A lifestyle blog for young women dining, shopping, playing & living in the city of Philadelphia.
Everyone meet Ellie, my sister’s early Christmas present. We’ve never had a dog before, and she is absolutely perfect. Within an hour of meeting her at my parent’s house this holiday season, I had about 50 photos of her on my phone.
Plus, Ellie obviously loves reading Her Philly 🙂 Happy Holidays everyone!
I live for Philadelphia Restaurant Week. Even before I officially moved to the city, Restaurant Weeks were some of my favorite times to visit Philly. With the next week right around the corner (January 20 – 25 & January 27 – February 1, 2013), here are my top 5 Philadelphia Restaurant Week locations you must try!
5. Underrated yummy BYOB Italian joint – Salento (2216 Walnut St.)
Image via http://www.salentorestaurant.com
4. Amazing steaks in a beautiful venue – Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse (111 S 17th St.)
Image via http://www.phillymag.com
3. The best value, if you’re into bowls of bacon & meat on a stick for $15 less than it normally costs – Fogo De Chao (1337 Chestnut St.) *Not on the RW website as of yet, but if they do decide to join again in the future, it’s a must.
Image via http://davidbeachblog.blogspot.com/
2. Unique food & great for a small group – Zahav (237 St James Pl.)
Image via http://www.jewishpost.com
1. Delicious tapas and the most mouth-watering sangria – Amada (217 Chestnut St.)
Image via http://www.amadarestaurant.com/
Where will you be making reservations for Restaurant Week this year? Get all the details on Philadelphia Restaurant Week‘s website.
Ugly Christmas Sweaters, thrifed. T-Rexmas Men’s Tee, Cheesesteaktees (506 South Street)
Happy Holidays!
When I was younger, my family and I frequently made a stop at Macy’s (1300 Market St) during the holidays to see the Christmas Light Show. I remember loving the festivities and have wanted to give the show a try in my adult years. Since two of my girlfriends from college stopped by the city on Saturday for a little holiday shopping & sightseeing, so we thought we would give it a go.
When we walked in, the store was a literal madhouse. Now, it was one of the only two Saturdays left before Christmas, but I’m talking, can’t even walk madhouse. We stopped on the 3rd floor to find a bathroom for our friend and couldn’t seem to even find a place to stop & wait where we were not in anyone’s way.
We got a decent spot behind two rows of people and got ready to watch the show. From the 3rd floor, it was a bit hard to hear, and we couldn’t see the bottom of the set. However, it was still beautiful and still looked just like I remembered it!
If you are thinking of going to see a show, my tips are as follows: 1) Go on a weekday. Just, trust me :] 2) Sit/stand on the bottom floor, even if it means you have to wait a bit longer for the show to start 3) Remove all jackets/scarves/gloves before you get into position to watch, it does get a little warm! 4) Take a child. I think while venturing to see this as an adult it had lost a little of it’s luster. I don’t know if I’ll go back for it until I have kids of my own.
The show runs every hour through the end of December. You can get the full schedule over on VisitPhilly. Have you ever attended the Macy’s Christmas Light Show? What did you think of it?
As we are nearing December 25th, picking up a last minute gift for your best gal pal does not have to be as stressful as it sounds. There is still plenty of time to run down the street (or even across town) to pick up one of these gifts from a Philly retailer. No time? Don’t you worry, I’ve got online options too! Let’s see…
1. A Taste of Childhood: What better way to spend some time with your BFFs than a little pottery painting at this fabulous all-inclusive BYOB studio? The Expressive Hand gift card, available at The Expressive Hand (622 South 9th St.)
2. A Cute Calendar: My apartment is covered with Kurt Halsey prints. Your friend will love his adorable and heartwarming doodles. Kurt Halsey “2013 Wall Calendar,” $24, available at Art Star Gallery & Boutique (623 North 2nd St.)
3. Trendy Sports Gear: For the girl who rocks her Phillies ensembles outside of South Philly. Gray Eco Fleece Pocket Sweatshirt, $39.99, available at Broad Street Broad (737 North 4th St.)
4. Reppin Your Hood: These t’s are amazingly cute. They come in essentially every Philly neighborhood too! Women’s Rittenhouse Square Easy-Fit, $24, available at RittenhouseTees
5. A Cute Case: Society6 is an AMAZING site that puts art prints on tons of different items. This case is simple but unique for all of the iPhone users out there. Philadelphia City Skyline iPhone Case, $35, available at Architette Studios, via Society6
6. Simple Studs: These LOVE Park inspired post earrings will match anything and aren’t too gaudy for even your most laidback of buds. LOVE post earrings, $45, available at BathtubJungle, via Etsy
7. A Glitzy Hairpiece: I have been wearing the same Anthro headband for 5+ years, and every time I wear it, I get compliments. It’s worth the price tag. Amaranthine Headband, $32, available at Anthropologie (1801 Walnut St.)
What was the best gift you’ve given or received from your BFF?
Pulled pork, corn & coleslaw ala Chef Jordan // University of Delaware football tailgate with my sister
Feeding giraffes on vacation at the Naples Zoo // A peek at one of my more relaxing vacation days
A no-filter sunset at Bonita Beach // Pre-Thanksgiving dinner couple shot
Bundled up before a very cold Eagles game // Delicious brunch specials & mimosas @ Marathon Grill
Last week, my friend Kelly & I were brainstorming places for our next dinner date. We are two carnivorous women and decided burgers were the way to go. After a quick browse of Philly Mag’s Best Burger list, we were set on Jose Garces’ Village Whiskey (118 South 20th Street).
While Village Whiskey does not take reservations and was packed on the chilly Thursday night we chose to dine, we lucked out and were able to snag two seats at the end of the beautiful bar in under 15 minutes. If you’ve never been, the going rate for a table is an 1.5 hour wait.
