Date Night Itinerary

Philadelphia, aptly dubbed the City of Brotherly Love, caters to couples looking to re-energize their relationships at romantic eateries, gourmet grocers, sweets shops and other locally-sourced, swoon-worthy spots. But why not begin with a little education:

Tria Cafe

Expand your knowledge and your palate:

Tria Café

1601 Walnut Street, Suite 610
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 972-7076.
www.triacafe.com

Your Education begins at Tria Fermentation School, where cheese, wine and beer make up the syllabus for one-night classes with names like “Fortified Wine: Only the Strong Survive.” Brewers, vintners, cheese makers, importers and authors share their knowledge with gastronomy-loving students in a low-pressure environment.

Philadelphia Brewing Company

Saturdays, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
2439 Amber Street
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 427-2739
www.philadelphiabrewing.com

If wine and cheese aren’t your bag, Philadelphia Brewing Co. is open for tours on Saturdays between the hours of 12 and 3 p.m. They don’t serve food but are happy to sell you all the tasty beer you can consume (or carry out).

Garces Trading Company

1111 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 574-1099
www.garcestradingcompany.com

After you’ve worked your brain and your tastebuds, swing by Garces Trading Company and savor a cup of coffee made of customized blends from Lambertville’s Rojo’s Roastery. Fancy something stronger? Garces’ partnership with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board allows for in-store wine purchasing and drinking. Grab a bottle and don’t miss the Next Iron Chef’s homemade mozzarella and house-cured charcuterie.

For Dinner:

MidAtlantic
3711 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 386-3711
www.midatlanticrestaurant.com

Daniel Stern reinterprets the roots of traditional Philadelphia foods and the Mid-Atlantic Region. Here, the menu brings back the tastes, seasonings, spices and produce of the bustling and vibrant city market that once made its way from City Hall down to the Delaware River.

LaCroix Restaurant

210 West Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 790-2533
www.lacroixrestaurant.com

LaCroix at the Rittenhouse’s Chef de Cuisine Jason Cichonski uses local farms in Northern PA and Bucks County to create delicious cuisine at Lacroix. Cichonski and his team enjoy using locally grown products as well as supporting the buy fresh buy local mentality. Chef sometimes take this practice a little further as they find it necessary and important for them to use the freshest ingredients possible.

For the sweet tooth:

The Franklin Fountain

116 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-1899
www.franklinfountain.com

The ice cream at The Franklin Fountain, a few doors down, is also homemade. You’ll see a lot of Dr. Dovey’s Classic Banana Splits, made from the original 1904 recipe, but there’s usually an offbeat flavor with indie appeal; ask your friendly servers for their favorites.

Capogiro Gelateria

119 S. 13th Street
www.capogirogelato.com

If fine artisanal gelato and sorbetto are more your speed, head to one of Philadelphia’s most popular dessert staples: Capogiro. This gelateria with 4 locations across the city offers dozens of refreshing flavors that will give you that Roman Holiday feeling (scooter and all)!

Late Night:

Johnny Brenda’s

1201 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 739-9684
www.johnnybrendas.com

After you’ve had your fill of food, head to Johnny Brenda’s, one of the city’s best live-music venues that serves up local fare (can you say midnight snack?) and lots of local beers on draught. Head upstairs to catch the act in their intimate performance space.

And if the date went really well:

Headhouse Farmer’s Market

Saturdays and Sundays from May to December, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
www.headhousemarket.org

Now in its third year, the weekend Headhouse Farmers’ Market continues to grow, boasting more than 25 foodie-favorite farmers and producers. This year, the expanded Saturday market debuts with 10 vendors.

Cafe Estelle

444 North 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123-4124
(215) 925-5080
www.cafeestelle.com

If you’d rather have someone else do the cooking, try brunch at Café Estelle if. All their breads and pastries (except bagels) are made on-site. As is their sausage, bacon, brined and smoked turkey, mozzarella cheese, ice cream, club soda and mayo, to name a few. Simply put, at Café Estelle, quality and caring = good food.