The Things We Ate in Philadelphia

There are always new vegan options to try in Philly.  I’ve been peeping The Kettle Black‘s vegan croissant for a good while, so that was our pre-breakfast… in the car.

The real deal

Even better than the vegan croissant I had in Paris.

Flaky and sublime pastry

But breakfast would be at The Tasty.

Tater tots and the spinach and soysage scramble.  A hasty decision based on their weird dining set-up.  They claim to have the laid back old school diner vibe, but they are neither laid back (ordering/seating system and passive aggressive signage to eat and get the funk out after you clean up after yourself) nor a diner considering the lack of service.  Bright office-like lighting and a line of folks with, inevitably, nowhere to sit as you sit at an oversized table for two kill the ambiance.  Sorry, it was uncomfortable all around.

And too much packaged cheese.

Back in downtown Philly, the gorgeous City Hall at the red light

Rocky monument outside Philadelphia Museum of Art and the steps he runs up while training in Rocky (I). Surprisingly I have never partook in this tourist attraction until this visit. You run up and raise your fists to the sky in a triumphant fashion.  Ok, check that off my list.  There was a back-up to take his picture so we snuck to the back of the statute.  My car was parked illegally so time was of the essence.

Finally, (after the hours in the cemetery) dinner at Bar Bombón, another place I’ve been meaning to try for too long.  This Latin street food eatery has high-end small plates.

Everything was outstanding, but a bit overpriced–likely everything would be in this part of the city.  This was the Traditional Taco–Sazon spiced ground ‘beef’, avocado, white onion, cilantro. One taco for $6.50. Where’s the dollar menu?  😬

Buffalo Cauliflower Taco with avocado, cilantro dressing, black beans, white onion. I didn’t get to try this one. 

Philly Steak Empanadas: housemade ‘cheese,’ and corn pico de gallo served with a spicy chipotle ketchup.  These were really delicious, but flavor profile wasn’t really Philly Cheesesteak.  But I’ll have 5 more, please.

These bomb nachos were my favorite.  With black beans, a nacho cheese sauce, cumin crema, pickled jalapenos, guacamole, and cilantro on top of tortillas, plantain chips, and root veggie chips. So. Damn. Good.

A vegan Tres Leche Cake?! Yes, ma’am.  We split this dene tower of scrumptiousness drenched in coconut cream and a pineapple marmalade.  It was really good, but the cake needed a heavy soak, like the traditional, as it was a bit dry.  I might just have to try making my own!

Time to head back now.  It’s always a pleasure, Philadelphia!