dining | Her Philly

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!

November 13, 2013

An Ode to Little Pete’s

My dear Little Pete’s (219 South 17th Street), how I love thee. We were introduced several years ago, when times were different, but you have remained constant. You’re always there, 24/7, when it’s early and I can’t seem to get out of bed or make myself an omelet quite like you do, or when it’s late, and I need something fried and delicious served to me in under 10 minutes after a long night of drinking.

But oh . . . the best times are right around the corner, don’t think I forgot about them. The best times when it’s around 10 – 11 am, super cold out, on a Saturday, when I need the weekend more than ever. And a coffee. And guaranteed good food no matter what. That’s when you’re the best.

I show you off to all of my friends, and they all love you just as much as me. I think even if they didn’t, they would tell me they did, because they know how attached I am to you.

It makes me smile that I can get to you in a 10 minute walk, no driving to South Philly, or even Jersey for that matter, required. Sure, I have to wait for you sometimes, but that just means you’re worth it. I think if I ever had to move away from you, separation anxiety would ensue. In my two and a half years in this city, you’ve proved yourself to be irreplaceable.

I’d like to end with a very special quote I found that truly sums up our relationship: “Sometimes, someone comes into your life, so unexpectedly, takes your heart by surprise, and changes your life forever.” There has never been a truer statement. Love ya, Peter.

October 28, 2013

5 Things I’d Rather Be Eating Right Now

Dining out in any big city is cool, but dining out in OUR city is pretty amazing. There are so many options on each and every block that I’m pretty sure if you wanted to, you would never have to go back to the same place twice (but once you find “the one,” you’re gonna wanna go back). Sometimes, at least for me, when I cook for myself at home, I find my mind wandering to some of these delicious delicacies and wishing I was eating them instead. So, as I sit here eating brown rice & veggies, here are five Philly things I wish I was eating right about now.

5. Turkey Reuben with String Bean Casserole and Macaroni & Cheese at Honey’s on South (2101 South Street)

4. Cheese plate at Moshulu (401 South Columbus Boulevard)

3. All’ Uovo pizza at Serafina (130 South 18th Street)

2. Chocolate dipped chocolate chip cookie at Famous 4th Street Cookie Company (Reading Terminal Market, 51 North 12th Street)

1. Chicken Brochetas at Tinto (114 South 20th Street)

Now that I’m sure your mouth is watering, please, enlighten me: what Philly food could land on your lap right now and you, say, wouldn’t be mad at it? 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

June 6, 2013

{Chomp Chomp} East Passyunk’s Flavors of the Avenue

Last month, I explored a new area of the city with an event fit for any Philly foodie! Flavors of the Avenue is an annual food festival that takes place on East Passyunk Avenue, a young & thriving Philly neighborhood filled with awesome restaurants & shops. “Flavors” coincides with the Crafty Balboa craft show, so the day is a great glimpse into the what the neighborhood is all about.