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Another Nor’easter Didn’t Stop People from Attending the 3rd Annual Philadelphia Restaurant Festival

Photos, story by Jill Beckel

A wicked winter afternoon in March was the start of another Nor’easter! But that didn’t stop Philadelphians from attending the 3rd Annual Philadelphia Restaurant Festival which was held at the beautiful Crystal Tea Room at the Wanamaker Building.

This year’s Philadelphia Restaurant Festival did not disappoint with over 60 restaurants, wineries and distilleries participating. Attendees traveled throughout the main room and the Viennesse Room of the Crystal Tea Room, stopping to sample anything that piqued their fancy. It was a great way to eat and drink your way through a showcase of Philadelphia’s vibrant local restaurant scene and try some new restaurants you may not have heard of. Some of our favorite bites and drinks of the night came from Sir Charles Hard Cider, Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse, Masala Kitchen, and Piccolo Trattoria Catering. It was a great mix of elegant and casual fare from appetizers, entrees, cocktails and of course, desserts.

A live saxophone player and DJ kept the party going with some braving the dance floor. There was also a quiet auction. Our VIP ticket enabled us to hang out in a smaller, more intimate bar area which had lots of tables, an open bar and a live band. It was nice to sit down for a little bit and digest in between all the food sampling! We left warm, happy and extremely full which helped us brave the cold, snowy night walk back to the train.

The Crystal Tea Room is a beautiful, large venue with a magnificent chandelier.
The room filled quickly after general admission was allowed in.
Masala Kitchen served up some tasty chicken kati rolls and mango lassi.
Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse platter was BBQ perfection! Brisket, mac ‘n cheese and homemade cornbread – what more could you ask for.
Cynful Bliss Desserts had creative named desserts like “Envy” and “Gluttony” that were truly “sinful.”
A couple of people got out on the dance floor after a few drinks.
Guests enjoyed lots of handcrafted cocktails.
This is the festival’s third year.
We got to sample some Banfi wine and prosecco.
A mini burger slider hit the spot!
Don’t forget the fries – Chickie’s & Pete’s famous crab fries smothered with cheese sauce!
Buffalo chicken and cheesesteak egg rolls were a crowd favorite.
There was a long line at the pasta station at Piccolo Trattoria Catering.
Delicious penne a la vodka from Piccolo Trattoria Catering.
The Crystal Tea Room is found inside the Wanamaker Building across from City Hall.
Buffalo chicken slider.
The snow did not stop Philadelphians from coming out to get their eat on!
The lovely folks at Sir Charles Hard Cider booth were all smiles.
A churro for the win! It was smothered in delicious milk chocolate.