WEEKEND ROAM

Well, the weekend started out with very beautiful weather wise, and you know the Mistress can't sit still to long. After having a half day at work Friday, and the staff at the Casa having everything under control for once, I decided to take a fall walk about in Philly for the day. After a huge breakfast, I was afraid to leave the Casa in fear my jeans might split from the waffles and bacon I swallowed whole, but I left anyway in hope the zipper and snap would hold. I met up with a friend of mine I hadn't seen in some time....and we potted around the Art Museum and Fairmount Park section, as I wanted to take a few snaps.

Looking toward the beautiful Boathouse Row......

You may be wondering what are all the Roman looking pillared buildings from above and below.The Fairmount Water Works was Philadelphia's second municipal waterworks. Designed in 1812 by Frederick Graff and built between 1812 and 1872, it operated until 1909, winning praise for its design and becoming a popular tourist attraction. It now houses a restaurant and an interpretive center that explains the waterworks' purpose and local watershed history. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 for its architecture and its engineering innovations. It was also the nation's first water supply to use paddle wheels to move water. 

After a nice walk in the air all afternoon, I mentioned wanting to go to Barbuzzo for some drinks, but of course... and to try out the menu. Philadelphia right now is exploding with many new eateries and restaurants.....a diners paradise. Laurel was on the radar, owned by a winner of Top Chef, but impossible to get into without reservations, So Barbuzzo it was. I great choice.

Since opening, crowds have been packing the tables for the affordable small plates and creative pizzas featuring toppings like braised bacon and truffled farm eggs. We both had pasta dishes, but the appetizer was delicious as hell. Sheep's Milk Ricotta!

Along with their excellently made cock-a-tails!!!!!

Be sure to save room for dessert. Enjoying Barbuzzo’s salted caramel budino could be described as a life-changing experience. The creamy dessert, topped with a dark chocolate crust, vanilla bean caramel and sea salt, has proved so popular,  that our waiter said it is often offered for sale separately during the holidays. Barbuzzo’s small space offers an intimate dining experience and it was safe to say we made pigs of ourselves.

It was a painful ride home on the train,since I apparently have no self control when it came to eating this weekend, filled with to much earthly delights. Today was spent relaxing. But it was worth a weekend for the senses I think.