Gallery Night

As part of PIFA, Center City District and PhillyFun Guide will be hosting Gallery Night all across the city this Friday, April 15th from 5 - 9pm.  Check out the Gallery Night Map to explore new and fav participating art galleries free of charge.  It's a great way to enjoy a night of culture and hopefully lovely weather on any budget!  And, don't forget to vote for your favorite gallery online before April 18th.

F&F

I was really excited to check-out The Farm and Fisherman for what I thought was going to be a sure to/hit the spot/lick my lips kind of meal.  Having heard great things from a few friends already about this BYOB and loving the farm to table concept, I perused their menu online while snacking lightly on lunch, making sure to save room for the many dishes I had planned on trying that night.  And, after all this build-up and hype, I was less than impressed with the mediocre dishes I tasted. 

The space itself lacked any sort of defining character. Previous to arriving, I had envisioned diners gathered around big farm-like tables, sharing platters of whole chickens and passing piles of wonderful greens and vibrant, delicious fruit.  Too much?  The lack-luster perception of the environment, I think, could also be applied to the food.  I tasted it, I ate it, but there wasn't any "Wow!" factor there.  Mind you, there wasn't anything horrendous to report about my experience. I just wanted a little something extra from my $27 entree, something besides the farm to table idea, which I couldn't quite get a sense of in the preparation of the dishes, that would make me want to come back to this spot over and over again.  Perhaps I set my hopes a little too high for this newcomer? 

What was even more upsetting was that after sharing the Tartare Salad, Grilled Pork Belly, Quail, Rib Eye, and Chicken Breast with Wood Mushrooms (although I have to say they looked more like Oyster to me), true to form this fille saved some room in her appetite for the course that I feel is never to be missed; dessert. And, after hearing my two options to choose from I wasn't even tempted to lift another fork and indulge.  I passed on dessert!  I just about turned my head and gave it the cold shoulder!  And anyone who knows me is aware that this is not an easy feat.  But, then again, I wouldn't really call turning down dessert an accomplishment for any party involved.  Hopefully, F&F's constantly changing menu will become a little more inspired as the season brings us some great ingredients and flavors to have some fun with in the kitchen.

Tub Gin

Get down, Boardwalk Empire style, Thursday night as Tub Gin celebrates the 78th anniversary of the repeal of prohibition.  Select locations, including my fav Franklin Mortgage, will be serving Tub Gin drinks for 25 cents!  Get a little tipsy and show your support for the Cullen-Harrison Act!

"Are You in the Industry?"

No, I'm not...in the food industry that is, but that didn't stop me from getting the chance to meet Gabrielle Hamilton, author of Blood, Bones & Butter and chef/owner of Prune, last night at Amis.  After sending thoughts of love and kindness during a meditation session and while simultaneously cooking dinner and checking Twitter updates, I came across several tweets mentioning Gabrielle's appearance/guest cooking/book signing at Marc Vetri's restaurant.  Having just finished the book, which I thought was absolutely wonderful and inspiring (so glad I got the chance to tell her too!) I picked up my copy and flew out the door rocking my geek glasses and without a stitch of make-up on.  The line was long, and as I approached the front I quickly realized they were asking for proof at the door that you were somehow involved in the food industry.  Eek!  Does fille en ville count; a random no-name girl, with a no-name blog?  Marc Vetri did RT me on Twitter once...does that count?  He did just pass by me. Maybe he will remember?  After all this thinking, I approached the door, said what the hell, gave my best charming smile in my geek glasses, and it actually worked.  I was on my way to meet Gabrielle Hamilton, who I have a slight girl crush on after reading her memoir, because she is so freakin' awesome.  And voilà!  This woman is one cool chick, and my expectations of her definitely held true.  I gave her my praise, shook her hand, she signed my book, and I even made her chuckle! Success, and definitely the highlight of my night! And, since I had already made my way in, I decided to stay/mingle/grab a drink....it was a party after all!  After this encounter, I will most definitely be making a reservation at Prune, ASAP!  I'll keep you posted!

Yelp!

If you're still not overwhelmed with all the city has to offer in Spring Has Sprung, check-out Yelp Cocktails Week! Starting today through April 10th, various local bars will be offering half priced cocktails from opening until midnight. And with today's impending high of 74 degrees, it's the perfect reason to get out there and sample some drinks at places like Opa/Ranstead Room/Noble.  Drinks all around!

Spring Has Sprung

Ladies and Gents, I did not wear a jacket to work today!! I may be rushing it just a bit (and I do only have to walk a block to work), but I think Spring and warm weather is here to stay.  With the arrival of beautiful sunny days, I certainly want to jump at every chance I can take to be outside and enjoy these short-lived months of bliss.  And, in just a few days the city will begin to offer some great opportunities to take advantage of Spring in the city.  Check it out...

The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts has already started to transform Philadelphia into the City of Lights!  Starting April 8th, the 81 foot replica of the Eiffel Tower will be lit at the Kimmel Center, and every night there will be French food/wine/lessons and free nightly performances.  Check out their schedule for information on purchasing tickets and finding free events that continue throughout the entire month, such as Last Party in Paris, which I cannot wait for!  And to end it all, PIFA will be shutting down Broad Street all day on April 30th and transforming it into a Parisian Street Fair complete with a giant ferris wheel/food/vendors/performances.  Je suis très excité!

And after a month of experiencing Paris, head on over to the Race Street Pier for it's unveiling!  The kick-off event starts on May 11th, (tickets needed) and it will then be open to the public on May 12th.  I'm eager to see what the park will have in store for us!

And lastly, the beloved Center City Sips will begin June 1st!  If you don't already know, Sips offers HH specials from 5-7pm every Wednesday until the end of August.  Securing a table outside with the gals for $4 cocktails...yes please!

Enjoy these next couple of warm-weathered months, Philly!!!