#11 Ten Stone and #12 Philly cupcake - Sandy's synopsis

This next visit for our blog started with happy hour at Ten Stone and ended with me going to the Emergency Room. These are the events of June 27th, 2013:

I almost cancelled on Sam because of the pain in my abdomen - but the blog prevails! - over menstrual cramps. Besides a good beer should calm my insides. So we made the walk down over the South Street bridge admiring the view of center city while we cross over. As we walk past Honey's to Ten Stone I have a flash of all the good memories I've had at this bar. Ten Stone is a well established place in Philly and I'd be surprised if someone who has lived in the city for a decent amount of time hasn't made their way here once. We got there around 5:30pm on this Thursday and the place wasn't very crowded. Since I am obsessed with my weather app, we decided to sit indoors (A: You didn't need a weather app to know it was going to pour soon. B: Sit outside if you can in the summer. It is a great place to people watch while enjoying the weather). 

The decor is nice - church pews for chairs, exposed brick on one wall and artwork for sale. They also have a pool table and dartboard in the adjoining room.

As I gingerly settle into a chair, I can't help but look up at the awesome artwork on the wall. The pain reminds me that what I'm really here for is a pint and as I turn around our waitress is right there ready to give me my meds. The beer list has always been good at Ten Stone.  We are given the handwritten list that contains all the beers currently on tap. This to me is also a sign that their taps rotate pretty frequently, its more cost effective to just write them down on paper. 

I got the black lager which was delicious and really hitting the spot. From my previous experiences I remember the food being pretty darn good. But kudos to Sam on ordering the popcorn as an appetizer, because I hadn't had it before and it was awesome.

The food options were mostly foo foo versions of standard pub fare. I couldn't decide what to eat since I was distracted, but I settled on the jamaican jerk chicken cheesesteak. Now, I think that's what I ordered because I will admit from here on out the details get a little bit fuzzy. As we waited for our food we drank beer and ate popcorn and exclaimed about how awesome the weather app I have is. It began pouring outside, which made for a pleasant view out the windows that were next to our table.  It was almost a perfect evening. 

Now I should've realized around this time that something was wrong because I'm really not a cheesesteak person and I really don't know why I ordered one. I was however pleasantly surprised and the sandwich was good.

The rain died down by the time we were done eating and so we got ready to move onto Philly cupcake. As I hobbled the block to get there, I was thinking that a cupcake would really make me feel better. By now, I was doubled over holding my abdomen and wishing I'd had another beer. These were some pretty intense menstrual cramps...

Man, this place looks like the entrance to happy land! But wait till you see what is on the inside.

Those. SO many of those.

Anyhow, if I was remotely with it at this point I wouldve taken more pictures of the marvelous cupcakes, chocolates, nuts, ice-cream and chocolate covered marshmallows that Philly cupcake houses within. I mean - CHOCOLATE COVERED MARSHMALLOWS!  Hint# 37 that something was really up was when I did not order the marshmallows. I own no chocolate or candy in my house except for 3 bags of marshmallows. So please anyone who goes there next - get them...for me.

I got some sort of chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting and sat down at their very eclectically designed tables (the chairs have pink tennis balls at the bottom to keep them stable). They made you want to have a tea party and eat scones. The ladies behind the counter were very nice. They offered me a glass of water cause I looked like I was in pain and asked if there was anything they could do. So thank you ladies.

As we slowly ate our delicious cupcakes in this little wonderland a couple of realizations begin to dawn on me. One, these cupcakes are damn good and that Sam and I should use Philly Cupcake as a pit stop after other blog visits. If you like desserts, you should def stop by here (They also have milkshakes. And marshmallows). Two, these aren't your run of the mill monthly cramps.

So when I'm done eating my cupcake I ask Sam the question that's been in swimming around in my head for the past few minutes - "Sam. What is the location of my appendix?"

