A Nod to Tria

Tria’s dual locations mark Philly’s wine bar hotspots. Anyone who has been, returns, and curious onlookers can’t resist but peek inside. A sensual journey through the fruit of the vine awaits with delicate eatables along the way. Check out this post from our friends at uwishuknu for more information on Tria and other Philly faves.

Also, if you want to learn about organic wines, you can learn more mat Green Philly Blog.

We Can’t Keep it All to Ourselves. Come and Stay Awhile.

General Post by Aaron Stella

CITYSPACE: re-thinking real estate. This time around, folks, we’d liked to give a little love to our beautiful office building–our home in many respects–in which we’re grateful to conduct business. Located on 22nd and Walnut Streets, we inhabit the old Horace Trumbauer building, which Trumbauer, internationally-renown architect (1868–1938) of the gilded age, designed for his son. Trumbauer’s firm’s more famous projects–with which you’re probably familiar–include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia City Hall, and the Philadelphia Free Library.  So, as you can imagine, a residence designed by Trumbauer must possess the same caliber of artistry for which all the aforesaid structures are revered. And much to our delight, it does in spades; and being that it is a historic building, we at CITYSPACE consider this gem of history to be just as much the community’s as it is ours. So please, if ever you find yourself curious about housing (buying, selling, or renting) in Philadelphia, stop into to our office, and take a brief respite. Free coffee and tea service for any visitors. We can’t keep this place all to ourselves, so come in and soak in the serenity of one of Philadelphia’s most beautiful flats around.

Just Reduced! 2107-9 Naudain Street

3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1860 SF: $489,000

Own a piece of history in Rittenhouse!! Don’t miss the opportunity to live in this stunning architectural landmark designed by the students of Louis Kahn. The home boasts a private entrance with patio/yard including mature trees that proves to be a true secret garden. Or provides the rare ability to build or expand and carries its own address. The home includes an original mosaic by Isaiah Zagar off a brand new beautiful kitchen, as well as may other creative elements. The glass back wall of the home, 6 skylights, and the circular window that spans two stories floods the home with natural light. There is a private back patio as well as a large roofdeck and yoga loft that make this city dwelling truly unique. All new house systems including kitchen appliances. Come see this dream home!

Check out the Postlet for this listing to see more photos!

For further information or to schedule a showing for this property, please contact:

Jamie Gordon
REALTOR®
CITYSPACE
2200 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19144
O: 215.625.3650
C: 267.971.7028
F: 215.625.4721

NEW CONSTRUCTION

FISHTOWN: SHACKAMAXON COURT

1221 Shackamaxon Street, From $164,900

OPEN 12-1:30PM
1 & 2 Bed Condos!

CENTER CITY: THOMAS LOFTS

726-28 Market Street, From $249,000

OPEN 12-2PM
1, 2 & 3 Bed Lofts, Bi-levels avail

* Elevator and Doorman building
* True bedrooms, dramatically high ceilings
* European inspired finishes
* 10 yr tax abatement, low condo fees

NORTHERN LIBERTIES

Parkview

1119 N. 3rd Street: 1 and 2 beds from $299,000
OPEN SUN: 1-3PM

* Amazing Northern Liberties location – on Liberty Lands Park!
* Common courtyard and roof deck with amazing city skyline views!
* Deeded Secure Garage Parking

Twelve Houses

1119 N. 3rd Street, $699,000
BY APPOINTMENT
3 beds, 2.5 bath

* New Modern Brilliant Design
* Family room, living room, den
* Deeded Parking + Patio

Thin Flats: 147-151 Laurel St.

OPEN SUN 2-4PM
From $549.9K – $679.9K
The first multi-family LEED Gold project in the country.

* MODULNOVA Italian design Kitchens
* Radiant floor heating
* Green Roof & solar panel systems
* Parking w/electric car port
* www.leedphilly.com

Brown Street Estates:

320 Brown St. Unit E:                 $749,000

OPEN SUN 1-2PM
3 beds, 3 baths, 3400 SF
• Tigerwood hardwood floors
• 3 levels of outdoor space
• Steel and glass stairs
• European design / garage parking

RITTENHOUSE SQUARE

2047-49 Walnut St, $374K – $799K

OPEN SUN 12-3PM

* New Large One & Two Bedroom Condos
* Luxury Amenities :: Strategic Location

Smiles in Rittenhouse for the Pad Thai Pleasure-Bounty

Restaurant Review by Aaron Stella

When scrounging for food in Rittenhouse, try exploring the area’s western periphery, particularly the 22nd Street stretch. Be careful now: the façade of Smile, a quiet yet elegant Thai food restaurant, is somewhat inconspicuous. But it’s worth ascertaining. Smile’s been part of the upmarket Rittenhouse Square area for a little over three years, providing 9-5ers and others of the voracious ilk with an affordable assortment of pad thai favorites. Into the quaint quarters, lightly adorned with artifacts of the east, the perfectly-portioned fare can be enjoyed leisurely from any seat in the house (All tables are very cozy). Smile’s lunch special—another one of it’s enticing qualities—runs for only $7.95, with which you get a choice of two appetizers and one entrée.  Appetizers for the lunch special include sping rolls, steamed dumplings, a mixed greed salad with cream dressing (delish!), and others; entrées include shrimp satay, curried beef (quality cut), roast duck, and others more (all entrées come with rice). And be sure to try the desserts. Of course, Smile is also the perfect date spot for dinner or late lunch: patrons laud the copious portions-to-price at dinner. So if you’re ever in the area, don’t hesitate to settle in at Smile. By your meal’s end, it’s sure to be in your Rolodex of favorites.

