Search Results for: restaurant week

November 30, 2013

Happy 1st Birthday Her Philly!

Today marks exactly one year since I began chronicling my journey exploring Philadelphia, and I can’t believe how far my little idea has come! When I began writing this blog, I was looking for an outlet to discuss things that were important to me, as a young, 20-something with no kids and a lot of curiosity about my new city. Deciding what to write was (and still is) easy, I document things that I, personally, would click through & read about. I am by no means a fashionista, but I do like shopping. I can’t cook that well, but I love discovering new restaurants. I’m not a wiz with a glue gun, but I like to decorate and get the most out of my small apartment. And while I am past my college years of long nights out at the bar, I am still young, single, and like to explore what the city has to offer. Wrap that all up in a pretty bow & you’ve got Her Philly!

Over the past year I have had some amazing experiences, like attending the Game of Thrones Season 3 premiere and traveling to NYC for Lucky FABB. I have met some bloggers & Philadelphians I consider friends (like Jessie, Melissa, Jade, Karima, & Kory, to name a few), and discovered countless new places to go and things to do around Philly. I am really thankful for the opportunities this blog has allowed me, and I can’t wait to see what the next year brings!

In honor of my 1st birthday, and because we all know I love lists, I wanted to share my Top 10 most shared posts from the past year! Plus, come back & visit me this week for some special surprises and giveaways featuring my favorite Philly things!

10. My experience taking a flying trapeze class during PIFA.

9. Keeping it real with my favorite product to eliminate chub rub.

8. Documenting the most amazing night in Philly.

7. How I built my confidence and learned to love my body.

6. My recap of East Passyunk Avenue’s Crafty Balboa & links to fab Philly Etsy sellers.

5. The first Philly Lady You’ll Love post featuring Luba Patlakh of Fluff Apparel.

4. My third installment of my favorite small apartment decorating ideas.

3. My “everything you need to know” post about Philadelphia Diner en Blanc.

2. My original post featuring some pinspiration on how to organize your small Philly apartment.

1. Seems there is a lot of love for my small city living spaces inspiration posts!

Thanks for the love & support over the past year. I hope you stick it out with me over the next year, I promise we’ll have fun! xx

September 16, 2013

{Date Night Idea} Mt. Airy Street Fare: Sip, Savor, Stroll

It’s a known fact that I rarely leave Center City, so when I do, I am usually in constant (mostly good) shock of what I find. Mt. Airy is a cute neighborhood in Northwest Philly that, until recently, I never would have never known to visit. Last week I was invited to the Press Preview of the upcoming Mt. Airy Street Fare, and I was super impressed with my whole experience in this comeback-kid neighborhood.

During the Street Fare, multiple food trucks (you know Philly loves a good food truck) and restaurants in Mt. Airy will be opening shop for some awesome bites & drinks. To help give you a taste of what to expect at this Thursday’s event, I’ve counted down my Top 5 Must Try spots on Germantown Avenue. Take a peek . . .

5. Wine Thief Neighborhood Bistro (7152 Germantown Avenue): Relaxed New York inspired restaurant opened by lifelong Mt. Airy resident.

Must try at Street Fare: the Mojito! Refreshing & so, so good.

4. Avenida (7402 Germantown Avenue): Cute Latin American joint housed in one of the first three homes ever built in Germantown.

Must try at Street Fare: the Housemade Sangria. YUM.

Owners Edgar & Kim

3. Little Jimmie’s Bakery and Cafe (6669 Germantown Avenue): Friendly, professionally trained Southern chef whipping up some delish baked goods + a whole new Southwestern menu. You know I love that.

Must try at Street Fare: the Sweet Potato Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Yep.

2. Earth, Bread + Brewery (7136 Germantown Avenue): Awesome neighborhood restaurant complete with a microbrewery & wine on tap. Plus they have slammin flatbread pizzas.

Must try at Street Fare: the delicious beers (you’ll have to take Stephanie from My Tiny Philadelphia Kitchen‘s word on this – you know I’m more of a hard cider gal.)

