Hello friends!
The Philadelphia Dragon Boat Race is this Saturday and this my last effort to ask for donations that will all go to the Fox Chase Cancer Center. FCCC is a wonderful research and treatment center that my dad went to at this time last year, so participating in this event means a lot to me.
If you don’t give, feel free to come out to cheer on the Big Tippers on Saturday!
Thank you!
Erin
Please click here to make a donation.
I was recently invited to a press lunch at Garces Trading Company, hosted by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, Philly Homegrown and Center City District to kick off Restaurant Week in Philadelphia. I was so incredibly excited for this opportunity for a number of reasons. I have been neglecting my blog lately, mostly because I’m either busy or sleeping, and I haven’t had much time to explore or eat (out). I also had never been to Garces Trading Company and welcomed the occasion to share a meal there with some fellow foodies.
Garces Trading Company is mostly known nationally through Chef Jose Garces, now Iron Chef Garces (he was a Philadelphia restaurateur before he was an Iron Chef, TYVM). The menu was filled with local flares and flavors, which created the perfect atmosphere for our group of locavores to chat and trade food knowledge and passions.
The austere front of the restaurant somewhat misrepresents the warm feel on the inside.
Unfortunately, there was some unsightly construction blocking my shot of the entire restaurant that day, but you get the idea.
The interior is inviting, with a variety of seating options.
I chose the cheese plate as my first course. It was a cow’s milk cheese from Stoudt’s Brewery called Ferdinand, served with a lemon balm “faux miel” or “fake honey.” The cheese was nutty and the sweet and citrusy side was a wonderful complement.
The funghi pizza came as a second course (the dough was made with duck lard–how could you not?) and the citrusy theme continued with just a dash of lemon zest on top. What a genius idea–somehow it was the perfect fresh taste to go with the earthy shrooms.
The dessert course I chose was a pumpkin cake with cranberry gelee. The layers provided a variety of textures and flavors that just worked.
Also in the restaurant is a chance to take the food goodness home with you. Breads, meats, cheeses and desserts tempt you here:
Olive oils and vinegars tempt you further here:
And just when you thought you’d had enough, the wine store tempts you here:
I was so pleasantly surprised by the wine shop. The purveyor knew her stuff and actually wanted to talk to you about wine (unlike PLCB employees at other locations) and most selections were under $20.
Just one more temptation before I go:
Yes, I bought some, among other goodies. That’s another post.
What a find!
I hadn’t been out to eat in the city for a while and am always worried about taking Anabel out, even though she is generally a very good baby. My brother chose Le Pain Quotidien for a brunch with my family on Saturday and we all loved it, even Anabel.
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The noise level was high enough so that a rambunctious baby wouldn’t be heard, but not so noisy that you couldn’t have a conversation over brunch. Our waitresses were so accommodating and thoughtful. The food was perfect. Between the six of us, we had a huge bread basket; two ham and gruyere croissants; many bowls of fresh berries; and a few omelettes. All of which got rave reviews.
It’s difficult taking food photos with a baby in tow. That’s OK. Just take my word for it that it all looked appetizing and go check it out for yourself. I look forward to going back very soon.
There was also a very impressive selection of desserts:
And as I said, Anabel loved it, too. She ate her first blackberry and piece of bread there.
