Best Chicken Parm

Little Nonna's

I am so fortunate to live in an area full of amazing bars and restaurants! I am also lucky that Little Nonna's recently opened on the same block as me. Little Nonna's is owned by Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran, which owns the restaurants and shops on 13th street, such as: Barbuzzo, Lolita, Open House and many more!

Little Nonna's is an Italian American restaurant that seats 40 and has an outside garden for seating as well. Little Nonna's offers traditional Italian dishes and has a setting that you're enjoying Sunday dinner at your Italina grandmother's house.

I love to treat myself after a long week of work. So I recently went here for lunch with my friend Matt to catch up. I've been here for dinner before, but my friend Matt has never been. So I suggested we go here because I knew he would love it!

I got the Chicken Pepperoni Parm Sandwich which included: buffalo mozzarella, sarcone’s seeded bread, roasted peppers, pepperoni marinara and basil. Now I am a huge fan of chicken parm and this has to be by far the best I've ever had! What I loved most was the bead because it was fresh garlic bread and the pepperoni because it added so much flavor! Matt got the Roast Pork & Sharp sandwich which includes: herb crusted pork shoulder, sharp provolone, horseradish aioli, rabe and sarcone’s seeded bread. Both sandwiches were served with rosemary fries.

I will definitely be back to Little Nonna's again! You get such a great deal for the value and quality. It's a great place to go to for a home-style, comforting meal!

Comfort Food Meets Barbecue

Devil's Alley

Ever have the cravings of a childhood favorite known as chicken tenders? I recently went to Devil’s Alley and had a dish that brought back those memories.

One day after work, my family surprised me and took me out to dinner. It was such a nice treat after a long week of work! We went to Devil’s Alley, because it is near my work and my younger brother loves it there because of their burgers.

Since the restaurant is located near Rittenhouse Square, the interior incorporates the look of the park with an edgy feel to it. The cuisine includes American comfort food mixed with barbecue type food. This is how I got my chicken tenders. But not ordinary chicken tenders!

The entrée I got was Walnut Breaded Chicken Tenders which is crispy tenders with spicy fries, coleslaw and jalapeno apple jelly. The chicken was cooked just right and very tender. What made this dish out of the ordinary are the spicy fries and the jelly to dip them in. Both fries and jalapeno apple jelly had a nice kick to it.

Next time you’re in the mood for some comfort food, definitely go to Devil’s Alley!

Stephen Starr never fails!

El Vez

If you’re from Philly, you know Stephen Starr! One of his best and well-known restaurants is El Vez located in Midtown Village. El Vez offers contemporary Mexican cuisine in an inviting atmosphere. Inside the restaurant has fun décor such as a photo-booth, oversize velvet couches and a motorcycle in as a center piece of the bar.

I recently went with my sister, mom and great family friend, Beverly for dinner one evening last week. We had a lovely time catching up over great food with great company!

I got the Black Bean Enchiladas which entails caramelized onions and chihuahua cheese in a smoked yellow tomato sauce. The cheese and sauce is what really made this dish because you’re not used to seeing both items! The smoked yellow tomato sauce gave the dish a nice spice and kick to it.

My mom and Beverly got the Chicken Enchiladas Suizas and my sister got the Mexican Chopped Salad which is always a favorite of ours. We have been to El Vez plenty of times before and will always return because we love the authenticity of the food!

Comfort Food - Latin Style

Rosa Blanca  

I recently went to Jose Garces’ new restaurant, Rosa Blanca which offers Cuban inspired cuisine. This establishment is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and take-out. What I loved most about this restaurant was the décor and the food of course!

The theme of Rosa Blanca is that it’s a diner with booths welcoming you as you enter. But when you head towards the back of the restaurant, it’s more of a sit down setting. Jose Garces tried to incorporate a place where you can enjoy some of his favorite Latin dishes in the comfort of a diner or intimate setting.

I went with my friend Caitlin because we always love venturing out and trying new places! To start out, we each got a mojito and split the Guacamole Cubano. Mojitos are a signature drink to Rosa Blanca, so we had to try! They were very good. The Guacamole Cubano was amazing too. It wasn't your typical guacamole and chips. The guacamole was made with smoked pineapple and the chips were plantain chips. This was definitely a nice change up because everything tasted so fresh!

For my entrée, I got the classic Cubano Sandwich which includes: roast pork, smoked ham, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard served with the plantain chips. Caitlin got the Pan Con Bistec which had grilled sirloin, pickled red onions, crispy potatoes and criollo mayonnaise. We were both happy with our selections!

Rosa Blanca is a great place to dine if you’re looking to try something new and fun. I definitely will return to try their breakfast!