tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13603423197258948672024-02-06T22:58:05.829-05:00urban by design: a blog about design, fashion, food and PhiladelphiaUrban By Design is a blog about design, fashion, food and Philadelphia.Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-5971869228678130202012-11-19T23:17:00.000-05:002012-11-19T23:17:44.343-05:00a name changeUm, hi. It's been about five years since my last blogpost (well, maybe not five years, but prob not too far from that) so I'm thinking about one other person will actually read this. For that person, THANK YOU for being a reader and I hope you join me at my new blog: www.phillyHOME.wordpress.com. I'll be talking about the same things (design, food, fashion, Philly) with the addition of my new experiences as a small business owner! Yep, you heard that right! My husband, Eric, and I will be opening a home furnishings store this Saturday! Please visit the new blog for more info or stop on in. We'd love to meet you:) Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-83837526609390014682011-03-29T10:00:00.000-04:002011-03-29T10:17:40.598-04:00drinking outdoors<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">One major complaint I've always had about Philly is the lack of outdoor seating at bars and restaurants. I remember visiting Montreal and seeing tons of places for al fresco dining and drinking - and we certaintly have a longer stretch of warm weather than they do! But as I was putting this list together of places where you can enjoy a cocktail AND an outdoor seat, the list ended up being fairly lengthy. I think the problem is the number of seats available. If you can't grab a seat by 5 or 530 during the week, you're out of luck. Luckily, I have an advantage since I don't currently have a job (or unluckily, depends on how you look at it). </span><br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">As I was doing some research, I found this <a href="http://www.uwishunu.com/2011/03/in-light-of-todays-amazingly-gorgeous-75-degree-forecast-a-roundup-of-our-top-picks-for-where-to-celebrate-the-arrival-of-spring-for-happy-hour-todaydinner-tonight/">list</a> that Uwishunu posted. It's a pretty good list of restaurants/bars that offer outdoor seating, but I have a few additions:</span> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">University City</span> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">1. <a href="http://www.bibawinebar.com/">Biba Wine Bar</a></span><a href="http://www.bibawinebar.com/"> </a><br /><p><img alt="biba" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5059/5570108556_560559fcb8.jpg" width="500" height="274" /> </p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I have yet to try this place out but if it's anything like Tria, I'm sure I'll love it. The deck is under construction as we speak and should be done any day now...and will seat 12 lucky people.</span> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Rittenhouse Square</span> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">2. <a href="http://www.vangoloungeandskybar.com/">Vango</a></span><a href="http://www.vangoloungeandskybar.com/"> </a><br /><p></p><a title="vango by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5568639083/"><img alt="vango" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5568639083_1db2578f08.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a> <br /><p></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">They have a cool rooftop bar (one thing we are DEFINITELY lacking here) and there's a DJ on the weekends and gets pretty dance-y...which I like. And</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">as you can see, there are pretty awesome views.</span></span> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">1. <a href="http://www.twentymanning.com/">Twenty Manning</a></span> <br /><p></p><a title="twentymanning by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5570070006/"><img alt="twentymanning" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5570070006_a3b0988145.jpg" width="500" height="332" /></a> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I love this place - the food is good, it's well designed and has that cool, neighborhood-y feel to it. Plus, under the awnings are spritzers that will spray you lightly with water to keep you feeling cool on those hot Philly summer days.</span> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">1. <a href="http://www.tequilasphilly.com/">Tequila's</a></span> <br /><p></p><a title="tequilas by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5569503973/"><img alt="tequilas" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5569503973_60dfd18c07.jpg" width="480" height="344" /></a> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">This photo doesn't show it, but when it's nice out, they put tables and chairs along the front of the building. There isn't room for many, but it's a nice spot to sit. The food here is also delicious and the margaritas are even better! They have a pretty good happy hour too.</span> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Midtown Village/Gayborhood</span> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">1. <a href="http://sampanphilly.com/">Graffiti Bar at Sampan</a></span> <br /><p></p><a title="sampanoutside by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459402788/"><img alt="sampanoutside" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5459402788_24f12d05b9.jpg" width="300" height="400" /></a> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://urbanbydesign.blogspot.com/2011/02/sampan.html">I've been to Sampan a few times</a> but haven't yet tried out their backyard bar. It looks cool - and at least I know the food and drinks are good.</span> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">1. <a href="http://www.rawlounge.net/">Raw</a></span> <br /><p></p><a title="raw by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5570122944/"><img alt="raw" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5570122944_43303d6bbb.jpg" width="315" height="406" /></a> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I almost forgot about this place until Eric reminded me! I've only eaten here once but I remember the tuna tartare was really good. The courtyard is really nice also - and pretty spacious. I definitely need to hang out here more often this summer.</span> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Bella Vista</span> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">1. <a href="http://creperie-beaumonde.com/">Creperie Beau Monde</a></span> <br /><p><a title="biba by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5570108556/"></a></p><a title="Beau_Monde_Outdoor by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5570146758/"><img alt="Beau_Monde_Outdoor" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5091/5570146758_4be16f4059.jpg" width="400" height="300" /></a> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I had to to include this place - the crepes here are delicious and the bar upstairs (L'etage) used to be my favorite dance place in the city. The music is still pretty good, but it's been feeling really <em>young</em> lately. Or maybe I"m just getting old...</span> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">1. <a href="http://www.bistrotlaminette.com/index.php">Bistro La Minette</a></span> <br /><p></p><a title="3492_gallery_image2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5570158894/"><img alt="3492_gallery_image2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5570158894_bee3648f4c.jpg" width="315" height="406" /></a> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">This is one of my favorite restaurants in Philly. The food is incredible and in the summertime they play French movies in their courtyard. I think there are some outdoor seats in the front of the restaurant as well.</span> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Northern Liberties/Fishtown</span> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">1. <a href="http://silkcityphilly.com/">Silk City Beer Garden</a></span> <br /><p></p><a title="biba by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5570108556/"></a><a title="silkcity by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5569580819/"><img alt="silkcity" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5569580819_03434bcd08.jpg" width="500" height="373" /></a> <br /><p></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Haven't been yet, but sounds good to me! It's the only beer garden in Philly right? </span><span style="font-size:0;"></span><span style="font-size:0;"><br /><p></p></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Anybody have any other suggestions??</span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-55842447318629490582011-03-28T10:00:00.001-04:002011-03-28T11:14:06.097-04:00colorful flatware<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">There are so many options for beautiful flatware but I think my favorites are the ones with some color. I tend to love plain white plates - they're simple and modern and goes with any sort of table setting - but I love the idea of using bright flatware to add a little fun. Here are three options that I love:</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">1. <a href="http://www.gracioushome.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10001_10051_66359_-1_13587_10006">Sabre Frosted Acrylic Flatware</a></span> <a title="Untitled-1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5566440209/"><img alt="Untitled-1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/5566440209_aa07d30020.jpg" width="500" height="163" /></a> <br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Aren't these gorgeous? The colors are so beautiful and I love their shape. The style of them remind me of the </span><a href="http://www.trendsettingwedding.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Ghost-Chairs2.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">ghost chair</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"> - a simplified and modern version of something ornate (<a href="http://urbanbydesign.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-must-have-pieces.html">and you know how much I love ghost chairs!