Earth, Bread + Brewery in Mt. Airy // Her Philly

New friends Stephanie & Jackie!

1. Jyoti (7220 Germantown Avenue): The result of wanting to bring fresh cooking to Mt. Airy after a 30-year Indian food canning business, owned by literally the most adorable woman in all of Mt. Airy.

Must try at Street Fare: the Kati Rolls – fried Indian bread rolled in chickpeas topped with lettuce, onions, cilantro and this chutney that was amaaaaazing.

Jyoti & her son Anuj, our Mt. Airy tour guide!

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Mt. Airy Street Fare is taking place this Thursday, September 19th, from 6:00 – 10:30 pm. There will be over 40 food trucks & restaurants, live music, and an outdoor simulcast of the Eagles game! The drive up to Mt. Airy on Kelly Drive was beautiful and it would be a nice, quick getaway for your & your boo.

Will you be attending Street Fare? What are you looking forward to trying? xx

July 22, 2013

{Nom Alert} Mexican at La Calaca Feliz

Last week, I met up with my friend Brooke in her new neighborhood of Fairmount to try a Mexican restaurant I have heard tons about. La Calaca Feliz (2321 Fairmount Avenue) is a contemporary Mexican restaurant based on bold, traditional flavors. They also have a location in the burbs called Cantina Feliz (Fort Washington) that my friend Tara had been raving about, so off we went.

We dined on a Wednesday around 7:00 & street parking was tough. We ended up in a lot right next door. The atmosphere of La Calaca Feliz was fabulous. To get to our table, we walked through the crowded bar & past the busy kitchen area. The tables were cozy and our spot looked out to their outside seating area, which seemed like it would be fun if it was not 100 degrees out. We started off with two refreshing margaritas and perused the menu.

For an appetizer, we ordered the “Nachos de la Casa” (black beans, queso, arbol chile, pickled jalapenos, radish), and of course, added shortribs. Naturally. The nachos were delicious, and actually my favorite part of our meal. Off to a good start!

The #1 thing Brooke & I had heard was a must try at La Calaca Feliz was this little corn on the cob number. We each ordered the “Elotes Loco” (lime mayo, queso fresco, chile pequin) and were seriously impressed. If you haven’t had anything like this before, it is definitely a must try. Fresh, yummy & unique.

By the time we got to our entrees, we were both a little stuffed. Brooke ordered the “Crispy Cauliflower Taco” (nopales, guajillo salsa, guacamole) and really enjoyed them.

I tried the “Enchilada con Mariscos” (crab, shrimp, chipotle cream, salsaranchera), which was just as good reheated the next day at lunch. Talk about lunchbox envy!

Overall, I loved the place! Dinner was reasonably priced and everything was delicious. You all know I am on a never-ending quest to find amazing Mexican food in the city, and I think La Calaca Feliz has been added to my list! Tell me: where is your favorite place to grab nachos & margs in Philly? xx

April 16, 2013

Sharing the Love {My First Liebster Award!}

Last week, the lovely Jade of stylewallflower nominated me for a super cool Liebster Award! In case this is a relatively new term to you (like it was to me!), allow me to explain. A Liebster Award is given from one blogger to another as a way to get to know new & fabulous people.

There are a few interpretations of how many followers the nominated blogs should have & how many bloggers to nominate, but either way, it’s an awesome honor. So with that, on to the questions!

Share 11 things about yourself . . .

1. My little sis Lindsay is my BFF. I feel pretty lucky to have her as my sister.

2. I will never get tired of visiting in Disney World.

3. My favorite artist is Kurt Halsey. My apartment is covered in prints of his work, mostly from my many Art Star calendars.

Kurt Halsey brunette print "as big as the trees" / Her Philly

Image via

4. Almost every pair of earrings I own are from thrift stores.

5. I am a proud sister of Delta Gamma sorority!

6. I’ve been blessed with parents who love traveling. Some of our best vacations include Italy, San Diego & Miami.

7. I have a huge obsession with YouTube beauty gurus and their lives. Especially the British ones.

British YouTube beauty gurus Fleur, Zoe, Louise and Tanya in Disney World

Image via

8. I still take my laundry home to my parents’ house every chance I get.

9. I listen to Elvis Duran & the Morning Show every day on my way to work.

Elvis Duran and the Morning Show cast photo

Image via

10. I have two guilty pleasure movies: Love & Basketball and Varsity Blues.

11. Otters are my favorite animal. I could watch the otters at the Philadelphia Zoo for hours.

Answer the 11 questions given to you . . .

