Philadelphia mornings.

Dear Philadelphia,
I wanted to let you know, you're my favorite in the morning. I'll be specific: early in the morning, before the city wakes. The first time I remember thinking this was in 2003 on my walks to the Broad Street Line. I'd walk from 1810 Pine Street to Walnut Street. And on my six block walk, I'd watch the city slowly wake. The streets would become bustling, the stores would become full and not dark and empty, restaurants would open, commuters and cars would take over the sidewalks and streets. But on my short strolls, I was early enough to catch Rittenhouse Square's sleepy charm. I loved that I was walking in the city before it became busy and chaotic. There was something almost cathartic about it.

I've always thought you were the prettiest in the mornings for a myriad of reasons and this morning was no different. I walked my dog in the sunlight today and not the darkness, thank you Daylight Savings. We were walking around our new neighborhood at our normal time. (So much for gaining an extra hour of sleep with a puppy in the house. I know parents of small children know what I'm talking about.) But, even though it was early, our sunlit walk was a welcome change from the last few weeks when we'd walk outside at zero dark thirty, quite literally.

I will look forward to the long sunny days in a few months when I can sit outside with my friends and my dog well past 8 p.m. But, even today, on my least favorite day of the year, I thought you were still very lovely, crisp and cool. Today was a perfect fall day.

I've never been a fan of the dark nights that start in the afternoon. But until we see the sun at both ends of the day, I'll watch your gorgeous fall and winter sunsets from my office building and be content during my morning commute, that is once again, along Walnut Street -- in the daylight.

xoxo
Your Friend,
Caroline

Sbraga...finally!

Hi friends, I hope you had a lovely Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Boxing Day and New Years since we last spoke.

For 2014, I have a series of restaurants on my list and Sbraga was one of them and I'm pleased to report...I went last night! I also have plans to focus on Your Friend, Caroline.

At Sbraga, we both had the four-course tasting menu and you can select your courses from the menu, which is nice. The courses are all sized perfectly.

We sat down and ordered a cocktail (for Mark) and wine (for me, a pinot). Then, the bread was served, but, it was more of an over-sized gougeres. Sbraga's version is a larger puffed airy bread with a hint of Gruyere. I would have eaten 10 more, had they offered and I'm glad they did not. 

Mark had the lobster roll, which was a deconstructed version of what our friends in Maine or at Luke's Lobster are famous for serving.

I had the potato ceviche with avocado. It was light and fresh and popped in my mouth. But, no surprise here, the lobster roll won the first round.

For the second course, I had the octopus with harissa. It was grilled to perfection and this by far, was the best part of the entire meal. My favorite octopus in the city is at Osteria on their grilled octopus salad, but this, is a very very close second.

Mark had the smoked trout, with broccoli couscous and tiny onions, which to me, shows the kitchen's dedication. Again, this was great. Mark was talking about it hours after we had left. 

And now for the main course. I had the falafel, eggplant and artichoke option and Mark chose the lamb rigatoni. The falafel was delightfully plated and just the right amount of spice. It was very good but when I return, I would opt to have a larger portion of the octopus for my third course. The waitress suggested that for those of us who aren't huge meat eaters, like me. Mark's looked great and he polished the plate. But the best part for me are the dollops of ricotta cheese on top.

Dessert took some debating. I had the dirt pudding, with homemade cream and gummy worms. And for the record, I.do.not.like.gummy.candy. Yet, I loved these!

Mark had the eggnog cheesecake with cherry compote. It was not overly eggnog-y and on a thick cookie crust.

I also had the Night Capp cocktail with coffee spirits, vanilla vodka and Bailey's. The foam on top was identical to any perfectly brewed espresso drink.

Definitely try Sbraga, if you haven't. The only downfall? The noise. It was very hard to have a conversation and I could hear the tables next to me very easily. But, you really should run and not walk to try the octopus, if you like octopus.

Enjoy!
Your friend,
Caroline

Southwark.

Hi friends,
I moved to Queen Village recently and have had fun exploring my new neighborhood during the past month.

Last night, my friend Mark and I went to Southwark. I've been to this restaurant, at the corner of Fourth and Bainbridge, before but only for a drink at the bar. They are known for their classic cocktails, or old-man drinks, that pair well with its speakeasy vibe. It's always been a recommendation from friends as a spot for dinner or drinks and I am glad I [finally] made it past the bar.

It was outstanding.

I knew they had a patio but was pleasantly surprised when it was quite garden party-ish. 

I had the Chad Pinot Noir and already knew I would go back for this glass of wine.

The menu boasts creatively paired local ingredients. If you are in doubt, order it. You will not be disappointed. I'm only a little sad I missed the oysters and the garden salad with Birchrun blue cheese, spiced pecans with a leek vinaigrette. For an entree, I also debated between the pork belly, the trout and the polenta with fresh cheese curds. But, I will be going back very soon since it's only a handful of blocks away.