</a>). The only downside is that you can't get a full set of flatware - no knives available :(</span> <br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">2. <a href="http://www.mossonline.com/product-exec/product_id/41008/category_id/450">Pandora Design Deluxe Plastic Flatware</a></span></span> </p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><a title="Untitled-2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5567039306/"><img alt="Untitled-2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5176/5567039306_c819411c6a.jpg" width="500" height="303" /></a></span> </p><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">These come with knives, so you can set a full table with them. They come in a variety of translucent colors - I really like the purple but I also love the clear (I know, not a color but aren't they nice?). They would be great for a fancy picnic...but at $120 for a set of four, they definitely are NOT disposable. </span></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">3. <a href="http://ladiesandgentlemenstudio.bigcartel.com/product/superior-servers">Ladies and Gentlemen Superior Servers</a></span></span></p><a title="5 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5566465883/"><img alt="5" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5566465883_1e757b1f03.jpg" width="500" height="411" /></a> <br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I love these. I first saw them in either Martha Stewart Living or the Oprah magazine (yes, I read those and am not ashamed) and my first reaction was "I can make these!". And I still think I can, but haven't been able to find the right flatware to paint. I've searched vintage stores, thrift stores and thought I hit the jackpot at Fishs Eddy where they had a whole table of 99 cent spoons, forks and knives. But none were exactly right - what I like about the Ladies and Gentlemen flatware is how thin and flat the handles are and they have just the right amount of frilliness. So my search continues. I was also thinking I could spray paint the handles, but does spray paint come in fun colors like that? </span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-88230026323474511202011-03-24T08:00:00.000-04:002011-03-24T08:00:09.759-04:00momofuku fried chicken dinner<span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">So, when we were in NYC this past weekend, we went to <a href="http://www.momofuku.com/">Momofuku</a> for their fried chicken dinner. And it was amazing. AMAZING. This was my second time having this meal and it was even better than I remembered. Good thing this isn't in Philly because I could seriously have this once a <span style="font-family:arial;">week. Which would not be good for my health or my figure. Remember when <a href="http://urbanbydesign.blogspot.com/2010/08/food-challenge-2-of-239.html">I raved about the Korean fried chicken at Meritage</a>? Well, this is even better than that. This is what you get: </span></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">two whole fried chickens, one southern style and one korean style, mu shu pancakes, long spicy peppers, baby carrots, red ball radishes, shiso leaves, bibb lettuce, four sauces and an herb basket. And all of that for $100. It's enough food for 8 people - we had 8 in our party and had leftovers! - so that's less than $13/person! What a bargain!! However, you always get the same amount of food whether you're a party of 8 (which is the max number of people you can have) or a party of 2. Though, I wouldn't complain about having to take chicken home because it's just as good leftover - even for breakfast:) If you guys are bigger eaters than us (I was a bit disappointed we couldn't finish the chicken - I expected more from our group!), there are plenty of other dishes you can order off the menu. Good thing we only ordered a pork belly bun for each of us...although at the time I wanted about 5 of them. Don't they look good: </span><br /><br /><a title="porkbellybuns by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5554576500/"><img alt="porkbellybuns" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5554576500_cef17655ce_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I love pork belly. Some people complain that it's too fatty...but that's what makes it so good!! The star of this meal, though, was the chicken:</span><br /><br /><a title="chicken by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5554576690/"><img alt="chicken" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5554576690_dd7493a20c_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The Korean style chicken was on the left side of the plate and the southern style chicken was on the right. What makes it Korean or southern? The Korean chicken is coated with this delicious sweet and spicy Korean sauce and the southern chicken is seasoned with Old Bay. Both kinds are delicous but I couldn't get enough of that Korean sauce! I wish there was a bottle of it I could buy.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">If you find yourself planning a trip to NYC, you really need to try this. The only thing is that you have to plan ahead. It is REALLY difficult to get reservations. Although you don't need reservations for Momofuku (by the way they only serve this at the Noodle Bar), you do need one if you want to do the fried chicken dinner. The first time we went, we could only get an 11:30 PM reservation. This time around, there were three of us that tried to get reservations and the earliest dinner timeslot we could get was at 10PM. Oh, and you need to make the reservation exactly a month in advance (all done online - you can do so <a href="http://reservations.momofuku.com/login.aspx?unit=4">here</a>) and if you don't log onto the site at exactly 10AM to do so, you most likely won't get anything. Except for maybe a lunch reservation - they're less popular. Sounds crazy? A little. But totally worth it! </span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-45303672526431661852011-03-23T08:00:00.000-04:002011-03-23T08:00:07.057-04:00tampopo<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">When I lived in Rittenhouse, I probably ate at <a href="http://www.tampoporestaurant.com/">Tampopo</a> at least once a week. Man do I miss those days. The food there is SOOO good and really affordable. I know they've raised their prices over the years (I think its been about 8 years since I lived in that area) but you can still get a meal there for less than $10. That's pretty rare these days. The food is a mix of Japanese and Korean and my favorite thing to get is their hot and spicy beef bento box. It comes with either white or brown rice (I love white rice so that's what I always get), edamame, and your choice of either broccoli, gyoza or egg cake. I've gotten the gyoza everytime but I just read a description of the egg cake and it sounds pretty delicious: a layered Japanese omelet seasoned with soy sauce and fish sauce. YUM. I know I've gotten some of their other dishes there - like the fresh tuna bi-bim-bob which is tasty - but almost every single time I've gone I've gotten the hot and spicy beef. When something is that good, it's hard for me to try something new! I do have to say that their steamed dumplings aren't that great (although the deep fried gyoza is very yummy) and I really didn't like their sushi that much - although I don't see the sushi anymore on their menu. But overall, I highly recommend this restaurant. Definitely worth a try!</span><br /><br /><a title="_MG_3504 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5530698976/"><img alt="_MG_3504" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5530698976_ba31f18b19_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">hot and spicy beef bento box<br /><br /></span><a title="_MG_3509 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5530702458/"><img alt="_MG_3509" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5530702458_2711695e75_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">hot and spicy tofu bento box - this is what Eric always gets since he doesn't eat beef and doesn't like their chicken as much</span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-15663991444757133142011-03-22T08:00:00.000-04:002011-03-22T08:00:08.869-04:00daily candy deal<a title="1600below by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5546935619/"><img height="279" alt="1600below" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5015/5546935619_34716e97a9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">All week this week, Daily Candy is highlighting businesses along Passyunk Ave and up first is 1600 Below Vintage. In case you forgot, it's <a href="http://urbanbydesign.blogspot.com/2010/07/vintage-shopping.html">my favorite vintage store in Philly</a>! And I'm so excited it's getting some recognition. I can't go in without finding something I want, whether its clothing, a purse, jewelry or something for my house. And the deal Daily Candy is running this week is awesome - get $100 worth of merchandise at 1600 Below for $50! Pretty sweet, huh? They're also having a prosecco party on April 9th at 6pm - hope to see you guys there! Check out the Daily Candy deal <a href="http://deals.dailycandy.com/deal/1178/1600-below-vintage-philly-50-percent-off">here</a>. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"><em>photo: daily candy</em></span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-58583496488423464262011-03-21T10:48:00.004-04:002011-03-21T11:42:25.638-04:00heaven...<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">...also known as <a href="http://www.abchome.com/systemPage/home/tabid/190/Default.aspx">ABC Carpet and Home</a>. <a href="http://urbanbydesign.blogspot.com/2010/08/bleed-radio-bleed.html">Eric's band</a> played a show in NYC this Friday so we decided to make a weekend out of it. And ABC Carpet was at the top of my list of places to check out (besides Momofuku for the fried chicken dinner, but we'll talk about that another time). You can easily spend a couple hours at ABC Carpet - its HUGE. It actually takes up 2 buildings, but one was just rugs which we didn't go into. The building that we did visit had six stories of home accessories, furniture, lighting, rugs, etc. There's something for everyone - whether your style is contemporary, traditional or vintage. It really is a one stop shop for all things home...as long as you can afford the prices. Although I did notice that some of the glassware and tableware on the first floor was pretty reasonably priced. I think it was my favorite floor - everything was beautifully displayed and it felt so pretty and romantic. Here are a few of my favorite vignettes:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><a title="1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5546466225/"><img height="478" alt="1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5546466225_2a41dd8c8a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5546466521/"><img height="435" alt="2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5546466521_c813343fa0_z.jpg" width="606" /></a><br /><br /><a title="4 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5546466543/"><img height="478" alt="4" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5546466543_d6fdd9ec43_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="5 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5547047224/"><img height="478" alt="5" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5547047224_57ea3e275f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="6 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5547047308/"><img height="478" alt="6" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5298/5547047308_925d9c2539_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I loved these pieces. The legs look like carved wood, but they are made completely of metal. They're gorgeous.</span><br /><br /><a title="8 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5546466871/"><img height="478" alt="8" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5017/5546466871_d45fc5d1b6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">How cute is this lamp? Although I feel like I could make something similar out of some vintage materials...</span><br /><br /><a title="7 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5546466821/"><img height="640" alt="7" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5297/5546466821_42878a3f15_z.jpg" width="478" /></a>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-63249871882494347032011-03-18T10:09:00.002-04:002011-03-18T10:25:17.602-04:00shop for a cause<a title="japan by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5536865111/"><img height="450" alt="japan" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5536865111_a390e73acd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I used to be a DEVOTED Forever 21 shopper, but haven't purchased anything from them in a while...but today might be the day to change that. If you've been meaning to donate money towards the relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan - Forever 21 will take every dollar you spend on their website today and put it towards that cause. Pretty awesome right? Go <a href="http://www.forever21.com/category.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=whatsnew_all&Page=1&emailid=031811JPRelief">here</a> to start shopping!