!

We couldn’t believe there were over 80 menu items to choose from! (84 to be exact)! After a tough decision, we had our eyes set on a few key dishes and were super excited to try them.

Of course we started with some drinks, oh and an appetizer.  ;-) Catherine got red wine and I got a pineapple mojito.  Ah, there go all the troubles from the day.  To pair off our drinks, we got the ‘Le Viet Sliders’ which include a steamed bun with carrots, scallion, cucumber and hoisin sauce with beef. I did not know what to expect, but the combination of these ingredients is perfection!

For dinner, I got the Xừơn Ram which is braised spare ribs with onions caramelized in traditional sauce served with rice. Between the sweetness of the caramelized onions and the juices from the meat, my mouth was watering!

My sister got the Tôm Thịt Kho Tàu which is shrimp and pork caramelized in a red traditional sauce served with rice. She especially loved the sauce. She thought it made the dish!

Catherine and I chose these items because they are served in clay pots and this is what Le Viet is known for! The presentation of the clay pot was very original removing the lid to see the food steaming right in front of your eyes!

Other than presentation of the food, was our waiter.  He was very knowledgeable and accommodating to our needs. He gave great suggestions and knew some much about the menu.   It just makes me feel more comfortable making a menu selection at a new restaurant when the waiter knows the menu really well and is excited about helping pick out something that I’ll love.

Le Viet has won my sister and I over and we will definitely be back again!

Pancakes Even a Monkey Would Love

Varga Bar

I went to Varga Bar this past weekend for brunch and had the most best brunch in Philly ever! I got the Caramelized Banana Pancakes!

The pancakes were topped with chocolate, walnuts and whipped cream swimming in a pool of citrus cinnamon syrup! The caramelized bananas beats a cherry on top!

If you have the chance to go please make your way to Varga! They have a great selection of brunch items.  Varga really makes choosing the best brunch spot in Philly really easy!  The most delicious pancakes in Philly, that I’ve ever had combined with an amazing location, you have to love Varga.

You can really enjoy the warm weather, the restaurant is in a beautiful area of Philly and offers outside seating.  You also choose to sit inside and look out the large windows.

Brunch is served only on the weekends from 11am to 3pm so get out of bed on the weekends and give yourself a treat!

Fair Trade Coffee for only $2!

Green Street Roasters

I recently found this local coffee shop and instantly fell in love!

Green Street Roasters offers fair trade coffee and uses sustainable practices to create a local business! Bringing in coffee beans from all over the world, this café has a variety of selections to open a new horizon to all the coffee lovers out there!

On this gloomy Saturday morning, what could be better than enjoying a nice iced coffee and an almond croissant? Now I won’t be lying when I say this is one of the best iced coffee I have ever tasted, and I’ve had a lot of iced coffee in my life! On top of this, their iced brew is only $2! Nothing can beat $2 fair trade coffee!

With my iced coffee, I got an almond croissant and which was a perfect pair! It was almond crusted on the outside with almond filling on the inside. Between the crunchiness on the outside and softness on the inside, it is the perfect combination!

So sit back and relax and enjoy this local café just on 11^th and Spruce!

After Dinner Delight

Cake and the Beanstalk

I am pretty sure I am in Cake and the Beanstalk once a week and this article will prove why!

Their homemade desserts are to die for! Last night I tried “Blood of the Englishman” and it was amazing. If you’re a true strawberry fan, you’ll love this!

This creation features Franklin Fountain’s strawberry ice-cream, house-made strawberry pound cake, whipped cream and cherries! Between all these ingredients, it is so sweet!

I went with my little brother after we attended Magic Gardens! Cake and the Beanstalk is a great café to go to wind down, relax with great company!

What’s best is now Cake and the Beanstalk is open until 10pm! It’s a perfect place to have a sweet treat after dinner : )

Perfect Combo & Afternoon

Spasso's Italian Grille & Franklin Fountain

Did you know that if you give Spasso's Italian Grille your birthday, you get a $15 coupon?!