While whiskey is not my first choice when ordering a drink, their bar menu looked fab. I went with the Havest Moon, which had apple brandy & warm spiced cider and was perfect for a chilly night. Kelly chose The Atomizer which she equally loved.
It’s not that the menu here is extensive, it’s that it makes you want every. single. thing. (PS: Sorry for the shotty photos. It was super dark inside and you know I was not going to be THAT girl that takes a photo with the flash. Been there one too many times…)
I chose the Village Burger, and obviously endless add-ons of cheddar cheese, carmelized onions, smoken bacon, and my favorite, a fried egg. Kelly went for the signature Whiskey King, and we were both in foodie heaven.
We couldn’t pass up on the duck fat fries, and while you’re there, you might as well… We went with the shortrib & cheddar french fries, and just, um, you need to get these in or around your mouth ASAP.
I even (lamely) took home half of my burger & the fries and had them for dinner the next night. I was debating bringing them to lunch at work on Friday but I was too nervous someone would steal my bag from the fridge. Loved our night, it was delicious & fun, and I can’t wait to go back!
Have you ever been to Village Whiskey or a Jose Garces restaurant? What did you think?
One of my favorite things about living in the city is the amazing access to good food – whether it be fab restaurants, delicious markets or even great grocery stores – anything & everything is within walking distance. So since the weather has been beautiful the past two days and I was in desperate need of a supermarket run, my boyfriend Jordan & I headed down to Whole Foods Market on South Street.
I had pre-selected a recipe to try for dinner from my new cookbook, “Foolproof,” from Barefoot Contessa. I purchased it to get myself to free shipping while shopping online @ Barnes & Noble on Black Friday, and was infatuated upon first read. So, I decided to adapt one of Ina’s recipes for last night’s dinner!
And here is the yumminess I came up with: Salmon ,Guacamole, Bacon & Arugula sandwiches.
I am going to give you the recipe in the terms of my aspiring chef brain only. Keep those expectations low 🙂
Salmon: we bought 2 6 oz fillets of tequila lime salmon at Whole Foods. Preheated the over at 375 degrees. Sprayed some tin foil with cooking spray and wrapped each piece individually. Stuck on top row of oven for 20 minutes.
Bacon: Line a baking sheet with foil and turn the edges up. Using a package of applewood smoked bacon, place strips on the foil so none are overlapping. Bake for ~15 minutes and remove from grease immediately. Place on paper towel to dry. (I don’t even know what I ever did before I saw this “recipe” for how to bake bacon on Pinterest. It comes out 100% perfectly EVERY TIME.)
Guacamole: 2 avocados, half of a lime, salt, pepper, cilantro, 2 chopped up garlic cloves, and stir. Y-U-M.
Bread: we bought “Organic Prairie Bread” from Whole Foods – and it is literally perfection. Toasted that baby up in the toaster oven for crispy perfection.
To assemble, smother both sides of the toast with guac. Place a few pieces of arugula on either side, followed by your bacon & salmon. Combine together, slice, and enjoy!
Again, I really love that I can run to Whole Foods, grab yummy & fresh foods, come home & cook a new recipe at a reasonable hour. This recipe was definitely a success, and I can’t wait to pick up more adaptations from my new cookbook!
What are your favorite recipes to cook on a weekday? I’d love to hear them!
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and if you’re anything like me, finding the perfect gift for your friend or family member is essential to holiday happiness. Since I have the hardest time shopping for my boyfriend – conflicted by the love/hate of fueling his Philadelphia sports obsession and desire to be creative & the best girlfriend ever – I chose “the boyfriend/husband/best guy friend” as my first recipient.
1. A Record: The grown-up’s version of a mix-tape. Dr. Dre – The Chronic LP, $22, available at Philly based Urban Outfitters (1627 Walnut St.)
2. Shaving Kit: For the man who likes to, or needs an excuse to, lather up in style. Mid-Size Kit, $60, available at The Art of Shaving (1528 Walnut Street)
3. Sports Tee: It seems every man in Philadelphia is a sports lover. This is their mecca. B. Dawk Men’s Tee, $28, available at Cheesesteaktees (506 South Street)
4. Cute Customizable Tchotchke: The perfect conversation piece to complete any apartment/desk/car, and just too awesome not to want (you can customize it with your go-to toppings – hello?!). Felt Food Philadelphia Cheesesteak, $14, available at CraftFlag via Etsy
5. Comfy Hoodie: An essential for a quick run to the corner store or out to breakfast. D&W Tophat Pullover, $65, available at Duke & Winston (633 N. 2nd Street)
6. Handmade One-Of-A-Kind Stunner: It is a traditional toy that is bound to impress the person to whom you’re gifting it to. They’re not just popular in Russia, but they can be just as sought-after in every country around the world, so who wouldn’t want to have some to add to their collection? Plus – handmade in Russia, can you top that? Philadelphia Flyers Nesting Matryoshka Doll Set, $49, available at artmatryoshka via Etsy
7. Restaurant Gift Certificate: A favorite pick for the gift that keeps on giving after the holidays are over. My personal pick for the best, super filling meals at all hours of the day. Penrose Diner Gift Card, available at Penrose Diner (2016 Penrose Ave.)
There are also some other great presents: cooking dinner, helping him clean his apartment, baking cookies, or getting him a saucy gift like a pink ball gag or something along those lines. You know the drill – just be creative!
What will you be getting your man this year? Let’s hear some ideas in the comments below! Until next time…
Welcome to Her Philly! This blog has been in the back of my mind since I moved to the area in June 2011. I was always looking for a place that featured cheap date ideas, unique local merchandise, and the answer to all of my burning Philly questions. So, Her Philly was born!
I hope you like my posts, and I look forward to talking to each of you!
