SPRING'S FIRST FLING

 

 

Sorry for such a absence, but as you know my" un-official" boyfriend, the Lad was here this weekend and had me tied up, err... I mean busy, and departed back home today, and I must say we had a lovely visit. It's been over a month at least since,  we saw each other last, and some things never change!!!!! blush..... We caught up in Philadelphia, Center City, where I had our stay this time at the Morris House Hotel.  And yes.....we did indeed leave the room, contrary to popular belief!!!! It was a great weekend to eat, drink and enjoy life! And other things!! You can call me Mistress B if your nasty!!!!

 

 

History and luxury combine at the Morris House Hotel. Built in 1787, the Morris House is a National Historic Landmark that has been renovated into one of Philadelphia, finest luxury boutique hotels. With an unparalleled attention to detail, the Morris House offers the coziness of a Bed & Breakfast with the elegance of top-tier hospitality. The best part- it's ideally located a few short blocks from Philadelphia’s most photographed treasures, the Morris House is tucked away by the stunning Washington Square Park in a welcoming neighborhood steeped in long standing Colonial tradition. It's a beautiful escape from Philadelphia’s busy streets also..... sit in the Morris House Hotel’s luxurious courtyard garden—a true urban oasis and the only one of its kind among Center City hotels. One can also sit on spring night in their gorgeous floral courtyard , or have dinner at the  M Restaurant, which is in the Morris House. While there we met another couple staying there from Houston, and had some lovely drinks with them that evening. You can always meet more people in this type of atmosphere, compared to the big hotels.

 

 

We even had a lovely tea in the morning waiting for us, I felt like the Dowager Countess.....

 

 

After some shopping and time spent "relaxing", wink ,wink,  it was time for dinner.....after a quick cocktail downstairs. And for this date, a whole new wardrobe was required..... The Lad captured a beauty at the M Bar....

 

 

I went with maroon AG sueded jeans, a navy leather Vince vest, and my Theory  navy blazer, shirt and tie. I liked it, but I thought it may have made me appear to thin. I know a lot of layers, but I love dressing, and the Lad loves to peel the layers away, sorry more dirt!!!

 

 

One thing I like about Philadelphia is the multitude of places to eat and drink. I have my regular places of course, but of late, have been trying new places. It was off too FORK for dinner.....

 

 

I fell in love with these covered chandeliers and the pattern that was on them.....

 

 

Then it was off to meet friends at The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. for some top notch cock-a-tails!!!!! Yes you read that right!!!! The Franklin CELEBRATES both the Golden Age barrooms of the Pre-Prohibition Era, and the skilled bartenders who fled their homes to pursue a noble craft  banned and demonized in it's country of origin.  The Franklin Mortgage welcomes back to our time the art of a fine mixed libation.  This is a place where a stiffener and a tuneful horn co-mingle and where bartenders are ARTISTS!!! My favorite!!!  Above all, the Franklin is a beacon for those who feel that a dram of alcohol in not meant as merely a vessel for intoxication, but a sensory experience of course!!!  There is no vodka used in the cocktails. Instead, a lot of rye whiskey and gin. Which your Mistress was 100% OK with!!! And our bar tend was very knowledgeable and filled us in on the ice scoop.......  the ice the bar uses.

There are a selection of three different ices that the bartenders utilize at the Franklin.

1. Kold Draft Machine- fills the tray and freezes the ice from the bottom up. This eliminates all of the impurities and air bubbles. It's crystal clear and it melts slower. When you get your cock-a-tail, it will not taste like a watered down cock-a-tail because the ice is chilled, and it's not melting into your drink.

2. Crushed Ice- Used for the swizzle drinks. The apparatus used to swizzle the ice actually stems from a plant.

3. Culinary Grade Block Ice- A 300-pound block of ice is delivered and is hand chiseled. Trust me, you could definitely taste the difference in my bourbon -whiskey on the rocks.

 

 

I'm here to tell y'all, what excellent drinks! I asked for a bourbon whiskey, and he brought me gasoline!!!!!! If you ever get to Philly, The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. is a must.  

 

And at the end of the night I was still able to fire like the proverbial fire rocket!!!!