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!

Birthday Tradition at Mercato

Mercato

My sister, Catherine and I have made it tradition now that on our birthdays, we treat each other and indulge at one of our favorite restaurants, Mercato! Out of the entire city of Philadelphia, Mercato is my favorite Italian restaurant. It offers traditional Italian cuisine with a New Italian American Cuisine twist to it. I love the local market fresh ingredients that make the menu change daily.

For our appetizer, we got the Grilled Whole Artichoke, because it is a staple of Mercato. The leaves of the artichoke were cooked and crisp just right. A citrus aioli was served to pair with it.

One of the main reasons why I love Mercato is because they take the time to recognize their Guests and go above and beyond to make their dining experience memorable. Since it was my birthday, the pasta special of the night was sent to my sister and I compliments of the chef! The pasta special included: Cacio e Pepe which is pasta with breadcrumbs, cheese and pepper! The breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese made the dish unique and tasteful!

For Catherine’s entrée she got the Short Rib Ragu. It’s one of her favorites on the menu because she loves the homemade gnocchi and how that the meat is so tender, that you can cut it with only using your fork.

For my entrée, I got the Summer Corn Risotto which included: roasted Jersey corn, maitake mushrooms, corn veloute, pecorino romano, truffle and micro arugula. This was probably the best risotto I have ever had with the combination of the corn and truffle.

We were getting full, but there’s always room for dessert! Catherine had the blueberry sorbet, which was light and refreshing. Yet, I had the Chocolate Molten Cake served with vanilla ice-cream! It was moist with the warm chocolate and the perfect size. And to make it special, it was served with a candle on top!

So this is why Mercato is my favorite restaurant. The service and staff is exceptional. I don’t think I’ve been to a restaurant who pays close attention to detail and sincerely cares for their Guests like Mercato does. Also, the food is phenomenal! I suggest coming here on any special occasion!

High Tea

The Talking Teacup

My mom, sister and I have been going to The Talking Teacup for almost ten years now! The Talking Teacup is a tea room in a 250 year old farmhouse, located in Chalfont, PA. This full service tea room provides the coziness of a country style living room with homemade, comfort food. We usually come here to celebrate birthdays or just to have a girls’ day out.

My family always comes for lunch time for their High Tea. The High Tea includes: scones with preserves and Devonshire cream, a cup of soup or salad, assorted tea sandwiches and a variety of sweets served with your own choice of tea in an individual pot! All of this is only $18.95 and it worth it because you are getting so many offerings of fresh and homemade food, so you know it’s good! And the best thing is they don’t rush you here because they really want their customers to enjoy each other’s company.

I recently came here with my mother to treat her for her birthday. To start, they serve your choice of tea with two different types of scones. My mom got the Earl Grey tea because it’s her favorite and I got the Blueberry tea in season for summer. We each got two different types of scones: honey lavender and raspberry. You know they are fresh because they are still warm when they arrive to the table and they taste delicious. They taste even more delicious with the preserves and cream.

For the second course, my mom chose the salad and I chose the cup of soup. My mom enjoyed her salad because it full of fresh blackberries, cherry tomatoes and pecans. My soup was broccoli cheddar and what I loved most was the presentation of the soup because it was in a teacup!

For the third course, we both got a selection of tea sandwiches that each have their own filling, such as: a cranberry cream cheese, cucumber with sour cream and chive, roasted red pepper cream cheese and many more! They know there that my mom doesn’t like egg salad and ham so they gladly substitute the sandwiches for us.

For the final course, dessert is served of a teapot cookie, chocolate chip almond pound cake and an apricot cake. At this point you are so full, but you have to finish the treats because they are so good!

The Talking Teacup is like a second home to us. The staff is like family and dining there brings us such comfort and joy. We always feel welcome there and I think that’s why we always go back!

Birthday Celebrations at Mercato

Mercato

Mercato by far is my favorite Italian restaurant here in Philadelphia! They introduce traditional Italian cuisine with New Italian American cuisine. This combination opens up your horizon to a home-cooked style dishes with a unique twist on it. My sis and I love this restaurant and we decided it’s our new place to go to when we’re celebrating each other’s birthdays.

For our appetizer, we split the Mercato Antipasto which includes: Italian cured meats & cheeses, grilled and roasted vegetables, crostini and marinated olives. Our favorite part of this dish was the pepperoni because it had fennel in it. The roasted vegetables were also good! This Antipasto reminds me of my mom’s with all the ingredients and display. It was very comforting because it reminded me of family holidays.

Since it was Catherine’s birthday, two appetizers were sent to our table compliments of the chef! The first  item was the Roasted Pork Belly Salad which had house cured pork belly, watercress, pistachio, charred scallion roasted pear mostarda, balsamic reduction. The pork belly was so crisp and flavorful! The best part was the pistachios and whole-grain mustard. The second item was the Cacio Pepe which included tonarelli pasta, extra virgin olive oil, cracked pepper, pecorino romano, bread crumbs, parsley. The Parmesan crisps on top of the pasta made the dish!

For Catherine’s entrée, she got the Short Rib Ragu which was ricotta gnocchi, broccoli race and shaved locatelli cheese. She loved how tender the meat was and that you could break it apart with a fork. I got the Chicken Cacciatore which included boneless chicken roulade, soft polenta, sautéed spinach, bell pepper, wild mushroom & tomato ragu. I loved the display of the chicken and creamy polenta!

For dessert, Catherine and I split the Trio of Gelato. The flavors of the night were raspberry, chocolate chip and peanut butter. They all were so good and fresh! You could tell they are homemade. They even lit a candle for Catherine’s birthday!

Mercato is a great restaurant to celebrate any special occasion! Between the relaxing atmosphere, impeccable food and excellent staff, you won’t be disappointed! Oh, and it’s BYOB which is always a plus!

  

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!