The City of Brotherly Lovin'

I've been to Philadelphia once before but I think I was 6 and I don't count that. It was viewed more, at that time, as a long day of walking and looking at boring historical plaques. I went this time for a long weekend and didn't do much walking, due to the bad weather, but I did get to see lots the neighborhoods (from the car). I have to say it reminded me a lot of Europe and it was very charming. (These are some pictures of Elfreth's Alley. One of the first places immigrants settled and made a neighborhood. Now these properties are very pricey and the houses are historic landmarks.)

I think staying a bit removed from the heart of things was nice. We were at the Hyatt Penn's Landing. I enjoyed some surprisingly tasty (for hotel food) tortilla soup presented in a clay pitcher as of it were Mexican tradition. 

I really like the Rittenhouse Square area and we enjoyed  a great dinner at Parc Restaurant. A meal of pate and a  filet of light, crispy, thin  and delicious branzino. It's too bad my stay was so short because there were plenty more places I wanted to try. For instance, I heard there is a really great restaurant Le Bec Fin- a foodie friend suggested this one. Alma de Cuba was a suggestion from my sister another I'll have to go back for and Amada -highly rated and recommended by a friend from work. There were several little chocolate boutiques all with their own unique theme. My birthday chocolates came from Naked Chocolates. 

On a non-food related note, there were lots of really cute boutiques that I never made it too...I'm coming back:Moletta, sugarcube, Joan Shepp, Closet Fever, Petulia's Folly look out!

 I found a great studio, too! The Clay Studio-where I discovered some great potters and bought a vase by Andy Brayman. I'm  developing a list of potters to watch-all of which I found there. Now, I just need to start making some pieces myself. 

Thanks Philly! 

Florida-golf anyone?

 The Doral Golf Resort & Spa - It's a nice property and it was the site of one of my winter meetings-so that made it even better! If only we could re-route the airplanes heading into Miami Int'l away from the skies above the pool and lobby! Not too much to report food wise there- except for a  final meal on the patio overlooking the greens. (I had pretty decent grilled fish sandwich.) However, for the second evening dinner we went to The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables (a very cute little community with an old world spanish feel. ) We had a nice dinner at Fontana restaurant in the interior courtyard, with the tower of terror structure behind us (pictured). Lots of history surrounds this property, but not enough time to explore..guess that means I have to go back. 

And no, there was no golfing for me!