This bi-level restaurant is often active and buzzing with people. Petite tables, rich wood chairs and soft Parisian-influenced music add to the overall feel. Caribou is cozy and charming, but with some added flavor. Walls are painted a dramatic orange that allow the black and white photos of French scenes to really stand out. The extra-long and ornately decorated bar offers the perfect seat for a glass of French wine. What I like best about the dececor is their sidewalk tables, which is one of the most relaxing places to be on a fresh Spring day.

Caribou’s food is consistently appetizing and just enough portion-wise. Try their rich tasting crab cake or one of their many lovely salads or sandwiches. They provide a lush experience and meal without being too fancy or overdone.

For a European escape or just to reminisce over that romantic Parisian vacation, Caribou is consistently an enjoyable option.

Caribou Cafe
1126 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215.625.9535

Open just over a year now, what enticed me was their extensive selection of LoftArt. They have binders full of paintings and photographs to choose from. Ranging in size, style and finishing, each giclee print is personalized to your liking. The finished canvas, which takes approximately 4 weeks to produce, is lightweight, affordably priced and timeless. From oversized pieces to smaller-scale prints, as well as some original paintings by local talent and even some sculptures, Absolute Abstract offers several options to add diverse interest to your home.

During my visit, I met owner James and artist Nora who were both extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Their enthusiasm for fine art and the city itself was contagious.

Not only do they provide amazing art, they give back to the community. On the second Saturday of each month, Absolute Abstract holds “Work in Progress”, a live art event. Chosen artists complete a new piece live in the storefront window, which is later auctioned off to benefit local charities. Absolute Abstract is also heavily involved in “Midtown Village”, which focuses on raising awareness and bringing in business to this evolving section of the city.

As a result of their much-deserved success, they have just expanded their showroom this month. Stop by Absolute Abstract for their grand re-opening soiree this Saturday night, April 21 (6-9pm) and order your own custom piece while you’re there. What better way to celebrate!

Absolute Abstract
141 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215.733.0190

With an authentic recipe straight from Brussels and specific ingredients imported weekly from overseas, their waffles are a little piece of heaven. Worth the sometimes fifteen minute wait, the waffles are served hot and perfectly prepared with crisp edges and flavorful throughout. In addition to the traditional waffle, add blueberry, pecan, banana, chocolate or strawberry for more zest - all are equally divine. You can taste the savory sugar and chosen fruit grilled in with each bite. Bonte also serves an array of appealing sandwiches and salads when you’re craving something less sweet.

Bonte is usually buzzing with folks and typical coffeehouse scenes - people sipping cappuccino, talking, reading a newspaper or simply relaxing. The decor softens the commotion, in tones of sky blue and chocolate brown. Muted Miles Davis style of jazz plays and black and white photos adorn the walls.

The idea for Bonte was inspired by a trip overseas. As a traveler myself, I truly appreciate bringing another culture’s traditional favorites back to our city, almost as much as I love their waffles!

Bonte Waffles
130 S. 17th Street - Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.557.8510

922 Walnut Street - Philadelphia, PA 19107
215.238.7407

Lifestyle has an emphasis on home furnishings and accessories, most of it modern with touches of fun and quirky and bright hints of color thrown in. Everything is slightly mismatched, yet all blends perfectly and stylishly together. Izzo has an uncanny eye for spotting the latest trends and making anyone or any home feel more elegant and up-to-date.

One of my many dreams has been to open my own boutique; the style of this store is one that inspires this in me again. It is a long and vast open space, with an industrial, almost unfinished feel - very urban chic. Lifestyle has a cool and relaxed atmosphere, with Madonna or similar music playing in the background. They carry everything from furnishings and pottery, to lighting, home accessories, jewelry and even some clothing makes its way in. Wander toward the back and you’ll stumble upon HeaD AreA, an edgy hair salon conveniently located within Izzo’s Lifestyle shop.

What I like most is how Matthew Izzo’s stores remind me of something I would find in New York or Los Angeles, but he keeps it real in Philly, helping to emerge our own stylish city.

A city girl’s complete Saturday in one place. With clothing, household items, and a hair salon, Matthew Izzo Lifestyle is seriously one-stop shopping. All he has to do now is open a lounge so his clientele can display all of their newly bought fabulousness over some delicious cocktails!

Matthew Izzo
Lifestyle -1109 Walnut Street
215.829.0606
Clothing - 117 S. 13th Street
215.629.1240
Philadelphia PA 19107

An oversized bar welcomes you upon entering and offers plenty of space to mingle once the crowds start to roll in. Public House has a comfortable and inviting character about it, made up of warm woods, exposed brick and American flag painted columns that soar toward the high ceilings. The bar and wait staff are reliably friendly and upbeat.

Numerous plasma screens display different sporting events and the music is ever changing. Sometimes they start out the night with popular 80’s or classics like Prince and Michael Jackson, while often evolving into the current top favorites.

The menu at Public House offers something for all palates, while emphasizing traditional comfort food. Choose from appetizers like calamari, nachos or wings and entrees ranging from burgers and sandwiches to rib-eye steak or salmon. Save room for a dessert and don’t forget to check out one of their tasty specialty drinks like the Mangotini or Brotherly Love Iced Tea.

