Messy and Picky

We'd passed by Giwa several times during it's construction and couldn't wait for it to open, since there aren't too many Korean food spots to head to in Center City. Walking inside, Picky immediately felt a NYC vibe to it. There were large, colorful graphic prints to the right, glossy countertops, and the general hustle and bustle of a very busy and popular lunch spot. Messy got more of a trendy fast food kind of vibe. We could have sat at the counter, but we waited a couple minutes until a table for two opened up. The whole space couldn't hold more than 25 sit-down patrons…

We were looking for a day-of reservation to eat out during Restaurant Week as Picky had gotten paid (for his new job!) for the first time and was ready to go out and celebrate with some good eats. After a few calls to some fully booked restaurants, we got lucky at Loie Brasserie and Bar with a late night 9.30pm reservation which was fine by us. So we got dolled up and strolled over to the restaurant just north of Rittenhouse Square and were seated promptly in a rear booth…

We have been hearing great things about Morning Glory ever since we moved to Philadelphia. Unfortunately, we are slow moving, late sleepers on weekends and everytime we got our act together enough to try to go to brunch at Morning Glory, there was always a significant wait time. Thankfully, a visit from KT promted us to arise early enough to get there at a decent brunch hour. Our wait on a Sunday at about 10.45 a.m. was, miraculously, not too bad — about 20 minutes. There were five parties ahead of our party of 5, but we must have gotten there just before the huge rush and after the early risers. We chatted for a bit under the canopy in the cement courtyard and the time went by quickly before our name was called. There were plenty of places for waiting people to sit, and there was even a basket of toys for fidgety young children…

The Wrap Shack is literally a shack located on Quarry Street, a little alley street a little bit north of historic Elefreths Alley (in between Race and Arch Streets). The interior of the shack (where all the cooking happens) is decorated with various color printouts of photos from around Philly hung up with donuts of […]

We didn't uncover this gem until well into our stay in Philadelphia, it's now one of our favorites. Franklin Fountain has huge servings of delicious ice cream, an amazing variety of soda flavors and tastey homemade treats, but going there is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food. Tin ceilings, bowties and handlebar mustaches. Pulley-driven dual ceiling fans, old timey music, and cash register. This place has it all including an old school soda fountain where they pull the soda water before adding the colorful syrups…

We were so excited to learn that Tampopo opened up a second restaurant East of Broad Street, and even more excited to learn that this time it is more than just a take-out joint; it's a classy spot with table service and a menu that is somewhat more expansive than the original Tampopo's…