dining | Her Philly

January 26, 2015

{Philadelphia Restaurant Week} Barbuzzo

Today I’m coming to you with a little mid-Restaurant Week post to tell you about the glory that is Barbuzzo (110 South 13th Street). In all of my Philadelphia dining experiences, I had only been to Barbuzzo once for lunch. I knew this year I was making my reservations early, and I was so happy this little place did not let me down.

Joined by my friends Eric and Frannie, we stopped by for dinner on Thursday. I’ve heard that Barbuzzo can feel crowded, but we were seated towards the front and were just fine. The cocktails and wine list looked great, but after glancing at the menu, I knew it was going to be a brew night for me. We were greeted with complimentary grilled bread (a common theme of my meal) and sheep’s milk ricotta drizzled with EVOO. I don’t fight these things.
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December 22, 2014

{C-CAP} Firing Up Philly’s Next Chefs

Last month, I was invited to attend Ignite: C-CAP Firing up Tomorrow’s Chefs at The Dorrance H. Hamilton Enterprise Center for Culinary Arts. Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) has been working with public high schools in the area (& across the country!) for 25 years to prepare underserved students for college and career opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality industries. I was so impressed with the goals of the organization (because like, seriously, the cause is great), so I was thrilled to attend.
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September 15, 2014

{Sip, Savor, Stroll} Mt. Airy Grub + Street Fare Preview

Exploring Philly neighborhoods is really the best. Since Mt. Airy is such a unique area of our city, I love getting a chance to pop up there, while, of course, eating all of the delicious food they offer. Some bloggers, foodie folks, and I took a little media tour last week in preparation for the neighborhood’s upcoming event, and I’m pleased to report that Center City certainly does not hold all of the great food our city has to offer.

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September 9, 2014

Goose Island Migration Week

My journey to the craft beer side of the world has been a long, and at times, hoppy one (I’m sorry). After one too many hangovers from my sugary hard cider obsession, I started giving some new brews a whirl. And, for the most part, so far, so good! I was really excited when Goose Island Beer Co. invited me to their Migration Week event in Philly. On top of being able to try beers from a great brewery, it’s always a fun event when I get to hang with the Fashion of Philly duo and the hysterical Bacon & Legs.

August 29, 2014

How To Conquer Philadelphia Restaurant Week

I know a lot of people have mixed feelings about Philadelphia Restaurant Week, but I am not one of them. I thoroughly enjoy any excuse to get out to some of my favorite places in Philly. Restaurant Week dinners become traditions amongst friends, simple date ideas, and an easy way to further explore our city. Several years and many $35 dinners later, I have figured out a few ways to get the most out of one of my favorite times of year.

August 19, 2014

Chef’s Tasting Menu at High Street on Market

Checking off a restaurant that’s been “on your list” for awhile is a great thing, but what makes it even better is when that restaurant is everything you could have hoped for (and, hopefully, more). Last week, my friend Kelly and I ubered on down to Old City for dinner at High Street on Market (308 Market Street). I’ve been crushing on High Street since I had dinner at a.kitchen (135 South 18th Street) and was really impressed at Eli Kulp‘s ability to get me to eat things I wasn’t entirely sure I would like, or even fully know exactly what I was eating, to be honest (I am a disgrace . . . this is why I am not a food blogger).

July 15, 2014

My First Juice Cleanse

If you personally know me, or have ever seen me out around the city, you know I am not . . . how can I say this . . . a “health nut.” I like pizza, and pulled pork, and really just carbs in general. I enjoy white wine, and beer, and double vodka tonics. Yes, I work out and do enjoy it, but to me, life is more exciting like this. For the most part.

After a weekend in Avalon last month, filled with a few too many brews, bagels etc., I needed to calm my life down a bit. I had always heard of “cleanses,” and asked a few of my nutrition pals for their thoughts (which were mixed) on the idea of a full body cleanse. I did some more research on my own and decided to give one a go. The team at Garden of Flavor (which you can buy in this area – keep reading!) had kindly sent me a three day cold pressed juice cleanse to try out. Seeing as this was my first time cleansing, and I had pretty low expectations for myself, I decided to give it a try for two full days.

I kept a little “diary,” if you will, about my three days (two days of drinking juice + one easing my way back to real food) and thought that would be the best way for me to share my experience with you.

June 24, 2014

Summertime Dining: Crabby Cafe & Sports Bar

In my opinion, the best dining experiences are those in which you actually share an experience with others. There are a ton of ways to achieve this in our city: themed restaurants, unique dining styles, and sampling dishes designed to be shared. I am a firm believer that part of the joy of living in our city is going out to eat – you just have to do it to get the full Philadelphia experience.

Last week, I was invited to Media Night at Crabby Cafe & Sports Bar (1050 North Hancock Street, Unit 1) in the Piazza. I don’t make it to NoLibs that frequently, so I was excited to pop on over and see how she looked on a beautifully warm summer evening.

April 21, 2014

Philadelphia Mother’s Day Idea {Tea Time}

Mother’s Day has always been a tough holiday for me to shop for. While my mom is wonderful and appreciative of everything my sister and I get her, I don’t really care for those cheesy knick knacks from the card store, and I can only buy so many pairs of pretty earrings before it becomes standard.

The Rittenhouse Hotel (210 West Rittenhouse Square) reached out to me and asked if I would like to come in and experience the Mary Cassatt Tea Room. Not even knowing such a place existed in my neighborhood, I immediately said yes and knew the perfect person I should bring along: my mother.

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December 6, 2013

Holiday Shopping Break: A Stop At Max Brenner

This month, if it hasn’t already, is about to get cray-zay. We all know how the holiday season suddenly makes everyone’s schedules fill up, so working in quick visits with your friends in the neighborhoods you’re already shopping, running errands in, etc. is essential. My girlfriends and I recently took a break from our busy city lives to pop in and enjoy drinks, dinner & dessert at Max Brenner (1500 Walnut Street).

We started with some tasty chocolate cocktails. The presentation was amazing, but, as you can imagine, pretty sweet & filling! If you’re planning on having food + dessert, I’d suggest ordering one. But if drinks are your end destination, bring ’em on, lady!

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Intoxi-Cake

The food was super yummy and creative. We all brought half of our meal home, so Max Brenner is the perfect spot if you’re heading back to your apartment or even out of town after – gotta keep those leftovers cold! The presentation again was really unique, and I was so glad I ordered the Philly Cheesesteak Waffle Sandwich (obviously) from their specials menu. It was amazing.

Really-Cheesy Really-Crunchy Mac & Cheese

Deep Bleu Cobb Salad

Philly Cheesesteak Waffle Sandwich

By the time we got to dessert, we were so. full., but when you’re there, you just gotta, right? We split an Oreo milkshake, and this lil chocolate pizza number. Max Brenner does his chocolate darn well. I will leave it at that.

Chocolate Chunks Pizza

Our time at Max Brenner was a much welcomed, warm, cozy & chocolatey break from the hustle that is Center City in December. If you’re bopping around Rittenhouse this month, give them a try – your sweet tooth will thank you!