</span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-81629275869951271172011-03-17T08:00:00.003-04:002011-03-17T08:00:00.655-04:00is it mojito season yet?<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Mojitos are hands down my favorite cocktail. They're a little bit sweet, a little bit sour and so refreshing! They're good anytime of the year, but best served when you are outdoors enjoying the sunshine. I swear Eric and I have one almost every single night during the summer. It's not quite that time of year yet, but we decided to start a little early this year! </span><br /><a title="_MG_3503 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5530695220/"><img alt="_MG_3503" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5530695220_52b8bfc963_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Aren't they pretty? This is how I make them:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">1 lime (cut in half, and one half cut into quarters)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">1 shot glass of white rum</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">1 shot glass of simple syrup</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">seltzer water/club soda</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">a few leaves of mint (4 or 5)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Squeeze the half of the lime in your glass and throw out the lime. Squeeze the 4 quarters of lime into your glass and throw them into your glass along with the mint leaves. Add the rum and using a muddler, mix/muddle everything together. (If you don't have a muddler, use the back of a spoon.) Add simple syrup and finish off with club soda (and ice if you have it), stir and enjoy!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Tomorrow is supposed to be 72 degrees here in Philly - perfect weather for a mojito!!</span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-36558255955034364542011-03-16T08:00:00.001-04:002011-03-16T08:00:08.349-04:00meatball subs<a title="_MG_3492 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5530681868/"><img alt="_MG_3492" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5530681868_ae43fa824e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">If you read this blog, I'm sure you've heard me mention <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2011/02/meatball-sub-with-caramelized-onions/">Smitten Kitchen</a> before. If not, and you love food, check it out ASAP. She has awesome recipes and takes beautiful photos of her food. This is another recipe that I found on Smitten Kitchen and it is seriously amazing. One of my favorite things to make and eat. It's a pork meatball sub with carmelized onions. Yum right? Believe me, it tastes even better than it sounds! The first time I made it, it took FOREVER - only because it makes a ton of meatballs and I didn't start cooking the onions until the meatballs were almost done. The second time I made them, it took about an hour which isn't so bad. It's definitely worth the time and effort. And if you are in the Philly area, you have to eat them with <a href="http://www.weblaunchsolutions.com/sarconesbakery/ownerbio_page.html">Sarcone's bread</a> - incredible.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Here's the recipe:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Yields about 24 to 28 2-inch meatballs </span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />Meatballs<br />The baguettes or seeded sandwich rolls you’ll use for your sandwiches (see Note above for how to estimate)<br />2 pound ground meat of your choice (I used pork but have in the past used beef, veal, chicken, turkey or a blend thereof)<br />2 tablespoons chopped parsley<br />1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan or Romano cheese<br />3/4 teaspoon salt<br />Pinch of red pepper flakes<br />2 small garlic cloves, minced<br />1 teaspoon onion powder<br />1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce<br />1 large egg<br />Olive oil<br />4 cups prepared tomato sauce (plus extra if you like a lot of extra sauce)<br /><br />Caramelized onions<br />2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced<br />1 tablespoon butter<br />1 tablespoon olive oil<br />Salt<br /><br />Assembly<br />2 cups coarsely shredded Gruyère<br /><br />Make the meatballs: Split your rolls almost the whole way through, leaving one side attached. Scoop out some of the roll to create a channel for the meatballs to rest in. Grind the bread you pulled out in a food processor or tear it into minuscule bits. You will need 1 1/3 cups or 2 3/4 ounces of fresh breadcrumbs for the meatballs. If you’re not making subs, you can get this same amount of breadcrumbs from 2 to 3 sandwich bread slices. Set rolls aside until later.<br /><br />Place the fresh breadcrumbs in a large bowl with 3/4 cup warm water and all of the meatball ingredients except for the olive oil and tomato sauce. Combine with a fork, breaking up clumps of meat until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Form mixture into 2-inch meatballs are arrange on a tray. I find wet hands make it easier to form meatballs without them sticking too much.<br /><br />Heat a generous slick of oil (few tablespoons) in a large saute pan with a lid. Brown meatballs in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan or nudge them before they are nicely browned or they will stick and you’ll leave delicious meatball bits in the pan. These meatballs are soft, so use a gentle hand. Transfer meatballs to a paper towel-lined tray and continue until they are all browned.<br /><br />Discard the oil and heat your tomato sauce in the pan. Add the meatballs, cover the pan and simmer them on the lowest heat possible for 25 to 30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.<br /><br />Caramelize onions: While the meatballs are simmering, you can cook the onions. Heat the olive oil and butter in a heavy large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion, sprinkle with salt and a little pepper and cook until they’re tender, sweet, and a deep golden brown, stirring occasionally. This takes me about 30 minutes.<br />**This part does take a while, so I like to start them when you start browning the meatballs**<br /><br />Assemble subs: Arrange meatballs with sauce in the hollowed-out roll(s). Drape caramelized onions over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Place subs under a broiler or in an oven at top heat to melt the cheese.<br /><br /></span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-50499590034652599342011-02-22T10:00:00.001-05:002011-02-22T10:41:13.951-05:00sampan<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://sampanphilly.com/">Sampan</a> is one of several new restaurants that have opened up on 13th Street in the Gayborhood AKA Midtown Village in the past couple of years. The first time I tried it was during the Midtown Village Festival this past October (when <a href="http://urbanbydesign.blogspot.com/2010/10/fall-festival.html">I debuted my sumo wrestling skills</a>) where I tried their pork belly banh mi that was delicious. I went back a couple months later for some drinks and some small plates and really enjoyed it, so I knew I wanted to go back for a full meal. I finally had a chance to do that a couple weekends ago with Karen and we had a great time! The space feels very hip and cool - something you'd find in NYC. I thought the decor was nice - nothing super special but it was nice to have a space like this in Philly. It felt different. And young. <br /></span><br /><a title="interior1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459385460/"><img alt="interior1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5459385460_f0a4e591d3_z.jpg" width="587" height="391" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">image </span><a href="http://bridemarks.com/wp/files/dummy/restaurants16.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via</span></a><br /><br /><a title="interior2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459395262/"><img alt="interior2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5176/5459395262_64dc7b01a2.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">image </span><a href="http://www.uwishunu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/sampan-philadelphia-bar-500uw.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via</span> </a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">They also have an outdoor area in the back - called the grafitti bar - I will need to check it out when it gets warmer!<br /></span><br /></span><a title="sampanoutside by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459402788/"><img alt="sampanoutside" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5459402788_24f12d05b9.jpg" width="300" height="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">image </span><a href="http://citypaper.net/blogs/mealticket/files/2010/07/sampanoutside.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via</span> </a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Karen and I did the tasting menu which was only $35/person that night (because it was the night before Valentine's day - yep I had two Valentines this year, Karen AND Eric) but usually its $40/person which is still a fantastic deal. It was sooooo much food - you get to choose 6 plates (they're all small plates) from the menu plus dessert. We started with some drinks:</span><br /><br /><a title="1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459366344/"><img alt="1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5178/5459366344_0c440b21db_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I can't remember what kind of cocktail Karen ordered, but I tried one of their sake flights. Loved it. Our first dish was the Korean short rib satay. Yum, it was one of my favorite dishes of the night.</span><br /><br /><a title="2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5458759669/"><img alt="2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5458759669_632b5c3577_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">We had meant to order the shrimp dumplings but somehow got the edamame dumplings, but I'm glad we did because they were soooo tasty:</span><br /><br /><a title="3 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5458759697/"><img alt="3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5458759697_46fabe73da_z.jpg" width="640" height="499" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Tuna rice cracker (I think that's what these were...):<br /></span><br /><a title="4 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5458759767/"><img alt="4" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5458759767_6a49189725_z.jpg" width="640" height="383" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Crab wonton taco:</span><br /><br /><a title="5 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5458759805/"><img alt="5" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5458759805_eca100a2dd_z.jpg" width="640" height="415" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Korean fried chicken - good but not as good as <a href="http://urbanbydesign.blogspot.com/2010/08/food-challenge-2-of-239.html">Meritage's</a> or <a href="http://www.momofuku.com/restaurants/noodle-bar/">Momofuku's</a> which I will be having again in a month!!!