Best of Philly’s Tickled Pink

A few of our favorites win big this year

If you haven’t already checked out the latest issue of Philadelphia magazine’sBest of Philly” (on newsstands now) you may be happy to see that some of G Philly’s favorites caught the attention of the editors this year.

One of the top honors was a reader’s choice for best new restaurant. It was a heated competition with no shortage of amusing barbs exchanged between local chefs on Twitter. It all started with Barbuzzo, Farm & Fisherman, Talula’s Garden, MICA, Adsum, J.G. Domestic, Monsu and The Dandelion and ended up between Barbuzzo and Adsum, with Chef Marcie Turney’s Mediterranean bistro Barbuzzo winning the honor. Turney was also commended for her salted caramel budino dessert, which may look like a pudding but sure doesn’t taste like any pudding we’ve ever had before.

Diane Yang Initial Necklace from Verde (courtesy of Verde)

Turney and her partner Valerie Safran’s shop next door Verde also got props for the “best costume bling.” We, too, like shopping for baubles anywhere we can also buy chocolate, accessories and something green for our nests.

Stimulus at Marathon Grill (courtesy of Stimulus)

Verde’s neighbor on the block Duross & Langel also earned a “Best of” – but for their newest outpost across the river in charming Haddonfield, N.J. Partners in life and business Steve Duross and James Langel won for “best satellite location.”

We’re pretty sure the women of Stimulus are pleased that Marathon Grill – the home base for their popular monthly parties – also got a shout out for the best kid’s menu in a grown-up spot. We can’t speak for the kids, but there’s nothing like grabbing a nosh before hitting the dance floor for these women-to-women fetes.

Browse the shelves at Farley's Bookshop in New Hope (courtesy of Farley's Bookshop)

And hats off to Martha Graham Cracker who celebrates her sixth anniversary at L’Etage this month. She earned her “Best of” for being one of the “best gay nights” out. We couldn’t agree more. Have you seen her belt out “And I am Telling You”? We’ll definitely be at the anniversary show on Aug. 18 (8 p.m.) when Martha sashays with up-and-coming queen Tammy Faymous.

Disco Lady Pillow (courtesy of Jonathan Adler)

When we’re not kicking up our heels – or enjoying watching the men we love kick up theirs in full drag – we like to getaway to New Hope, and especially to Farley’s Bookshop. Farley’s won for “best bookstore” thanks to its crowded shelves packed with some of our favorite scribes. Looking for a summer read? Visit the bountiful biography section for some sweet celebrity tell-alls.

Someone with a very interesting biography is Jonathan Adler. The out artist and designer’s outpost in Philly’s Old City nabbed it for “best home decor.” His namesake vases, home accessories and furniture honors mid-century modern design with a very contemporary flair. Hello, disco lady pillow. You look just like Liza.

Finally, if you’re looking for a whole new look (who isn’t?), Metro Men’s Clothing on East Passyunk Ave. is a great go-to spot. It won its “Best of Philly” for men’s casual clothing. Fall’s just around the corner, guys. What are you waiting for?

Pick up a copy of the latest issue of Philadelphia magazine on newsstands or subscribe online by clicking here.