In case you’re not watching the current Real World on MTV, Public House also has a Denver location. The cast seems to frequent often and if it’s anything like the Philly location, then I can understand why!

Public House
2 Logan Square
18th Street between Arch and Cherry, Philadelphia 19103
215.587.9040

Upon stepping into their stunning entryway, we could immediately feel that Suky was a truly luxurious bridal salon. Decorated in subdued shades of white, ivory and blush tones, the ambiance flawlessly compliments the gown collections. Suky carries an extensive range of dress styles and exclusive designers like Vera Wang, Reem Acra, Elie Saab, and Monique Lhuillier to name a few. They also carry bridal accessories and though they have recently stopped selling bridesmaid dresses, they do offer some special occasion gowns.

What I like most about Suky is their spacious layout, which makes it easier to browse their collections and view the gowns. They have a large fitting area, surrounded by mirrors and enough room for friends and family to participate in helping the bride select that perfect dress. You are able to get that wow factor of seeing her walk in the gown and can view the dresses from every angle. We found this to be a nice luxury, since many other bridal salons were more compact and often crowded.

We were previously warned that the staff might be difficult to deal with, however Suky’s associates offered us superior attention and made the entire process enjoyable. Once a gown is selected, they even have an added touch of toasting champagne to celebrate the special event.

The combination of their bridal selections and service sets Suky apart from other bridal salons. Be sure to check for trunk shows and sample sales for additional bargains.

Suky
102 E. Montgomery Avenue
Ardmore, PA 19003
610.649.3686

Ligne Roset is one of my long-standing area favorites. Located on Main Street in Manayunk, this furniture store is full of eye-catching pieces and has a nice open space just to browse for ideas. They offer many sleek, modern pieces and a mix of innovative classic styles - sometimes with unexpected pops of bright color. I’m always impressed by how the store designers effortlessly combine various pieces and how they manage to make each display seem so inviting and comfortable. I always want to copy a room each time I visit - if only I could afford to redesign my space as often as I get inspired by their fresh ideas!

If you’re like me and cannot splurge on a new sofa or table each time you visit, consider one of their less expensive accessories to alter the look of your room. Ligne Roset stocks plenty of smaller items that can fulfill any design need, including vases, textiles and rugs.

It’s hard to believe this company began by making walking sticks and umbrellas, but I’m certain even they were stylish and well designed.

Ligne Roset
4131 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
215.487.2800

The space is cool, decorated in shades of blue, brown and orange. Mix and match furnishings and cozy tables give it a laid-back and slightly retro vibe. It’s a coffee shop where you can hang out for hours and get to know the local clientele or simply just relax and enjoy your favorite latte.

Speaking of the coffee, they brew endless varieties, along with teas and some light meals. They also mix up some remedies for whatever ails you - hangover, flu, or even an immune boost to help you through the day.

Higher Grounds not only serves up delicious drinks, but they offer free WiFi, extend late hours, showcase rotating artists and stage various shows from poetry to DJ and acoustic performances. It’s a cozy place to go when you’re tired of hanging out in your own living room, yet just as comfortable and fun.

Best of all, their prices won’t jolt you - they’ve left that job to the caffeine.

Higher Grounds
631 North 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215.922.3745

Indulge in one of their many homemade Italian dishes, a coal oven pizza with your choice of toppings or a flavorful salad. Be sure to also save room for a glass of wine and dessert! All menu choices are reasonably priced and portions are generous enough to be shared. Using fresh ingredients and family recipes 60 years in the making, it’s no wonder Pietro’s has become a Philadelphia favorite.

Their atmosphere is casual with tones reminiscent of Italy. A bronze ceiling, terracotta tiles and greenery throughout add to the comfortable and relaxed setting. There is a large bar where you can grab a quick bite or meet friends for drinks and plenty of table seating, including outdoor when the weather permits. I’ve only visited the Walnut Street location, however I recently discovered they also have a site on South Street and in Marlton, NJ.

Open daily, Pietro’s is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a delicious meal.

Pietro’s Coal Oven Pizzeria
1714 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.735.8090

Played at the still fairly new Citizens Bank Park in South Philly, the stadium alone is a sight to see. Perfectly groomed real grass, bright stadium lights, tons of seating, city views, and constant motion both on and off the field.

The Phillies do an excellent job of providing plenty of entertainment beyond the game to keep the crowd going. From the Phanatic mascot playing to the fans, to games on the big screen and cameras scanning the crowd. The music, the lights, and the cheers all add to the overall excitement in the stands. There is ample fun for kids too, from the Phanatic Phun Zone playground to Make your own Phanatic and pinball games.

Attending a game without indulging in some overpriced food and beverages is unheard of. While selling typical concessions like beer, sodas, hot dogs, and popcorn, they also feature a number of other options like Tony Luke’s, Peace A Pizza, and Bull’s BBQ to name a few. McFaddens bar and restaurant at the stadium is also a great place to stop in for a drink before the game.

I do not consider myself a sports fan by any means (I’m lucky that I know the difference between a ball and a puck), but the Phillies games always guarantee a fun time. They hit a home run in entertainment every game.

Philadelphia Phillies
One Citizens Bank Way
Citizens Bank Park
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Tickets: 215.463.1000