Yeah, so, with the help of Kelly Turso (photographer), Charles Churchill (hair stylist) & Marni Simon (make-up), they transformed me into a awesomely-tacky-slightly-crazy-overly-exuberant- 1960’s- psychadelic-Barbie to celebrate the start of summer (all inspired by that amazing psychadelic one-piece. HOT!!!) In this “Rachel’s Guide to Summer“, enjoy my picks for summer… from favorite summer looks to margarita madness to great outdoor spots to dine & hang and of course, all things summer vintage. These are purely editorial picks - my take on summer in the city and living it up. There will be more stories to come throughout the next few weeks, including picks from some other fabulous Philly gals and photos all along the way. Have fun, Happy Summer!

Bar Ferdinand is a sexy Spanish tapas restaurant on Liberties Walk in Northern Liberties with the casual feel of a neighborhood hang-out. So pretty much, it’s everything you want: good food, sexy decor, cool vibe and drinks o’ plenty. Hang for hours and try everything on the menu at their outdoor piazza. Stop by during happy hour for great specials (umm, half-off Sangria pitchers!) from 4:30-7pm. (Also a great brunch!) Rumor has it Owen Kamihira (the owner) will be reopening Deuce as well…

Bar Ferdinand | 1030 N. 2nd Street (Just South of Girard) www.barferdinand.com

The allure of Cantina is that it’s laid back like your favorite neighborhood bar (they also own Royal Tavern & Khyber) but the food is freakin’ fabulous like a restaurant. The outdoor seating is the perfect place to hang for hours of margaritas in South Philly (we heart Passyunk Ave!) Add some pulled pork tacos and call it a drunken summer day!

Cantina | 1651 E. Passyunk Ave | www.cantinaloscaballitos.com

(Photos by Lisa Hause)

I haven’t decided yet if it’s “Dirty 30″ or “Flirty 30″ - perhaps one by day and one by night. Many thanks to Alfa for helping me ring in a new decade with free-flowing bloody marys and enough champagne to flood Rittenhouse. Oh wait, that was the torrential downpour that happened during my birthday brunch. Thankfully everyone was down to jump in some puddles… By the way… ALFA HAS THE BEST BRUNCH EVER!!! Saturdays & Sundays. Yum. Awesome. Yeah.

… because not only did he answer my prayers that Alfa would start serving brunch, but he also guided them into making the most amazing FLIGHT of Bloody Marys I’ve ever tasted in my lift. Actually, let me rephrase that - the ONLY Bloody Mary flight I’ve ever even seen. I had barely made it into my seat when Leah magically appeared with 6 different flavors of Bloody Marys in double shot glasses. I thought I was seeing sextuple (is that a word?) due to mass vodka intake from the night before until I realized the true gloriousness of the moment: they were each deliciously different! One was Tai with curry & coconut milk, one was Cajun & super-spicy, one had carrot juice in it, another was made of tomatillos… I hear the full-size even come with andoulle sausage & shrimp cocktail as garnish. I shit you not when I tell you I thought about those damn bloody marys for hours, months… DAYS! Of course the bacon-wrapped filet with a blue-cheese & red wine reduction and two eggs over-easy was nothing to shake a stick at either… Joe Beckham is, like, “When Smart People Own Restaurants.” Go. Trust.

Brunch @ Alfa: Saturdays & Sundays (more…)

Loie, a French Brasserie in Rittenhouse, offers a delightful Sunday brunch. Here’s the deal: You pay $25 & get 2 Brunch Courses & either Endless Bloody Marys, Mimosas or a Bottle of Champagne from 11am-3pm. Yes, I said ENDLESS. Umm, best idea ever? (You can also just order ala carte, as usual, if you don’t want the prix-fix.)

Here are the menu options: (more…)

Your favorite mexican hangout has opened it’s doors in the daytime for weekday lunch! Monday - Friday from noon-5pm, enjoy authentic-and-creative Mexican fare by Executive Chef Mark McKinney.

Vegetarian & Vegans can pig out with the meat lovers. Some favorite dishes…

Shrimp ceviche with mango mojo and corn nuts
Veggie sausage with egg and tetilla cheese tacos
Pulled suckling pig and calabaza guiso with fried eggs
Tortillas and black bean chilaquiles with crema, queso anejo and sliced avocado
(more…)

Set right on the river in a beautiful 100 year old boat, Moshulu buffet brunch is perfect for when your parents are in town or you’re celebrating something special. This is a fancy-shmancy spot, so wear your favorite sundress and get ready for a treat. The food is amazing and the atmosphere gently reminds you to remember your manners. Not so great for a hung-over morning, but definitely a spot that makes you feel like a lady - especially when Daddy pays.

The $29.95/person buffet includes: Omelet, Roast Beef Carving & Belgian Waffle Stations, Soups & Salads, rotating buffet entres such as Crab Crusted Tilapia, Grilled Pork Tenderloin in Sherry Veal Jus and Jumbo Shrimp with Lemon Caper Beurr Blanc. (more…)

Oui oui! Beau Monde Creperie is the perfect blend of casual and elegant. The mood is laid back like that of a neighborhood joint, but the crepes make you feel like you’re much more high-brow than a greasy omelet.

I know they’re not the most photogenic little fellas, so let me tell you what’s underneath in this little pocket of love. Mine had bacon, roquefort cheese, mushrooms & poached eggs - divine! Pick from savory (steak & eggs with bernaise, chicken fricassee with sunny side up eggs & creme fraiche) or sweet (scrambled eggs with blueberries & maple syrup, mixed berries & caramel.) Sit outside on the wrought-iron deck or in the beautifully charming dining room. (more…)

Sometimes the problem with brunch is that, after ordering a few mimosas, your bill is more dinner pricing than brunch. Loie has another idea. How about if we eat brunch and sip bottomless Bloody Marys or Mimosas for only $25?

Yeah, and now throw in a newly remodeled dining room (sleek & comfy) and a front wall that opens up completely for an indoor/outdoor brunch. Perfect.

$25 Includes: 2 Courses, endless Bloody Marys, Mimosas or a bottle of champagne. (more…)