Her Philly

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December 27, 2013

{Date Night Idea} A.Bar

When it comes to finding new places to suggest for Philly date nights (once my dates get word I write a blog about Philadelphia, the pressure’s kind of on me), I am often intimidated to offer up places I have not visited. Instead, I normally like to take my pending date spots for a test run with one of my girlfriends. Last month I got to catch up with Karima of Skinny Minority for some drinks and a treat at a great potential date spot location: a.kitchen’s a.bar (135 South 18th Street).

After passing a.bar about 500 times on my way to & from Anthropologie, I was excited to finally give it a try. a.bar’s dark and cozy bar is accessible through the entrance on Walnut Street, which can be a bit confusing if you’re just using the address. a.bar’s website describes the location as “a refined – yet unpretentious oyster, charcuterie and snacks bar focusing on superb wines, craft beers and cocktails.”

Cocktails at a.kitchen's a.bar // Her Philly

Karima and I both ordered cocktails. The bartender, similarly to the one at Ranstead Room, was great and prepared each drink with some fun, salsa like dance moves. I had the Crow’s Nest which was really delicious.

Caramel Apple Ice Cream Sandwich at Rittenhouse Square's a.bar // Her Philly

While a.bar has a full oyster bar, we went for some different food choices. Karima had the seafood soup which she liked, and I had the caramel apple ice cream sandwich. Yes, that is real life. Despite the freezing weather, it was great.

After one quick visit, I am happy to report I will be bringing a.bar in to my date night rotation. It was unique, intimate, and the perfect place to get to know your new companion. Thanks for being a great date, Karima!

her philly

Posted by admin 2 Comments
Filed Under: playing Tagged: a.bar, a.kitchen, cocktails, desserts, first date, philadelphia date ideas, rittenhouse square, seafood

July 30, 2013

{Date Night Idea} Ranstead Room Philadelphia

I love finding out about little hidden Philly gems. Once the nugget of info is in my mind, I usually can’t get it out until I’ve seen, tasted, drank, or visited said thing. I had a recent dose of this curiosity when I first heard of The Ranstead Room (2013 Ranstead Street). While the place has no website and has not tweeted since 2012, uwishunu describes it as “a back-alley speakeasy-style bar located adjacent to casual Mexican eatery El Rey.”  The mystery intrigued me, and when I finally went last weekend on a first date, I was nothing short of impressed.

Finding The Ranstead Room is not as hard as the online reviews claim, but it is tucked away down an alley off 20th Street just past Chestnut. Once you enter, the hostess takes you through a door and into a small, dark room illuminated only by the bar & lighting on the paintings of scantily clad women that line the walls. There are seating options in cozy, intimate booths or at the bar. The bar seating was a great spot to chat with the bartenders and get an up close and personal look of the intricacies in each drink’s preparation.

Summer Drinks at Philadelphia speakeasy the Ranstead Room // Her Philly

The drink menu at The Ranstead Room is super unique and changes seasonally. The current Summer Cocktail Menu has ten drinks on it, plus the Bartender’s Choice. We tried the French 95 & the Hurricane, both of which had great presentation and taste. Each drink is $12, and there are some really fun options to choose from. If you’re interested in getting a peek at the full Summer Menu (which will be live until mid-September), I’ve got it!

 

The Ranstead Room Summer Cocktail Menu

Bulldog Cooler

gin, pineapple, ginger, lime, soda

French 95

bourbon, champagne, lemon

Hurricane

jamaican rum, light rum, passion fruit, lemon

20th Century Boy

bourbon, amaro, benedictine, orange bitters

St. Charles Punch

cognac, port, lemon, orange

Clover Club

gin, lemon, raspberries, egg white

Cotton Cocktail

rye, vermouth, absinthe, bitters

Archangel

gin, aperol, cucumber

Firing Squad Special

tequila, lime, grenadine, soda

Tattletale

islay scotch, honey, bitters

Bartender’s Choice

leave it to us…

Overall, I had a fabulous time at The Ranstead Room and can’t wait to go back to try more yummy cocktails. The intimate setting made it a great place for a first date and I highly recommend it if you’re trying to find a unique Philly spot for an outing.

Have you ever been to a “speakeasy” in Philly? What did you think of it? And most importantly, what drink would you get at The Ranstead Room? xx

her philly

 

 

Posted by admin 1 Comment
Filed Under: playing Tagged: drinks, first date, ranstead room, speakeasy, starr restaurants

Hi! I'm Emily, a Philly lady on a quest to discover everything lovely, exciting, affordable, and beautiful about my city.

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Tonight was the best feeling of trying something n Tonight was the best feeling of trying something new. ⛳️ (I’m now looking up golf puns and I love how many have the word “putter” in them. 🥹🖤). 

My gal pal @calisonx and I took a ladies beginner golf clinic at @linwoodcc tonight. We both had absolutely never played golf past mini golf on the boardwalk… so this was fun & new. The late summer weather was simply stunning & on top of that, our class included THREE glasses of wine. 😅🍷

It was fun to get a new outfit (duh) and be in a social place that’s not a bar. My dad thinks this is where I will meet my future husband so let’s all send me some good vibes for that. 😉

I’m excited to take another class & learn more. 🏌🏻‍♀️Are any of you golfing girls? Would love to hear your tips on how to get into it (and/or meet your husband at the golf course.) 😉

#njblogger #southjersey #southjerseyadventures #augustslippedaway #plussizestyle #plusblogger #curvyblogger #jerseygirl #ladieswhogolf #curvyconfidence
What a gorgeous Philly evening to welcome three Je What a gorgeous Philly evening to welcome three Jersey gals for a little theatre (thanks to @kimmelculturalcampus!). My mom, sister, and I met to see @thelionking at @academymusicphl and it was simply *phenomenal.* 

We both found quick weeknight after 5pm parking at nearby lots ($16!) and had time for dinner & @vanleeuwenicecream before the play. 

The show is better than you could ever expect - the actors are just so talented (especially young Simba & Nala! The best part was watching the little kidsss enjoy it, too (three little boys in front of us were raising their Simba doll merch up at the end- so unreal 🥹). The show is so worth seeing while it’s here (now through 9/10!). 

A huge thanks to @kimmelculturalcampus for the beautiful Philly night out. 🖤

#whyilovephilly #visitphilly #lionking #thelionking #njblogger #phillytourism #phillyfamily #thingstodoinphilly #kimmelcenter #phillytheatre
The most fun summer friday girls day in @asburypar The most fun summer friday girls day in @asburyparknow. 💕 We shopped (I scooped up quite a haul from @rebelsupplyap @foolishgingernjlqpwp @freedomrocksco & @backwardglances). We ate a delicious lunch at @capitoline_ap. We had happy hour drinks at @lovehomesick & @thewonderbarofficial and just bebopped til we dropped on yesterday’s gorgeous August day. 

I was wearing this @eloquii x @nuuly bright orange romper and definitely got a new photo for my @bumble (thx @linnybrice 😘).
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