Valanni, Philadelphia, PA

After an evening show in Philly, walking distance from The Academy of Music, we had dinner at Valanni, a shiek restaurant with modern mediterranean-latin taps and signature dishes.

If you are looking for exquisite flavors and something new, definitely make your way to 1229 Spruce Street. The food is impressive and elegant yet approachable and comforting.

www.valanni.com

Valanni, Philadelphia, PA

My favorite: Grilled Romaine Salad with Smoked Treviso, Polenta Croutons, Manchego, Bacon and Chipotle Caesar Dressing.

The ground lamb albondigas in guindilla saffron-almond cream sauce were
tender and tasty.

Grilled Octopus with sundried tomato, fennel, olives, ancho-chili spice rub with smoked paprika and crispy potatoes.

RENT director Michael Greif bites into his spicy pulled chicken wrap.

Valanni, Philadelphia, PA

Cheese Plate

RENT costume designer Angela Wendt pays us a visit and joins us for dinner!

Granny Smith Apple, White Chocolate, Cranberry and Walnut Bread Pudding with warm caramel sauce, vanilla bean ice cream and fresh mint.

Naked, Chocolate Cafe, Philadephia, PA

When its freezing cold outside there is nothing like stepping into a cafe with the sweet smell of chocolate and coffee lingering in the air and the promise of rich warmth from a cup of Hot Chocolate. Stumbling upon Naked, Chocolate Cafe was no different from stepping into a french cafe in Paris.

Naked, Chocolate Cafe, Philadephia, PA

You can order your hot chocolate American style (diluted with a little bit of steamed milk) or European style (thick consistency). I ordered the Aztec Hot Chocolate, American Style, with a sweet puff of whip cream on the side.

I also treated myself to a caramel filled mini Belgian Waffle, chocolate coated with cocoa crisps. Sounds delicious doesn't it?

The hot chocolate was rich and creamy and had a pleasant bitter sweet after taste with hints of spice. The whip cream...thick, sweet and silky. You can find Naked Cafe on the corner of Juniper and Walnut in Center City.

Teresa from Philly!!!

Thanks for the suggestion! Last night after the show we oredered WOK and it was delicious! Totally satisfied our craving for good and tasty chinese food! Anyone else have other suggestions???

Geno's, Philadelphia, PA....

Up first in the Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich battle was Geno's!!!

Adam Pascal makes his order..."Cheese with"

Kyle Post and Cary Shields jump right in!

Geno's, Philadelphia, PA

Kyle...excited to try his first real Philly Cheese Steak!

Kyle takes a bite!

The cheese steak was delicious...creamy cheeze wiz, onions and soft Italian bread with a little tug on the crust.

Adam finds a picture of his RENT movie co-star Traci Thoms, who visited Geno's while filming the TV series Cold Case.

...and right next to Traci is Danny Pino, one my best friends since childhood who is also on Cold Case! Make sure to tune in and watch weekly on CBS!

They've got the Matzoh!

Marathon Grill self proclaims themselves as having the BEST Matzoh Ball soup in Philly and delivers!!