1. What was your major in college? Communications with an English minor.

2. Why did you start blogging? I wanted to meet new people, write more, and have an excuse to document my exploration of a new city.

3. Pick: Mr. or Mrs. Carter? Mrs. Go Bey!

4. Favorite celebrity baby? Even though she is not a baby anymore, Suri Cruise.

5. Where was your favorite vacation? Italy.

6. What is your favorite neighborhood in Philly? Although I am trying to broaden my horizons, Rittenhouse will always have my heart.

7. What is your dream job? Anything that involves a little social media & some writing!

8. Favorite designer/celebrity collaboration? Prabal Gurung For Target.

9. Which musician do you wish would just stop making music and go away? NICKLEBACK & CREED. Like, for real.

10. What was your favorite concert and when? I love Coldplay concerts. I’ve been to two, and they were both amazing.

11. What are you looking forward to this summer? Phillies games, weekend trips with my friends & going home to the beach!

Nominate 5 Bloggers . . . (you better check them out!)

1. Celestine from Java Aficionado

2. Georgette from Grown and Curvy Woman

3. Melissa from Ring the Alam

4. Brittiny from Fashion of Philly

5. Karima from Skinny Minority

11 Questions For My Nominees to Answer . . .

1. What is your favorite video on YouTube?

2. Do you like the Philly sports teams?

3. What is your favorite area to shop in the city?

4. #1 tips for new bloggers?

5. Recommend your favorite book.

6. What is your dream vacation?

7. Give us your favorite hidden Philly gem?

8. Are you more or a beach or pool girl?

9. Is there a beauty item you can’t live without?

10. What is your favorite Philly restaurant?

11. How has blogging changed your life?

That was fun! Thanks again to Jade for nominating me. I also wanted to take this time to acknowledge the tragedies that took place in Boston yesterday. Sending you Philly love, Beantown. xx

April 9, 2013

Insta-Month: A Look Back {March}

March was a busy month! Between birthdays, reunions and weekend trips . . . sprinkled in with some amazing opportunities, I had a full schedule, and I absolutely loved it! Check out some of the highlights . . .

#1 thing to love about March: Shamrock Shakes // The best mozzarella special at my fav Philly gem, Salento

Tara & I about to experience the #WesterosVIP event // My favorite Game of Thrones (p)imp, Tyrion Lannister

With Carling & Ashley at the Harlem Globetrotters game // There is not much better than crab fries & cheese

One of my favorite days of the year – free Rita’s water ice // And favorite day of the year Part 2 . . .

Celebrating Amy’s birthday @ Sons of Essex in NYC // My obsession with kale (topped w/ bacon) grows daily

Coming from a Philly pizza enthusiast, SliCE has my fav pizza presentation // Our pretty city from a roof deck

A normal blogging night 🙂 // Right before my big #DaringlyHigh Trapeze Lesson with Fly School Circus Arts

Some thrift store finds at my favorite shop in South Jersey // Finally got to try a burger at Rouge!

If you’re craving some more Her Philly Instagram action, follow me! Like any Instagram user, I would like as many followers as possible and I’m currently looking into the best way of achieving that. My research leads me to believe that one can always look up the best site to buy Instagram followers or keep a track of Instagram growth tools, which are a popular way of doing this. However, there are some tools that should be avoided at all costs. For instance, Socialcaptain scammed people and is a massive waste of money. On the other hand, Upleap and Nitreo have been rated highly. Decisions, decisions!

Some of these photos came from my personal account and I just really wanted to share . . . are you feeling special yet? xx

What was your favorite moment of March? (This is a judgement free zone, it’s OK if you say Rita’s or Shamrock Shakes . . . )

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!