HEY THERE FRIENDS of the interweb. What’s crack-a-lackin’? I need to write this fast as my husband is on his way home from a weekend trip and I need to clean the house LOL – this past week includes some gym time, yoga, food (as always), and we chat about my first facial experience!
hope you enjoy this and as always thank you for spending time with me xoxo
Located at 1040 N. 2nd Street in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia is this phenomenal Mexican/Texas BBQ restaurant called El Camino Real. I have had just about everything from this menu, and now I can say I’ve been there for brunch!
They offer BBQ, they offer Mexican, they even offer a combination of both! Think: pulled pork in a quesadilla (ie: “Pulled Pork-a-Dilla”). It’s a combination sent from above.
For this particular post, I visited El Camino on a Sunday morning for brunch while my family was visiting. Thus, I have a few plates to share – and boy, were they delicious.
First and most importantly, my meal. LMAO. No but really, we’re starting with me. I got the brown sugar french toast, with bananas and sweet cream. This was so good. It was a large portion and filled me up, but did not overdo it.
My mom also got the same plate – and totally enjoyed it.
My fiance went a little more “classic brunch” and got the huevos rancheros. This dish is topped with a fried egg, cheddar, scallions, and “crema” sauce. He loved it! Our expectations were definitely exceeded once we began to dig in.
My dad was probably the most venturous of all and ordered sausage gravy over sausage and biscuits, eggs, and potato hash. And tbh, this looked the best OF ALL. So savory and delicious. He cleaned the entire plate.
So that was our brunch! I would certainly return to this location – it was a hit with my family. On another note, prices are also reasonable. If you’re willing to do some brunchy boozin’ that option is also available with Bloody Mary’s and margaritas!
El Camino is well-rounded and should receive praise for being that way.
Xoxo,
KS
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This is the place I pigged out the day before a 10-mile race down Broad St. in Center City, Philadelphia. I didn’t stop running the entire time, and that’s unusual for me, so I’m giving all of the credit to Bareburger, located at 1109 Walnut St.
This place proved a lot more impressive than my first glance into the window. First of all, it’s a sit-down. Like a real restaurant – designated to burgers. Really quickly, please let this sink in because if it doesn’t sounds like an absolute dream already, lemme go more into detail.
We each ordered the “standard burger,” which is topped with Colby cheese, caramelized onions, dill pickles, and special sauce between a brioche bun. I added avocado and my boyfriend fiancé added bacon!
The burgers are outstanding. Very fresh ingredients and juicy beef patties. They weren’t too big or slim either, the perfect size. And if that’s not enough to convince you to stop by, take a look at the fried goodies we added to the order.
Onion rings and fries, served with FOUR different sauces: smoke sauce, special sauce, habanero mayo, and curry ginger ketchup. Something for everyone’s taste buds.
Bottom line – the food is killer, the atmosphere inviting, and the wait staff are very friendly and willing to go into depth about their menu. I would highly recommend and will definitely be returning to this location. I’m so happy I got to try it out!
All my Philly friends: ever been here? Is there another place like it?
Xoxo,
KS
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For a couple weeks now I have been testing out the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation, which retails for $5.99. I picked mine up in the shade Nude Ivory (which has a neutral undertone).
I have some pros and cons to this foundation, and I’ll explain why. I have combination/oily skin, with an exceedingly shiny t-zone as the day progresses. Tbh, I jumped on this foundation train after watching Casey Holmes review it in a recent “Wear Test” on her YouTube channel. Her claim was that it applied nicely and held up fairly well on oily skin. Overall, she liked the way it wore throughout the day, and would give it a two thumbs up. And for $6, I can’t say I disagree with her!
PROS:
blends nicely with a sponge
buildable
fantastic selection of shades in the range of skin tones
applicator makes for an easy swift application to face (without creating a mess on the back of your hand or end of your sponge/brush)
stays relatively matte for 7 hours
CONS:
I can’t use this foundation with a brush, it just doesn’t blend out evenly and ends up looking patchy
light coverage – don’t plan to conceal any red blemishes or acne scars
there is a scent to this foundation, not necessarily “chemically,” but it’s there
Who would I recommend it to? Those looking for a light-coverage, light-wear foundation. I think people with dry skin as well as oily skin would enjoy this foundation, but I think you get what you’d expect for $6.00, if that makes sense?
Have you tried this foundation?! Would you buy it again? Did you love or hate it, or maybe you felt indifferent? I’d love to hear your opinions, as I haven’t decided if I’d like to repurchase it once it’s gone.
Xoxo,
KS
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“There are similar/better products for a fraction of the price.”
Price: $17.00
Let me start by saying I am a firm believer in The Body Shop skincare line. I will stand behind their tea tree oil for spot-treating blemishes until the day I leave this earth.