</span><br /><br /><a title="6 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459366624/"><img alt="6" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5299/5459366624_b758393ba7_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Kim chee fried rice:</span><br /><br /><a title="7 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5458759933/"><img alt="7" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5458759933_2eccf203f4_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Broiled sea bass:</span><br /><br /><a title="8 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459366716/"><img alt="8" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5459366716_7ca3fc2bcf_z.jpg" width="640" height="419" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">At this point I was STUFFED but I still ate all of my dessert:</span><br /><br /><a title="9 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459366776/"><img alt="9" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5216/5459366776_cb17b0e318_z.jpg" width="640" height="416" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Aren't they adorable? One was butterfinger flavored and the other was twizzler. Yummy.</span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-35309639319009971132011-02-21T10:00:00.000-05:002011-02-21T10:04:17.430-05:00fashion week street style<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Hello hello hello! I've been pretty busy lately and have been totally slacking on my blogging...but I'm back! First things firsts, New York fashion week was last week! I love seeing the new looks that come down the runways during fashion week, but even better is seeing the street style. People definitely step it up during that week and I've been looking through blogs to find my favorite ensembles. Enjoy!</span><br /><br /><a title="1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459476084/"><img height="640" alt="1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5459476084_32e524ae01_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">image via </span><a href="http://www.garancedore.fr/en/2011/02/15/mode/"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">garance dore</span></a><br /><br /><a title="2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459507366/"><img height="640" alt="2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5459507366_c9db7a2c6d_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">image via </span><a href="http://www.whowhatwear.com/blog/2011/02/nyfw-outfits-of-the-day-wednesday/#"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">who what wear</span></a><br /><br /><a title="3 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459515822/"><img height="640" alt="3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5459515822_8201361612_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">image via </span><a href="http://becauseimaddicted.net/2011/02/katherine-power.html"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">because i'm addicted</span></a><br /><br /><a title="4 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459573772/"><img height="460" alt="4" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5175/5459573772_44eb4e9eb9.jpg" width="360" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via <a href="http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/new-york-street-style-2011">harpers bazaar</a><br /></span><br /><br /><a title="5 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459573924/"><img height="460" alt="5" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5459573924_49093812fd.jpg" width="360" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via </span><a href="http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/new-york-street-style-2011"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">harpers bazaar</span></a><br /><br /><a title="6 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5458968469/"><img height="460" alt="6" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5458968469_6ff55df94c.jpg" width="360" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via </span><a href="http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/new-york-street-style-2011"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">harpers bazaar</span></a><br /><br /><br /><a title="7 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5458968557/"><img height="460" alt="7" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5015/5458968557_a5099df099.jpg" width="360" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via </span><a href="http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/new-york-street-style-2011"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">harpers bazaar</span></a><br /><br /><a title="10 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459093111/"><img height="500" alt="10" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5459093111_94ecf01999.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/a-smorgasbord-of-street-style-from-2011-new-york-fashion-week.php#">refinery29</a></span><br /><br /><br /><a title="9 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459698688/"><img height="500" alt="9" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5459698688_2338ae85ea.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via </span><a href="http://www.refinery29.com/a-smorgasbord-of-street-style-from-2011-new-york-fashion-week.php#"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">refinery29</span></a><br /><br /><br /><a title="8 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5459092927/"><img height="500" alt="8" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5459092927_192ef6f561.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via </span><a href="http://www.refinery29.com/a-smorgasbord-of-street-style-from-2011-new-york-fashion-week.php#"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">refinery29</span></a>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-27177344500439603642011-02-02T08:00:00.000-05:002011-02-02T08:00:19.929-05:00dinner by eric<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Before I started to enjoy cooking, most of our meals at home were made by Eric. He's definitely the better cook - I'm not afraid to admit it! It's actually really nice and probably much nicer for him now that I cook more often and he gets a break once in a while.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Gnocci is one of his favorite dishes but I've never been a huge fan. But recently I've been enjoying it more and I realized that its not that I don't like it, it's just that I don't like it as an entree. It's great as a side or an appetizer, but just too much if it's my entire meal. This weekend he decided to make gnocci for the first time using <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/sweet-potato-gnocchi-with-maple-cinnamon-sage-brown-butter-recipe/index.html">Giada's recipe</a> and it turned out SO DELICOUS. Especially with the seared scallops he made to go with it. YUM. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a title="2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5409322774/"><img alt="2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5409322774_de0fddd6df_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Sweet Potato Gnocci with Sage Brown Butter (modified from Giada's recipe)<br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />For the Gnocchi:<br />2 pounds sweet potatoes<br />2/3 cup whole milk ricotta cheese<br />1 1/2 teaspoons salt<br />1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper<br />1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1/3 cup for the work surface<br /><br />For the Sage Brown Butter:<br />1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)<br />20 fresh sage leaves<br />salt<br />freshly ground black pepper<br />Directions<br />For the Gnocchi: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.<br /><br />Pierce the sweet potato with a fork. Bake the sweet potatoes until tender and fully cooked, between 40 to 55 minutes depending on size. Cool slightly. Cut in half and scoop the flesh into a large bowl. Mash the sweet potatoes and transfer to a large measuring cup to make sure the sweet potatoes measure about 2 cups. Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes back to the large bowl. Add the ricotta cheese, salt, cinnamon, and pepper and blend until well mixed. Add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time until a soft dough forms. Lightly flour a work surface and place the dough in a ball on the work surface. Divide the dough into 6 equal balls. Roll out each ball into a 1-inch wide rope. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. Roll the gnocchi over the tines of a fork. Transfer the formed gnocchi to a large baking sheet. Continue with the remaining gnocchi.<br /><br />Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the gnocchi in 3 batches and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the gnocchi using a slotted spoon onto a baking sheet. Tent with foil to keep warm and continue with the remaining gnocchi.<br /><br />For the Brown Butter sauce: While the gnocchi are cooking melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. When the butter has melted add the sage leaves. Continue to cook, swirling the butter occasionally, until the foam subsides and the milk solids begin to brown. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cinnamon, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Careful, the mixture will bubble up. Gently stir the mixture. When the bubbles subside, toss the cooked gnocchi in the brown butter. Transfer the gnocchi to a serving dish and serve immediately.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Seared Scallops</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Ingredients:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Scallops</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Salt</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Pepper</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Olive oil</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Directions:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Season scallops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and cook scallops til brown. Simplest recipe ever. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">We also had a bottle of wine that I've passed by numerous times at the liquor store but never tried (this bottle was a gift):</span><br /><br /><a title="1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5409327936/"><img alt="1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/5409327936_ef515efc86_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">It was really good! Pleasantly surprised. Will definitley get this bottle again!</span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-63134684516619285982011-01-28T08:00:00.001-05:002011-01-28T08:00:02.714-05:00brunch for one<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I had a dentist appointment yesterday morning and while walking back towards the subway to go home, I passed by the new <a href="http://www.lepainquotidien.us/">Le Pain Quotidien</a> that opened on Walnut Street. I've been looking forward to their opening ever since I ate at one in DC. I can be a snob when it comes to restaurant chains, but what I love about these restaurants is that they don't feel like they're part of a chain. They all pretty much look the same but are so well designed. Think rustic chic with exposed ceilings, lots of reclaimed wood (at least it looks like it), marble counters, and metal fixtures. They also have these large beautiful wood tables where you can sit and eat with strangers or would be perfect for large groups. I wish I could fit one in my house! And a big plus - the food is really good! Since I didn't have much planned for the rest of the day (besides going home and shoveling a foot of snow) and I had a new British Vogue in my purse, I decided to treat myself to brunch. </span><br /><br /><a title="1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5393054905/"><img height="478" alt="1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5393054905_5e4af7f65b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5393656726/"><img height="478" alt="2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5393656726_a9476db856_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I had some green tea and quiche lorraine and it was delicious. I like how their mugs are more like mini bowls - allows you to wrap your hands around them completely - perfect for a cold, winter day. I had a lovely time by myself. Wish I could do this everyday!!