Philadelphia: the City of Bro... um, Sisterly Love
Sarah Groundwater
I know what you’re thinking: how can Philadelphia possibly be a destination for girlfriends and divas? Isn’t it only famous for three things: Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, a bell, and a shout-out in the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme song?
But Philadelphia is surprisingly fresh and fabulous, and a beautiful place to spend an autumn afternoon with your girlfriends. This city may be a hotbed of American history, but it is also steeped in all fun things girly… girly like 18th-century dress-up costumes, champagne a la Martha Washington, and cheese melted onto beef (yes, a Philly cheesesteak sandwich).
Still not convinced? Grab your best gals and follow me on an adventure through cobblestone streets and the history of the women behind the men who really got this country started.
Grab Some Meat
First things first. Lunch. And yes, if you are going to enjoy this city you must live this city. That means eating what it is most famed for: The Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. My choice? Campo’s. Located near the heart of old town, you will find Campo’s at 214 Market Street. Order the ‘works’ for $7.50. It’s a traditional Philly complete with sautéed tender beef cooked before your eyes, gooey cheese, mushrooms, onions and bell peppers served on a fresh and delightfully chewy bun. Don’t forget to ask for pickles on the side! I swear your mouth will sing with happiness as you take your first delicious bite. In fact, you will enjoy your cheesesteak so much, you may want to go back later for seconds. I don’t recommend this. It is possible to have too much cheesesteak. Learn from my mistakes. And if you’re a vegetarian? There are amazing sandwiches built just for you!
www.camposdeli.com
What to See
Liberty Bell, Shliberty Bell. Declaration of Independence? Meh. It’s all about women in this town. Out of interest, head to the Todd house. Really, it’s just a house. A lovely Georgian Quaker affair, but a house nonetheless. What is interesting is its prior inhabitants. It was built by William Todd for his wife Dolley and their eventual family. Unfortunately, Todd was taken by yellow fever just after the house was finished. Dolley remarried a gentleman by the name of James Madison, who would later become America’s fourth president. Known as the Incomparable Dolley, Mrs. Madison acted as both the hostess and First Lady for the widowed Thomas Jefferson, then served as First Lady in her own right when her husband became president. Dolley is known for helping to furnish the White House, much of which remains today, as well saving much of the White House’s treasures (including the famed portrait of George Washington) when the place was seized by the British. It was at her state funeral years later that the term ‘First Lady’ was coined. Trendsetter or what?
Other women of note are abundant in this town. What would America be without its famous stars and stripes? The seamstress who designed the flag lived right here in Philadelphia. Betsy Ross. It is rumored that this strong femme fatale quelled protests from George Washington, who thought stars would be unfamiliar and too difficult for women to sew. She marched to her scissors, grabbed a paper and showed Mr. Washington that women are quite capable of making a star.
Clearly historical interest points are abundant in this town, and all housed in examples of lovely Georgian architecture. So knock yourself out. But keep in mind that the United States of America was built by more than just men.
Where to Drink
Sure, sure, it’s the middle of the day and you are tired from stomping around Liberty’s hallways. You’re thinking a nice cup of tea or a muffin might be nice now. Ummmm. No. You will be enjoying a shrub. It’s not dirty, trust me. Enter City Tavern. Sure, part of you will think this place is for tourists who will be thrilled to see serving staff wearing traditional 18th-century costume and drinking water out of primitive metal goblets, but it’s fun, a bit kitsch and serves a mean shrub.
Shrub: a colonial beverage that mixes cider vinegar, raspberries and champagne.
Good enough for Martha Washington, good enough for me. Let’s just say that you have one of these puppies and the rest of the afternoon will float away. They are delicious. And strong. Just be careful upon leaving not to hit on any costumed Benjamin Franklins.
If you can’t make it to Philadelphia to partake in these goodies, please find the recipes attached.
And remember … every city should be one of sisterly love.
Martha Washington Shrub
Ingredients:
Raspberries-Fresh
4 quartsVinegar (cider vinegar is best for this)or White Vinegar, if you prefer
Sugar
Water or Soda Water
Ice
**Grown Up Option** For Cocktail alternative add Dark Rum or Champagne *wink*
To make:
Place raspberries in large agateware kettle or stone jar.Cover with vinegar, just enough so that the berries will not float.Allow the mixture to stand overnight.In the morning squeeze mixture through a cheesecloth.For each cup of strained liquid, add 1 cup sugar; boil for 20 minutes. Bottle when cool. Store in cool place.To serve, put into a glass as much of the raspberry shrub as you would use of concentrated grape juice; then fill the glass with ice cold water or cracked ice. Then add *Grown Up alternative if you like*....Champagne or Rum
Philly Cheesesteak
Ingredients:
2 fresh Italian sandwich rolls or Kaiser buns, split in half crosswise
1 white onion, thinly sliced
1/2 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 pound rib-eye steak, very very thinly shaved or sliced
1/3 pound thinly sliced white American cheese, or Provolone cheese OR 4 ounces melted cheese whiz
Ketchup, optional topping
Italian pickled peppers, accompaniment
Directions
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. When hot add the oil, onions and bell peppers, and cook, stirring, until caramelized, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Push off to 1 side of the griddle.Add the meat to the hot pan and cook, stirring and breaking up with the back of 2 metal spatulas, until almost no longer pink, about 2 minutes. Mix in the Sauteed vegetables. Top with cheese slices and melt. Spoon the cheesy meat mixture into the warm buns and serve immediately with condiments of choice or Put the meat in the bun and dip the spatula in the cheese whiz and then wipe the spatula down the inside of the bread.
