Cajun for Wimps

At first glance one (that being me) who can't handle spicy, cajun or blackened anything would say it wasn't too smart going to the High Street Cafe in West Chester. But that one (again, me) would be wrong. The High Street is a funky restaurant located at the end of the main drag in downtown WC. The cuisine is gourmet cajun and creole style and it's the only restaurant of it's kind in the area.

I forced myself to not to eat more than one slice of the warm bread and seasoned butter before my entree. That took major willpower. I had the cajun popcorn shrimp caesar salad minus the cheese with the dressing on the side. I must not have minded that it packed a little punch because I nearly cleaned the plate. The key lime pie was made fresh by Kevin, our friendly waiter. I'm a key lime pie connoisseur and I have to say this was real key lime pie. It was ridiculous i.e. good as heyl, key lime pie... Okay I'm off the key lime pie soapbox.

But don't just go there for the zesty food and wine. The staff is efficient and attentive. Donny Syracuse, the charming former rock band member and owner will greet you with a warm smile and make sure you're enjoying your meal. Dave Manley, acoustic jazz guitarist, will play some creative interpretations of familiar and not so familiar melodies that will make your experience as lively as your tastebuds.

Call for reservations, especially on the weekend. It gets packed.

The High Street Caffe

322 S. High Street

West Chester PA 19382

610-696-7435

highstreetcaffe.com

Let the Water Run

Had brunch on Sunday afternoon at the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge. The weather was perfect for sitting under the canopy eating alfresco with Boathouse Row, across the Schuykill River, as the backdrop. Not a fan of buffets in general but this was special. I had lunchbr--started with lunch then worked my way back to breakfast. The salmon medallion with mesclun salad was so tasty it didn't need the balsamic dressing I was looking for. Shared what I think was the best belgium waffle I've ever tasted (ever) with my mother. I made up for that other half by indulging in petite fours and of course the obligatory mimosa. I was a very happy girl.

The eclectic group of diners included a small group of middle aged gay men, a European couple, and a Middle Eastern family of five. The staff was most hospitable even as they prepared for a wedding of 300 later that day.

Meeting the owner, Michael Karloutsos, was a treat. He was down to earth as he gave a brief history of the major restoration of Water Works from its previous life as a watering system, aquarium and public pool to the picturesque romantic vision it is today.

The experience was so memorable I tried to recreate it on Tuesday night. Dinner started off with a mediterranean plate of pita slices with hummus, olive tapenade and feta (too salty for my taste); followed by wild mushroom risotto and sauteed spinach. Deeeee-lish!

A stroll along Kelly Drive or visit to the Philadelphia Art Museum are a just few steps away.

The Water Works Restaurant and Lounge

640 Water Works Drive

Philadelphia PA 19130

215-236-9000

thewaterworksrestaurant.com

Great restaurants are, of course, nothing but mouth-brothels.  There is no point in going to them if one intends to keep one's belt buckled.  ~Frederic Raphael

The Tria Trifecta. Good. Food. Wine.

I finally checked out Tria after years of walking right by it. It's a wine, cheese and beer cafe located off Rittenhouse Square, Philly's posh spot to see and be seen. I met a friend there at 5pm for drinks and light fare.

Usually a light menu has me squirming in my chair mentally planning my "real" meal as soon as I leave. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how satisfying and yummy the food was. To start with I had Goat Cheese, Roasted Garlic and Pesto Bruschetta. Then I had a salad with Arugula, Beets, Goat Cheese, Crushed Almonds and Balsamic Vinaigrette. I was impressed by the varied and unpredictable wine menu that perfectly compliments the vittles. Two glasses of Bodega Benegas Malbec, off the "Bold Red" menu, were smooth and delightful. I (reluctantly) shared the Nutella Panino and Tria cookie plate--mmmm.

The vibe was cool and energetic. Completely unpretentious. A little noisy--so you might have to lean in when conversing. It's a small place that gets busy quickly.I suggest getting there early for a good seat because they don't accept reservations. I went on a weeknight and was amazed by how crowded it was by the time we left. Prices were reasonable. Most items are $10 and below. My friend and I split the bill which was around $45 for each person.

I'm definitely going back for more. Might even check out the Sunday wine school.

Tria

triacafe.com

Rittenhouse Square * 18th & Sansom Streets * 215-972-TRIA

Washington Square West * 12th & Spruce Streets * 215-629-9200

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.  Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.  ~Mark Twain

Lusting for Dubai.

Why? 

• Dubai. I like the way it sounds. 
• The Dubai Shopping Festival (Jan 15-Feb 15).
• Drinks at The Rooftop. 
• Rest at the Shangri-La hotel.
• ...A girl can dream.