Feeling the Sunshine

"Eat, Drink, and Be Monkey" is the motto of this Northeast Philly cafe!

My friend Deb grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and introduced me to a lovely little cafe called "Three Monkeys".  This restaurant is a contradiction in cuisine styles and tastes.  The cafe is set up in three sections.  You can enjoy fine dining in the elegant Ridson Ferry dining room, featuring candle-lit tables with a Victorian era setting.  The bar area features a turn of the century hand-carved bar.  You can order from their selection of microbrews or appropriately named drinks such as a "monkeytini" or "horny monkey ale".  But my favorite area of Three Monkeys is Monkey Court.  This outside patio area is just what you need to relax, unwind, and enjoy being outside of a cubicle, four walls, and air conditioning.  Monkey Court is like a taste of Key West, with twinkle lights in the trees and signs hanging on the fences.  Enjoy sitting under an umbrella at one of their tables or converse and watch the latest game around the Tree Bar. 

Monkey Court offers typical pub grub such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads but you can also get their regular lunch and dinner options like wasabi crabcakes or calamonkey.  I lunch their often with my friends Deb and Sharon.  We have tried different selections from their menu, but we seem to go back to our favorites;  Deb and I get the french dip and Sharon gets the salmon salad.  The french dip consists of thinly sliced roast beef with melted provolone cheese on a croissant.  The sandwich comes with a bowl of au jus for dipping and a side of either fries or side salad.  The sandwich is delicious and I'm always happy if au jus is dripping down my fingers (I enjoy being a sloppy eater)!  Serving the french dip on a croissant, rather than a roll, makes this classic lighter and less filling.  Sharon seems to enjoy the salmon salad and rarely leaves any to take home.  The salad is mixed greens with a house-made vinaigrette.  There is a nice big piece of grilled salmon on top.  Sharon breaks it up and mixes it in so she gets salmon in every bite.  The food is standard bar food, but it is always tasty, fresh, and served hot.

One of the things I love about having sandwiches and salads is that there is usually room for dessert.  Three Monkeys offers some wonderful goodies; we usually get three desserts and share.  They offer a variety of desserts of the day, but always have Monkey Bread.  This gooey cinnamon pull-apart cake is wonderful!  I'm always hoping that one of the desserts of the day is something chocolate.  Since both Deb and Sharon are chocolate-lovers (and I'm not), they will concentrate on that dessert and leave me more Monkey Bread!

Three Monkeys Cafe

Three Monkeys is also opened for Breakfast
and offers Weekend Brunch Specials

9645 James Street
Philadelphia, PA  19113
215-637-6665
www.3monkeyscafe.com

Garden of Fragrance and Taste

Don't judge this book by its cover...this hidden fine-dining establishment is really a classic!

The first time my dinner group visited the "The Rose Tattoo Cafe" we weren't sure if it was open or had closed down.  With blackened windows, the front door sits facing the street corner.  As we stood around trying to decide what to do, my friend Pat noticed a tiny little arrow pointing up the street.  The six of us walked up the street and found the entrance on the side of the building.  We all looked at each other wondering if this place was going to live up to its reputation.  Ahhh, what a pleasant surprise. 

As we went into the entryway there in front of us was a glass display case filled with desserts!  All you have to do is show a bunch of middle-aged women chocolate macademia fudge brownies and creme brulee and you've got them hooked!   The restaurant design resembles a cafe in New Orleans.  In the middle of the room on the first floor is a small bar with high stools.  Around the outside of the bar are private dining areas.  On the second floor there is a wrap-around terrace with seating for larger parties.  The entire area is lush with tropical plants and flowers.  Each dining area is separated by wrought-iron columns.  It makes you feel like you're sitting on a patio in the French Quarter on a warm summer day.

And the food is fantastic!  On one visit we started with the Crispy Calamari.  The calamari had such a great taste; I don't like when calamari is double-breaded.  I don't want to taste only the breading; I want to taste the calamari.  What a delicious appetizer that was; with three different dipping sauces.  I have been to The Rose Tattoo three times and each time I have gotten the Jambalaya for my entree.  While I do like to experiment and try different options at a restaurant, if I find that one special meal that no other restaurant can match - I stay with it (did you ever talk yourself into trying something different and then you end up disappointed?).  This Jambalaya is the very best I've ever had.  A tomato creole sauce surrounds fluffy saffron rice with chicken, ham, andouille sausage, mussels, shrimp, and clams.  There are so many flavors in this dish.  Its one of those meals that you "ummm" out loud while you're eating it.  This Jambalaya does have a nice spicy kick, but not enough to burn.  The lunch portion is enough for me, but the dinner portion is huge; enough to share with your special someone!

The Garden Room Bar

The Rose Tattoo Cafe

19th & Callowhill Streets

Philadelphia, PA  19130

215-569-8939

www.rosetattoocafe.com

This cafe is perfect for a family gathering, a night out with friends, or a romantic first-date or anniversary dinner with your lovey!  And don't let the outside throw you - inside you'll find paradise!