So it’s Tuesday… but Friday’s dinner is still rolling around in the back of my brain, so I HAVE to share it with you guys! As I mentioned last week, it is restaurant week here in Philly, and I was lucky enough to follow up my Three Course Thursday with a Four Course Friday!
My Friday was pretty excellent, if you’d allow me to back up for a minute. At 4pm, my seniors decided to send us home! Considering our dinner reservations weren’t until 7 (and the fiancee doesnt get out of work until 6:15…) I did what any normal girl would do with a few hours to kill would do: SHOP!
I started here, at the cutest little second-hand shop on Chestnut Street. Everything was an additional 50%! Unfortunately I didn’t find anything in my size, despite my most valient efforts 
Next on my shopping tour of Center City was Ann Taylor Loft in Liberty Place. I may or may not have walked out with this cutie… picture it in black though.
I found banana republic too, and got an olive green turtleneck for $13!! Fabulous. No pic though… it was only a turtleneck!
Right outside of Banana was a gorgeous stretch of Broad Street… check out the sights:
The Union League is one of my favorite buildings in Philadelphia. I attend an SJU dinner there every year, and the history and beauty of the building blows me away.
Finally, it was time for dinner. I was meeting Robert at the restaurant we chose – Smokin’ Betty’s on 11th and Sansom. It was a cute place, with a bbq theme. While I was waiting for Robert to get there, I sipped on a raspberry lemonade cocktail, which was DELICIOUS! It was so sweet and light, and it reminded me of summer!
Unfortunately, this was the last picture I took of the evening. I’m still a little camera shy, even around my darling fiancee. Any suggestions for getting over this fear while blogging?!
Anyway, our dinner was ah-maz-ingg! The whole meal reminded me of my childhood. My first course was a cheesesteak springroll. While it wasn’t very bbq-y, it was so good! The chinese restaurant in my hometown used to make something similar, and it brought me back to the good ol’ days! It was paired with a yummy tomato jam that gave it a nice tangy flavor. Robert’s appetizer was enough for a whole meal… 3 bbq sliders. He didn’t seem to have any problem polishing them off though! One was pulled chicken, one was beef brisket, and one was pulled pork. I stole a few bites – I think the brisket was my favorite!
There was a quick garden salad course, which freshened our palattes for the humongous plate of ribs heading our way. I have always had a soft spot for good bbq, as my family vacationed in the south every summer of my childhood. These ribs were perfect – delicious tangy bbq sauce, and the meat just fell off the bone. Just thinking about them makes my mouth water! 
About 6 big ribs were paired with grilled asparagus, and mac+cheese. I ate all of my veggies (and Robert’s too!), and most of the ribs. The mac was actually very garlicky, and not what I was hoping for… but I certainly didn’t miss it amongst all the other great food on the table!
By the time dessert came around, we were both stuffed. I only had room for a few bites of my chocolate mousse – it was so rich. It tasted just like chocolate gelato, but it had such a fluffy texture. It was truly divine. Somehow I managed to find room for the whipped cream and berries that came with it though
All in all, our dinner at Smokin’ Betty’s was so much fun, and a great dining experience. Our server was so happy and enthusiastic, and the service was fast. Both Robert and I agreed that it was a fun change from the typical italian BYOB that we usually frequent during restaurant week. I highly recommend it!
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) and passing out so I could wake up on time for work today. It was still a great night… tonight will be more fun though! The asset management teams at my firm are having a beer pong tournament, and then we’ll be celebrating a friend’s birthday later. I can’t wait!
06-25-10 6:46AM
2.25 mi in 26:10 (11:38 min/mi)