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!