The blogging circus has begun – friends are sprinkling in! I met a handful of fun new faces tonight and reunited with a few old ones.
Hangry Heather and I went for a quick sightseeing tour this afternoon. I had her fill me in on Philly history 🙂
There were several Thomas Jefferson spottings. After all, he and I are BFFs in Cville 🙂
We returned with sweat and blisters and I recouped with an Alliebar that I had frozen from a batch this summer, thawed, took to California and back and finally ate! Yum!
Allison organized a lovely dinner for a handful of us in town tonight at a local Cuban restaurant, Alma de Cuba
It was quite swanky, and we had the whole back room to ourselves
I kicked off the weekend with a cuban Manhattan – made with POM seeds instead of cherries! It was PERFECT tonight. Sometimes I’m just in a big cocktail mood!
The highlight of the dinner for me were these Smoked Manchego Rolls – the newest Dough Ball flavor – ha! They were INCREDIBLE in texture – really chewy, and the flavor was great as well.
Feed me 10 more!
The restaurant was incredibly dark, but for dinner I had a Shrimp Stew with coconut, cashews and collard greens.
The flavors were incredible – reminded me a bit of a green curry minus the curry? – but it was a bit too rich. I couldn’t have a bite of anything without also getting a gulp of cream. But I still enjoyed it a lot – especially the shrimp!
I also tasted other dishes at the table, including a Smoked Gazpacho that I loved!
After dinner we piled into cabs to avoid a major thunderstorm and headed to Sabrina‘s condo for desserts and hot tea!
A genuine hostess – she had three different desserts for us – a Strawberry Shortcake, a Tiramisu (from Whole Foods – it was excellent) and a Blueberry Pie, plus a fruit salad.
I tasted the two, making sure I got plenty of whipped cream (my fav!) Delicious.
Sabrina is 35 weeks pregnant so there was lots of girl talk : )
We’ve been friends since the very first days of KERF when I was still a member of Calorie King. xoxo
I’m all cozy in my bed VERY excited to be turning off the light in 2 minutes! I’m solo tonight, but my roommate comes tomorrow!
allison @ thesundayflog says
ok, you win the award for fastest posting!! such great photos – it doesn’t look dark in the restaurant anymore. so much fun meeting you and we can catch up more tomorrow 🙂
KathEats says
🙂
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
You are getting after it in the city! So much catching up to do!!! 🙂 Have fun & enjoy!
Kaitlyn says
I’m from the Philadelphia are but I’ve never heard or been to Alma de Cuba! Those rolls sound/look delicious. I’ll have to check it out. I hope you have a good time while you’re here!
Kaitlyn
Kristen, Sweetly says
the photos in the restaurant came out great for bad conditions! wow.
good job beating the thunderstorms. i holed up in my apartment tonight to pack a day early; it was rumbling all around nonstop. now at least i can play tomorrow instead of stress. 😉
HAPPY HLS TO Y’ALL!!!
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
ahhhh I can’t wait to get there and eat all of the FOOD!! Seriously going to be the best trip evvaa. You all look beautiful!!
Allison @ Happy Tales says
Yayyyy for HLS! Can’t wait to meet you, Kath!
Hannah says
Those rolls do look AMAZING!!!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I would love to Philadelphia again! I went when I was a teenager but I don’t think I appreciated it then as much as I would appreciate it now.
Laura says
Welcome to Philly 🙂 ! My boyfriend and I once shared an anniversary dinner at Alma de Cuba… SO yummy. Hope you enjoy yourself here… and that the storms tonight didn’t scare you off!!!
Sana says
Have a blastyyyy 🙂
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Looks like a great evening with fellow bloggers! I think those dough balls at dinner would have been the highlight of it for me too. LOVE doughy bready things. And your entree sounds fab, too.
Enjoy!
Chelsey @ Chew with Your Mouth Open says
Looks like tons of fun! Wish I was there. Looking forward to seeing your recaps as the days go on! Have a great time. 🙂
nikki says
I love reading a few of the different bloggers takes on dinner tonight (Meghann’s Blog)… it is great how you both have different views on the dinner, the atmosphere, and what part of the meal to blog about! However the rolls seemed to be tops on both! Have a great time, and keep it coming!
Khushboo says
Ah what a blast to meet new and old blogger faces! have fun!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
philly phaves: soft pretzels w mustard and water ice!!! my husband’s entire family is there. if you see a middle aged couple with a standard black poodle named nellie in rittenhouse square, those are my in-laws!
Joyce @ Jranola Joyc says
dessert! YUM!
Kristin @ STUFT Mama says
Have so much fun at HLS! 🙂 Those desserts. Holy moly. Love that she had three to choose from. I would’ve had to sample all three (not just two). 🙂 Ha!
Susan Reed (AKA Martha) says
Looks like you’re having a great time! Is the recipe for that YUMMY looking bar somewhere on the web? I’ve been looking for a good granola bar recipe for a while and I’ve not found anything that stands up to being carried around in a backpack…
KathEats says
They aren’t 🙁
The Healthy Engineer says
Looks like sooo much fun!!