For the record: I have been using this mask 1-2 times a week for three weeks. On Ulta’s website, the Body Shop claims that this mask works to draw out excess oil from the pores, but I haven’t noticed a change in oil production. I also haven’t noticed an improvement in my blemishes, nor are they being “prevented.”
I will give it this: the mask feels soothing on the skin, and once activated there is a tingly sensation on your face that feels like the mask is really working. It does not dry down quickly, nor does it leave your skin feeling super tight by the time you’re ready to wash it off.
PROS:
lightweight formula which doesn’t dry down to a skin-tight feeling
tea tree scent is not overwhelming
a little seems to go a long way – I think the tub will last me awhile
CONS:
I feel like I get the same results for less $$ elsewhere
it hasn’t worked “wonders” to clear my skin or absorb excess oil
the price tag
So that’s my summary! I will say, regardless of my opinions on this mask, it will definitely last me awhile, which could make the $17 worth it. That being said, I would also like to give their Seaweed Oil-Balancing clay mask a go. This mask is $23.00, so I will wait until I finish the tea tree one before I jump into that purchase. I firmly believe the Body Shop has the potential to wow me when it comes to skincare, and considering it’s an investment, it may be worth it. Anything to balance out the oil in my face would be a godsend.
What is your favorite skincare item from the Body Shop? Should I be trying some other items? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! I love hearing new ideas/products to try.
Xoxo,
KS
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Bringing you another foodie article on a go-to Center City Philadelphia restaurant, this time featuring Devil’s Alley! Located at 1907 Chestnut St, it’s an easy walk from Center City. I’d like to add we went on a Tuesday evening around 6:00 pm, and walked right in to be seated. This place had a great atmosphere, killer inside décor, and super friendly staff. The inside felt like you were outside, despite it being the middle of winter. Green all around, potted trees, and garland strung throughout the upper level provided for a cozy, yet casual setting.
We started off the dinner with two ciders, considering they were only THREE DOLLARS for happy hour. Insane, right? So obviously we each ordered one. Then taking a look at the menu, this place has a lot to offer as far as American food is concerned. Great-looking sandwiches, tasty starters, and a variety of burger options. My friend had been there before, and knowing how good it was, she couldn’t stray far from the buffalo chicken sandwich (bleu cheese on the side).
Being a sandwich person myself, it was between the pulled pork and crab cake sandwich. I’m a big fan of asking the waiter’s opinion, regardless of them being biased or not. He informed me the crab cake was his favorite, so crab cake it was! And honestly, I was not disappointed, I’m a proud seafood lover (even though I live in the land of the cheese steaks!). So I ordered the crab cake sandwich, topped with lettuce, tomato, and sriracha aioli sauce.
When it comes to food, I’m not hard to please, but this was delicious. Prices were on point too. Overall, I had a wonderful first experience with Devil’s Alley, and can’t wait to go back!
Xoxo,
KS
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As far as I’m concerned, Cantina Los Caballitos has mastered the Mexican cuisine in South Philly. Located at 1651 E. Passyunk Ave, this restaurant offers a bar inside as well as spacious seating, with the opportunity to be seated outside, weather permitted.
To start off, you need a margarita in your hand. If you were me, it would probably be frozen and mango flavored (can’t go wrong). And don’t worry about ordering chips, that and two varieties of salsa will be hand-delivered to your table within minutes. I know it’s tempting, but do your best to not fill up on chips and salsa before your tasty meal arrives.
I ordered the pork carnitas taco, topped with onion and cilantro. I added cheese and sour cream for an additional $1/each. So worth it. My friend ordered the quesadilla de pollo, topped with peppers, corn, and quest fresco. My tacos were incredible, and I could only manage two of them. I saved the third for lunch the following day, and I swear it was even better.
Along with good eats and fabulous margs, Cantina provides a casual and fun atmosphere, perfect for catching a drink/bite to eat after work. Great happy hour too! This is definitely a place to hit if you’re in the neighborhood for a fun outing.
Xoxo,
KS
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“This is definitely classier than most, and the price is right!”
Located at 110 South 13th Street
Barbuzzo is a Mediterranean bar and grill which specializes in unique tastes and flavorful dishes. It has quickly turned into our spot for special occasions. First it was my birthday (which, I might add, was New Years Eve with a superb set four-course meal) and the second visit was for our anniversary. Both times were not a letdown. This restaurant serves to impress and is accompanied by incredible waitstaff.
As I previously mentioned, the first time we visited there was a set menu. We started with the sheep’s milk ricotta paired with country-grilled bread, and followed with our individual choices for dinner and then an amazing, absolutely must-try, caramel dessert.
