The Garden on the Square

Vibrant colors attracting, playful sounds of water splashing, music faintly looming in the background, small/magical/twinkling lights floating all around - there are so many ways to describe my experience at Talula's Garden on Washington Square.  Stephen Starr continues to amaze me with his ever changing/always amusing concepts.  Stepping off the street/out of the heat/into the earthy, eclectic garden was truly transforming.  I had escaped the city if only for a few hours, and it was one of my favorite dining memories to count.

If you're not so lucky to score a rocking/wooden/metal/garden chair at one of the many large or small tables outside, the dining room and bar inside are by no means disappointing, but honestly dining outside versus inside is a completely different experience.  In the garden that Starr has created for us, somehow I think the food and drink just automatically taste better because the space is so special.  During my visit, I can say that I have tasted the best rabbit dish in the city.  The Braised Rabbit with Handkerchief Pasta, Percorino, Green Olives, and Fava Beans was simply divine/tender/savory/mouth-watering.  The plentiful options of cheese plates to amuse yourself with is quite impressive and a challenge to pick just one.  With the 'In Kind' cheese plate, I enjoyed the most nutty/creamy/delectable Gouda paired with slightly sweet, almost candy-like, peanuts.  Ahhh-mazing!  Even the bread that's brought to the table, brioche with spring ramp butter, is so light/flavorful/heavenly, and the servers are more than happy to continue refilling your basket.

My night at Talula's Garden couldn't have been any better.  The service was excellent, the staff was friendly/helpful/charming in every way possible, there was nothing negative to report about the food/drink, and to top it all off I got to experience this all at one of the city's most serene/uplifting/sparkling gems.  Make a reservation.  Immediately.

"She Could be a Farmer in those Clothes"

That quote (from Clueless) really has nothing at all to do with this post except for the fact that they both have the word, Farmer, in common.  And, I guess if you were heading to The Farmer's Cabinet you would need to throw on some clothes...so, there's that too, but we might be stretching it here...

Anyway, I recently had the opportunity to check-out The Farmer's Cabinet, and I guess if one wanted to be rather difficult they would mention the fact that Philly already has a few Whiskey/Speakeasy type bars (Village Whiskey/Franklin Morgage/Ranstead Room), so it might be getting a bit overdone, but I say, who the hell cares (or, As If!)!?  Isn't it great that we have one more option to add to the list of great/stand-up/over-priced(but worth-it) bars where a fabulous cocktail is easy to come by without having to stand next to a group of fist-pumping, teens ordering cherry vodka with sprite, make that diet.  I think so.  And not only are the cocktails worth-it, but the ambiance and decor are appealing and transforming.  Who doesn't wish they grew up in the Roaring Twenties?  Flappers/Jazz/Illegal Liquor....my true calling.

Although it may not be the first of it's kind, The Farmer's Cabinet is A-Okay with me.  The mason jars, filled with glowing candles hanging from the ceiling and the live band of banjo/violin/old-school piano players makes the experience authentic.  The Cab. also offers up the option for a sit-down lunch or dinner which is something you can't find at Franklin Mortgage or Ranstead Room.  And, while I didn't try the food menu (it looked mighty tasty), I did drink enough calories to make it count as a meal.  The Whiskey Sour, my first ever, was simply divine.  Although, I must say, I think I slimmed my chances of finding another that's just as pleasing.  And word has it, they're mixing up a new cocktail list today, so you know I'll be popping over to try.

What I Like About...

Zavino, my neighborhood brick-oven pizza joint, located on the corner of 13th and Sansom in Midtown Village/the Gayborhood/Washington Square West (still deciding on what to refer to the new hood as), never disappoints.  Whether I'm sitting down for dinner, stopping by for a late night snack (box of pizza for one, please), or happily sipping on some tasty/inventive cocktails with friends, I always enjoy my visits and I keep coming back for more.  If you haven't been, check it out, and perhaps my top five favorite things (listed below) about Zavino will inspire you to grab a slice (or a box ) tonight.


1. The service is fast.  Getting a delicious margherita pizza to go, after a Wednesday happy hour quickly turns into 6 hours of drinking, takes about 10 minutes or less.  Perfect.

2. The leftovers keep well.  Eating said pizza the next day for lunch after it's been sitting out all night because someone fell asleep (passed out) next to it, is still mighty tasty.

3. The staff is excellent.  They're very tolerable towards all of their customers (those paying and not paying), such as the crazies who steal food off of the outdoor tables or those who walk (stumble) in late night and ask (demand) for a pizza to be made as quickly as possible.  Late night cravings are tough.

