I’m a big fan of F words, which is why I’m sharing the past week-ish through the lens of a solid three: food, festivals, and family.
Food
Food is life’s greatest luxury. I actually tweeted that a couple weeks ago not knowing it was foreshadowing for this post. My mind… is so powerful.
This past week was ruthlessly indulgent. My body was not a temple, my g. And because I have risen from the ashes of dietary disintegration to form the intuitive af being that you see today, I enjoyed every minute of it. Let me take you on a quick tour of this week’s meals out:
Rouge
I spent 26.25 years of my life hating burgers. That quarter of a year may seem oddly specific, but it’s critical to understand the recency of my newfound love for beefy, greasy death traps. Among the most critically acclaimed burgers in the nation is the Rouge burger from Rouge in Rittenhouse Square. When you catch wind that Oprah openly loves a dish approximately one (1) block from your apartment, you know you have to try it.
Between the ends of a buttery, toasted brioche challah bun sits the juiciest, thickest burger to grace my lips, caramelized onions, and dripping, melted gruyere. Enjoyed alongside a heap of parmesan truffle fries, I have decided that this is the hill I want to die on. This is easily one of the best meals I’ve eaten in my life, and I’ve eaten a lot of good meals.
Bonus: because it’s next to typically crowded spots, Parc and Devon, it’s quite easy to get a seat outside at Rouge facing the park. Allow this meal to change your life and offer a gorgeous, Center City dining experience.
The Continental Mid-Town
I mentioned in a recent post that I enjoy drinking at the rooftop lounge of The Continental Mid-Town at 18th & Chestnut. Last weekend, I grabbed dinner there once I regained hunger 100 hours post-Rouge burger. I had the Korean fried chicken wings which were crispy and full of soy-garlic flavor, as well as two glasses of Prosecco Punch (kiiiinda forget what was in this and their drink menu won’t load online, but my *attempted recollection* screams Prosecco, vodka, strawberries, and mint. Either way, it was delicious).
Little Spoon Cafe
Ladies and gentlemen, I have a new favorite breakfast spot. On the corner of 15th & South lies the cutest, cheapest, BYO nook this side of the Delaware River: Little Spoon Cafe. I blame Instagram for my obscure cravings, like the lemon ricotta pancakes I just “had to find” last Sunday. One quick Google search led me mere blocks from my place to Little Spoon. The menu is full of local goodness, and my meal was the most expensive item at a whopping $10. YES, in Rittenhouse! These clouds of citrus and creamy ricotta hit every spot. And if that sounded sexual, it was intentional. With fantastic coffee and sweet service to boot, I will be a regular in no time.
Festivals
Once upon a time, I wrote an article for Elite Daily about being largely done with festivals. Someone even wrote a rebuttal piece that I’m super pissed I can’t find… lol.
We see how that worked out.
Something about being surrounded by the best people I know outside with live music and debauchery galore keeps me coming back. My current life feels tense and stressful, and festivals provide a reliable escape.
A bunch of my friends attend Firefly every year. I hadn’t planned to go back since I went in 2015, but when my two friends from Cali proposed we buy a day pass and surprise everyone, my inner prankster started mischievously rubbing her palms. But of course, when one person finds out, everyone finds out. Our surprise was ultimately a wash, but we still raged face through Foster The People, Cheat Codes, and Big Gigantic, among others.
If you’ve never been to Firefly, here are a few quick notes:
- It’s epic at night. Their illuminated woodlands are some of the most aesthetically pleasing I’ve seen at any fest.
- They have THE best silent disco ever! I could have stayed there the whole time and still returned with an A+ review. If you’re not sure what a silent disco is, here’s your Wiki definition: A silent disco or silent rave is an event where people dance to music listened to on wireless headphones. Rather than using a speaker system, music is broadcast via a radio transmitter with the signal being picked up by wireless headphone receivers worn by the participants.
- The crowd is very… normal. I’ve been to a lot of festivals where you’ll meet the grittiest nomads on the fringe of society, and Firefly brings the most digestible crowd. Think college football tailgate, but with live music. This isn’t a bad thing! Just an observation.
- They get a fantastic variety of music. Firefly is the place to see indie up-and-comers, as well as hip-hop giants like Lil Wayne. It’s fun for the whole family! (but please don’t bring your kids)
Family
Once the dust settled (aka I slept for two days straight), I spent time with my family in my hometown. I’m from a comically rural area that holds a special place in my heart and never fails to remind me what’s important in life. My 30-year-old sister has stage IV cancer. She also has two young sons who bring adults to their knees with their energy and wit. It doesn’t faze me to sacrifice the city for time with my loved ones.
So that’s been my week in a nutshell! Important takeaways?
- Try the Rouge burger
- Don’t make Little Spoon your new breakfast spot because there’s limited seating and it’s mine and you can’t take it from me
- Buy the ticket, take the ride
- Get some fresh air and tell your family you love them