Penza's Pies at the Red Barn Cafe
The fruit pies from Penza's in Hammonton look like they're straight out of a Gourmet magazine spread -- and taste even better than they look. (Note: Hammonton is between Philly and Atlantic City on bucolic Route 206.) The pies are worth the detour, especially if you opt for whatever fruit is in season. Right now? That's Jersey blueberries and peaches. 391 Route 206, Hammonton, NJ 08037, penzaspies.com.
Center City Concierge
Sometimes there's just not enough time in the day. And even if there is time to do it all, sometimes you'd simply rather not. Enter well-connected, close-lipped Philly native Joan Silverstein, who'll do your grocery shopping, write your thank-you notes, find blinds for the beach house all just as diligently as you would. Call or see website for consultation, 00000, centercityconcierge.com.
Vetter Pet Care
If “make vet appointment” keeps falling to the bottom of your to-do list, take note: Vetter, a newly launched local service, will send a Penn-trained vet to your house (early, late, weekends, next-day) for a checkup, to administer vaccines or to provide ’scripts. And you’ll get a post-visit summary via email. Services parts of Philadelphia and the Main Line. vetterpetcare.com.
Walter Pine
Queen Village plant shop Walter Pine. Photograph by Jauhien Sasnou This Queen Village newcomer has done all aspiring plant parents a favor by assembling a selection that’s special — heart-shaped hoya, kangaroo paw fern, burgundy ficus — but never overwhelming. Worth noting: This shop is equal parts plants, gifts and flowers. The small grab-and-go bouquets and full-size arrangements are stunning free-form groupings of color, shape and texture. 729 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, walterpine.com.
Aqeel Dix
When then-21-year-old Lincoln U. student Imani Lamarr told public health professor Dix she’d have to miss his class because she didn’t have a sitter for her son Christopher, he told her to bring the baby to school — and then held him so she could take notes. The video, naturally, went viral. A hero for our times.
Cloud Cups
Photograph by Jeff Fusco Rich red velvet cheesecake, French toast stracciatella with chocolate ribbons swirled throughout, and classics like creamy vanilla are among the extensive repertoire of owner Galen Thomas. (He’s created more than 100 flavors.) Think of Cloud Cups as you would jazz: You’ve got a gelato maestro who has a lot of notes to play with, and the result is music to your taste buds. Locations in Kensington and Fishtown, Philadelphia, PA cloudcupsgelato.com.
Collective Creamery
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the dizzying array of choices at your local cheese counter, opt for this subscription box. Every month, you get a selection of distinctive, rind-blowing styles from small-batch creameries, curated by cheesemakers from Birchrun Hills and Valley Milkhouse Creamery. Complete with tasting notes and pairing recommendations, it’s a good way for curd nerds to up their cheeseboard game. instagram.com/collectivecreamery.
The Rosenbach
There was much hand-wringing last year when this quirky Rittenhouse museum lost most of its Maurice Sendak collection, but in the end, it didn't really matter. There are still manuscripts from Joseph Conrad and Charles Dickens, Bram Stoker's notes on Dracula, a first edition of Don Quixote, compelling guided tours, and lively literary events like the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland in October. 2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103, rosenbach.org.
City Tap House
When City Tap House opened in 2014, we assumed it would be just another semi-lame happy-hour bar. Instead, we got a venue that now hosts every beer launch of note. It's got 40 taps; a location convenient to Center City-ites and train-riding suburban beer nerds; and enough elbow room for them all to raise a glass. 2 Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA 19104, citytaphouseucity.com.
Verde
Thoroughly eco. Totally chic. Stylist Kevin Gatto's minimalist, earth-friendly salon betrays zero ounces of granola-ness. Sign up for one of his note-perfect dry cuts or his foil-free balayage highlights, book a swish mani-pedi or no-nonsense wax with aesthetician Lisa Concepcion, and you won't even realize your glamorous self is being green. 4 Powell Lane, Collingswood, NJ 08108, verdesalon.com.
Isgro Pastries
Readers' Choice: As a co-worker noted, Someone should tell Michael Nutter if he wants to make Philadelphians happy, he should give them free cookies. It's true; people came out in droves. While we had doubts that a non-chocolate chip cookie could win, Isgro Pastries' butter sponge ricotta cookie with lemon icing got the gold. 1009 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, bestcannoli.com.
Tonewood’s Slow Saison Series
In a world flooded with IPAs, Tonewood Brewing’s Slow Saison collaboration with beverage consultant and forager Danny Childs stands out as an exciting exploration of our region’s terroir through the seasons. From the piney notes of the staghorn sumac in the fall’s release to the powerful punch of persimmons in the spring, each beer in the series showcases locally foraged botanicals presented in a way that will make you think differently about nature and beer. Locations in Barrington and Oaklyn, New Jersey, tonewoodbrewing.com.
Saffron Indian Kitchen
The layers of flavors at this Bala BYO take our Indian favorites up a notch, starting with the rice: Light, fluffy, and infused with the restaurant's namesake spice, it's the perfect starchy building block to a delicious meal. Don't miss the saag paneer, in which the brilliantly spiced spinach what is that smoky note? shines (rather than the cream, for a change), or the tandoori-kissed lamb cubes in the house special boti kebab. 145 Montgomery Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, saffronofphilly.com.
The TMJ Massage at Moon Rehab and Wellness
Take note: The TMJ massage at this Rittenhouse physical therapy spot is intense. Having your jaw muscles massaged from inside your mouth is a little bit weird, but absolutely worth it. Massage therapist Paulina Moon expertly soothes facial pain and kneads out the tension-filled knots in your neck and shoulders. Feeling your jaw unclench for the first time in years is reason enough to book a second appointment. 1601 Walnut Street, suite 522, Philadelphia, PA 19102, moonrehab.com.
Division IV
This sweet shop ups the ante on otherwise pedestrian hostess gifts. Do you usually present a jar of fruit preserves? Try the bacon jam! Typically exchange fine spirits? Pair a bottle with a charred grapefruit tonic! Even humdrum candles — like a basil-and-cucumber eco-candle in an upcycled wine bottle — earn an upgrade. (Note: Division IV was absorbed into Ali’s Wagon, from the same owners, in 2018.) 2017 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130, aliswagon.com.