Ten Stone
2063 South Street
Philadelphia PA 19146

Philly Cupcake
1944 South street
Philadelphia PA 19146

Map - Block of 2000-1800

Here is the roadmap to the next block Sam and I hit on South street. Since the block of 20th-19th was a barren wasteland, we skip ahead to the block of 19th-18th. We have coming up:

Fortune - American Chinese

Randazzo's - Pizza

Kidari - Spanking new sushi place

We'll be going to Fortune this Thursday (11th) and if any of these places strike your fancy and you would like to join us  - leave us a comment.

#10 - Honey's Sit 'N Eat - Sam's synopsis

Ahh, Honey's. In case you don't know, the original Honey's is at 4th and Brown in Northern Liberties, and it's quite the morning excursion for those of us who live in Graduate Hospital. I've been to the original one a few times, so I was very excited to hear that one was opening up the street from my house. In typical Philadelphia fashion, Honey's claimed to be opening its doors in May of 2012 but didn't actually open its doors until mid-winter 2013. Needless to say, I lost a bet and had to buy my boyfriend brunch because of it, but in the end I am reaping the benefits of having a great restaurant only a few blocks from my front door.

Menu + tea container.  It's a strange

looking tea container, but they made it so.

     I had already been to Honey's a few times before Sandya joined me for our saunter, but since it was between 8-10 am on a weekday, I wasn't too adventurous and ordered the bargain breakfast - 2 eggs, choice of potato, toast and coffee for $3.95. Since I don't drink coffee (yes I know I am probably the only person on the planet who doesn't like coffee) I was able to substitute tea, earl grey, hot to my liking.  I decided to get my eggs over medium, the potato latke and a biscuit.  I have to say, I really like Honey's but my meal wasn't anything special. Probably because it's the $3.95 breakfast discount, but the eggs were a little bland and both the latke and biscuit seemed extra dry (go to Sam's Morning Glory for the best biscuit in town).  I've gotten plenty of food I really like at Honey's, but I actually like the egg dishes at Ants Pants better (if we're gonna compare the two local brunch places on South Street).  The pancakes and french toast at Honey's are always fantastic though, and I do like that the portion they give you is just the right size to make you full but not stuffed. Apparently Sandya thinks otherwise, but let's all remember that she and her stomach are a lot smaller than me. All in all, the breakfast special is a great deal, I think I just had an off day with it not being as delicious as usual.

The breakfast bargain.  It's a lot of food for $3.95.

A glimpse of the inside.

The decor inside gets my stamp of approval, and I like the layout a lot more than the original - it seems more spacious.  The walls and tables are decorated with supplies from an old hardware store (old as in 50+ years old), which gives the restaurant a hip industrial vibe. There's also a countertop to sit at, decorated with mouthwatering cakes and desserts - it sort of reminds me of an old timey diner, which is further enhanced by the aforementioned hardware supplies and old signs hanging about the restaurant.

Be warned, if you try and go on the weekend there is always a huge crowd of people waiting both inside and out.  I've been in this crowd before, and the wait time they give you is often an overestimate, but you can still be waiting for upwards to an hour to be seated.  You can enjoy brunch any time at Honey's, but weekdays are best for no waits and breakfast bargains.

Honey's Sit 'N Eat
2101 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 732-5130

#10 Honey's Sit 'N Eat - Sandy's synopsis

We all need to thank Jeb and Ellen for bringing Honey's Sit 'N Eat into this world and then onto South Street. Jeb and Ellen are a couple and decided to name their first restaurant venture together "Honey's" because that's what they were. As we wait for the collective "awwww" to fade, let me just say this review is going to be very positive. I mean look at that delicious french toast.

So, spoiler, I ordered the french toast, but, since we are on the topic - their menu is very varied. They serve breakfast all day and have a lunch menu that is mainly sandwiches. Of particular interest to everybody should be their specials board, etched in chalk on the wall like special boards everywhere. They always seem to have something interesting worth trying on there (like mac and cheese pancakes). For the less adventurous their breakfast menu has staple southern type cuisine, with a Honey's twist. Their early riser special, which Samantha will expand upon, is a fantastic deal. And the coffee, oh the coffee - this was also some damn fine coffee.

