A weekend in Philly

[girlyswot]

I flew in last Monday, so I've been in the US for nearly a week now. Where I live(d) is actually just outside the city limits, in a leafy suburb. Last week was full of lots of admin things and catching up with friends. This weekend, however, I've been doing fun things in the city.

Last night I went out with friends to celebrate my pastor's birthday. We went to Fogo de Chao which was really fun and great food. You pay a flat rate for either one or two courses: salad bar (easily a meal in itself), and meat. The salad bar had fabulous prosciutto ham, mozzerella, asparagus, a whole Parmesan that you dug bits out of, and all sorts of other delicious things. Then the meat came. Guh. They serve 15 different cuts of beef, pork, lamb and chicken, all of which they bring hot to the table and carve onto your plate. They just keep coming round for as long as you can keep eating. Which, it turns out, is quite a long time. *grins* The sides are good too - the best polenta I've ever eaten, fried banans, beans and rice, mashed potato... Twenty-four hours later, I'm still full.

Today I was at church in the morning which was lovely. Then I went with a friend to Spool and Loop which were as pretty and fun as they look online. I spent too much money on fabrics for a quilt for The Old Shed, and some wool which is going to make the most fun socks ever.

My landlords are in Mexico this week, so I'm enjoying having some me-time. Later in the week, I plan to go to the NJ shore for a few days with some friends. Life is good.

Comments

[megan29.livejournal.com]

I didn't know you were so close! Do you want to try and meet face-to-face? I live in northern NJ, about one hour from the beaches. Unfortunately, I can only make it to the beach during the w-e. Do you plan to be in NYC at all?

Did you ever eat at Bistro St. Tropez on Market St.? They have an escargot appetizer that almost made me sing! It's nothing like the usual escargot dish, which I don't particularly like. They serve it with incredible sauces - the sauce varies, but we liked it each time we had it. The prices are decent, too, for a French restaurant.

I'll check out Fogo de Chao - sounds like a great place, for next time we're in Philly.

[girlyswot.livejournal.com]

I didn't know that either. I don't think I'll make it up to New York this time. I've got lots of things to try to fit into the next couple of weeks.

My favourite Philly restaurant is Tangerine (http://www.tangerinerestaurant.com/), though it is quite expensive. Mind you, so is Fogo de Chao (fortunately, someone else was paying last night!).

[tdu000.livejournal.com]

Just have to wipe the drool off my keyboard after looking at Loop! Why is it that fabric and woolsops always sound so amazing when I can't actually get to visit them?

[girlyswot.livejournal.com]

LOL! I only discovered Spool, and then Loop, while I was at home in the UK. I can't believe I've been living here for two years without knowing about Loop. Spool only opened in April, so I don't feel quite so dumb about that.

[tdu000.livejournal.com]

That's a real head-desk moment!

I love that you call your future home "The Shed". I hope you don't ditch it in favour of something more conventional and "picturesque" when you finally move in. I am looking forward to addressing your house-warming gift (when I decide what it is going to be and not just its colour!) to "The Shed". It conjures up the most amusing pictures!