MAXWELL HOUSE

No, nothing to do with instant coffee kids! Or being good to the last drop!

Over the weekend I drove down to Chestnut Hill, a neighborhood outside of Philly by 15 minutes to meet some friends for lunch, and a walk about around the cute little town. Think another New Hope, only more modern. Beautiful weekend. On our walk around the neighborhood, we came upon the Ebenezer Maxwell House, one of the few remaining Victorian homes left in Philadelphia. We did the tour as I had heard about it but had no idea it was right there so close. Fit the Halloween vibe too. Looked a bit eerie. And the house had a feel to it. 

This suburban 19th century home is located in the Tulpehocken Station Historic district and is the only authentically restored Victorian Era house in the Philadelphia area in good shape. In 1839 Ebenezer Maxwell, a cloth merchant built his "country villa". The cost of the land and the house combined was only $10,000!!!! The house is modest compared to the many other Philadelphia estate mansions, but it is still an imposing structure to be sure. It sort of reminded me a bit of the Victorian house my favorite late aunt, and my uncle lived in, in Westfield NJ, before moving to Harrisburg, once they had an empty nest. Docents at the mansion often point out that this home was that of an upper middle class Victorian family, The homeowner would have been a successful businessman who continued into the city, thanks to the newly completed railway line to the suburbs. The masonry and stone building is two-and-a-half stories and has a three-story widows tower at the front. The roof is in the mansard style, with slate covering. The house has three lovely porches and four stone chimneys. It's my understanding the Maxwell family only lived in the house for three years...as Maxwell died at 43, as well as three of the six children, who died in infant years. The house was then sold to one William and Roslie Hunter and their 5 children. Even after William's death, Roslie remarried and continued living there. It remained in the Hunter-Stevenson family for 96 years.

I personally am not into Victorian style, but I can appreciate the detail and fine craftsmanship.

GLIMPSE OF A GARDEN

This past weekend was a weekend to myself.  I like to take one weekend each month to myself, to get away from all the hoopla. With Sunday being so gorgeous, I decided to take some cucumber sandwiches, my favorite summertime staple, and a few other items, a blanket, book and my music, and just relax over at the Morris Arboretum, which is over seen by the University of Pennsylvania and  is the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,  and is located in the beautiful section of Philly's Chestnut Hill. It was a great day to relax, and dine al fresco. I planted myself by the swan pond.

The arboretum was formerly the estate of John T.  and Lydia T. Morris, a brother and sister who purchased and landscaped much of the arboretum's current site beginning in 1887. John Morris was interested in growing plants from around the world. Their mansion they lived in, no longer exists. It was demolished in 1968. It's quite the place, with over 20 special features to be seen. But I just opened the blanket, with a book and just sat for a age nibbling and drinking. 

The Fernery, the  largest in the county.

The arboretum contains more than 13,000 labelled plants of over 2,500 types, representing the temperate floras of North America, Asia, and Europe,

This is a special installation currently made entirely of branches and sticks by artist Patrick Doughty.

Now here it is almost Friday again! Smile!

SPRING'S FIRST SQUIRE

 

Yes.... here it is evening, and your reading a Good Morning Message!!!

These are vintage flash cards I picked up with the Dame on our last shopping excursion. The place had tons of these. I must get more as they would be fun when guest are here to see what sentences we all come up with, but then again, that could head south right quick!!! I was up bright and early and I mean like 10:30am, as I was heading out for Sunday Brunch on my first "date" of the spring. If you know me , I tend to stay in the confines of the Casa most of winter, a recluse. Last week I got a call from a blast from the past, my Asian Stock Broker who asked to go out for a casual date for Sunday Brunch in Chestnut Hill. Well, it is finally spring, and Mother Nature's odd sense of humor has passed-finally, so it's time to get back out and wipe the cobwebs away and dust off!!!! How do I know spring is here? By the first sign........

 

 

Some color finally!!!!!!!!!

 

Stockbroker decided we would head to the fabulous Mica for brunch, which I was able to dress casual for the date. I went with a relaxed shirt, vest and my Comptoir des Cotonniers jeans which I haven't even broke in yet.

 

 

The picturesque neighborhood of Chestnut Hill truly is a locavore hot spot. Not only are there great independent shops and businesses that line Germantown Avenue, but the Hill’s dining scene is growing quickly. In two years, many restaurants have opened, including Chip Roman’s Mica, which was named was named one of GQ magazine's 10 Best New Restaurants in America. You can probably understand, then, why I did a little jump for joy when I heard he wanted to go there.

Mica’s brunch menu offers up traditional options like Toad in a Hole as well as a delicious take on steak and eggs that features slow roasted short ribs. The cozy atmosphere is only enhanced by the stunning plates that emerge from Roman’s kitchen. And don’t worry, Mica also has variety of delicious brunch cocktails, of course,( you didn't think I'd go to a dry establishment did you) to enjoy alongside your locally sourced eggs and other ingredients, including a seasonal Sangria, a signature Bloody Mary and Mimosas. We were some of the first there, but it filled up quickly....

 

 

 

Is there anything better then Sunday Brunch selections......

 

And we ended with the coffee, which is served at brunch  American style from Chestnut Hill Coffee, almost directly across the street.  Their morning blend was quite nice.

 

 

  So, brave the adorable cobblestone lined streets and plan a short trip to Chestnut Hill. Brunch is a great way to become introduced to  the handsome Roman’s skill and talent in the kitchen, especially if you haven’t had the good fortune to eat dinner at either Mica or Roman’s other famously delicious Blackfish, in Conshohocken which was named No. 1 of the “50 Best Places to Eat Right Now” by Philadelphia Magazine.

 

 Blackfish is among one my favorite suburban BYOB, and chef/owner Chip Roman, with help from another dreamy chef, Jason Cichonski launched Mica.  Cichonski is now focusing on Ela, a more casual restaurant and another of my favorite places to dine, that opened in Queen Village, is also in collaboration with Roman. I highly recommend all three places for a memorable tasty experience and great service. 

Chef/Owner Chip Roman

 

I told who he was adorable!!! All and all a great weekend to get out and about and take in the great spring air. And it was great to see  Stockbroker again, he's such a cutie and so nicely built, and brunch went very well I must say. Meanwhile......