Sky Café: Philadelphia’s Destination for Indonesian Cuisine

If you’ve never had Indonesian food before, you’re in for a treat. The cuisine of the island nation is remarkably diverse and exciting, drawing inspiration from other Asian cultures while maintaining a style of its own. Philadelphians know that  the place to go is Sky Café. The menu is extensive and can be a little overwhelming to newbies, so here are some must-try dishes. Regulars rave about the toothsome kari bhun, a chicken curry made with the thin rice vermicelli noodles known as bee hyun. The flavor is remarkably rich and complex, with a subtle milkiness unlike other curries. Other favorites include the nasi goring, fried rice with slivers of sausage, pork, and pickled vegetables spiced to perfection, as well as the mie BBQ pork noodle soup, which is served with the broth in a separate bowl so you can add as much or as little as you like. Portion sizes are very generous and prices are low. Sky Café is a real jewel of a restaurant.

Sky Café
1540 Ritner Street
Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 271-1983
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sky-cafe-philadelphia

Philly’s Magic Gardens: Mystical Mosaics

If you’re in the City of Brotherly Love, you owe it to yourself to make a stop at the Magic Gardens, an astonishing folk art monument that has been a locus of the South Street neighborhood for over a decade. The work of sculptor and mosaicist Isaiah Zagar, the Magic Gardens comprise an indoor gallery surrounded by a humongous labyrinth, where all of the walls are coated with gorgeous tile collages. Zagar started work on the project in 1994 in the vacant lot next to his studio space, excavating tunnels and pathways and building a truly magnificent installation. A nonprofit organization bought the lot in 2002 with the intention of preserving it for the ages. The subject matter of the mosaics can be a little ribald, so it’s not for conservative souls. Admission is just five dollars. Bring a camera, because the sheer amount of detail in these pieces is hard to take in with just one visit.

Philly’s Magic Gardens
1020 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 733-0390
http://www.yelp.com/biz/philadelphias-magic-gardens-philadelphia

Sugar Philly Truck: Mobile Sweetness

Food trucks are one of the hottest things in the eating world right now, so it’s no surprise that Philadelphia has a number of great ones. Recently voted one of the 20 best food trucks in the United States, the Sugar Philly Truck brings sweet treats to appreciative eaters five days a week. Chef Daniel Tang sets up shop in a former mobile post office to knock out some astonishing gourmet desserts. The biggest draw here are Sugar Philly's spectacular French macaron cookies – these amazing sandwich cookies are light but very flavorful. The everyday options include a decadent chocolate ganache and a subtle, comforting “milk & honey” flavor, but the real stars are the daily specials. Show up on Monday for a salted caramel macaron that will blow your mind. The Thursday green tea is also great. And at just $1.50 apiece, prices are extremely competitive. The menu also offers a few other treats that change based on the availability of seasonal ingredients.

Sugar Philly Truck
38th & Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(267) 940-7473
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sugar-philly-truck-philadelphia

Institute of Contemporary Art: The Look Of The New

Founded in 1963 at one of the most productive and exciting periods in American visual arts, the Institute of Contemporary Art has earned a reputation for identifying future talents early in their professional careers and giving them the support they need to develop their work. Andy Warhol had his first museum show here, for instance. For over half a century, the museum has been an essential part of Philadelphia’s cultural and artistic life, and it’s still going strong. The Museum hosts no permanent collection, but it presents a dozen new exhibitions each year. The ICA also offers a wide variety of educational programs and lectures on a diverse assortment of topics. Best of all, admission is absolutely free! The comforting, minimal space is a great place to take a date or just spend an afternoon lost in thought. The first Wednesday of every month is a great time to visit, as the Museum hosts music, participatory activities and more.

Institute of Contemporary Art
118 S. 36th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-7108
http://www.yelp.com/biz/institute-of-contemporary-art-philadelphia

Happy New Year!

Wishing you a year of happiness and success in 2013.

Standard Tap: A Beer And More

The gastropub trend has hit Philadelphia with a bang, as many bars are taking the time to revamp their food offerings beyond the standard bar fare. One highlight of this movement is Standard Tap, opened in 1999. First and foremost, as you might expect from the title, this is a beer bar, and Standard Tap supports a wide variety of local breweries. With over twenty beers on tap, far more in bottles, and two cask-conditioned ales served from hand pumps, you can literally spend weeks just sampling the beers. The food is equally ambitious, using large amounts of locally-sourced meats and produce to create some truly unique and spectacular dishes. Some of the menu’s most successful offerings include the great chicken pot pie, which takes an American favorite and enrobes it in a fresh pastry crust with flavorful, succulent ingredients. Burgers are also fantastic, with juicy patties topped with thick-sliced bacon. On nice days, Standard Tap's roof deck is a perfect spot to hang out.

Standard Tap
901 North 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-0630
www.standardtap.com/drink.html

Bistrot La Minette: French Fantasia

Chef Peter Woolsey loves the cuisine of France, taking frequent trips to the country to immerse himself in its rich culinary tradition. So it’s not surprising that he would want to share it with his fellow Philadelphians at Bistrot La Minette. This incredibly charming French restaurant has won raves from diners in recent years for its spectacular food and service. Get a reservation in advance, because the space isn’t large and it usually fills up fast. Once you’re seated, the menu is stunning from beginning to end, but here are some suggestions. The appetizer course boasts an incredible terrine of foie gras with figs, as well as great escargots in herbed butter. Entrees are diverse, but the Dijon mustard braised rabbit with house-made tagliatelle is spectacular, as is the Gascony-style braised lamb shank. If you’re having a hard time deciding, head in on Sunday for the prix fixe meal!

Bistrot La Minette
623 S Sixth St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-8000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bistrot-la-minette-philadelphia

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you a wonderful and safe holiday season filled with warm memories!

Go Paperless! Excellent E-Card Websites

The next time you need to send a last minute birthday card or find cool invites for a party you’re hosting, don’t head to the store! Instead, check out these awesome e-card and e-vite sites that allow you to send well-wishes and invitations via e-mail. Not only will these sites save you money, but you'll also be making the eco-friendly choice!

Punchbowl – For e-card, invitations, save-the-dates, and more, head to Punchbowl. Their funky, playful e-cards might be just what you’re looking for. Plus, there are tons of free options, so you don’t have to spend a thing!

Evite – Known best for their great invitations, Evite is a free site that allows you to customize fabulous invitations that reflect your personal style or the theme of your party. Check it out before you address another envelope or lick another stamp.

Paperless Post – For sophisticated (free) online stationary, e-card, and invites, stop by Paperless Post. This classy site even delivers their cards in virtual envelopes!

The Athenaeum of Philadelphia: Historic Library

This special collections library was founded in 1814 to preserve and collect materials about antiquities, design and art in America. Scholars, students, architects, designers, history buffs, and curators avail themselves of these materials in the Athenaeum’s elegant reading rooms. Situated in an 1845 Italianate Revival brownstone building, the interiors are lushly designed, with vaulted ceilings and beautiful embellishments. A small bookstore features inventory on corresponding subjects. Open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

219 S. 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-2688

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