5 Philly Brunch Photos of the Week

Happy Friday food-loving friends. Here are some Friday Food Photos for you, honoring delicious brunches we've had around Philadelphia recently. 

Talula's Daily opened this summer just off Washington Square. The next two photos show you one of their big slices of quiche, enjoyed at a sidewalk table overlooking the square, and a ham n' brie croissant, eaten inside at one of Talula's rustic wooden tables. You can also get sandwiches, baked goods, meat/cheese and other quick bites here, as well as a seasonally-inspired, ever-changing, five course dinner. 

Cafe Lutecia, a little french cafe at the corner of 23rd & Lombard, is beloved from Fitler Square to the 'burbs. We've heard of people coming all the way in from the Main Line just to eat brunch here. Pick a croque madame (below + tea and coffee), breakfast sandwich, quiche or soup (tomato bisque is best) off the simple menu, grab an old copy of Paris Match and check out of reality for a while...

Only a couple blocks from Cafe Lutecia is Gavin's Cafe at the corner of 25th & Pine. Run by Argentinian chef Jezabel Careaga, two featured items at Gavin's are the daily empanadas and the alfajores. The empanadas are a fun treat for any time of day and a nice alternative for brunch. On an occasional Friday night Gavin's stays open and serves them along with frozen mint lemonade for a BYOB dinner (bring rum to make a mojito). The alfajores are shortbread cookies with dulce de leche filling and grated coconut on the outside. I LOVE THEM. I heard recently that they sell mini versions now too, but honestly, just get a large. You'll want the whole thing plus a few more to take home.

Hot Chocolate Wars: Cafe Lutecia and Milkboy Philly

My ongoing taste test of hot chocolate throughout Philadelphia brought me to two new spots recently: Cafe Lutecia and Milkboy Philly.

Milkboy and Cafe Lutecia's hot chocolates both offer pleasing flavor - not over chocolatey or too thick to drink. Neither was lukewarm (my pet peeve with cafes) but both were still not quite hot enough for me. They are a fraction of the price of novelty shop RIM Cafe, but I would just ask the waiter to make sure your drink is nice and hot. And skip the whipped cream because I'm convinced that lowers the temperature. Plus, who needs those calories?

At Milkboy, I also recommend picking at the giant bowl of mixed spiced nuts for just a few dollars while you sit at their coffee/alcohol bar. Can't comment on the rest of their food because I haven't had it yet, but I like the overall chill vibe of the cafe/bar/music joint. Here's Midtown Lunch's review of other Milkboy food menu items.

Milkboy is located at 11th and Chestnut, so it's an easy place to stop in for a drink or a bite at any time of day. It's probably one of the few spots you can get a hot chocolate while your friend or significant other gets a beer.

Hot chocolate at Milkboy

Spiced Nuts at Milkboy

Coffee and cocoa at Cafe Lutecia

Cafe Lutecia is a cute little french cafe at 23rd and Lombard. It's frequently packed inside and out during brunch/lunch. It's not open in the evenings. I always assumed the crowd was neighborhood folks, but have heard recently of people who come in regularly from the 'burbs just for the food. We enjoy their soups and quiches (three specials per day!). It's also a good place to swing in and pick up a bagel or fresh croissant on your way to work, catch up on the latest French magazine or momentarily transport yourself to Paris when regulars strike up a conversation en Francais.

If you want to get out of your neighborhood for a bit, Cafe Lutecia is worth a bike ride or long walk, both for its food/drinks and a stroll around the quaint Fitler Square.
 
Where else should I try the hot chocolate this winter? (I know, I know, Golasa is on my list...)