Feature photo: Hibiscus Flower Churro Sundae from El Merkury
Almyra, Rittenhouse’s new modern Greek restaurant and bar from the acclaimed Estia Restaurant Group, invites PHS Flower Show-goers to its floral-filled oasis from March 2-10. From ceiling-hung floral installations to hand-crafted metal flower wall installments, to its custom bar chandelier adorned with 140 glass flowers, the Mediterranean-inspired interior transports guests to an island-like ambiance. The Petalouda ($15) with vodka, masitha, elderflower and butterfly pea tea, topped with an edible flower is the perfect pairing for an iris-istible weekend. Reservations are highly encouraged.
At The Table, Wayne’s venerable and award-winning fine-dining restaurant from chefs Alex Hardy and Tara Buzan-Hardy, offers a bevy of freshly-minted floral-themed cocktails on its new cocktail menu, perfect for enjoying after a day spent in the city exploring the Philadelphia Flower Show. Aromatic offerings include the Aphrodite Chocolate Martini ($17) made with Boardroom Vodka, rose & cardamom syrup, and chocolate liqueur, and the Wild Bohemian ($16) crafted with Boardroom Gin, red grapefruit, elderflower syrup, butterfly pea extract, Peychaud’s Bitters, and egg white. Guests can also treat themselves to a “Swifty” French Blonde ($17), a riff on the classic cocktail which has garnered media attention as Taylor Swift’s rumored “favorite drink,” and is comprised of Boardroom Gin, grapefruit juice, elderberry, and orange liqueur, garnished with eye-catching blooms.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge, Center City’s swanky year around rooftop lounge, is boasting a floral cocktail only available March 2-10. The Lavender Love ($17) is composed of butterfly-pea tea infused Stateside Vodka, St. Germain and lime, making it the perfect beverage to indulge in before or after enjoying the unique Philadelphia Flower Show.
Dock Street Brewing Company, Philadelphia’s original craft brewery, woman-owned and family-run since 1985, is celebrating the return of the one-of-a-kind event with a botanic cocktail menu featuring three boozy beverages, the You Grow Girl ($15) with earl gray vodka, lavender, peppercorn simple and lemon, the Don’t Stop Be-Leafing ($15) with strawberry gin, lime juice, white rose simple and ginger beer, and We Were All Rooting For You!! ($15) with bourbon, blood orange liquor, chamomile honey and lemon, and two non-alcoholic: She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not ($8) with lavender peppercorn simple, lemon and sparkling water, and Everyone Down! It’s a Strobbery ($8) with strawberry, lime juice, white rose simple and ginger beer.
Dolce– Capturing the timeless spirit of Fellini’s 1960s Rome, Dolce Italian truly brings ‘la dolce vita’ to life with its effortless charm and approachable sophistication on the ground floor of The W Philadelphia. Enjoy refreshing seasonal salads, signature pizzas, pastas, and more at this LDV Hospitality staple.
El Merkury, Philadelphia’s home for scratch-made Central American street food, is celebrating The 2024 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show with its limited-edition Hibiscus Flower Churro Sundae ($7), a floral-inspired (and highly Instagrammable) churro set atop a swirl of vanilla soft serve, drizzled with housemade hibiscus-orange syrup, and topped with caramelized hibiscus flowers. Just steps away from the Flower Show, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, gardeners and dessert lovers alike can swing by El Merkury, housed inside the historic Reading Terminal Market, to indulge in the sweet, tangy, and hot pink dessert. This limited-edition special is available at both locations (Reading Terminal Market and Chestnut Street) for the duration of the annual horticultural event.
El Vez– As bright and boisterous as a joy ride in a Tijuana taxi, El Vez exudes fun at every conceivable turn. The flashy, frenetic Latin décor, featuring high-backed velvet Hollywood booths and an eye-popping low-rider bike elevated above the dining room, creates the perfect conditions for memorable food and drink. Unexpected interpretations of Mexican classics join traditional cooking on the expansive menu, complemented by a bar that boasts one of the biggest tequila selections – and the best margaritas – in the city.
Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia– Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia offers a dynamic dining experience that perfectly complements the vibrancy of the Philadelphia Flower Show. Amidst the floral extravaganza, the restaurant provides a unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll ambiance and delectable cuisine. Located conveniently near the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia offers classic American fare with a rock ‘n’ roll twist. Whether it’s grabbing a bite before or after exploring the floral wonders, Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia stands out as the perfect dining destination for patrons seeking a memorable culinary adventure during this captivating event.
