Russet - Restaurant Week

Russet

Restaurant Week in Philadelphia occurred early this summer, which is never a bad thing! My friend, Caitlin and I went to Russet, which is in a cute little walk-up town home near Rittenhouse Square. This restaurant is owned by a husband and wife who are the chef/owners. They offer daily changing Italian and French cuisine with a comforting style.

Restaurant Week offers three courses for dinner at $35. And what’s nice about Russet, is that it is BYOB, so you can bring your wine of choice.

To start, Caitlin got the Potato Gnocchi which was topped with arugula pistachio pesto, peas and bacon. I had the Roasted Vegetable Salad which included corn, zucchini, fennel, eggplant, tomatoes and salsa verde. They were both great starts to our meals.

For our second course, Caitlin got the Slow Roasted Beef Shoulder and I had the Eggplant Parmiagiano. Caitlin loved the grilled and roasted vegetables that were served with the beef. Eggplant Parm is one of my favorite dishes, and I loved the unique twist that Russet made to this traditional meal:  polenta. The eggplant was served around polenta in marinara  sauce and it was delicious.

For dessert, Caitlin got the Lemon Panna Cotta with Mixed Berries and I ordered the Brown Buttered Peach Cake. She loved how refreshing hers tasted with the lemon flavor and the cake I had was so sweet between the combination of flavors of brown butter and peach.

Russet was delicious and Caitlin and I enjoyed most (other than the food) is the atmosphere! It feels like you’re stepping into the living room of a home and it was very comforting. We definitely will be back!

Dining Days of Summer

Vietnam Café

Dining Days is a great week that occurs in University City in the month of July. It offers pre-fix menus for either $15, $25 or $35. I recently went to Vietnam Café with my good friend Sarah and her friends and housemates. I've never been, but they thought it'd be a great place to go eat, especially for Dining Days and at $15 for three courses!

Vietnam Cafe is a family run restaurant that offers traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The menu is full of great options to expand your horizon of Vietnamese fare and specialty cocktails.

To start, I had the crispy vegetable spring rolls which included: mixed veggies, lettuce, pickled daikon, mint leaves served with a chili vinegar dipping sauce. The mint leaves added a nice twist to your typical spring rolls.

For my second course, I got the Grilled Chicken Vermicelli. I never had vermicelli before so I was excited to try it. Vermicelli is a signature Vietnamese dish of thin noodles and vegetables with a protein. My entrée included: marinated sliced chicken breast, lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber, vermicelli noodles, pickled daikon and crushed peanuts in a chili vinegar sauce. It was a very comforting and filling meal!

For dessert, there was a choice of that vanilla, red bean or green tea ice cream. I had vanilla but now I wish I tried green tea!

Overall Vietnamese Café was a great experience! Between the company, food and atmosphere, I would definitely return!

Best Breakfast Sandwich in the City

Cake and the Beanstalk

Who doesn't love a good breakfast sandwich? My favorite in the city is from my favorite local cafe, Cake and the Beanstalk. 

My sister, Catherine and I went because she wanted to come here one last time since she moved out of Philly for a new job. She is truly going to miss everyone at Cake and the Beanstalk! 

The reason why we love this sandwich so much is because of the roasted red pepper. It really brings a nice flavor to the meal other than your typical bacon, egg and cheese.

You can get this breakfast on either a bagel, croissant or toast. I got the croissant this time and enjoyed it very much. It was the perfect fuel to start the day! 

Thank you as always, Cake and the Beanstalk! 

Garces Trading Company

Garces Trading Company is one of Philadelphia's staple restaurants of famous chef, Jose Garces. This particular restaurant focuses on his travels throughout Western Europe such as: Italy, France and Spain exploring numerous cafés.

I recently went here for dinner with my mom, sister and our good family friend, Claudia to catch up since its been a long time. What a great place to do so over great wine and food?

To start, we ordered our wine and to share, the wild mushrooms (roasted potato crema, rosemary, crispy farro) and marinated olives (thyme, olive oil and orange). Both were a great start to the meal.

Also, what Garces Trading Company is also known for is their display of unique olive oils that you get to choose from to accompany the delicious French bread. We each brought a few to try for the table.