 

I opted for the fluke with perfectly grilled carrots, an arugula salad and rye berries. It came highly recommended from our knowledgeable waitress. I will dream about this dish. Mark ordered the beef tongue entree. And, while I did not try the tongue myself, his clean plate led me to believe he enjoyed it. I did try the heirloom tomato and corn salad that accompanied the beef. The salad was dressed with a salsa verde but it seemed closer to a pesto dressing. It was a burst of freshness.

We opted to skip dessert (in favor of heading to Kennett) and out came two bites of salted caramel. They were a perfect combination of salty sweetness at the end of our meal.

For an impromptu, late dinner on an early fall evening, we were pleasantly surprised.

The patio will be open through Thanksgiving, our waitress said, so before the weather turns, head to Southwark, enjoy an adult beverage outside.

Enjoy!
xo
Your friend, Caroline 

My best friend.

Her name was Delaney.

She was my partner in crime. My sidekick on walks in the city and in the park. She was my greeter. She was my boss. She was my child. She was my shopping buddy. She was there for me through the best. She was there for me through the worst. She was there for me with everything in between. She never met a tennis ball she didn't love. She made people smile. She made people happy everywhere she went. She was named for the 1800 block of Delancey Street in Philadelphia, which is where she grew up. 

Our first day and trip to Rittenhouse Square. 

Still a baby. Still living in Rittenhouse.

I lost my best friend. Two weeks ago, we were spending our last Sunday together. She was on her couch and I was on mine. We were watching each other and even though she couldn't use words, she was communicating with me.

She had been sick. After learning she was in renal failure in March, my only goal was to give her the best time - for however long she had with me. I know I succeeded in that and she lived out her days with me just as her last seven years. She was treated to new toys and like royalty. She ate better than most humans - including me. I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Her fifth birthday.

She was even a regular at Race Street Cafe and joined me quite often on our al fresco dining adventures. I always preferred to be with her, than without. I know she felt the same.

I'll never forget when a bus driver stopped his bus, with passengers, to say hello to her. Or how she befriended a horse carriage driver who stopped on his rides to pet her.

 Delaney with Pete, the dog-friendly horse.

There were countless people on the street who stopped us to meet her. And she always looked at people as if to say "let's be friends." She and I were alike in that. She was my dog soul-mate - always smiling and happy to meet new friends and old. She was always happy to please and would gladly perform a trick or two. Her friend and dog trainer, Nicole, taught her a few good ones.

I'm entirely grateful for the love and support we both received this year. Most of all, from my amazing friend who took great care of her each day. Jaime, who owns Happy Tails of Philly, spent a lot of time with her each day and told me how she was doing. And she usually had funny stories about their time together. Delaney loved Jaime and Jaime loved Delaney. Jaime's compassion to us was unmatched and I'm thankful to call Jaime a dear friend.

The outpouring of support from my friends from around the world was amazing and a true testament of how loved she was.

Even if she purposely sat in a giant puddle of mud immediately after being groomed.

I feel a tremendous amount of sadness right now. I have a nagging feeling that I'm forgetting something and that I need to go home and walk her. She was my family in Philadelphia. She was my best friend. The consistent theme shared with me was that she was lucky to have me. I disagree. I was the lucky one to have her in my life. Our years were cut short but we had the best time and those are the times I will cherish and keep in my heart forever.

 She wanted to be a reindeer when she grew up. She told me.

She even got to meet Santa. Twice. 

 

Delaney, wherever you are. I miss you. I miss your nose. I miss your happy smile. I miss your comical spirit. I hope you are somewhere surrounded by tennis balls and getting a great neck scratch.

...and that you have a pool in which you can swim. 

With her first friend, Murph.

Memorial Day, 2013.

Thank you for always being the best girl.
xoxo.
Your mom and best friend.
Caroline

Bastille Day Bashes

Bonjour amis,

I'm back and I have plenty of new places for you to try. But, since today is the eve of Bastille Day, I wanted to let you know about a few fun French-themed events happening throughout Philadelphia today and tomorrow.

Bistrot la Minette is offering a $40 four-course menu to celebrate the storming of the Bastille starting at 11:30 a.m. through 9:30 p.m. Their simple French food is amazing, along with a lovely wine menu, this fete is sure to please all Francophiles and oenophiles.

The gorgeous restaurant that is Bistrot La Minette.

Parc is celebrating its 5th birthday on Bastille Day and their event will be a bit more lively, shall we say. Parc's event includes St. Germaine cocktails on special along with chilled seafood platters. There may not be a better place to sit in the summer, eat a baguette, drink French wine, and people watch. I dare say, I'll be here at some point tomorrow if only to hear the French-music-playing accordion player. (I wonder, if they hired the same accordion player who is often spotted at 2nd and Market in my neighborhood?)