Source: grouprecipes.com
But Philadelphia is surprisingly fresh and fabulous, and a beautiful place to spend an autumn afternoon with your girlfriends. This city may be a hotbed of American history, but it is also steeped in all fun things girly… girly like 18th-century dress-up costumes, champagne a la Martha Washington, and cheese melted onto beef (yes, a Philly cheesesteak sandwich).
Still not convinced? Grab your best gals and follow me on an adventure through cobblestone streets and the history of the women behind the men who really got this country started.
Grab Some Meat
First things first. Lunch. And yes, if you are going to enjoy this city you must live this city. That means eating what it is most famed for: The Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. My choice? Campo’s. Located near the heart of old town, you will find Campo’s at 214 Market Street. Order the ‘works’ for $7.50. It’s a traditional Philly complete with sautéed tender beef cooked before your eyes, gooey cheese, mushrooms, onions and bell peppers served on a fresh and delightfully chewy bun. Don’t forget to ask for pickles on the side! I swear your mouth will sing with happiness as you take your first delicious bite. In fact, you will enjoy your cheesesteak so much, you may want to go back later for seconds. I don’t recommend this. It is possible to have too much cheesesteak. Learn from my mistakes. And if you’re a vegetarian? There are amazing sandwiches built just for you!
www.camposdeli.com
What to See
Liberty Bell, Shliberty Bell. Declaration of Independence? Meh. It’s all about women in this town. Out of interest, head to the Todd house. Really, it’s just a house. A lovely Georgian Quaker affair, but a house nonetheless. What is interesting is its prior inhabitants. It was built by William Todd for his wife Dolley and their eventual family. Unfortunately, Todd was taken by yellow fever just after the house was finished. Dolley remarried a gentleman by the name of James Madison, who would later become America’s fourth president. Known as the Incomparable Dolley, Mrs. Madison acted as both the hostess and First Lady for the widowed Thomas Jefferson, then served as First Lady in her own right when her husband became president. Dolley is known for helping to furnish the White House, much of which remains today, as well saving much of the White House’s treasures (including the famed portrait of George Washington) when the place was seized by the British. It was at her state funeral years later that the term ‘First Lady’ was coined. Trendsetter or what?
Other women of note are abundant in this town. What would America be without its famous stars and stripes? The seamstress who designed the flag lived right here in Philadelphia. Betsy Ross. It is rumored that this strong femme fatale quelled protests from George Washington, who thought stars would be unfamiliar and too difficult for women to sew. She marched to her scissors, grabbed a paper and showed Mr. Washington that women are quite capable of making a star.
Clearly historical interest points are abundant in this town, and all housed in examples of lovely Georgian architecture. So knock yourself out. But keep in mind that the United States of America was built by more than just men.
Where to Drink
Sure, sure, it’s the middle of the day and you are tired from stomping around Liberty’s hallways. You’re thinking a nice cup of tea or a muffin might be nice now. Ummmm. No. You will be enjoying a shrub. It’s not dirty, trust me. Enter City Tavern. Sure, part of you will think this place is for tourists who will be thrilled to see serving staff wearing traditional 18th-century costume and drinking water out of primitive metal goblets, but it’s fun, a bit kitsch and serves a mean shrub.
Shrub: a colonial beverage that mixes cider vinegar, raspberries and champagne.
Good enough for Martha Washington, good enough for me. Let’s just say that you have one of these puppies and the rest of the afternoon will float away. They are delicious. And strong. Just be careful upon leaving not to hit on any costumed Benjamin Franklins.
If you can’t make it to Philadelphia to partake in these goodies, please find the recipes attached.
And remember … every city should be one of sisterly love.
Martha Washington Shrub
Ingredients:
Raspberries-Fresh
4 quartsVinegar (cider vinegar is best for this)or White Vinegar, if you prefer
Sugar
Water or Soda Water
Ice
**Grown Up Option** For Cocktail alternative add Dark Rum or Champagne *wink*
To make:
Place raspberries in large agateware kettle or stone jar.Cover with vinegar, just enough so that the berries will not float.Allow the mixture to stand overnight.In the morning squeeze mixture through a cheesecloth.For each cup of strained liquid, add 1 cup sugar; boil for 20 minutes. Bottle when cool. Store in cool place.To serve, put into a glass as much of the raspberry shrub as you would use of concentrated grape juice; then fill the glass with ice cold water or cracked ice. Then add *Grown Up alternative if you like*....Champagne or Rum
Philly Cheesesteak
Ingredients:
2 fresh Italian sandwich rolls or Kaiser buns, split in half crosswise
1 white onion, thinly sliced
1/2 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 pound rib-eye steak, very very thinly shaved or sliced
1/3 pound thinly sliced white American cheese, or Provolone cheese OR 4 ounces melted cheese whiz
Ketchup, optional topping
Italian pickled peppers, accompaniment
Directions
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. When hot add the oil, onions and bell peppers, and cook, stirring, until caramelized, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Push off to 1 side of the griddle.Add the meat to the hot pan and cook, stirring and breaking up with the back of 2 metal spatulas, until almost no longer pink, about 2 minutes. Mix in the Sauteed vegetables. Top with cheese slices and melt. Spoon the cheesy meat mixture into the warm buns and serve immediately with condiments of choice or Put the meat in the bun and dip the spatula in the cheese whiz and then wipe the spatula down the inside of the bread.
Source: grouprecipes.com