</span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-40813523715868844372011-01-27T08:00:00.000-05:002011-01-27T08:00:14.034-05:00spring jackets<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I don't know about you, but I'm so tired of this weather. We've already had a couple of snowstorms and are in the midst of one now with more snow to come! Yuck. I'm excited for warmer weather and I'm looking forward to trading my winter coat in for something lighter. And there are some really nice ones out for this spring - here are my favorites: </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">1. jacket by <a href="http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod63850076&parentId=cat303301&masterId=cat000009&index=25&cmCat=cat000000cat000002cat000009cat303301">Akris</a></span><br /><br /><a title="jacket1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5391072699/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img alt="jacket1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5391072699_a735bb1d66_z.jpg" width="504" height="640" /></span></a><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">2. </span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod63120014&parentId=cat303301&masterId=cat000009&index=23&cmCat=cat000000cat000002cat000009cat303301">Donna Karan</a> trench</span><br /></p><p><a title="jacket2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5391083495/"><img alt="jacket2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5391083495_b952b52b5e_z.jpg" width="498" height="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">3. <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod114490101&parentId=cat000122&masterId=cat17740747&index=74&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000122">Valentino</a> trench/cape </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><a title="jacket3 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5391706728/"><img alt="jacket3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5391706728_d40a144f8d_z.jpg" width="506" height="640" /></a><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">4. <a href="http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod63120014&parentId=cat303301&masterId=cat000009&index=23&cmCat=cat000000cat000002cat000009cat303301">Aryn K</a>. jacket</span><br /></p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><p><a title="jacket4 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5391733734/"><img alt="jacket4" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5391733734_c44e780279_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">5. jacket from </span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth%2FWomens%2FOuterwear/Optical+Phenomenon+Jacket">ModCloth</a></span><br /></p><p><a title="jacket5 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5391159763/"><img alt="jacket5" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5391159763_8324b98068.jpg" width="350" height="500" /></a><br /><br /></p><br /><p><br /><br /></p>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-16857413084923013162011-01-26T10:00:00.000-05:002011-01-26T10:01:56.361-05:00never as good as mom's...<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">My mom is an amazing cook. I never realized it growing up because I was busy being jealous of all the kids that were eating Hamburger Helper and Kraft Mac & Cheese. Now that I'm older, I know better...and I've still never had Hamburger Helper, but I no longer want to! I'm sure I've said this before, but it's so difficult getting a recipe from my mom. She doesn't always know the English names of herbs or veggies and there are rarely exact measurements of things - it's always a little bit of this and little of that. Which results in things not turning out to be nearly as good as when she makes them. And that's exactly what happened when I tried to make her shrimp soup/stew recipe. It's actually a pretty simple recipe with just a few ingredients and although it was still tasty, it didn't taste as good or look as good. Sigh...<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span> <br /></span><br /><a title="1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5382646207/"><img alt="1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5009/5382646207_9a4f3971b5_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">lemon grass on the far left, chopped scallions on the top, chopped culantre on the bottom (can be found at an Asian supermarket)</span><br /><br /><a title="2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5382646329/"><img alt="2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5210/5382646329_3cfe426762_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">That just doesn't look that good does it? Believe me, it tasted a million times better than it looks but I like my food to look pretty too! When my mom makes it, the broth is more orange-y and the herbs are a brighter green.</span><br /><br /><a title="3 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5383251136/"><img alt="3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5204/5383251136_8e993872e4_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">You eat it with rice (of course) and this AMAZING spicy chilli sauce that you pour over top. Of everything. Eric will even eat it over plain white rice. We had leftover sauce so I cooked some chicken legs and thighs the next night and ate it with rice. Yum. Also good over fish. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Shrimp Soup/Stew Recipe<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Ingredients:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Tamarind Soup Base Mix (can be found at any Asian supermarket)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">1/2 a lemon grass stem</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Culantre (5 or 6 pieces)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Shrimp (my mom always gets the shrimp with the heads attached - she eats the heads, I don't)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Fish Sauce</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">3 scallions</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Directions:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Bring a pot of water to boil with the lemon grass stem in the water. When it comes to a boil, add the shrimp. Add the herbs when the shrimp look done. Add a tbsp or two (or more to taste) of the tamarind soup base mix and about a tbsp of fish sauce (or more to taste). And you're done!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Spicy Chilli Sauce Recipe</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Ingredients:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Lime (2)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Fish sauce</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Garlic</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Whole Thai chilli peppers</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Culantre</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Scallions</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Directions:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Squeeze limes into a bowl. Add about 2 garlic cloves, minced. Depending on how spicy you like it, add 1 or 2 chilli peppers, chopped up. Add about 2 or 3 pieces of the culantre chopped. Add maybe half a scallion, chopped. Add fish sauce - its really hard for me to say how much because I kept adding until it no longer tasted too sour - sorry for the vagueness. Mix all together and enjoy!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-26427163203166166022011-01-25T08:00:00.000-05:002011-01-25T08:00:08.536-05:00cinnamon snails<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Cinnamon snails are probably one of the easiest desserts you can make - and sooooooooo good. People always think they're way more complicated than they actually are. I <em>did</em> learn to make them in my 7th grade home ec class, so how difficult can they be? If a bunch of absent minded, awkward middle schoolers can make them, so can you! </span><br /><br /><a title="1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5382470383/"><img height="427" alt="1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5382470383_44b3f85767_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5382470557/"><img height="427" alt="2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5204/5382470557_174e52eff2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="3 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5382470693/"><img height="427" alt="3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5248/5382470693_2bc16a074c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="4 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5382470863/"><img height="427" alt="4" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5007/5382470863_d481010990_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">They're bascially mini cinnamon rolls and I can eat about 10 of them at a time. And I have. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Ingredients:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">white bread</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">cream cheese (softened)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">butter</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">cinnamon</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">sugar</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Directions:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Cut the crust off the bread. Spread cream cheese on the bread and roll it up and cut into 2 "snails". Melt the butter and make a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Dip each snail into butter than roll in the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Set snails on baking pan and bake at 350 degrees until they feel slightly crispy (maybe 20-30 min). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">So simple right? Enjoy!!</span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-17915921569721179242011-01-24T08:00:00.000-05:002011-01-24T08:00:08.465-05:00a quick french meal...<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">...or so I thought. I came across this <a href="http://www.theparisblog.com/vin-chaud/">post</a> when I was "researching" for <a href="http://urbanbydesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/i-dream-of-paris.html">my post on Paris</a> and knew that it was the perfect time of year to make vin chaud. What better way to deal with below freezing temperatures (it got down to only 16 degrees this past weekend!!) than with some warm spiced wine? It also gave me a good reason to break out my new vintage glasses that I got at <a href="http://urbanbydesign.blogspot.com/2010/07/vintage-shopping.html">1600 Below</a>:</span><br /><br /><a title="glasses by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5382247903/"><img height="427" alt="glasses" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5382247903_0f59b21a89_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Aren't they so pretty? I think they're from the 40's. I'm just disappointed that there were only 4 of them. To complement the vin chaud, I wanted to make something French and something easy. And I thought I had it when I decided to make croque madames. I mean, how hard complicated can they be? Aren't they just grilled ham and cheese sandwiches with an egg on top? Of course it's not that simple - it's French! But it was worth the effort - very rich and very delicious:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><a title="meal by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5382850262/"><img height="509" alt="meal" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5167/5382850262_afc227ff09_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I love French food. Yum.