Midtown Lunch

Thanks to Double Knot for inviting me to try the new lunch menu! 

I am normally exponentially more excited to try the food of a new restaurant than I am to see the designed space. But for Double Knot, Michael Schulson’s latest addition to 13th Street (with a passageway in to Sampan), I was really excited about both. Teaser pictures and the multi uses of the bi level space, complete with subterranean sushi bar and robatayaki grill, had me needing to see it for myself.  (Sidenote: how did I not know this spot was formerly a gay “movie” house?)

Here is the deal, in the morning, as early as 7am, you can enjoy coffee and pastries at the bar or 2 tops, along side the carefully curated shelves of knick knacks and wooden accents. Happy Hour begins at that same space at 4pm with just a sample of the food offered downstairs. After 5pm, you can head down the stairs for a loooong menu of skewers and sushi. But for lunch (and that’s 10pm-3pm), the menu is pleasantly streamlined: pick a protein (steak, shrimp, pork, chicken, tofu, meatball) and what form you would like it in (salad, banh mi, rice, noodles) in exchange for $7.

Read more »

That trip to Montreal really had me craving French pastries. I knew it was finally time to get down to Artisan Boulanger Patissier.  ABP moved from South Philly to the E Passyunk area in 2013, bringing their French pastries and adding a small menu of savory sandwiches. Reading up on ABP had been very promising- people rave about the croissants and they are often sold out by the afternoon.

Read more »

While new “hot” restaurants are a constant in all parts of Philly, Mrs. K’s Coffee Shop has been truckin in Old City since the 60’s, according to the menu, and is as not “hot” as it gets, according to my eyes.

Read more »

Fa Caldo opened this winter two blocks away from the East Passyunk area, featuring an all day breakfast menu. I know what you are thinking, “another cafe? Jamie, who gives a hoot?” But you should give several hoots. You should give them because of the homemade cheddar biscuits and the bacon jam you can put on it.

Read more »

Although I am enticed on the daily by the petite- sized Bakeshop on 20th and its changing specials board, it took me a while to stop on in. The cafe sells simple breakfast and lunch sandwiches and pastries, along with coffee.

Read more »

Cafe Lutecia has a casual cuteness that secures its place as a neighborhood staple for a quick sandwich and caffeinated drink. Quiches and soups change daily, outdoor seating is available,  and BYO is possible. You can picture a classy, French lady in a sunhat sipping a Café au lait (or a less classy American lady organizing her escort list).

Read more »

Metropolitan Cafe is conveniently located on the South end of Rittenhouse Square, next to its small bakery. The cafe sells  sandwiches, soups, snacks, pastries and more, plus a caffeinated drinks. It’s pretty cozy in there, and the large windows are perfect for watching people walk by.

Read more »