the Donatiellos come to Philly!

Welcome to Philly!

We definitely packed a ton of activity into the 3 days that my sister and her husband were here.  We, of course, planned our days around food.

The rules were:

1. Eat at an Iron Chef Restaurant
2. Eat an authentic cheesesteak
3. Enjoy prohibition style beverages

I'm happy to report that we went above and beyond all requirements.

They arrived on Friday evening and after waiting for Ben to get off work, we landed at

Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company for a well-crafted cocktail.

A bar that truly served through prohibition and 

where the mixologists are revered today.

Seriously, check out their drink menu.

And what trip to Philadelphia is complete without authentic Italian food?

We first discovered this restaurant when my Dad and Ben's mom moved us up here.

Despite its modest store front, it has become a staple for 

delicious, authentic Italian food and has a ridiculous wine cellar.

Even sommelier-turned-wine-importer Jenna was impressed with the selection:

Proudly holding the book of labels.
Check out the list here.

On Saturday, after croissants from the 

Thai-French bakery around the corner from our house, 

we started out with a walking tour of Historic Philly.

(Ben and I have gotten very good at this tour and would love to 

show you around if you haven't gotten to experience it already!)

We headed back to Tony Luke's for authentic cheesesteaks:

I believe they got the Donatiello seal of approval.
Provolone, not Wiz, for these guys.

After a brief rain delay, we recharged by heading to the museum district.

We all made it to the top of the Art Museum steps!

I think Aron has video documentation of my 7.5 month pregnant self keeping up.

Our child, who has been re-nicknamed Franklin Chloe, enjoyed the adventure.

The Rocky statue has been moved from the
top of the steps to the side, but is still a
popular tourist photo op.

After a brief stop across from the Eastern State Penitentiary at Fare for a refreshing beverage and amazing zucchini chips, we stopped by the Italian Market.

We picked up Burrata, truffle Salami, spiced mozzarella bites 

and gorgeous Jersey tomatoes to enjoy with a 2004 Barbera:

Then off to another culinary adventure at Talula's Garden.

If you click on one link in this entire post, go HERE

to read their award-winning cheese plate menu.

So good.

And they have a beautiful patio.  Very difficult to photograph, but take my word for it.

(Or, even better, come see it for yourself!)

Jenna and me in front of the water faucet fountain

Dessert was served at chez Vandaveer

(but purchased at Isgro's while we were in the Italian market):

cannolis: ricotta + chocolate chip or mascarpone
eclair: Boston cream style

mascarpone cannolis were the unanimous favorite.

And by unanimous,
I mean amongst the people who like cannolis.

Whew!  That was a lot for a day and a half.

And we still made time for more!

Which I will tell you about tomorrow.