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">This is the recipe I used for vin chaud:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Ingredients:</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">1 bottle of red wine (a fruity type, preferably)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">1/3 cup of cognac1/3 cup of brown sugar (or more…experiment)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Zest of one entire orange</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">4 whole cloves</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">3 or 4 cinnamon sticks</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Put the wine and cognac into a pan and heat. Once it is good and warm, and if you are feeling particularly brave, hold a match to it and let the cognac flame off. Or leave it be and enjoy the extra warmth. Lower the heat and add the sugar, orange zest, cloves, and cinnamon. Let it heat through for another ten minutes. Strain and taste. If it is a bit overpowering, water it down a bit. Serve it in glass mugs if you have them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">This is the recipe I used for the croque madames - which I found <a href="http://www.thegourmetfoodieblog.com/recipes/breakfast-for-dinner-croque-madame/">here</a>:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Ingredients:</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br />5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened<br />2 tablespoons all-purpose flour<br />1 cup whole milk<br />6 ounces thinly sliced Gruyere<br />1 teaspoon Dijon mustard<br />Salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, or to taste<br />8 slices firm white sandwich bread, crusts discarded<br />¼ pound thinly sliced ham<br /><br />Directions:<br /><br />Make the Sauce:<br /><br />Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small heavy sauce pan over moderately low heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to make a roux. Whisk in milk and bringto a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and simmer, whisking occasionally for 5 minutes.<br /><br />Meanwhile, chop enough cheese to measure ½ cup. Whisk chopped cheese and mustard into sauce, then whisk until cheese is melted. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with nutmeg. Cover with wax paper placed directly on surface to keep warm.<br /><br />Make The Sandwich:<br /><br />Lay 4 slices bread on work surface. Divide ham and remaining cheese slices among them. Spread 1 tablespoon Mornay sauce evenly on each of remaining bread slices and invert over ham and cheese. Spread half of remaining butter evenly on top of sandwiches and transfer, buttered sides down, to an oven proof 12 inch skillet. Spread remaining butter on top of sandwiches. Cook over low heat, turning ounces, until both sides are golden, 6 to 8 minutes total.<br /><br />Preheat broiler. Leaving sandwiches in skillet, spread tops of sandwiches evenly with remaining Mornay sauce. Broil 5 to 6 inches from heat until sauce is bubbling and golden in patches, about 2 minutes. Transfer sandwiches to plates.</span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-88779076816285908022011-01-20T08:00:00.001-05:002011-01-20T08:00:11.116-05:00roast chicken<a title="1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5371287813/"><img alt="1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5371287813_c199a24ecb_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I've yet to come across an Ina Garten recipe that I didn't like...and today's recipe is definitely one of my favorites. It's really simple (no hard to find or expensive ingredients here) and there really isn't that much prep work. The only thing is that it takes about 1.5 hrs to cook (depending on the size of the chicken) - but it's worth the wait. I followed her <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/perfect-roast-chicken-recipe/index.html">recipe</a> pretty closely - just added some mushrooms - would also be great with potatoes or butternut squash. Ate it with some bread and a green salad - delicious dinner!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Ingredients:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">1 5-6 lbs roasting chicken</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Kosher salt</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Freshly ground black pepper</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">1 large bunch fresh thyme, plus 20 sprigs</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">1 lemon, halved</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">2 tbsp butter, melted</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">1 large yellow onion thickly sliced</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">4 carrots cut into 2" chunks</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">1 bulb fennel, tops removed, cut into wedges</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Olive oil</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Directions:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Removed the chicken giblets. Rinse the chicken inside and out. </span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Remove any excess fat and leftover pin feathers and pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Stuff the cavity with the bunch of thyme, both halves of lemon, and all the garlic. Brush the outside of the chicken with the butter and sprinkle again with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. Place the onions, carrots, and fennel in a roasting pan. Toss with salt, pepper, 20 sprigs of thyme, and olive oil. Spread around the bottom of the roasting pan and place the chicken on top.<br /><br />Roast the chicken for 1 1/2 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh. Remove the chicken and vegetables to a platter and cover with aluminum foil for about 20 minutes. Slice the chicken onto a platter and serve it with the vegetables.<br /></span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-45176008378500703622011-01-19T09:31:00.003-05:002011-01-19T09:41:10.339-05:00inspiration<a title="1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5369579697/"><img height="640" alt="1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5003/5369579697_9aeaf17158_z.jpg" width="423" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Sorry for the lack of posts and this really isn't a proper one...but when I saw this image on <a href="http://www.thecherryblossomgirl.com/">The Cherry Blossom Girl</a> I just had to share. I love everything about it. Enjoy!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-66673509226632515812011-01-13T09:30:00.000-05:002011-01-13T09:58:49.197-05:00house love pt.6<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Okay, so this post might a bit biased since this house belongs to Eric - but even if he wasn't my boyfriend, I'd still love it. About 4 1/2 years ago, Eric bought a 900 SF, 2-story rowhome in South Philly. The house was built in the early 1900's but not very many of the original details were left - the stairs, some doors (not all) and some trim around the doors and windows. He preserved as many of the original details as possible, but it required some updating - the before:</span><br /><br /><a title="03_living_oom by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5351424781/"><img alt="03_living_oom" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5203/5351424781_70d4f08b02_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Look at that terrible arch! Eeek. This is what he did:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><em>I removed dropped ceilings from some of the rooms and put up drywall. I installed bamboo floors throughout the living areas and bedrooms. I did a mini kitchen renovation that involved painting the cabinets, installing a new countertop, backsplash and cork floor. I installed some salvaged doors to match the remaining original doors. I painted every single surface of the interior of the home. The exterior of the house was in relatively good shape and just needed some minor sprucing up and painting.</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">And the after...</span><br /><br /><a title="_MG_3349 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5345252932/"><img alt="_MG_3349" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5345252932_c2ac9d7c04_z.jpg" width="640" height="429" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Can you believe the difference? Pretty amazing right? The change in flooring from that disgusting carpet to the beautiful, light bamboo probably has the most impact to the space - and also Eric's favorite element of his home:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><em>They were my first DIY home improvement project, so I'm sort of proud of that. I love the color, it really warms up the house.</em></span><br /><br /><a title="_MG_3326 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344639227/"><img alt="_MG_3326" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5344639227_90c68b37c0_z.jpg" width="640" height="471" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I love the image above - it shows off some of my favorite pieces that he owns: the gargoyle, Eames rocker, Saarinen end table, arco lamp and Badger (do you see him, he's lounging on the chair). It's a great mix of materials, styles and color - really shows off his design sensibility. This is how he describes his personal style:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><em>I love modern design, but I also love old houses, so I'm really into mixing the two. I wanted the house to have a sort of mid-century modern, bachelor pad feel to it, while also retaining all of the original woodwork and detailing that still remained. The furnishings are a mix of classic modern pieces (eames rocker, saarinen table and arco lamp), vintage finds (refinished dining chairs and console) and new pieces with clean lines. I used color and some funky accessories to inject some fun into the space. Sary helped quite a bit too. </em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Thanks for the shout out Eric :)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a title="_MG_3358 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5345255432/"><img alt="_MG_3358" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5207/5345255432_064473dc04_z.jpg" width="436" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_MG_3414 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344654373/"><img alt="_MG_3414" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5169/5344654373_ae6c4e183e_z.jpg" width="463" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_MG_3374 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344646433/"><img alt="_MG_3374" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5344646433_84f6cc18f9_z.jpg" width="640" height="462" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_MG_3383 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344649039/"><img alt="_MG_3383" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5205/5344649039_6c07055ac4_z.jpg" width="438" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_MG_3389 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344651655/"><img