Her Philly - Part 30

December 10, 2012

Burger Paradise: A Night at Village Whiskey

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?

December 4, 2012

Whole Foods Dinner: Salmon, Guacamole, Bacon & Arugula Sandwiches

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!

December 1, 2012

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: The Boyfriend

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 great presents that you can’t wrap under the tree: cooking dinner, helping him clean his apartment, baking cookies, 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…

November 30, 2012

Welcome to Her Philly!

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!