So while the boy was missing me from Chicago, I split last week between the DC area (my ‘hometown’) and my alma mater stomping grounds of Philadelphia. As usual, the week was a whirlwind of running to and from, catching up with old friends over drinks and long winded conversations in my favorite bars. I made sure to get some quality time in at my old favorites- unwinding in La Colombe in Rittenhouse Square, drinking up in my faithfully favorite brewpub in Philadelphia Nodding Head, some stints at the default hang-out spot SugarMoms, mimosas at Sidecar Bar (a weekend brunch spot filled with fond memories in my old neighborhood)

But most interestingly, and what was bound to make the boy boil with jealousy, was a new spot in Rittenhouse The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company and a grand dinner/cocktail set at old cities Farmicia. 

“The Franklin” as its called is a new speakeasy, hard to spot from the street unless you notice the mysterious hip man standing at the front who must “walk you” downstairs to the door to allow you to get in. Inside it was a small dimly lit space which reminded me of  the Drawing Room here in Chicago. They had a wide range of categories, from “Required Reading” classics to “Rebellious” to “I Asked For Water and She Gave Me Gasoline” - I (of course) went rebellious with a “Angry Man Swizzle” (scotch, averna, ginger, bitters) and clinked glasses with a dear friend who chose the Blonde Redhead (at my urging, so I could taste it) which was a cognac/rosewater/raspberry/champagne number. If I still lived in Philadelphia, this place would probably quickly become a favorite spot. I was dying to try more, but our agenda was full of other places and people. 

One drink got us going enough to move on to dinner across town before meeting up with more friends; Farmicia is what seems to be a sort of farm-to-table restaurant with a killer drink menu. I went straight for the “Elation” cocktail; top of the list with Prosecco (which I have a weak spot for) and rose essence made it an easy choice, which I didn’t regret. My friend on the other hand, known to gravitate towards the most ridiculous thing on the menu, went for the post-easter “Peeptini” special. Now, my man and I have an understanding about martinis that aren’t really martinis being sacrilegious…. while this one was hilarious and ludicrous; and she seemed to enjoy it, I continued to be terrified of the thing even after I tried it. Peep fail …. 

Friends noted that they didn’t think a peep could look evil until now… 

Farmicia’s ‘Tonics 9.0’ Menu - later I had the “Ginger” concoction.

So much about the drinks and so little about the food! Our appetizers (trio of cheese and the enchiladas) were perfection to the T, our entrees were both hit and miss. We shared the Pork Chop and the London Broil, and our meats were cooked perfectly with delicious sauces that we wished we had more of; a problem we didn’t have with our sides, which came in massive heaps. Unfortunately, while they came in a plethora, the mashed sweet potatoes and bacon braised cabbage came up bland, and the green beans were also a little lonely in flavor. The potato gratin saved the plates, though, and was delicious. We still left happy and full and ready to take on the night.

It was a successful trip full of good drinks, good people, and good weather. Don’t worry, though, I brought back some treats for the fellow I left back in Chicago, and he’ll be cooking up some treats with those bottles soon.