Food & Drink
Pura love, 100 Percent
If you can't make it down to Mexico or South America for spring break, just head a few miles North, to Pura Vida.
First rate fare on third
North Third offers a haven from the alcohol-only environs that dominate Northern Liberties. Remember you need to eat before drinking your brains off around the block. When you enter this restaurant/ pub (and not the other way around), your eyes may need a moment to adjust, but the dark atmosphere is part of North Third's charm.
Hometown holiday
The second you step into Azure, the red fish on the wall welcomes you to this self-proclaimed "vacation style" restaurant.
A cart of one's own
Vegetarians, vegans and Kosher kids who don't partake in Hemos or the Steak Queen don't have to miss out on Philly's wonderfully cheap food cart lunches.
Just like your jewish southern grandma's
During the brunch rush hour, the door opens straight into a crowd of pierced starving artists and other free vendors, all regulars.
Tofu in a sea of red sauce
While a typical discussion of South Philly cuisine may not go far beyond a plate of red-sauced pasta or a cheesesteak at Pat's, that will change if Michael Luongo has anything to say about it.
Falafel fanatic
"Yes Muhammad, what can I get you?" Saad asks ones of his regulars. The hospitable owner of his namesake eatery, Saad's, offers diners Middle Eastern, American and even American-style Middle Eastern cuisine.
A taste of the unexpected
Upon entering Out of the Blue, diners slide through a grey velvet curtain to find themselves in a room dominated by black and white, but softened by a wall of blue.
Wine and dine your valentine
We've got your dinner covered this Tuesday -- whether you have a date or not. Now all you have to do is figure out who gets to spend V-Day with you. On a First Date Where: Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti, 212 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor, (215) 238-0499 Price: Entrees $11-$28 Reason to Go: Positano Coast is everything a romantic first date should be: good wine, fantastic fresh seafood choices and great views of Society Hill.
Seduction by chocolate
To determine the best box of chocolates available at CVS, we kindly gave one to each of these willing tasters.
Drink like the irish
The lively crowd in the front room -- the one where you'll find the long, mahogany bar -- should be a clue as to what Irish Pub does best.
Meet me at le bar
Upon entering Le Bec-Fin, and being led down a winding staircase away from the garish opulence of the main restaurant, I couldn't help but feel like a third-class passenger on the Titanic. This was shortlived, as the subterranean Bar Lyonnais is seductively plush, oozing with class and authenticity.
Go south And catch the wave
Hidden in Philadelphia's historic section is New Wave Cafe. From its energetic after-work bar crowd to its homey dining room filled with people of all ages, this restau-bar has something for everyone.
Susanna Foo's Chinese New Year
Susanna Foo Restaurant 1512 Walnut St. Until Sun Feb. 12, $65 (215) 545-2666 www.susannafoo.com If you think Chinese food is all about the greasy spring roles, sesame chicken and vegetable stir-fry that's too mushy to enjoy, take a step out of University City.
Flavor field goal
Sunday's Super Bowl is the perfect excuse to try out a new bar or camp out at your regular spot. However, if you're one of those people who needs to be sitting in their favorite armchair with your beer can in just the right spot for superstitious reasons, you can still add some variety to the pizza-and-wings routine.
Mac attack
Few things make you feel as content as the perfect plate of macaroni and cheese. There's just something about the pasty orange sameness of it all -- knowing that every bite will provide equally gooey goodness.
Keeping up with the starrs
Highlights: Stellar service Trendy dining at casual prices Drawbacks: Often a long wait to be seated Price Range: Brunch items $8-$12 If you're willing to brave a trip down the Market-Frankfurt line, Stephen Starr's Jones at 700 Chestnut Street offers an expansive combination of breakfast-lunch fare that provides a moderately-priced hangover helper.
Lap it up
Highlights: Close to campus Offers both classic drinks and unique specialties Drawbacks: Bustling crowds can cause the need to yell across your cups Time: White Dog runs happy hour Sunday-Thursday, 10 p.m.-midnight. Drink: If happy hour ever finds you cold, sober and happy about neither, the bar at White Dog offers some speedy remedies.
Cozy up with your Pumpkin
Highlights: BYOB Innovative seasonal menu Intimate setting Drawbacks: In this tiny dining room, you might feel too intimate with neighboring tables Price ranges: Appetizers $8.75-10 Entrees $18-24 Any Philadelphian will tell you that BYOBs in their city are about as common as seeing the Yankees in the postseason.