Coming back to that french toast however, it was fantastic. Fluffy, thick slices with maple syrup on top. I also ordered the home fries (a staple for my breakfast) and unfortunately I wasn't a fan. The potatoes were in big chunks which meant the outside of the potato had flavour but the inside was bland. The french toast really made up for it so, if you prefer your potato chunks in your homefries a little smaller, do not order them here.

Those infamous homefries

The portions are substantial people, be prepared to be taking some home. We went on a weekday morning and it was very easy to get a table. I have seen lines round the corner on the street however on the weekends around brunch time. Whichever time suits your fancy however, whether its for breakfast, lunch or dinner (they are open till 10pm on the weekdays), find a way to try them out. You will leave a very happy person.

For your gluten-free folk out there, they don't have many gluten-free options but are very accommodating.

For where I got info about who started Honey's go to this article written by Jeb Woody: http://www.philaplace.org/story/582/

Honey's Sit 'N Eat

2101 South street

Philadelphia PA 19146

215-732-5130.

Map - Block of 2100-2000

Hello everyone, Samantha and I have decided that prior to every block we hit on South Street we will post a little map of whats coming up next. That way if anyone would like to join us for anything they see on the map they can let us know on a block-to-block basis so we don't forget. 

Next up - Ten Stone for happy hour/ dinner and on the same day Philly Cupcake for dessert. We're going this Thursday - the 27th of June - at 5PM. Anyone free?

#9 - La Va Cafe - Sam's synopsis

Before I get to the review, an announcement!  We now have a twitter account - follow us for live tweeting at restaurants and to hear all about where we're going next.  We're trying to keep up with the times here and be at the cutting edge of technology... or something.

As for La Va, it is actually physically the closest place on our saunter to my house, and it also happens to serve my favorite brand of chai in town.  Sadly, I don't know the brand, although it's definitely NOT Oregon (which is only so-so), but I do know you can also find it at Nook.  (As an added side-note, I want to give a shout out to Gavin's, who makes my second favorite chai in the city and is a frequent stop for both myself and Sandya after we play tennis).  Needless to say, when I am craving a chai of the hot or cold variety, I often stop in at La Va.  One downside is that they do not accept credit cards for purchases under $10, so if you're like me and don't carry cash, this could deter you from stopping by - although one of the baristas suggested the great idea to use my credit card to buy a gift card and then apply said gift card to my current purchase.  Of course they have an ATM on site, but who likes annoying ATM fees? But, I digress.  Let me talk more about La Va itself. 

Don't want to intrude on anyone's privacy...
You can also see one of the tabletop designs
NYAN!

When you first walk into the cafe, it has a very cozy feeling.  There are couches that look like they come from a high class secondhand antique store, and the artwork on the walls is, well, what you would expect to see in a coffee shop - eclectic, generally well-done and sometimes just downright weird.  As someone who has frequented this location the past 2 years, I can say there are a few permanent pieces but every 4-6 months or so there are new pieces. Recently, there were flatstock posters from local concerts in the area (which I am proud to say that I had attended about half), but now there are some non-descript paintings (i.e. not inspiring enough for me to remember exactly what they were. Flowers? Creepy babies? Abstract art?). Regardless, I think the decor is one of the highlights of La Va, so it's worth it to check out what's on the walls.  I also really love what they've done with their tables, where each tabletop has a different chic pattern.  One has stylized drawings of dog heads, one  shows a stack of famous novels, you get the point. Standardly hip.  The tables are spaced just right to give you a sense of privacy yet allow you to get friendly with your neighbor if you so desire. And there are tables outside, which are often where customers with dogs sit.  All in all, I have to disagree with Sandya on this one - I think the vibe from La Va is perfect for a coffee shop.