My family has been going to Spasso’s for years now and it is never a disappointment! Between the authentic Italian meals, homemade pasta and open kitchen, you are in for an Italian treat!

For my mom’s birthday, my mom, sister and I went for lunch. I had the “Risotto Con Pesto” which included risotto, pesto, mushrooms and chicken! The ingredients were so fresh, I didn’t waste a thing!

Since the restaurant is located on Front Street, right around the corner is Philly’s own Franklin Fountain!

You can step back in time and enjoy some homemade ice cream! I got coffee ice cream which is my favorite. It is so rich and creamy, it’s a perfect way to cool off!

So if you’re ever in Old City, definitely indulge in these two locals!

A Solution to my Two Weaknesses: Coffee and Ice-cream

Cake and the Beanstalk

I just found the solution to my two weaknesses = coffee and ice cream! Cake and the Beanstalk is a quaint cafe located right in the Gayborhood/ Midtown Village of Philly!

Owned by Daniel Klein, all food items and desserts are baked right on premises! Cake and the Beanstalk now proudly serves Philly’s own, Franklin Fountain ice cream mixed with their delicious bakery items!

I got the “Affogato” which is simply a scoop of your choice of ice-cream soaked in espresso! This is truly a coffee lovers dream!

I highly recommend stopping by Cake and the Beanstalk for a treat to help cool off on these hot summer days!

Mercato BYOB: Birthday Celebration

By Christina Logan
August 24, 2013

Ever since I moved to the city, Mercato has been on top of my list of restaurants to try! I was grateful enough to get the opportunity to go with my sister for my birthday present!

What attracted me to this restaurant the most was the historic charm of the building and the seasonal menu items. Located right on 12th and Spruce in the old Camac Food Market building, you feel as if you are stepping back into time to enjoy authentic cuisine! Mercato offers Old World Italy food with a new twist on up to date, fresh and local ingredients. According to the season, menu options can change at anytime. 

To start off, they give bread with an olive oil/herbed butter. The butter was out of this world! Then, my sister and I split the Whole Grilled Artichoke for an appetizer which is what Mercato is known for. It is served in extra virgin olive oil, sea salt with a side of citrus aioli. Now my sister and I are very particular about artichokes because our Italian grandmother’s recipe can’t be beat. But, I think Mercato has won me over with the sea salt and citrus aioli!

Then for another appetizer, they sent out Salmon Tartar compliments of the chef for my birthday! I am not a huge salmon fan, but this dish had made me fall in love with salmon!
A second appetizer that was brought out complimentary was a salad that was the special of night! The salad included heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, slivered almonds and the best of all, peaches! It was the perfect summer salad due to fresh ingredients that are in season.

For my entree, I ordered the Lemon Pepper Fettuccine. I’ve been craving a great pasta meal and this appealed to my eye the most. The fettuccine had roasted zucchini, summer squash, roasted garlic, pistachio-mint pesto, burrata mozzarella. I’m sure you’re used to the typical basil-pine nut pesto. But the pistachio-minto was so nutty and fresh tasting. It was great on the local summer vegetables.

For dessert, we were sent three different treats to try! The Peach Sorbet, Mascarpone Cheesecake and tiramisu. The Peach Sorbet was so refreshing. The Mascarpone Cheesecake was very rich in flavor. The Tiramisu was my absolute favorite! I am a huge coffee lover and the flavor if this specific dessert was so decadent with the chocolate covered espresso bean and the ladyfingers of the tiramisu drenched in Kahula. Perfect end to a perfect meal!

The staff was wonderful and very accommodating. They all helped each other serving. It was honestly the best service I’ve had in awhile because they were very on top of things with knowledge of the menu even with it always changing and serving of the food using teamwork. Special thanks to CJ to making this birthday dinner the best!

What was also great about this dining experience was since the tables are close to each other, we were able to talk with our “neighbors” and have a nice conversation! Turns out they’re foodies just like my sister and I! We talked about about our favorite dining experiences in Philly and how Mercato was going to be on top of our list for a new one you definitely feel as if you’re stepping into a second home between the atmosphere, people and home-style meals. Come see for yourself!