My mom ordered the "Tarte Flambée" pizza because she loves the pizza there. However, they changed the style of the pizza and it is no longer a flatbread, it's more of a deep dish. She loved the flavors of the gruyere  cheese paired with the pancetta. Claudia had the "Saffron Trenette" which was a meal featuring fresh seafood that went well with a glass of Chardonnay!

My sister, Catherine had the "Pappardelle with Lamb Ragú". She loved the tenderness of the lamb meat and the sunchoke purée made the dish. For my entree, I had the "Tuscan Fusilli Carbonara" which included pancetta, eggs, black pepper and pecorino. My favorite part of the dish was the running egg melting within all the flavors. 

We were too full for dessert, but overall this was great dining experience and will always recommend Garces Trading Company!

Tasting Tuesday's @ Mercato

Mercato is definitely one of those restaurants where you gather with your loved ones to celebrate a special occasion. For the past few years, my sister, Catherine and I take each other here for our birthdays to enjoy delicious food over great company. This time, we were celebrating Catherine getting a new job! Unfortunately, she will be moving out of the city. I asked her if there was one place she wanted to go to before she leaves, and Mercato is where she selected.

The reason why we enjoy this restaurant so much is because of the wonderful staff and food. Over the years, we have gotten close with the staff that they are like our second family to us. They always make our dining experience great and as if it’s our first time there each time. Also, how could you not love fresh and seasonal Italian cuisine cooked right in front of your eyes by the wonderful Executive Chef, Ryan?!

Over the course of this summer, Mercato is offering Tasting Tuesdays, where they feature and incorporate a food item into three courses and all for $33! The key ingredient this week was balsamic with your choice of entrée and dessert.

The first course was a “Chilled Jersey Tomato Soup” which had crab fritters, basil, sparrow lakes and white balsamic as a garnish.  The tomatoes were very fresh and the crab fritters reminded me of being down the shore in the summer, a true summer dish.

In between the first and second course, Catherine and I got the “Trio of Bruschetta” complimentary of the chef! Our favorite was the pickled watermelon with whipped ricotta cheese. Not your average bruschetta!

For Catherine’s entrée, she ordered the “Balsamic Bucatini with Lamb Bolognese” which included pistachio, oregano, piave cheese and manicardi 25 year old balsamic. She loved how the balsamic really brought out the flavors in the sauce. For my entrée, I had the “Corn and Portobello Mushroom Pappardelle” ricotta, rosemary  and saba aged balsamic which was the perfect summer pasta dish, light and full of flavor.

Somehow we still had room for dessert! Catherine chose the Cherry Torta and I had the Balsamic Poached Pear. Catherine loved the basil and balsamic flavors that came out and I loved the goat cheese gelato that accompanied mine. I’d say that Tasting Tuesday was a success!

Thank you as always Mercato for making our family your own and always treating us so well!

I love you very much Catherine and I am sending you love and warm wishes on this next journey in your life!

Wood-Oven Bagels

Spread Bagelry

Yes, you heard me correctly, wood-oven bagels! Spread Bagelry located in Rittenhouse is a great local find to go to for breakfast and lunch. My mom and I discovered this place a while ago and we are so glad that we did! They offer Montreal-style wood-oven bagels, sandwiches, coffee, brunch drinks and artisan sodas.

What are Montreal-style wood-oven bagels? They are bagels are hand-rolled, boiled in honey water and baked in a custom built wood-fired brick oven. Spread Bagelry also offers homemade spreads to accompany the bagels. My  favorite is their peanut butter and Amish Jam.

My mom and I went here after my annual CHOP doctor’s appointment for lunch because we were craving a comforting lunch! We both got the “Inside Out Sandwich” which is their version of a grilled cheese. The bagel is served inside out with Swiss cheese, tomato and bacon! It was definitely the perfect and comforting meal for a cold day. I want to go back to try breakfast sandwiches!

