Happy Holidays, Philly Weekend and Other Things

It wasn't intentional for the blog to go dormant for nearly a month, but between the holidays being hectic and a spike in the workload that made me disinclined to spend *more* time sitting in front of a computer when I wasn't working, here we are. It's Christmas Day and I'm finally getting some time in front of the personal laptop while the oven does its magic on the roast beast.

That said, we have had a few "Gastonomical" adventures since the last post, including a couple of trips to Loudoun County Wine Country, and a few notable meals, some of which may end up in these pages if we ever get around to writing them up.

Happy holidays, everyone!

 

In addition, this coming weekend will be big! While we've been sticking close to home for the actual holidays, we're taking a long weekend and going to Philadelphia between Christmas and New Year's.

We've found Philly to be underrated as a food town and an East Coast destination. Sure, it's not New York, but we've found some great food there -- restaurant dining, markets and some really great sandwiches (as you might expect!). Plus, like any big city, it's got museums, cool neighborhoods and plenty going on. Not to mention the fact that it's much closer, way less expensive and less hassle than NYC.

We usually base ourselves in the Rittenhouse area (the Hotel Palomar is extremely pet friendly, which is key for pet traveling types like us). And we've probably been there a good half a dozen times or more so we already have some boxes to check -- visits to the Italian Market area in South Philly and the Redding Terminal Market (both home to some great sandwiches and great food shopping) are pretty much givens. And we also have had some good restaurant dinners there, as well, though we have barely scratched the surface on what Philly has to offer in that department. I'm also hoping to check out some of the craft beer bars and maybe Yards Brewery in Fishtown if we get the chance. Plus, I suspect there's at least one Italian meal in our future.

And maybe we'll even carve out some time between meals to check out a museum or two. You never know...

Right now, we're kicking around some ideas on where we might eat (so many good choices, so little time...), so if anyone has any suggestions we're open to them! Just post comments or find us on Twitter and we'll definitely consider them.

Meanwhile, we hope you and yours are having a great holiday, whatever you're doing and however you're celebrating.