French toast and fresh raspberries!

mmm... delicious iced chai

As for the food and drink, well you already know how I feel about their chai.  What I like about this particular brand is how smooth and creamy the flavor is, and how it doesn't taste artificial or too spicy. Yes, I know true chai is supposed to be spicy, but I prefer mine sweetened (sue me for being American), and this particular blend does that very nicely while maintaining the chai flavor. For breakfast I decided to branch out (I often get the pesto breakfast sandwich, which is delicious) and go for the caramelized french toast with a side of turkey bacon.  Upon first taste, the french toast did have that hint of caramel flavor, but it soon disappeared, so I was a little disappointed about that.  However, the bread itself was moist and well battered, and the dash of raspberries on the side were a nice touch.  The turkey bacon wasn't anything out-of-this-world, but that just means it was nice and salty and helped balance out all the sweet flavors in the french toast and iced chai.  It was a fulfilling breakfast and a great way to start the day.

In the end, La Va holds a special place in my heart, partly out of convenience, partly because it serves my favorite chai in town, and partly because, fun fact: it happens to be the first coffee shop I ever went to as a Philadelphia resident.  If you're in the neighborhood, definitely stop in to get to know your neighbors, because I guarantee you'll be able to find something on the menu that will hit the spot.

La Va Cafe
2100 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 545-1508

#9 La.Va Cafe - Sandy's synopsis

I wasn't very excited for La.Va. I'd been there once before and had asked for a couple of things on their menu to be met with a heart-breaking "We ran out of those". Well, heart-breaking for a hungry person craving something specific anyway. So considering my lack of enthusiasm, I decided to keep the bar very low - if they actually had what I ordered this time, it would be a win for La.Va. So, I worked up an appetite that morning by walking from 2nd to 21st and South (because SEPTA is incompetent). I met Samantha  there for breakfast, on a weekday before work. La.Va does have a BYOB dinner menu but we decided on breakfast because La.Va had just acquired some serious competition across the street in the form of Honeys Sit 'N Eat. We figured we could have a breakfast wars between the two. 

The first thing that should strike you about La.Va is that they are dog friendly - on the outside. You can't bring your dog inside however, but if you leave your dog tied up outside while you are enjoying your breakfast, he/she has options.  

Well, you might have to operate that gizmo below for Fido, 
but once you do, scooby snacks a plenty.

Which brings us to next good thing about La.Va, it is gorgeous inside. The decor is what I'd call posh and the couches are grand and comfortable. The art on the wall is fantastic, some of which, I believe, for sale. This place makes me want to dress up, preferably in an old timey suit of some kind, with a monocle and a glass of whiskey. 

So it was a little weird seeing people casually doing what they do in coffee shops - working on their computers and chatting with friends. The clientele seemed from the neighbourhood, which is good considering the tagline on their website is "Come meet your neighbours". The menu is rather large for a coffee shop and my eyes fell upon the turkish coffee. 

And yes, as you might've guessed by now, they were out of it. After doing this: 

I got a regular coffee and a breakfast sandwich - croissant with bacon, egg and cheese. In hind-sight, this was a terrible thing to order as I cannot actually judge anything from it. I mean its a bacon, egg and cheese - a food truck can make it and arguably have it taste better because of the extra grease that lines their fry stations. 

It was good. I mean, obviously it was good. And as I failed on ordering something interesting (perhaps from fear that they wont have it), let me comment on the coffee. Very very satisfying. Their menu calls it their homebrew - so I'm unsure of where the beans are from, but it was damn fine coffee! Agent Cooper would approve. 

To conclude, the place doesn't really fit a coffee shop. They do have a BYOB dinner menu, but they're base is a coffee shop and things just don't feel right. The space begs for a more sophisticated dining experience and I feel disappointed with myself for sitting there in my jeans drinking my coffee. They do cater and rent the space out to parties which I think is a fantastic idea. It is a gorgeous space to have a party in and since you are pre-ordering things to be catered for the party, you won't run into the "we've run out of" problem. All in all, good coffee, dog treats, a decent bacon and egg sandwich make this place a good cafe. But it can be so much more. 

La.Va Cafe

2100 South Street

Philadelphia, PA 19146

215-545-1508