A Burger and a Shake; the Perfect Spring Date

In like a lion? Yea, you're not kiddin!  I think all of us in the Northeast can agree that next year, we're opting for a new Groundhog.  It's rough to plan a date this time of year - it looks sunny and nice out but it's still a little cold.  The first few weeks of Spring can bring snow and ice - if that's the case, may I suggest burgers, fries and lots of alcohol! 


I Want to Love You... Pretty Young Thing
The Piazza at Schmidts is Philadelphias newest Jewel.  The Piazza is located on North 2nd Street and Germantown Ave, just below Girard.  It is an architectural beauty, with some of the best event space in No.Libs.  Just about everything is located within the walls of this place; food, drink, music venus, etc.  One of the best things about The Piazza is PYT!  This burger joint brings a whole new meaning to "Holy Cow", and did I mention Rachael Ray did a spot for her Show there not to long ago?

Getting back to the important facts... not only can you have  your choice of over 15 kinds of burgers and sandwiches, but you can get yourself a Milkshake with "Spirit".  I would have to suggest The ?uestlove shake created by Philly's Own ?uestlove of The Roots.  This shake includes vanilla ice cream, frangelico, and Irish cream liqueur - a mixture to surely leave seeing happy little trees.  As much as I love a good burger, I think I'd have to go with PYT's Tomato/Bacon/and Cheddar Grilled Cheese, even though the heart attack on a Plate - aka The Cheesesteak Pretzel Roll Burger would be reason enough to break my lenten sacrifice of "Don't Eat Like Crap".  

Either way, you can't go wrong; burgers + shakes with a twist + PYT Hipster Atmosphere = Hot Child in the City!

What a Meal... What Now?
There are a few options for an after dinner activity.  There is always something happening at the Backroom@PYT, someone is always spinnin.  But if you're in the mood to relax for the rest of the night with a good brew or glass of wine, may we suggest Bar Ferdinand?  They have a great selection of wines (Red, Rose and White), and a very interesting selection of Beer including Victory, Sly Fox, River Horse and a personal imported favorite, Sole De Cadiz - pilsner with fresh squeezed Orange Juice.  Bar Ferdinand has a very "chill out man" kind of look to it.  The bars old world feel is a result of the earth toned walls, gorgeous rounded archways, bright mosaics, a few pieces from renowned painter Ben Kamihira, red light lamps, a bar counter made in the "old world process scagliola", and dried roses hanging sporadically throughout the space.  It's definitely the best place to end the night in a very low key fashion.

Do your best to keep up that Spring spirit amidst the last few days of the cold weather.  Do not forget to eat, drink and be merry... and REPORT BACK TO US!

The Food Truck... Don't Knock It Till Ya Tried It!

One of Philly's latest food trends is... the food truck.  From Tyson Bees (Chef Tyson Wong Ophaso) to Guapos Tacos (Iron Chef, Jose Garces), the food truck biz is boomin and what a better time then when Spring has almost sprung?


Truckin'
There are a ton of trucks to pick from these days.  Chef's all over are realizing that their target audience is the guy or girl on the go.  The way to get peoples butts in seats is to catch their attention first... so get 'em on the go.  The food truck is not only convenient but usually reasonable in price.  Tyson Bee's food truck is usually located on 33rd and Spruce - right in the heart of University City - from 11:30am to 7pm.  As the weather gets warmer they may move around.  


If you're in the mood for a Late Night Snack, Iron Chef Jose Garces debuted his Food Truck "Guapos Tacos".  On March 4, 2011 Garces hit the streets at 13th and Chancellor.  No word yet as to where they will be this week, but follow Guapos Tacos on twitter @guapostacos and be sure to hit their next spot!


I Got My Food Truck, Who Could Ask For Anything More?
So once you've purchased your Food Truck fare, walk over to the nearest park; my favorite spot in the Spring is Rittenhouse.  This time of year there is beautiful foliage blooming, as well as some interesting folks for good people watching.  If you can't take it anymore and find yourself finishing your meal on the way to the park... get your liquid dessert!  In this city there is a Starbucks on every corner.  Bikini season is sooner then you think, so avoid the Cupcake,  grab an iced Chai Latte and enjoy the city my friends.


The Great and Powerful PhilaDate has spoken, so go drink eat and be merry.