Winter 2018/19 Issue
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
FIVE YEARS
As this magazine celebrates its fifth anniversary with this issue, I realize it’s a milestone for me as well. I’ve held the position of editor of this m...
ROAD TRIP
Glenside in a Day
THE TOWN OF GLENSIDE, LOCATED NORTH OF PHILADELPHIA, is a lot different than the last place I lived, Washington, D.C. Glenside is a small town with historic charm, a friendly neighborhood vibe, and a comforting balance of familiarity and variety. It’s been a year and a half since I first moved in, and I continue to love it each day. I love walking to the train station to get to my job in the city; I love walking to restaurants when I want a meal out; I love popping into bars for after-work drinks with my husband and friends.
For city dwellers, Glenside is a quick train ride out of the hustle and bustle—a place where it feels like each meal and each drink was made just for you. You can tell even by the way places are named; owners proudly put their names on display and welcome you in with open arms. Here’s a day’s worth of reasons to jump on regional rail and explore my town.
9AM
COFFEE AT ELCY’S
Get off the train and head straight to Elcy’s Cafe. But before you order, look up to see the day’s trivia question. The first person to get the answer right each day wins a free small coffee. I won once for knowing the correct number of footballs that NFL teams need to provide in a post-Deflate-gate world (24).
10AM
DONUTS AT DARYL’S
Head Southeast down Mt. Carmel Ave. to get to Daryl’s Pastries. Their fresh-baked daily donuts are stick-to-your-ribs satisfying. My favorites are the classics—glazed and marble. Seasonal flavors include pumpkin and coffee cinnamon. Plus, Daryl’s offers enormous cookies, danishes and other sweet treats.
11AM
BOTTLE SHOP AT GIULIANO’S
The next place we are headed is a BYOB, so stop into Giuliano’s Deli. Pick up a bottle from one of the best beer selections in the area, surprisingly found in this unassuming deli. If you are looking for something new or an old favorite, Giuliano’s will have you covered.
12PM
LUNCH AT ANNE’S KITCHEN TABLE
Head south on Keswick Ave. before turning right on Wesley Ave. to find Anne’s Kitchen Table. The neighborhood BYOB concentrates on breakfast and lunch on the weekdays, executing staples like chicken caesar wraps and house salads, but the quirky restaurant shines with its daily rotating menu stacked with local ingredients. It also serves three dinner specials on Friday and Saturday nights. My husband and I come here when we want a home cooked meal from the heart without all the dirty dishes.
2PM
ANTIQUE ALLEY
Time to walk off breakfast and lunch and take in the pride of Glenside at the same time by perusing the antique shops. When strolling through town, you will run into tons of shops with furniture, home decor and knick knacks to browse through. My favorites are The Nest (20 E. Glenside Ave.) and Glenside Books (26 E. Glenside Ave.). On the first Friday of the month, many shops offer complimentary refreshments and sweet treats.
5PM
UNION JACK’S OLDE GLORY PUB
This tap list is worth the walk. Located north up Mt. Carmel Ave., Union Jack’s is a no-frills English pub with a draft beer selection that rotates nearly every week. If you are looking for a casual dinner, stay here for the wings. They have 13 different sauces—my favorites are Lemon Pepper Parmesan and Honey Barbecue.
7PM
DINO’S BACKSTAGE
Come back to historic Keswick Village for dinner in style at Dino’s Backstage. Located next door to the Keswick Theater, Dino’s offers a swanky retro dinner vibe. Lounge on the patio or eat inside under a massive chandelier that transports you to the 1920s. The pasta dishes are huge, so unless you are exceptionally hungry, order the half portion—only $15 and well worth it.
9PM
BLUE COMET
End your evening in the intimate setting of Blue Comet. You might walk right past it, located on Easton Rd. between a pharmacy and an exterminator. But don’t let the humdrum exterior fool you! Inside, you’ll find a stunning retro lounge, festively decorated to help you get into the seasonal spirit. If you find yourself there during the warm weather, enjoy a classic cocktail on the outdoor patio tucked in the back like a secret garden.
QUICK TIP
Get tickets to whatever is going on at the Keswick Theatre. The theatre opened on Christmas night way back in 1928, the year it was built. Today, it’s listed on the national registry of historic places and is home to many performances.
YOUR DAY AT A GLANCE
ELCY’S CAFÉ
1 W. Glenside Ave.
215.884.5600
elcys.com
DARYL’S PASTRIES
102 N. Keswick Ave.
215.886.6656
facebook.com/Daryls-Pastries-Inc
GIULIANO’S DELI
2202 Mt. Carmel Ave.
215.572.1447
giulianosbeerdeli.wixsite.com
ANNE’S KITCHEN TABLE
11 Wesley Ave.
215.576.1274
anneskitchentable.com
ANTIQUE ALLEY
(a collection of antique stores in the area)
Near 20 E. Glenside Ave.
UNION JACK’S OLDE GLORY PUB
2750 Limekiln Pike
215.886.6014
unionjacksglenside.com
DINO’S BACKSTAGE
287 N. Keswick Ave.
215.884.2000
dinosbackstage.com
BLUE COMET
106 S. Easton Rd.
215.572.9780
facebook.com/bluecometbar
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