Spanish tapas: Amada. Part of a group dinner but we had a good sampling of the menu including some items made just for our group. As expected, this is a...

New Southern in the old city: Amina Actually visited a few months after it open in 2022 and it didn’t disappoint…you can indeed find excellent southern cuisine in Philly…it’s not...

Peruvian food in the heart of cheesesteak country: Vista Peru. Last minutes decision….we were looking for a place that could accommodate at least 8 people on a Saturday night and...

Sweets: Chocodiem. As you know, if you have followed my blog, I can’t pass up an option for chocolate so I had to try this place. Their specialty is truffles...

Korean tacos? Takorean. I was intrigued by the name and needed a quick bite before heading to the airport. You start with the style…which includes a soft taco….I went with...

After dinner drinks: Bluebird Distilling. Nice spot inside The Bourse food hall for a late night drink. Friendly bartender who knows his drinks. I’d recommend the Firebird….if you like a...

In Philly again: Cadence.  This is a small place with 26 seats at tables and 8 at the bar. Located in the Northern Liberties/Fishtown area of town. Signage on the door isn’t that easy...

Vegetarian in Philly Cheesesteak land: Vedge. This restaurant has received rave reviews and even though I’m nowhere near a vegetarian I just had to try it out. I was not...

Classic Italian: La Famiglia. Small group dinner in this well known Philly establishment which did not disappoint. First task was to choose a wine…the list is quite extensive…the largest I...

Uniquely Filipino: Perla. This area of Philly is full of restaurants but I hadn’t been aware of this place until I did some research. It’s a bit hard to find...

The Eating Places: James Beard Award Winners 2018. Best new restaurant: JuneBaby, Seattle. Outstanding restaurant: Highlands Bar and Grill, Birmingham. Rising star chef of the year: Camille Cogswell, Zahav, Philly. Outstanding pastry...

Old City: FARMiCiA. Another option for a locally sourced meal with a lively atmosphere. This was a group dinner but there were several selections from the regular menu which makes...

It’s on everyone’s list: Zahav. I’ve tried several times to get a reservation here but they are hard to come by. Visited as part of a larger group but this...

Another good Philly option: Helm. This is a small place north of the old city in the Olde Kensington area. I’ve seen it described as French but it is decidedly...

BYOB source: Pinot Boutique. In the Old City and sells locally sourced wines so don’t go looking for that French Bordeaux. Interesting wines from the area with tasings available. Somewhat...

Dinner for 20: Fork. Another choice among the many in the Old City. The menu was limited due to the size of the party which makes a true dining experience...

Dinner for 20 something: Morimoto. Usually it’s difficult to tell about a restaurant when you’re in a large party but only a few shared plates this visit more like couples...

Drinks with friends: Royal Boucherie. Hot spot near the Delaware River in the old city….brought to you by a top chef. The space is open and if the bar downstairs...

On the list: Vernick. This place has a reputation….all the way to Seattle and has been on my list for some time. I’m glad I finally got a chance to...

Dinner for 20: Continental. A bit hard to describe this place…global comfort food that leans a bit Asian, probably comes closest. This night we had a fixed menu with 3...

Everybody wanted Peking Duck so we decided this place fit the bill: Sang Kee It has been awhile since I’ve had this quintessential Chinese dish…..last time was in Beijing, so...

Back in Philly: Laurel. Once again my flight in was late…..this time one and a half hours…barely made my reservation going straight from the airport. Thanks Uber! This is another...

A cold night so not very adventurous: Red Owl Tavern. It’s the restaurant for the Hotel Monaco so it was easy to pop in for a quick dinner. I’ve stayed...

Gotta try this place for locally made ice cream: Franklin Fountain. The lines can be long but it’s worth the wait. Extensive offerings…at least 20 flavors! Visit website...

Had to try this place in South Philly: Noord. Dutch and Scandinavian fusion. Excellent smoked fish and pork but could have eaten everything on the menu…..that kind of place. It’s...

Back in Philly: Buddakan. This is a very large and gorgeous space near Independence Hall. For drinks had a Kyoto Mule followed by a very nice, dry Spanish Rosados with...