One of my biggest passions and hobbies is food. I love to cook and check out new, interesting, or unique restaurants. After living in Philadelphia for a number of years and always feeling a little out-of-the-loop in terms of the restaurant scene, I (finally… I mean, really late to the game on this one) found Foobooz, Philadelphia Magazine’s restaurant news & reviews blog. I read Foobooz very frequently, excited to see what new restaurants are opening, which chef’s are tackling new projects, and what a critic REALLY hated at the new/trendy spot. Even if I’ve been to a restaurant before, I typically still head to Foobooz to see what they have to say.

Highlights from Zahav | June 3, 2015

C & I went to Zahav last night and had a beautiful meal filled with flavor. As soon as we were seated I was immediately excited because we were right near a huge, open window - which meant that long-lasting natural summer light.

It was a phenomenal meal from start to finish. Everything was so carefully considered. All of the flavors worked to present interesting and complex dishes from start to finish. Service was impeccable and I even managed to snag some leftover Salatim for a snack. 

What we ordered… 
* denotes favorites (Spoiler alert: there are many)

Salatim (pictured)

• Pickled onions
  
• Green beans
  
• Carrots *
  
• Eggplant dip *
  
• Peppers
  
• Beet dip *
  

House made Hummus with Laffa (pictured) *

Fried Cauliflower with labaneh with chive, dill, mint and garlic (pictured) *

Duck Hearts grapes, green tehina, pine nuts, ramp greens (pictured)

Cobia Crudot turkish salad, fava beans (pictured)

House Smoked Sable challah, fried egg, poppy

Sirloin Shishlik eggplant caponata, babaganoush (pictured)

Lamb Merguez garlic, english peas, rhubarb (pictured) *

Kataifi chocolate ganache, ricotta, hazelnuts

Coffee Custard hibiscus huckleberries, amaretti crumble *

Pho (Well-Done Brisket) @ Pho 75 // 1.23.15

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

Over the weekend, I finally had the chance to visit Isaiah Zagar’s sprawling artistic wonderland, tucked away along South Street. I have known about Zagar’s work for a while now, and have seen it on buildings, in stairwells, and out in the open in the rest of the city - but never visited the Magic Gardens themselves until Saturday.

You could spend hours (days, really) scoping out all of the hidden parts of the space.  We spent some time exploring inside, then spent the majority of the time outside, working our way through the labyrinth of tunnels, caves, walkways, and gardens. 

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens | 1020 South Street, Philadelphia PA 19147 | http://www.phillymagicgardens.org/

Snow Day

Friday was a work-from-home-and-look-at-six-inches-of-snow kind of day.  The window in my bedroom is the only window in my apartment that gets any form of legitimate sunlight, so I have to keep my one (sad and lonely) plant on the windowsill to give it some light.  The bright, snowy light cast some really nice light into the room.

Eastern State Penitentiary | November 2, 2013

I recently bought a (slightly used, but in pristine condition) dSLR from my friend and coworker Erin.  I took my new camera out for a spin at the always-fun-to-explore Eastern State Penitentiary. I’m naturally drawn to this dramatic and beautiful old prison.  

Huevos Rancheros | El Camino Real, Philadelphia

Clark Park, Philadelphia - October 21, 2013

Yeasayer | GIg poster

I created this other-worldly, mysterious, and ethereal poster as a (fake) gig poster for the bands upcoming stop in Philadelphia at Union Transfer on November 16 (super excited about seeing them for a third time.)

I wanted to evoke their rhythmic and obscure musical arrangements with vibrant and layered visual representations.

Their (wonderful) third studio album, Fragrant World, is out now.

Best of Philly 2012 - Philadelphia Magazine

Great video showing the creation of the cover. Gibbs Connors & The Heads of State.

(all photos taken with cell phone, I apologize for lack of quality)

Exploring Philadelphia / Summer Brunch Project: Part 1

On the way to breakfast, we saw the current advertising campaign for Amstel Light. The ad seen above does a great job of combining infographics, advertisement, and brand awareness. I’ll definitely be paying attention to the Amstel Light ads I see around the city.

My friend Carlin and I went to brunch at Honey’s Sit and Eat earlier this week. I’ve heard great things about Honey’s, but always had been warned about the lengthy waits on the weekends. Going during the week is the way to go, if possible. We didn’t wait at all.

Carlin ordered one of the breakfast specials: Truffled Toad in a Hole. I ordered Eggs Benedict (on Challah instead of English Muffin), which came with a tasty Cheese + Onion Latke. 

After Honey’s, we were walking around Northern Liberties, and found Architectural Antiques Exchange. Three sprawling, multi-room floors full of antiques ranging from chairs, typewriters, vintage signage/art, assorted iron pieces, fireplaces. Really anything you could imagine.