West Chester Seafood Kitchen is the place to be on a Tuesday
+ my favorite Spotify playlist for a really productive day
There’s this constant zigzagging going on in my life lately. The semi-finished, barely started email drafts, the piled up browser tabs as a nonbeliever in piled up browser tabs, the did I remember to blow out the candle thought before bed (there was a not-so-faraway time I didn’t, came home in the morning, and there it was flickering away, so, yeah) the various tax and job and life related Google and Notion sheets I’m trying to maintain, the dent I’m trying to make in East of Eden but then: did I remember to make that dinner reservation, the promises I’m trying to keep, the face rolling, the dry brushing, the endless pursuit of self-optimization, really, edits to be resolved, outlines to make, office visits, birthday cakes, more driving than usual, ideating, executing. Heavy is the crown, and yes I blew the candle out.
The first three months of this year (I refuse to use the Q word in this safe space) were busy and good. Which is to say, I’m back with another recommendation / what I’ve been up to / gossipy Philly-ish letter today. Give me the wretched name! Please do suggest a name for this series, or I probably will end up going with “field notes” or “the Philly beat”…….
There are some vintage gems in Queen Village, and I’m glad they got a feature in the latest Philly Mag issue. The article isn’t online yet so I can’t link it, but some featured shops were Ace Outpost (which I wrote about here), Wayward Collection, Moore Vintage, and Stickball (Old City). Not mentioned was Moonrose Vintage on 11th and Pine, which you should go to if you like pink, and are in need of a leather jacket.
ICYMI (how could you!) I gave up sweets for Lent, and I’ve already been thinking about what I’m indulging in first. Truthfully it’ll probably be the coconut lemon cake I plan on making for Easter, but the new spring latte menu at The Ground CPG is also calling my name. I haven’t been here yet but I’ve heard good things, and the new cherry pie latte, excuse me??? It’s either that or the Thin Mint latte from The Bakery (I never did get a Shamrock Shake this year…).
If you missed the first As Ever drop, you’re in luck. Parc is selling picnic baskets out of their bread window for $125 on Sundays this month that include Rosé, a baguette, jam, and more, should we say, elevated picnic essentials. Or go around the corner to CORK (one of my favorite places to hunt for a Pollyanna gift) and build your own.
Curious about the longevity of the hype around Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks. They’re really playing up the former crime lord angle…
Here’s something I’d like to say: I really appreciate ‘About Us’ pages on restaurant websites. Like, give me a story! Minimalism makes sense when it does (I guess) but personally, I want to know things about where I’m eating because, well, I’m nosy. There are a few places in mind whose online presence I’d love to beef up.
I dined at West Chester Seafood Kitchen last night and had a fabulous time. It’s located within the new Hotel Indigo and everywhere you look are shades of indigo blue. This, combined with the subtle library-inspired accents, combined with a crisp white wine and spicy salmon over crispy rice? Well, you’re in for a night that makes you forget it’s Tuesday. This is the kind of place I’d pass in college, look at my bank account, and keep walking, thinking maybe when I’m older. There was a version of that happening when I saw the price next to the seafood tower, but the truffle kale salad was perfect.
the salmon crispy rice that veryyy much reminded me of the crispy sea trout sushi on JG’s bar menu Another place to go to for a fabulous time in the middle of the week is Almanac, a Japanese-American speakeasy on the second floor of Ogawa Sushi & Kappa. Old City’s only other higher end cocktail bar is Sassafras, and in the least problematic way possible, I’ve made it through most of that menu, so this is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
New June’s retail spot in Brewerytown is tiny but mighty. They post their weekly menus on Instagram, but I highly recommend the cinnamon bun. Go for a silly sweet treat, follow to see cakes like this.
bonus points for a good FONT Fun fact: when I don’t know what to listen to and have to lock in, I listen to The Dandelion’s monthly playlist. It’s curated by the Starr Restaurant team and acts as good background music without being too fuzzy and indistinct. There are monthly playlists for his other restaurants but for some reason I haven’t strayed from The Dandelion's. Probably because I went there on an almost weekly basis during one of my favorite ever summers, drinking espresso martinis and giggling.
This is gonna be big
Will be returning for the crispy rice and listening to the Dandelion’s playlist asap