Loch Bar Philadelphia– Located on Philadelphia’s vibrant Avenue of the Arts and just a couple blocks from the Convention Center, Loch Bar offers an ambient dining experience, with food and beverage offerings that embrace Philadelphia’s energy and lively spirit, much like the Flower Show. Enjoy $10 classic cocktails during happy hour (3-6pm at the bar only) including Moscow Mules, Margaritas and Old Fashions. Other beverage options include $8 orange, grapefruit, cosmo or green tea crushes, $8 wine and $5 draft beer. Pair with $2 oysters, a $9 burger or $9 fish & chips and more seafood/fish delicacies all under $9.
Ocean Prime, the classic steak and seafood-forward modern American restaurant and lounge located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, is conveniently close to the Pennsylvania Convention Center and invites visitors and floral enthusiasts a lovely cocktail apt for the occasion. The Black Orchid ($16), comprised of Belvedere Organic Blackberry & Lemongrass Infusion, St. Germain, fresh lemon, and white cranberry juice, can be savored on its own or paired with the restaurant’s stellar culinary offerings for a delightful pre or post-show meal.
Oltremare, the new seafood-forward modern Italian restaurant from acclaimed Chef Townsend Wentz, presents a beautiful floral-themed cocktail, Che Bello, on its recently launched coastal Italian beverage program. Crafted with butterfly pea flower infused gin, elderflower, Crème de Violette, lemon, and lavender, the tipple is an ideal complement to an Amalfi-coast inspired meal at the new establishment, which is conveniently located in the Rittenhouse neighborhood – just a short drive away from the show’s venue.
Panorama– Philadelphia’s premier wine bar in the Penn’s View Hotel boasting a Guinness World Record custom-built wine keeper offering over 120 wines on tap, will be featuring a cocktail and wine flight in honor of the Flower Show. The featured cocktail is the Bee’s Knees, made with Bombay Gin, lemon juice, wildflower & lavender raw honey syrup and fennel pollen. The featured wine flight is the “Everthing’s Coming Up Rosés!” ($38) and will have five, 1.5 oz taste of each of these wines: Bonarda Rosato “Collarosa” San Michele’21 (Italy), Pinot Noir Rosé “Julia’s Vineyard” Cambria ’21 (CA), Nebbiolo Rosato“RosaBella” G.D. Vajra ’22 (Italy), Nerello Mascalese “Rosa dei Venti~Organic~Siciliane” Tenuta Gorghi Tondi ’22 (Italy), Montepulciano Rosato “Organic Grapes~Marche” Passione Natura – Paglieta ’21 (Italy).
Patchwork, a lively restaurant and bar focused on New American cuisine nestled on the second floor of Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia, is boasting a specialized cocktail for guests and locals enjoying the Philadelphia Flower Show. The Beach Cruiser ($16) is composed of aperol, orange blossom, lemon and rosé. This featured cocktail will be available to enjoy March 2-10.
Steak 48– Since opening in 2020, created by James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jeffrey and Michael Mastro, their father Dennis, and business partner Scott Troilo, Steak 48 in Philadelphia has put a reinvented twist on the classic American steakhouse. Conveniently located on South Broad Street, Steak 48 is the perfect post-Flower show destination if you’re looking for something sleek & upscale.
The Twisted Tail, Headhouse Square’s restaurant, bar and live music venue, is celebrating the return of the annual Philadelphia Flower Show with a cocktail sure to bring the spring feels. Offered from March 2 through March 10, the Spring Fever ($16) is composed of tequila, Leblon, pear nectar, lemon, honey, ginger puree and basil leaves, garnished with a Mezacl float and cracks of Tellicherri pepper. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or calling 215-558-2471.
Urban Farmer, the modern American steakhouse located in the Logan Hotel known for its locally sourced ingredients and in-house butcher shop and mushroom program, is offering a floral-themed cocktail, as well as a salad. The Garden Party ($18) beverage will be composed of St. George Terrier Gin, green chartreuse, fresh lemon and agave, served over a floral ice rock. For a delicious bite, Urban Farmer is offering a Rosa Radicchio Petal Salad ($14) with an orange blossom honey vinaigrette, mandarins, bee and fennel pollen, shaved fennel and marigolds. Reservations are always highly encouraged and can be made on OpenTable.