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 : )