The second time around, we ordered that sheep’s milk ricotta again, and it did not disappoint. I love that they give you more than enough spread to dip your bread. They do not skimp on portions for those of us who come with a big appetite.
On NYE, I had asked our waiter if my main dish (campanelle) was a feature on their usual menu, and he said, “No, not typically.” BUT… little did he know, or maybe the menu changed to incorporate it, campanelle was on the menu as a dinner dish and ya girl here was so. so. stoked.
This is HANDS DOWN the best pasta dish I have ever eaten in my entire life.
Okay, yes, I know. Bold statement. And I am a huge pasta fanatic… anything noodles and believe me I’m there. But I stand by this. The flavors of this dish with tiny veal meatballs and a truffle cream incorporating kale and parmesan are everything a pasta-obsessive person is looking for. Please make sure that when you go, someone at the table orders this.
My boyfriend chose to devour an entire margherita pizza, and I don’t think he thought twice about his choice.
Lastly, we enjoyed one of the greatest desserts Philadelphia has to offer, the salted caramel budino. With a chocolate “cookie-like” crust on the bottom, followed by layered vanilla bean and salted caramel goodness, this dessert will not disappoint you AT ALL.
I was really excited to write this feature and I’m happy I could make it to Barbuzzo twice in a couple months. It will definitely be a place I return to as I don’t think we’ll be able to stay away!
Xoxo,
KS
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“This takes the meaning of pizza to the next level.”
Imagine having a front row seat watching pizza chefs toss dough, sprinkle cheese, and swivel a pie around in a wood-fired oven. On a Friday night. My kind of entertainment. Some might think sitting at the “bar” table is a much less glamorous spot than reserving a table just for the two of you, but I think not. If even just to pass the time, watching the pizza gurus at work is highly recommended.
So I tried Pizzeria Stella in Old City, Philadelphia a couple weeks ago. Located at 2nd and Lombard, this wood-fired pizza is an absolute delight for a night out. Don’t come here expecting anything less than a sizzling hot and deliciously-seasoned pie.
The wait was not long, though as I mentioned we did opt for a bar seat (which only meant standing for a few minutes as opposed to a 30-min wait at the door). Once seated, we were quick to order a whole pizza each, considering we wanted to try more than one and leftovers are everyone’s dream. First, we selected the sausage pizza with wood-roasted sausage, a pesto topping, mozzarella cheese and tomato. For our second pie, we chose the brussels sprouts pizza with pancetta, smoked mozzarella and onions. Is your mouth drooling yet?
Then we watched the whole process as each chef took part in their assigned role. First guy would spin the dough until he created the perfect crust. Second guy was the designated “saucer,” then we had a third and fourth guy sharing the role of “toppings.” Then into the fire, though not for long. These pizzas cooked fast.
THIS PLACE WAS PHENOMENAL.
I mean, the flavor, wow. Watching the process, awesome. And I was happy I could take some home to reheat in the oven! Overall, amazing experience here for the second time, and I will be happy to come back and bring new people.
I want to do this place justice so I’m putting forth my best efforts to describe Interstate Drafthouse in Fishtown, Philadelphia. Located at 1235 E Palmer St., this draft house has everything you could fathom as far as delicious pub food is concerned. The Google ratings are outstanding, the menu diverse, and let me tell you the pictures do not do it justice. I am writing this article to encourage all in the Philadelphia area to check this place out.
Let’s start with the fried pickles, because this was our first impression of the chef’s capabilities. These fried pickles weren’t your average thinly sliced pickles, they were fat. And v juicy. Accompanied with a side of ranch, I guarantee these will not disappoint. Between two people, we couldn’t finish them all because there would have been no room for dinner!
Now, if you’re also a fan of juicy cheeseburgers, this is your place. I don’t know if you could tell by now, but I have been on a huge cheeseburger kick. Anywhere I go, my eyes gravitate to the burgers/sandwiches on the menu. This burger did not disappoint. It was cooked perfectly and the fries made for a delicious sidekick. Did I mention it’s topped with truffle mayo? Sold.
My boyfriend had the chicken quesadilla and he was thoroughly impressed and satisfied. Normally, I eat more than him, but he was quick to down this quesadilla and most of his side of fries. It appeared to be pulled chicken “seasoned to perfection,” he claimed. This was definitely a win.
“Make sure you include my Villanova tee in the picture.”
So that’s my take on their food! The Interstate Drafthouse is definitely somewhere I will revisit, as I am eager to try the remainder of their menu. The staff is super friendly and willing to accommodate where they can. This bar/restaurant has a very casual vibe, and it wasn’t packed when we went on a Sunday evening. All in all, amazing experience and can’t wait to come back for more!
KATRINA || KS LOVES 