Pizza + Gelato = Italian Lover's Dream

Capofitto Forno

Everyone and anyone in Philly knows the famous artisan gelato, Capogiro. The Capogiro Family has come up with their best combination yet- pizza and gelato. This new Italian restaurant called Capofitto Forno is located in Old City. Their focus is the two Italian favorites:  Neapolitan pizza which has a light, crisp and airy crust made in their wood-burning pizza oven and sweet gelato for an after dinner treat.

My mom, sister, Catherine and I recently went here to eat for dinner to check it out and we are glad that we did! Capofitto is a great place to go to when you’re with your family and want to dine "family-style" or to share. To start off, we shared  two appetizers. First was the Arancini Gialle which is fried risotto, pecorino, fontina, saffron “balls”.  They were served warm on a bed of parmesan cheese and were absolutely delicious.

Second, we got the cheese plate. It’s great, you get to choose 5 different cheeses and it comes with a lot! To accompany your selection of cheeses, you get a selection of candied fruit and nuts came with it. We've never got a cheese plate with candied fruit before, so it was a nice spin on it!

For our entrée, we had to get pizza! Wood-burning pizza is the best because it so fresh and cooked right in front of your eyes. The pizza we shared included gorgonzola cheese, mushrooms, red onion and truffle oil. The crisp flaky crust and cheese really made the flavors stand out. The size of the pizza was perfect because we each had two slices each. We were very satisfied.

For dessert, Capofitto has a variety of desserts, gelato and sorberto since it is a gelataria. What made me love the atmosphere of this restaurant is when you first walk in, it is like a little gelato cafe with small tables and a counter to sit at. It reminds me of a place I went to get gelato when I was visiting Italy in Sienna. My mom got the tangerine sorbet, Catherine got the pistachio gelato and I got the Irish coffee gelato. It was the perfect end to the meal!

Home-Cooked Meal Out

Schlesinger’s Deli

This Center City deli is one of the best places to go for an authentic meal. This deli’s traditional dishes including home-cooked meals, cured meats and fresh pastries that will have you coming back for more. This staple to Philly is one of my sister, Catherine and mine’s favorite restaurants to go for a good, comfort meal.

I had the chocolate chip pancakes that were very filling and comforting.It came with three big pancakes. Catherine had the potato pancakes because she said she hasn’t had them in a while. She loved the consistency of flavor in them.

What’s great about Schlesinger’s is that they have work week breakfast specials on Monday-Friday, 7-10:30 AM. They include:

     The Harvey – 2 Eggs, Home Fries, Toast & Coffee 4.50

     The Smokey – 2 Eggs with Turkey Bacon or Turkey

     Sausage, Home Fries, Toast & Coffee 5.95

     Nova, Eggs & Onions – with Home Fries, Toast or Bagel &Coffee 8.95

     Peter’s Pancakes – with Coffee 5.95

I recommend coming here for a relaxing, home-cooked meal that you can sit back and indulge before starting a long day at work!

Happy Birthday and Hour on a Saturday

Varga Bar

My family and I recently went to Varga Bar to celebrate my sister, Catherine’s birthday. Varga is one of our favorite bar/restaurants to go to in Midtown Village of Philadelphia because of its delicious food and wonderful staff. We went on Saturday at 5pm which was great because they offer Happy Hour (half off drinks) from 4pm-6pm. I don’t know of many places that do that on a Saturday.

 Varga Bar features All-American craft beers and comfort food in a casual, pin-up themed bar/restaurant. It’s nice because if you’re indecisive of which brew you would like to drink, the staff recommends an acquired taste and lets you try. Catherine didn’t know if she would like the Smuttynose Smoked Peach Short Weisse, so she got a sample and loved it! She decided to go with it. My dad got the Captain Lawrence IPA and I got the Susquehanna 6^th Generation Stock Ale. My mom got one the special drinks, “Miss March” which is a grapefruit margarita! Of course, my brother Matthew had water because he’s only 13!

To accompany our drinks, for an appetizer, we ordered the Beer Battered Pickles which come with a smoked paprika aioli. These pickles are so delicious that you could eat a whole serving yourself!

My dad ordered the sausage sandwich which was one of the specials for the night, my mom ordered the Varga Salad, Catherine ordered the cheese plate where you can choose your pick of three cheeses, Matthew ordered the Kobe Burger and I ordered the Eggplant Sandwich.

