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 : )

Who says you're too old for PB&J?

Elixr Coffee

Elixr Coffee is a local, coffee shop located near Rittenhouse Square. Elixr’s staff offers the expertise and knowledge of the world’s best coffee to enhance your coffee experience! The coffee is served  hand-poured which makes it nice and fresh.

I have been to Elixr Coffee numerous times for either a quick pick me up, or afternoon lunch breaks. I recently met up with my sister, Catherine for lunch. I’ve been dying to try their PB&J Sandwich there, so we met up and went.

What I love about Elixr is that they support offer local businesses within the city. That is why I wanted to try the PB&J Sandwich because it featured crunchy peanut butter from PB&Jams Philadelphia and blueberry, bourbon infused jam from Spruce Hill Preserves.

The combination of these two spreads on grilled bread was probably the best PB&J I’ve ever had! The peanut butter is hand-crafted nut butter with local ingredients such as honey and maple syrup! And the jam comes from homemade preserves which are big on flavor and fresh!

Catherine got the grilled cheese sandwich which included: gouda, sharp cheddar and tomatoes in between grilled bread. She loved the combination between the two cheeses and the freshness with the tomatoes.

You can find either the PB&Jams Philadelphia or Spruce Hill Preserves online or at local markets or shops.

Definitely go to Elixr Coffee for these two sandwiches or their amazing coffee and other menu items such as pastries and yogurt parfaits (which are all delicious if I do say so myself)!

Happy Birthday Green Eggs Cafe!

Green Eggs Café

Happy Birthday, Green Eggs Café! Since it’s been four years since the restaurant has opened their South Philadelphia location, one of the specials for this week is Birthday Cake French Toast! I think this has to be Green Eggs Café’s most rich in flavor and the most mouthwatering delight.

This breakfast meal includes: cake batter dipped brioche bread, wild-berry mascarpone, chantilly crème and rainbow sprinkles. It truly feels like you are eating a piece of birthday cake.

Make sure you try this with a big appetite because it can be a lot to handle!

Green Eggs Cafe can be healthy!

Green Eggs Cafe

Usually when I go to Green Eggs Cafe, I go to splurge by trying one of their unique breakfast items. They are known for their large portions of savory and/or sweet offerings! But when I went this time, I chose something healthier. 

I went for lunch with my sister and didn't want to eat something too heavy, so I ordered the Coffee Chocolate Chip Granola. It' served with fresh fruit, sweet berry compote and Greek yogurt. 

I think this is by far my favorite meal there. Everything was so fresh and tasty. I loved the granola and yogurt because it was the right amount. I also loved the crunch of the chocolate chunks in the granola paired with the yogurt. It really made the dish!

Now if you're not a fan of the coffee flavor, they do have Mixed Berry Granola as well. I'll probably be back to try that!

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

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!

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.

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!