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.