Since I gave up meat for lent, I decided to go with the Eggplant Sandwich. Now this isn’t your typical eggplant parmesan sandwich. This meal included: manchego, parmesan, sprouts, pickled red onion, organic greens, heirloom tomato, rosemary aioli, marinara, mixed green salad. I loved the twist of having manchego cheese and the sandwich being on a ciabatta roll. The bread really soaked up all the flavors.

Varga Bar never fails to disappoint. The atmosphere, drinks, food and staff are simply amazing. Varga is also great for brunch, so be sure to check them out!

Eat Clean

Pure Sweets & Co.

Wednesday came, so you readers know what that means- my weekly breakfast tradition with my sister, Catherine! We went to Pure Sweets & Co. because we both have been meaning and wanting to try it.

Pure Sweets & Co. is located in Rittenhouse two blocks away from the park. It is an all-day vegan, kosher parve café/bakery with gluten-free and organic dishes and sweets. They specialize in healthy and delicious food by using unrefined ingredients. Pure Sweets & Co. allows their customers to eat clean and feel good about what they’re consuming.

To start off we both ordered coffee which is from Philly’s own, Green Street Roasters. At the “coffee bar” and milk station, you can choose Brazilian Nut Milk and/or Coconut Sugar to accompany your coffee. A unique taste and way to spice up your morning rituals of coffee!

To eat, Catherine ordered the Vegetable Quiche which consisted of three layers: vegetable, egg and sweet potato. My sister loved the sweet potato flavor because you are not used to seeing that food item in a quiche.

I ordered the pancakes with shitake mushroom “bacon”. This dish came with three   quinoa   pancakes that were the perfect amount and size. Since Pure Sweets & Co. is vegan, the pancakes were served with a side of shitake mushroom “bacon” that were crisp and a substitute for actual bacon.  Everything from the presentation of this breakfast to the flavors was incredible.

The two things that I look for whenever I am trying a new café, restaurant or bar is the atmosphere and helpfulness of staff and this café passed the test! The atmosphere is very homey and relaxing. It portrays as if you are sitting on the patio of your backyard and you’re pulling the fresh vegetables from your own garden. The space was very comfortable and spacious. The staff is very helpful and friendly by bringing your meal right out to you.

Everything looked so good to eat! Inside there is a “to-go” case if you are on the go, or if you would like to dine in, you are more than happy to do so. Pure Sweets & Co. also specializes in cold-pressed juices, smoothies, soups, salads and snacks! Be sure to stop in for a healthy treat! Catherine and I will definitely be back!

Healthy & Local

Square One Coffee 

For this week's Wednesday breakfast tradition, my sister, Catherine and I chose Square One Coffee. Located in Midtown Village, this local, micro-roaster takes pride in their knowledge and specialty in coffee. They use a handcrafted approach of serving coffee to ensure their customers start the day off or have that afternoon pick me up just right.

Catherine and I both got the Yogurt Parfait which was a great way to start the morning! The granola and yogurt were very delicious and nutritious. It was the perfect amount. I got a regular coffee to accompany my breakfast and Catherine got a chai latte, which she said was absolutely perfect.

The atmosphere inside is very bright, modern and relaxing. It's a wonderful escape to go to from the busy city and enjoy good company.

Square One Coffee is based out of Lancaster, PA but also has a second location in Philly. So next time you're trying to searh for and try a new coffee shop, check this place out!

A New Take On Breakfast

Toast

My sister, Catherine and I have a weekly tradition together when we meet for breakfast every Wednesday before work. It’s a great thing to look forward to and be the highlight of our weeks. We always choose one of our favorite, local spots to go to. This week, we chose Toast Philly.

Toast is located right in Midtown Village, on 12^th and Spruce Street. This contemporary cafe features coffee & tea drinks plus specialty sandwiches for breakfast & lunch. They are most known for their “egg toasts” which are poached eggs on top of a homemade English muffin served with a side salad.