alt="_MG_3389" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5250/5344651655_3186a8a117_z.jpg" width="640" height="485" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_MG_3308 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5345245460/"><img alt="_MG_3308" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5124/5345245460_6114972bc3_z.jpg" width="640" height="490" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Eric's work on his kitchen is probably the most impressive thing that he's done to his house. Not only is it an incredible transformation, but besides the countertop, he did it all himself. I can't say enough about his craft - he's a perfectionist. You wouldn't be able to tell that he's never had experience doing home improvement projects before. </span><br /><br /><a title="_MG_3318 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5345248176/"><img alt="_MG_3318" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5345248176_59d72689b4_z.jpg" width="640" height="439" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_MG_3419 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5345268526/"><img alt="_MG_3419" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5345268526_4aff729ac5_z.jpg" width="451" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Eric lives in the best part of South Philly (in my biased opinion - I also live in the area) and I was curious to see what he would say his favorite local spots were:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><em>I'm fortunate that Fond, one of my favorite restaurants in the city, is only a couple of blocks away. It's an amazing little BYO on Passyunk that Sary has already given lots of love on this blog. Cantina de los Caballitos and Devils Den are two other local spots that I frequent often. </em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">They would be my picks too:) </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Awesome job, Eric! You did an incredible job - you should be very proud of yourself!!</span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-24884061286553334672011-01-12T09:00:00.000-05:002011-01-12T09:00:10.193-05:00amada<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Last week I expressed <a href="http://urbanbydesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/jg-domestic.html">my love of Jose Garces</a> and his newest restaurant JG Domestic. Today, I'm continuing the lovefest and talking about his first restaurant in Philly - <a href="http://www.amadarestaurant.com/index.html">Amada</a>. Amada pretty much started the tapas trend here in Philly and set a pretty high standard - and still continues to do so. It's a wonderful restaurant to go to for a delicious (Spanish) meal or to stop in to grab a drink and some snacks. And it doesn't hurt that the space is beautiful - it's hard to see all the great details in the space through photos - you'll need to stop in to see for yourself...</span><br /><br /><a title="decor by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5345131328/"><img alt="decor" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5345131328_2cf1d451e4_z.jpg" width="640" height="354" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">image </span><a href="http://www.amadarestaurant.com/index.html"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via</span> </a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I stopped in the other day with a friend to have a couple of drinks and a couple of dishes. But a couple dishes turned into 5, and by the time we left I was pretty full. And very happy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">We started with some cocktails - I had a "Dark Habits" - lime, strawberries and gin. Tasty, but I preferred Coll's choice - "Tie Me Up Tie Me Down". It had lemon, vodka and rosemary. I was nervous that the rosemary would be overpowering but it was perfect. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><a title="2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344909086/"><img alt="2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5344909086_17670aa39f_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Complimentary dish of tortilla-like chips and dip/spread that tasted somewhat fishy and very yummy:</span><br /><br /><a title="1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344909080/"><img alt="1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5202/5344909080_368af8952b_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Alcachofas y setas - Spanish flatbread with artichoke, wild mushrooms, black truffles and manchego:</span><br /><br /><a title="3 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344909094/"><img alt="3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5344909094_994e872bac_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Gambas al ajillo - garlic shrimp. So good we had to order extra bread to soak up the garlic oil:</span><br /><br /><a title="4 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344909100/"><img alt="4" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5123/5344909100_20f718ef43_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Madre e hijo - chicken breast with fried egg, mojama and truffles. I'm a sucker for anything with an egg on top:</span><br /><br /><a title="5 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344909110/"><img alt="5" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5130/5344909110_a5b121716b_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">We had the leche frita - fried vanilla cream, chocolate hazelnut sauce, hazelnut ice cream - for dessert. But we ate it so quickly that I didn't even get a chance to photograph - I seem to have this problem with Jose Garces's desserts! It was delicious!!</span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-62878914115457261642011-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:002011-01-11T09:00:08.572-05:00and the winner is...<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Thanks to everyone that participated in the </span><a href="http://urbanbydesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/giveaway.html"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">giveaway</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"> - and thanks to <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/">CSN Stores</a> for making it possible! I decided that the easiest way to pick a winner was to put everyone's name in box, shake it up, and the first name chosen would be the lucky one: </span><br /><br /><a title="1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344337597/"><img alt="1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5207/5344337597_25f5bdc710_z.jpg" width="640" height="339" /></a><br /><br /><a title="2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344950036/"><img alt="2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5287/5344950036_7edf77a0fe_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><br /><a title="3 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344951412/"><img alt="3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5124/5344951412_edce486f8c_z.jpg" width="640" height="459" /></a><br /><br /><a title="4 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344952990/"><img alt="4" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5003/5344952990_b7fbaf5b5f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Drumroll please........</span><br /><br /><a title="5 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5344344043/"><img alt="5" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5006/5344344043_f804659042_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Yay Stephanie! Congrats! BTW - Stephanie has a great blog called <a href="http://www.loveandlaceblog.com/">Love&Lace</a> that I've been following for a while now - be sure to check it out. Enjoy the beautiful tray!!</span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-4003348548703099712011-01-10T09:00:00.000-05:002011-01-10T09:00:00.933-05:00i dream of paris...<a title="eiffeltower by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5333074757/"><img height="610" alt="eiffeltower" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5333074757_944775f398_z.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">image via <a href="http://citified.blogspot.com/2010/10/glass-of-champagne-for-happy-news.html">{this is glamorous}</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">One of my New Year's resolutions is to take a trip to Paris. About 10 years ago was my first (and only) trip to the City of Light and I've been in love ever since. I love the buildings, the food, the culture, the shopping, the food. Did I mention the food? I think I could easily live like a Parisian - I love escargot, foie gras, marcarons, wine (at any hour of the day), fashion, walking...isn't that the typical Parisian lifestyle? <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05222533271978836627">Karen</a> and I have been talking about taking a girls trip there for as long as I can remember and we're hoping that this will be the year! To get us excited for our upcoming travel plans, we each decided to do posts on our dream Paris vacations....so here goes...</span><br /><br /><a title="WhatToPack copy by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5333367795/"><img height="640" alt="WhatToPack copy" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5243/5333367795_5fec7e0005_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">1. </span><a href="http://www.globe-trotterltd.com/main.html"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Vintage inspired luggage</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"> - what better way to get your holiday started than by packing your valuables in beautiful luggage!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">2. Chic and most importantly COMFORTABLE <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/ballets/PRDOVR~33056/33056.jsp">flats</a> - The best way to get to know a city is by walking. But that doesn't mean you need to wear sneakers - these shoes are perfect for wandering aimlessly through the streets of Paris and you'll look cute doing it. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">3. This <a href="http://www.katespade.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10776347">bag</a> is fabulous because you can use it day OR night. It's large enough to fit a camera, map, bottle of water and anything else you need to carry while you're doing tourist-y things during the day but pretty enough to bring with you for a night out on the town!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">4. An outfit isn't complete without a great pair of <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/109816">sunglasses</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">5. This <a href="http://www.barneys.com/Stebbins-Dress/501052859,default,pd.html">dress</a> looks so airy and comfortable - perfect for touring the city in. But can also be dressed up with some heels and jewelry for an evening out - multifunctional:)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">6. I get cold very easily and am always freezing on planes! Wouldn't it be luxurious to have your own <a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/home.php">(gorgeous) throw</a> to snuggle up in rather than using the plain, thin ones airlines provide?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">7. I LOVE this <a href="http://www.openingceremony.us/products.asp?menuid=2&catid=15&productid=25318">dress</a>. Very understated but so stylish. And you can't go wrong with stripes.