@Erinliveswhole Guide to Philly
Guess what friends... we're taking our talents to Philadelphia! Home of not only the incredible Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (subtle brag), but also to my favorite fellow freckled friend, Erin from @erinliveswhole. This girl knows how to whip up breakfasts and treats like I've never seen before, and, most importantly, she's also got the inside scoop on where to eat all over the city of brotherly love. Check out her favorite spots below and be sure to head over to her website for some desserts like you've never seen before.
Place to order a strong cocktail:
Hands down, Harp + Crown. With half of the restaurant filled by a large 32 seat oval-shaped bar, this upscale speakeasy like restaurant is always bumping on a weekend night. The atmosphere is what makes me keep coming back; think funky vintage wallpaper and leather booth seating with bartenders who know a thing or two about how to make a good drink. Oh, and did I mention that there is also a two-lane bowling alley? Grab your ‘Ruby Slippers’ (my personal fav drink) and get ready to take a trip back to the 1920s.
Parents are in town:
The Love, the newest Stephen Starr spot, is the best place to take parents on their trip to visit you in the city. The list of one-of-a-kind cocktails guarantees that both your whiskey loving father and your champagne-cocktail loving mom will find both be happy. This Rittenhouse located restaurant serves dishes that are primarily New American focused, but definitely has a hodgepodge of menu items that all will make your mouth water. Must order: Eat Your Veggies!, Kale Risotto, Seared Scallops, Torched Broccoli.
Date night that involves getting dressed up:
Talula’s Garden is my favorite restaurant in all of Philly. The dimly candle-lit restaurant provides an ambiance unlike any other. All of the dishes are inspired by seasonal garden produce from local farms. The restaurant is constantly changing their menu to adjust with the everchanging seasons, but every single meal I’ve ever had here is out of this world delicious. Oh, and did I mention their wine list? It’s comprised of over 100 different wines and the waiters always know what to recommend. My favorite way to order (for two): An app, a pasta, a main, and two veggies. Dessert of course, too.
Date night where I can still wear leggings:
Effies. Think family-owned authentic Greek food with the cutest outdoor patio filled with only a handful of tables, lit up by a string of lights. This BYOB is the cutest little spot to spend a summer night with your beau, a bottle of wine, while still keeping it casual. The waiters and waitresses are as authentic as they come, and the whole restaurant is filled with locals who have been coming back for years. Must order: Thessaloniki: a spread of hummus, tzatziki, olives, dolmades, and feta, the Grilled Octopus Salad, and the Moussaka.Girl’s night out: The best outdoor dining in Philadelphia, in my opinion, is at Harper's Garden. A charming little outdoor spaced tucked away in the hustle of Rittenhouse square, covered by a veranda with twinkling lights and flowers. The menu focuses on seasonal, simple dishes that are meant for sharing (which is perfect for a girl’s night out). The cocktails are good, the food is great, and the ambiance is exceptional. What we ordered: Heirloom Tomato Toast, Moroccan Lamb Meatballs, and Zaatar Spiced Swordfish.
Takeout without feeling like garbage:
When Friday night comes around and you are too tired to cook, Fat Salmon sushi take-out is always a good idea. However, sushi can be hit or miss, but for a guaranteed hit, order from Fat Salmon. Their rolls are creative, fresh, and perfect for both meat eaters and pescatarians. Plus, they deliver, so once you’ve taken off your work clothes you can get straight into your comfies. My favorite rolls: Blossom, Lava, and Sea Breeze.
Ultra-health focused:
PS&Co, a 100% plant-based restaurant and café, serves nutrient-dense, free-from-preservatives or additives, food. Everything is gluten-free, vegan, and certified kosher. I prefer this place for breakfast or brunch, but they do serve a dinner as well. For breakfast, they serve it all, ranging from avocado toast on house-made breads, museli, coconut yogurt, and porridges. The chia porridge (my fav), is made with coconut milk and served with a nutty house-made granola. They also have some of the best gluten-free and vegan baked goods in the city.
Sweet treat:
Without question, the best ice cream in the city can be found at Franklin Fountain, a charming 1920s themed tin-lined ice cream parlor in Old City where waiters and waitresses wear old school serving outfits. There is always guaranteed to be a line, but it is beyond worth it to wait. This cash-only parlor serves the creamiest ice cream I’ve ever had (and I’ve eaten a LOT of ice cream) and even has flavors like “Hydrox Cookies” (yes, Oreos before Oreos existed) aka basically cookies and cream. The offer several vegan varieties too. My favorite: Whirley Birley + Coconut.
Al things brunch:
Sabrina’s is a breakfast served all day place where I’ve been more times than I’d like to admit, but I guess that is a sign of a good brunch, right? I guess it also helps that they have five locations in the greater Philadelphia area. The menu is filled with some of the best breakfast creations and everyone is sure to find something they like. Between the stuffed French toast, the huevos rancheros (OMG), and the vegan tofu scramble, I know I can take a whole crowd of people to Sabrina’s and they will be happy. It’s also a BYOB for when you’re feeling like you need a mimosa (or two) post last nights bar escapades. My tip: check out their seasonally changing specials, not only do they have clever names, but they also are so unique and always a guaranteed winner.