Catherine and I have been here numerous times, but we each wanted to try something different. She got the Mushroom, Shallot and Thyme Egg Toast and she loved the combination of flavors between the portobello mushrooms and thyme. I ordered the Avocado Egg Toast which included: roasted tomatoes and sprouts. I loved the freshness of ingredients and how healthy I felt eating it. The side salad served with both egg toasts has fresh fruit such as blackberries, blueberries and strawberries and fresh vegetables in a balsamic dressing that is just refreshing!

Toast Philly has a great, relaxing atmosphere if you want to share with company or to go and get work done. The staff is knowledgeable of their coffee and products and is generous by bringing your coffee and food out to you. Toast is great to go during any time of day: breakfast, lunch or weekend brunch : )

Family-Friendly Happy Hour

Nomad Roman 

My family was in the city and we needed a place to go for dinner. I have a mom, dad, 28 year old sister and a 13 year old brother. My brother can be a picky eater, which 13 year old isn’t? So we have a joke in our family, that the restaurant has to be “BF” or “bubby friendly” because “bubby” is one of our nicknames for my brother, Matthew.

Families who are dining out in Philly: if you’re looking for a great restaurant with an amazing deal, dine at Nomad Roman. I know finding places in the city can be tough to bring children, but Nomad is the place to be.

Nomad Roman offers locally grown, organic produce and all natural meats. The pizza is prepared in a wood-fired brick oven and cooked right in front of your eyes. Who wouldn’t love a delicious meal like that, something with fresh with local ingredients?

The best time to go is during their happy hour which is 4:30pm-6:30pm. During this time, all pizzas are $5 and $7, which is basically half-priced and beer is $4 and wine is $5. My family was in sort of a rush because my parents and brother still had to drive home from the city because my brother had an early morning at school. The service couldn’t have been more helpful and quick.

What’s great about the pies here are that they’re personal-sized and just the right amount. Matthew is a pizza connoisseur and loves their margherita pizza, so he ordered that. Both my sister, Catherine and my dad got the Spicy Soppressata which included: Italian tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, soppressata, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, parmesan, honey and sea salt. They loved the heat from the spicy soppressata. My mom got the Pepperoni Pizza which included: Italian tomatoes, mozzarella, Applegate Farms Pepperoni, parmesan and sea salt. She loved the size and flavor of the pepperoni. I ordered the Trenton Tomato Pie which was an “upside down” pizza which included: Italian tomatoes, mozzarella, oregano, garlic, crushed red pepper, parmigiano and basil. I loved how the pizza had a little “kick” to it due to the crushed red pepper.

Five personal pizzas for only for $35! Which family of five can say that they dine out in Philly for $35? I’m telling you next time you’re in Philly, try Nomad Roman for happy hour! It’s a great and affordable place to go with family or friends! Definitely will return.

January Special

Eat a Pita

A new month means new specials at one of my favorite local restaurants, Eat a Pita! Eat a Pita in Midtown Village is a great place to go for a healthy, quick meal made right in front of your eyes. Their specialties include pitas and salads. The fun part to it all is you can order an item already with select ingredients or you can “Pick Your Own Pita” or Pick Your Own Salad”. This includes choosing your own produce, protein and pour (dressing).

Every beginning of the month, Eat a Pita offers two specials consisting of either a salad or a pita. January’s specials include a Winter Cous-Cous Salad or a Sweet Potato and Brown Rice Burger.  I decided to try the salad because it sounded delicious! I went with my sister Catherine and she “built her own pita” because that’s her go to whenever we go (we are regulars here, haha).

The Winter Cous-Cous Salad consisted of roasted broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant and crimini mushrooms, served over baby spinach with herb vinaigrette. This winter salad was definitely the healthy and perfect choice. What made the salad was the roasted vegetables and herb vinaigrette served with the cous-cous.

Catherine loves selecting her own fresh ingredients to put into her pita. She always gets the lemon-thyme vinaigrette though to pour over her pita. There is a variety to choose from.

We both love the quality of food and service when we dine at Eat a Pita. There is nothing than a better feeling when you walk into your local favorite restaurant/shop and they know you by name and you become friends with the owners. As always, we will definitely be back.