Franklin Mortgage and Investment, Distrito

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Whoo-hoo, Em-i-lis and T are stuffed and having a ball. We are one short block from one of the greatest bars of all time, The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co (www.thefranklinbar.com) which is so much more than a lowly bar (not to rip on a good bar, but this is a whole other experience). It bills itself as a drinking establishment and that is totally accurate. Think old-school speakeasy minus the music; a superb (read: pages) book of complex cocktails from which to choose, dim lighting, men in suspenders, real chipped and cubed ice. It is the cat's meow and where we started our night. I had an old-fashioned punch made with rye, punt e mes, Grand Marnier, blood orange and pear tea, lemon juice and so forth. You'd never make this at home, but you'd sure want to try. T enjoyed the Shotgun Willie, an Aperol-based drink that also featured Bourbon, Falernum, lemon and orange juices, honey and bitters. Fab! We left and headed on to Distrito, one part of the Jose Garces dynasty here in Philly. Margs, guac, mole verde, Los hongos huaraches (wild mushroom flatbread with other goodness), hanger steak tacos, squash blossom quesadillas...Dios mio it was so g-damn good. Great vibe too. What a fun night! More tomorrow...

Mushroom strudel

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Upon arriving in Philly, we went to DiBruno Bros to get some lunch. T got a Cuban sandwich -this is one of his all-time favorite meals- and I got a random assortment of grilled veggies and the most fabulous mushroom strudel. There was no cheese or sauce, just well seasoned mushrooms clothed in a tight wrap of phyllo. Divine; I'm definitely going to attempt such a dish at home.I'm already thirsting for dinner tonight too...