Spring 2020 Issue
FOOD & COMMUNITY IN PHILADELPHIA AND BEYOND
ROAD TRIP
Chestnut Hill in a Day
STEPPING OFF THE REGIONAL RAIL onto the cobblestone streets of Chestnut Hill, it’s hard to believe this small town exists within Philadelphia city limits. But a pleasant stroll along the 15-block stretch of Germantown Avenue reveals a neighborhood preserving the Philadelphia Garden District’s charm through homey food and drink establishments. At the top of the hill, low-key brewpubs and casual restaurants have become mainstays for brunch and lunch regulars; at the bottom of the hill, upscale newcomers flourish. In between, you’ll find stops like arboretums, museums and boutiques that serve as excellent excuses to stretch a one-day visit to a long weekend getaway. Here’s how to make the most of Chestnut Hill.
9AM
CAPPUCINO AT CHESTNUT HILL COFFEE
Walk a few steps northwest from the train station, then around the corner to Seattle- inspired Chestnut Hill Coffee Company where five-blend espresso roasts will jump-start your day. Inside is a book lover’s dream with dimly lit corner nooks for reading and Italian Renaissance–like paintings on the walls. Cozy up on the couch in the back over a cappuccino while enjoying the light buzz of patrons steadily coming and going.
10AM
BRUNCH AND PASTRIES AT CAKE
Well decorated cakes and tarts, family- friendly service and simple, seasonal classics shine under a greenhouse roof that brings botanical garden vibes indoors. Fan favorites like quiche of the day, frittatas and crab cakes benedict sell out quick, but don’t leave without a warm sticky bun topped with generous crumbles of pecans and raisins. Note: Brunch is served on Sundays only, but Cake opens its doors an hour before the kitchen. Arrive early!
The Market at the Fareway. Photo courtesy of Chestnut Hill Business District.
NOON
SNACKS AND BEER AT THE MARKET
The newly renovated Market at the Fare-way (connected to the Chestnut Hill Hotel) is an affordable snack spot catering to global tastes. From Vietnamese noodles and Tibetan dumplings to wood-fired pizza and craft beer, each aisle in this year-round food hall is full of colors, textures and aromas that beg for your attention. Sip on a flight from Chestnut Hill Brewery’s taproom while you contemplate your next bite.
Photo by Wendy Concannon.
2PM
SHOP GREEN AT ROBERTSON’S
Enjoy small-town boutique shopping for your home and garden at the top of the hill. Robertson’s appeals to homebodies eager to improve their green thumbs. You’ll find quirky handmade gifts and upgrades for everyday decorations. Wandering the store’s maze of plants, flowers, books and candles will make you feel like you’re surrounded by self-care opportunities. Treat yourself to a new candle, or take home a custom bouquet from the floral shop in the back.
3PM
NATURE PLAY AT THE ARBORETUM
Chestnut Hill’s art and botanic scenes are on full display spanning 92 acres of gardens at Morris Arboretum. These grounds on the outer edge of town, nestled in between Victorian homes, boast 12,000 live plants, 2,500 shrubs, rose gardens, swan ponds and sculptures. Relish in birds playing high up on tree canopy nests, explore tunnels in between giant willow stick sculptures or go leaf-peeping as the seasons change.
5PM
PRE-DINNER APERITIFS AT THE TAVERN
Walking into Tavern on the Hill is like receiving a warm hug. Regulars quietly mingle with the bar staff in the candlelit autumn-colored room, and despite the Tavern’s affluent location, pretentiousness is left outside. Chef-owner and Chestnut Hill resident Gerard Strenger and his staff extend comfort in this affordable gastro-pub with familiar food and drinks. Grab a seat at the bar for a glass of wine and mushroom dish special of the day.
Photo courtesy of Chestnut Hill Business District.
7PM
DESSERT TO GO AT BREDENBECK’S
Plan your evening wisely: Grab a sweet treat at Bredenbeck’s down the block to save for post-dinner dessert on the road. This family-run bakery and ice cream shop closes early, and you won’t want to miss out on raspberry thumbprints and rainbow sprinkle butter cookies, a slice of pumpkin spice latte cake or a pint of Bassett’s ice cream with custom mix-ins.
Photo courtesy of Chestnut Hill Business District.
9PM
DATE NIGHT AT PARIS BISTRO
A late dinner and show await at Paris Bistro & Jazz. Stylish couples and out-of- towners have been flocking here since its opening in 2014, pushing through the plush velvet curtains downstairs where old-school French and new-school Philadelphia jazz meet. French-influenced dishes here are all a hit especially the piled-high truffle garlic fries. Ask your waiter for the best wine pairing to round out your swanky evening splurge. On Thursday through Sunday evenings, add $10 to your bill to enjoy live jazz in the downstairs café.
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QUICK TIP If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the Chestnut Hill Farmers’ Market at Germantown Ave. and Winston Road.
YOUR DAY AT A GLANCE
Chestnut Hill Coffee Company
8620 Germantown Ave.
215.242.8600
chestnuthillcoffee.com
Cake
8501 Germantown Ave.
215.247.6887
cakeofchestnuthill.com
Market at the Fareway
8221 Germantown Ave.
215.247.0300
marketatthefareway.com
Robertson’s Flowers & Events
8501 Germantown Ave.
215.836.3050
robertsonsflowers.com
Morris Arboretum
100 E. Northwestern Ave.
215.247.5777
morrisarboretum.org
Tavern on the Hill
8636 Germantown Ave.
215.247.9948
tavernonthehill.biz
Bredenbeck’s Bakery & Ice Cream Parlor
8126 Germantown Ave.
215.247.7374
bredenbecks.com
Paris Bistro & Jazz Café
8235 Germantown Ave.
215.242.6200
parisbistro.net
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