Have a philly cheese steak while you’re there!
Living, Learning, Eating says
That Alliebar looks good!
Aine @ Something to Chew Over says
What a great first evening!
I wish I was there so much! Enjoy it for everyone who can’t make it 🙂
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Wow Kath, awesome post, awesome adventures in Philly!
The Alliebar, the time with friends/bloggers, the adorable pictures of you all…love it.
And “Sometimes I’m just in a big cocktail mood!”– I wish we had done that rather than fro-yo when you were in San Diego..haha!
And Sabrina put on QUITE the spread there..major hats off to her! And whipped cream is my fave too 🙂
Emily @ Life on Food says
I went to school outside of Philly and I loved going into the city as a tourist. Great historical sites and eats. There is a marvelous crepe place just south of South Street; I forget what it is called but is is closer to the river. Have fun!
Ash Bear says
I’m so looking forward to catching up with you while we’re in Philadelphia! Having lived there for 3 years I definitely have a soft spot for the city. Alma de Cuba used to be one of our favorite spots for cocktails and dinner. I’m so elated you were able to enjoy it!
I’m definitely coming to your room today to give you a big hug and your gifts. Too bad I didn’t convince you to bring some bread North. It would have made great long run fuel instead of my little bagel thin.
KathEats says
Can’t wait to see you!!!
There will be GH bread at lunch tomorrow 😉
When do you arrive?
CJ @ http://healthy-happy-whole.com/ says
I’m glad you had a good day! Alma de Cuba is one of my favorites! I did a post a month or so ago about my love of Stephen Starr restaurants and it’s really hard to pick a favorite! Enjoy the rest of the weekend! Looking forward to meeting you 🙂
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance says
Looks like you guys are having a blasty!
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
WOah! quite the swanky looking affair. Sounds amazing 🙂
Shana says
I live an hour from Philly and I think you’ve already seen more of the city than I have. I’m all geared for for HLS tonight! Chia cocktails are calling my name!
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
What a fun day!! I can’t wait to join everyone tonight! Have a great Friday.
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
The AllieBar went to CA and back?! I hope it still tasted alright!
Emma Ruth says
looks like a great time. loving your dress too:)
Molly @ RDexposed says
Calorie King: the making of a dietitian? ha
Lindsay @ Lindsay's List says
lots like you’re having a blast so far! I’m in love with both of your outfits.
kaila @ healthyhelper blog! says
Looks like so much fun! I LOVE cuban food! So flavorful and delicious! Those rolls look incredible!
Larbs says
Wow, that dinner looks good! One day I’ll come to one of these events:( Last time I was in Philly, I liked it enough to move there. What do you think?
KathEats says
It’s very pretty – more neighborhoody and cleaner than Boston – but I just couldn’t ever live IN a city
Hope says
I love Stephen Starr restaurants! I’ve never been to Alma de Cuba but the food looks delicious! 🙂
Shayla @ The Good Life says
What a fun, delicious day and a great start to the festivities!! Can’t wait to read more recaps! 🙂
Hillary says
What a great first day in Philly! Looks like the Summit is off to a good start, huh?
PS–where did you get that dress? It is absolutely adorable!
KathEats says
At a clothing swap!
Hillary says
Aw, snap! You got so lucky with that one!
Cait's Plate says
Yay! I’m so excited for you guys!! Have so much fun 🙂
Katie says
WHERE did you get that dress, Kath? Gorgeous!!!
KathEats says
Thanks – it’s from a clothing swap!
Alaina says
The only time I’ve been to Philadelphia was at 2AM for a Pat’s cheesesteak, on our way to Atlantic City.
Needless to say, I need to go back. 🙂 Looks like a good time so far!
Baking N Books says
Sabrina is quite the hostess!
That duck is the cutest thing to me though..:)
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says
That is quite a set-up she had back at her condo! I can’t wait until I have a real house and salary to do things like that… haha. Have a great weekend!
Kristin @ FoodFash says
You definitely win the award for fastest posting! I’m just getting to Starbucks now 🙂
Ashley@MyFoodNFitnessDiaries says
I LOVE little dessert get-togethers! So fun. Have a great time! Looks like you are already!
Eileen says
Ohh, Alma de Cuba is awesome! I’m a Philly girl … I’m looking forward to seeing your posts from here.
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
oooooh have FUN! Looks like a grand time is being had 🙂
Angel7 says
I have never been to Philly, but want to go. I want to eat an official philly cheese steak sandwich when we go there.
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Anne Marie@New Weigh of Life says
You guys are in my hometown! Hope you enjoy your stay!
Lexi @ A Spoonful of Sunshine says
Manchego rolls?!?!?!?! Holy deliciousness.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
What a fun first day! And all those desserts look like the perfect ending. Can’t wait to read more!
Maud says
Enjoy your stay in the Cradle of Liberty! Lots of great sites and cultural happenings and a foodie destination.
Katie says
i love alma de cuba! cant believe you were in philly – i am so close! love that city 🙂