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">8. I think these <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/96803">shoes</a> speak for themselves. So sparkly! </span><br /><br /><a title="WhatToDo copy by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5334189214/"><img height="590" alt="WhatToDo copy" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5285/5334189214_266e8e19dd_z.jpg" width="612" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">There are a <em>million</em> things I want to do in Paris but I need to prioritize if I only have a week. Here are my top 5:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">1. The <a href="http://www.photos4travel.com/France/france+high+quality+photos/Pyramid%20at%20Louvre%20Museum,%20Paris,%20France_1600x1200.jpg">Louvre</a>: This is a given. Even if you aren't interested in viewing any of the exhibits, it's an experience just to see the glass pyramid. I remember feeling such awe walking up to it. Find more info about the musuem <a href="http://www.louvre.fr/llv/musee/alaune.jsp?bmLocale=en">here</a>. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">2. What's better than <a href="http://sliceofpink.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451d38469e20120a6f335d4970b-500wi">sitting outside at a cafe</a>, sipping a glass of wine and people watching? Not much. I plan to do this at least once a day while I'm in Paris.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">3. <a href="http://artsandwich.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_8970.jpg">Macarons</a>: The first macaron I've ever had was from <a href="http://www.laduree.fr/v1/index_en.htm">Laduree</a> in London - which might also be the best macarons in the world. I've wanted to go to the Laduree shops in Paris ever since - to see where it all started. Macarons are all over the place in Paris - wouldn't it be fun to go on a little tasting tour? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">4. <a href="http://tracyjamesburton.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Mus%C3%A9e-dOrsay-7.jpg">Musee d'Orsay</a>: Another beautiful museum in Paris - I definitely want to plan a visit since I didn't get a chance to go during my last trip. Find more info <a href="http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/collections/history-of-the-museum/home.html">here</a>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">5. <a href="http://www.design2share.com/storage/Paris_flea_market.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1286975612663">Flea Markets</a>: Paris is full of flea markets and <a href="http://www.parisperfect.com/paris-flea-markets.php">Les Puces de Saint-Ouen</a> is the most famous one of them all. It's located just outside of Paris in Porte de Clignancourt and is the largest antiques market in the world. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">I'm not sure when this trip will actually happen, but I hope I can show you photos of me doing all these things, going to all these places before the year is over!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">You can find Karen's version of her dream Paris vacation <a href="http://pradaanswer.blogspot.com/">here</a>. </span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360342319725894867.post-11529511333784768272011-01-07T08:00:00.000-05:002011-01-07T08:00:00.084-05:00jg domestic<a title="decor1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5326756403/"><img height="276" alt="decor1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5326756403_6a448b95b1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">images </span><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.drinkphilly.com/uploads/jgdomestic%2520flash.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.drinkphilly.com/articles/read/176&usg=__eCc5mwBH2jp30jksrgUj31As4Hk=&h=319&w=740&sz=83&hl=en&start=9&sig2=eZsG5nShzMynNtgRon4_ig&zoom=1&tbnid=Y2dT9NfjW4G98M:&tbnh=61&tbnw=141&ei=dakkTdqDLcT38AaCnfTPDQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djg%2Bdomestic%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26rlz%3D1R2GGLL_en%26tbs%3Disch:1,isz:m&um=1&itbs=1"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I heart Jose Garces. He has really well designed restaurants, makes amazing food and also seems like a really nice guy. I've now been to every restaurant he's opened in Philly and I've only been dissapointed once - and it wasn't even with the food. It was the house margarita at Distrito - it's not your typical margarita - wasn't tart at all. Maybe if it wasn't called a margarita and I was expecting something completely different, I wouldn't have been so dissapointed...Anyways, I went to his newest restaurant,<a href="http://www.jgdomestic.com/index.html">JG Domestic</a>, with some friends last week and knew I would have a good meal but didn't realize just how good it would be! It was the perfect combination of interesting and cool decor, fantastic food and awesome company. The photos that I took of the space with my iphone just don't do it justice, so I found better images online: </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><a title="decor3 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5327366526/"><img height="428" alt="decor3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5042/5327366526_3af98e0693_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">image </span><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://thatswhatscooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/JGDomestic-Rest.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.thatswhatscooking.com/&usg=__A1wWXci_SpR8XLCJ62Kj0uI2iGQ=&h=685&w=1024&sz=694&hl=en&start=26&sig2=SXOZLGZZmEiYqKjNN701Ww&zoom=1&tbnid=MXGEH-V0Qq4TtM:&tbnh=100&tbnw=150&ei=rKkkTYCFOIK78gaZqrzWDQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djg%2Bdomestic%26start%3D21%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1R2GGLL_en%26tbs%3Disch:1,isz:m&um=1&itbs=1"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via</span></a><br /><br /><a title="decor4 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5326756583/"><img height="428" alt="decor4" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5326756583_e3e0c7a9c4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">image </span><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://thatswhatscooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/LivingWall.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.thatswhatscooking.com/&usg=__CWYY1hebwByuln7XZ0UsmLTYjIs=&h=685&w=1024&sz=592&hl=en&start=27&sig2=Qnhiu_1aZiaMT2Hafg7jmw&zoom=1&tbnid=GyFFCdg5dATzFM:&tbnh=100&tbnw=150&ei=rKkkTYCFOIK78gaZqrzWDQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djg%2Bdomestic%26start%3D21%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1R2GGLL_en%26tbs%3Disch:1,isz:m&um=1&itbs=1"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;"><br /></span><a title="decor2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5326756617/"><img height="425" alt="decor2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/5326756617_3226e93c80_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">image </span><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.atmediadesign.com/assets/watacoola/blogs/jose/jg_photo.png&imgrefurl=http://www.atmediadesign.com/blog/josegarces.php&usg=__xMSkLckb_DCK-6rQNUvg6rOqS6Q=&h=444&w=668&sz=520&hl=en&start=18&sig2=IeRPy6rKQ8-PTN8uLzyWgw&zoom=1&tbnid=oRydZJXEmxYzqM:&tbnh=92&tbnw=138&ei=A6okTdTfBoL_8AbP07XIDQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djg%2Bdomestic%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1R2GGLL_en%26tbs%3Disch:1,isz:m&um=1&itbs=1"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">via</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">If you're not familiar, it's located on the 1st level of the Cira Center - basically in the lobby. They did a great job creating an intimate space within such a large and open area. It has a very natural, organic feel - very fitting with the type of food they offer. They specialize in the "season’s best from American growers, making available to you ingredients at their peak: premium pastured meats, farm fresh vegetables, and organic dairy". Their menu consists of smaller plates - sort of like tapas but a bit larger. The idea is to order a bunch of different plates and everything is served family style. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Our meal started with complimentary bread. How adorable is the little pan that it came in? And it was delicious.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><a title="food1 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5327366694/"><img height="478" alt="food1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5327366694_9e257bd56c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Next came the wood oven flatbread topped with chanterelles, black truffles, chedder and egg yolk. Yes, it was as good as it sounds:</span><br /><br /><a title="food2 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5327366838/"><img height="478" alt="food2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5082/5327366838_70dc15ab66_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Then we got the blue crab gratin. C'mon, can you really go wrong with crab?</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a title="food3 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5326756973/"><img height="478" alt="food3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5129/5326756973_aec2a4c4d0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Our meat dishes came next - the wild boar rack on the left and the Adobe rubbed ribeye on the right. I've been eating a lot of wild boar lately and I like it! This dish had a mustard glaze and came with maple grits (yum!). And the ribeye - so fatty and delicious. Some people think its gross to eat fat, but it's the best part!!</span> </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a title="food4 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5327367068/"><img height="478" alt="food4" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5204/5327367068_f4041b3c91_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">And more meat: rabbit and duck. I was a bit nervous about the rabbit - I've never had it before and I'm not a huge fan of game-y meats. But I was assured that it tasted just like chicken, so I gave it a try. And it tastes just like chicken! Well, at least the loin did. There were parts that were definitely more game-y than others, but in general it was tasty. The duck was probably my favorite dish of the night. There were 3 parts of the duck prepared - the breast, duck confit made with the leg and seared foie gras. I wish I had this entire dish to myself!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><a title="food5 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5327367190/"><img height="478" alt="food5" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5005/5327367190_dcc9596a10_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">We decided to be a little healthy and ordered a veggie dish...and it was probably the richest dish of the night. Hey, at least we tried. We got the crosnes which came with potato dumplings and artichokes. I had never heard of crosnes before and to be honest they look pretty gross - like worms. But they're not worms - they're a tuber and pretty good. Especially with potato dumplings and artichokes. And butter. A lot of butter.</span><br /><br /><a title="food6 by berrisary, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56376790@N08/5326757285/"><img height="478" alt="food6" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5088/5326757285_88c9d92dd7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">By this point, I was pretty stuffed and definitley would've been happy without dessert. Until I saw a nearby table with beignets. We ate them so fast I didn't even get a chance to take a photo! SOOOO GOOOOOOOOD.</span>Saryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07222955894920540612noreply@blogger.com2