4. The food is delish.  If you really want to indulge and ruin your diet, I suggest ordering the 'Stache' Pizza with a side of the House Made, Ricotta Stuffed, Veal Meatballs to share of course (not really) with some friends.

5. The drink options are plentiful.  While eating order a glass of red, a glass of white, try the Unusual Thyme and Limoncello Margarita cocktails, proceed to ask your server if he/she can then make those drinks into shots (see #3.  They're so helpful and love creative people), and don't forget about the great Seasonal Victory Beers as well.  Go ahead and add all of those to your bill.

Give it a try! 

The Vendy Awards

This summer Philadelphia will be hosting the Vendy Awards at the Piazza at Schmidt's on July 9th.  The Vendys first started in New York in 2005 to determine the best street food vendor in the city.  Now, Philadelphians have the chance to nominate and vote for their favorite vendor.  The event will showcase a cook-off, judged by a panel of guests to determine the best sidewalk chef in Philadelphia.  A ticket for the event allows you the chance to see your favorite vendors compete, enjoy their food/beer/wine, and contribute a donation to The Food Trust.  Show your support and vote for those hardworking vendors who supply you with your morning coffee/bagel/sandwich/late night snack!  Who will you nominate, Philadelphia?

Let's Be Frank...

As I've mentioned before, hot dogs are just one of my many weaknesses.  I live for $ Dog Night at the ball park and BBQ season...heaven!  And, while I love The Dapper Dog to bits, a girl needs more options.  Thankfully, some others agree.

That wonderful man who always satisfies are tummies, Jose Garces, serves up Hot Dog Days for lunch at Garces Trading Company on the same days that Citizens Bank Park hosts Dollar Dog Night.  I've been/I've tired them/they're delicious.  For $9 you get the tastiest dog you've ever had paired with a beer of your choice and chips.  And if you're feeling the need to indluge, $15 gets you two dogs and a beer.  A bit pricey for a frank, but oh-so-worth-it.  The next lunch special is offered 5/23 for those who are curious and eager to try.

And, I just heard that South Street will be welcoming a new hot dog joint called, Hot Diggity, on the 600 block.  They plan to open sometime in June and will have about 10 different dogs on their artfully crafted menus designed by Philly artist/hot dog of the week columnist, Hawk Krall.  I'm envisioning something similar to Sketch Burger, perhaps, but obviously with hot dogs instead of burgers.

It's the year of the dog!

Prost!

Stephen Starr's latest buzz-worthy spot, Frankford Hall, officially opens tomorrow (pics here).  Located on Frankford Ave, in Fishtown, just up the street from local fav Johnny Brenda's and newbie Fathom, the open-air, industrial outdoor space can accommodate up to 240 with it's picnic-style tables.  Similar to the Piazza (but without the hassle from security regarding open containers), Frankford Hall will host live music and project Phillies games during the week/end in the gravel garten filled with string lights and newly planted trees.  The space includes additional indoor seating, three bars, ping-pong tables, assorted German beer on tap, and snacks such as Bavarian bread dumplings and all of the many varieties of sausage (bratwurst/weisswurst/kasekraner) those Germans are so famous for.  An official menu has not been released, but Frankford Hall does open at noon on the weekends, so the possibility of the Nolibs/Fishtown area gaining a new brunch spot as well, looks pretty good.  See you there!  Prost!

All for...

Alfa, a great Rittenhouse bar with a great HH (love the $3 hummus/pita plate) has decided to make me swoon even more by offering ...wait for it....$20 bottles of wine and champagne every Tuesday night.  This just got dangerous!  And what's even better is this Saturday night at Alfa, we'll be celebrating a very special/fabulous/gorgeous lady's birthday all night!  Come look for us in the back and wish her a very happy one!  Cheers!

What's Going On?

There are so many reasons why I love Spring.  Let me count the ways...heavenly, flowery aromas/fresh, ripe fruits and veggies/drinking and dining al fresco and....festivals!  And within the next few weeks we have some pretty great ones to look forward to.

Let's start off with the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival this Saturday and Sunday.  Rain or shine from 10am - 5pm, enjoy sausage and broccoli raab sandwiches/Italian ice/gelato/meatballs/cannolis ...any room left in those skinny jeans??  You better hit the gym for this one!

Then walk off that feast by heading up to Penn's Landing for the Art Star Craft Bazaar which is also open this Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 6pm.  Check out the handmade goodies that over l00 local and national artists will be offering.

And, lastly, one of my personal favs, the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival is happening next Saturday, May 21st.  Walnut Street will be closed off to transportation from Broad to 18th and filled with food vendors/a runway/live music all day.  It's the perfect excuse to put on that flirty sundress and show off those cute espadrilles.