The view from 18th Street, at a bistro table facing Rittenhouse, at Parc. 

Fairmount's Bastille Day Celebrations have already begun but the big events are Saturday and Sunday. London Grill and its sister restaurant Paris Wine Bar are having a party. Even Eastern State Penitentiary gets involved in this party acting as the Bastille. The block party is today and Fairmount Ave is closed where event goers can hear Marie Antoinette cry "let them eat Tastykake" and catch one of the 3,000 Tastykakes that are thrown into the crowd. The cabaret begins at 5:30 but there are after parties planned throughout the Art Museum area as well.

For those in South Philadelphia, Devil's Den is offering French-inspired brunch menu items.

Caribou Cafe on Walnut is offering $3 Kronenbourg 1664 all day and hosting a Lillet wine party in the afternoon.

And of course, you can't go wrong by having a crepe and a mimosa at Beau Monde.

I want to wish everyone a happy Bastille Day, and if I see you, I will toast you with my St. Germaine cocktail because everyone is French on July 14.

xoxo
Your friend,
Caroline

Golf-swinging Sunday.

Hi friends,
I had some errands in Rittenhouse (at the Apple Store) and decided to run to Reading Terminal and meander back to Old City. I took Arch, lucky for me, and happened to see this...when I believe I also heard angels singing and saw unicorns.
 

This glorious site is The Cow and the Curd! AKA The Cheese Curd Truck that has eluded me for some time now for some reason or another because they roam from spot to spot selling this fried goodness.

Being a fan of cheese and food out of trucks, I ordered a small batch of freshly-made cheese curds for $6.50 with a side of sriracha mayonnaise.

About a half a dozen other trucks are there including a cupcake truck.

Why are the food trucks lining Arch Street, you ask? Because of a PGA-sponsored event of course! And it's even complete with a big-screen TV televising the U.S.Open, that's currently happening minutes outside of Philadelphia. There are even bleachers with fancy outdoor furniture with a rose centerpiece. The backdrop to this viewing station is the Visitor's Center, between The National Constitution Center and the Liberty Bell.

 What a pretty way to watch golf.

See....I wasn't kidding about a rose centerpiece. But, let's be honest here, the main attraction is, cheese curds withstanding, all of the plaid-shorts-wearing men. Delaney and I are heading back now to make new friends, I mean, pretend to be interested in watching golf.

One added item: there are putting greens and picnic tables for you to go and hang out with your dad, should you happen to be wandering around this part of the city on this Father's Day. Hope you are all having a lovely Sunday.

xo,
Your friend,
Caroline

Father's Day.

Hi friends,

Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there.

Here is a little history for you on how the day started. The first Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. It was the idea of the daughter of a Civil War veteran, who raised his six children on his own, because she wanted to commemorate her father the same way children celebrated Mother's Day. She initially wanted Father's Day to land on her father's birthday - June 5 - but there was not enough time to pull a celebration together in the town of Spokane so they landed on the third Sunday in June.

I'm glad the day exists if only to have an extra reason to celebrate my first hero.

Whenever I'm out with my dad in Pittsburgh, in the Strip District hunting for interesting food items or getting coffee at La Prima, we're inevitably stopped by someone he knows. A patient who adores him, a nurse from the hospital, sometimes even a chef from a local restaurant in which he frequents. It happens without fail that I call him The Mayor. So, now you see where I get it. My mom will also gladly tell you the other traits I have from my dad.

A few of my favorite memories of my dad from my childhood include catching fireflies on a hot summer night, going for soft-serve ice-cream and fishing on the open water. We also used to read Love, Dad. It's a sweet story about a dad writing notes to his kids. I still have a dozen letters he would write to me during my collegiate years. They are sweet and funny and usually included a goofy rhyme and $20 intended for gas which I'm sure was used for beer, I mean, books. 

Now, one of our favorite things to do is open a nice bottle of wine, have dinner outside with my mom and talk. 

Here are a few vintage images of us throughout the years...

 Swimming in Bethany Beach where I'm probably about seven.

Heading off to Xavier in August 1997. I have it on good authority that he cried the entire way home to Pittsburgh after leaving Cincinnati with one less person in the car.

The day before my brother's wedding. My dad is always the best date. Did anyone else dance with their dad by standing on their feet as a little girl?

On this Father's Day, I want to thank my dad for being my cheerleader at swim meets and on the marathon course, for encouraging me to follow my dreams and for being my biggest fan. It's because of my dad that I walk confidently and the reason I have incredibly high expectations and zero patience. Thank you for always wanting the best for your little girl.

I just wish he lived a bit closer, but I'm lucky that he's only at the other end of the phone.

Happy Father's Day, dad! This quote sums it up...

I love my father as the stars — he's a bright shining example and a happy twinkling in my heart. - Terri Guillemets

xo,
Your friend, (and daughter)
Caroline