19th Between Chestnut and Market Harbors Something Special

Gems of the City: Review by Aaron Stella

Gems of the city: they’re scattered everywhere, high and low, here and there, and occasionally, out in plain view. To all our good fortune, you can easily find this one on 19th Street between Market and Chestnut streets in the Rittenhouse Square Area: a Chinese food street vendor, who looks like a cross between a young Howard Hughs and John Waters, conducts his daily operations out of a cart no larger than 2 square yards, feeding the hungry droves that flock mid-lunch rush. Instead of an extensive menu, choices are consolidated yet span the gamut of popular Chinese fare. And when an order is placed, the one-man-team goes to work–one adroit execution after another: he alternates between frying bulky spring rolls and gingerly ladling a sweet, umber sauce onto freshly steamed chicken and broccoli; remains ever so precise when he dabs concentrated globules of fiery spice; and maintains a courteous demeanor through all the aforesaid. But slight of hand isn’t enough to make a must-go-to; yet with rock-bottom prices for the fare—I believe I have your attention now. For a mountainous helping of chicken lo mein, only $2.75. One dollar gets you two spring rolls. You can always do a combo, which comes with your choice of a hefty egg roll, a bowl of soup, or a soda, for only $3.50. Basically, you end up paying about $1.50, sometimes $2 less than standard Chinese food prices: and comparatively, the portion sizes are indistinguishable. This is a perfect quick-fix lunch spot for unbeatable prices. Stop by and give it a go!

NEW CONSTRUCTION

CENTER CITY: THOMAS LOFTS

726-28 Market Street, From $249,000
OPEN 12-2PM
1, 2 & 3 Bed Lofts, Bi-levels avail

• Elevator and Doorman building
• True bedrooms, dramatically high ceilings
• European inspired finishes
• 10 yr tax abatement, low condo fees

NORTHERN LIBERTIES

Northern Liberties: Twelve Houses

1119 N. 3rd Street, $699,000
OPEN SUN 12-1:30PM
3 beds, 2.5 bath

• New Modern Brilliant Design
• Family room, living room, den
• Deeded Parking + Patio

Northern Liberties: 916 New Market St, $625,000

OPEN SUN 1-2PM
3 bed, 3 baths

• Completely Eco savvy!
• Contemporary design
• Green roof with great views

Northern Liberties: Thin Flats: 147-151 Laurel St.

OPEN SUN 2-3PM
From $549.9K – $679.9K
The first multi-family LEED Gold project in the country.

• MODULNOVA Italian design Kitchens
• Radiant floor heating
• Green Roof & solar panel systems
• Parking w/electric car port
• www.leedphilly.com

Rittenhouse Square: 2024 Spruce St, Units 1 & 5

From $379K to $749K
OPEN SUN 2-3:30PM

• Elegant Rittenhouse Living :: Priced Right
• Gracious Large New Condos. Luxury Amenities
• 1 bed/1 bath or 2 bed/2 bath
• 2 Car Deeded Pkg (Unit 1)

Rittenhouse Square: 2047-49 Walnut St, $374K – $799K

OPEN SUN 2:30-4PM

• New Large One & Two Bedroom Condos
• Luxury Amenities :: Strategic Location

MORE FEATURED OPEN HOUSES THIS SUNDAY:

12-1:30pm
1931 Webster Street                 $399,900
3 beds, 2.5 baths, 1900 SF
Graduate Hospital

• Harwood floors, many upgrades
• 8.5 yrs left on tax abatement ($259/yr)

1-3pm
320 Brown St. Unit E:                 $749,000
3 beds, 3 baths, 3400 SF
Northern Liberties

• Tigerwood hardwood floors
• 3 levels of outdoor space
• Steel and glass stairs
• European design / garage parking

Portrait of the Rittenhouse Meanderer by Aaron Stella

Your day off in Rittenhouse: an unprecedented delight made of the finest Philadelphia has to offer. Whether you currently reside in Philly, or are considering moving to the area, a little foot-guide can never hurt (and transport on foot will keep Al Gore from accosting you, god love him). Every day off spent out and about seemingly contains four elements: coffee, clothing, comestibles, and confections. You guessed it: the four Cs (god knows that I’ll do when I get to the four Xs). Anyways, allow me to suggest a plotted course for your day off in Rittenhouse. For starters, I would suggest little pick-me-up at La Colombe for one of their hefty coffees. Next it’s on to the Anthropologie, a clothier designed and supplied by globetrotting seamsters and jewelers, for a late night outfit. Gentlemen should navigate towards H&M for chic treads (when in Rome, right?). After a midday siesta (my absolute favorite), it’s off to a taste of the Greek isles at Estia. And for dessert, Capogiro’s decadent phalanx of gelatos. Of course, there are many paths to pleasure in Rittenhouse. Take a gander below for more suggestions. Carpe Diem, my friends!

Rittenhouse Coffee Houses

Tuscany Café

222 W Rittenhouse Sq # 1

Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 772-0605
metroguide.com

Remedy Tea Bar

1628 Sansom St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 557-6688
remedytea.com

Rittenhouse Restaurants

La Croix At the Rittenhouse

210 W Rittenhouse Sq # 2
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 790-2533
lacroixrestaurant.com

Audrey Claire Restaurant Cafe

276 S 20th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 731-1222
audreyclaire.com

Estia

1405-07 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-735-7700
estiarestaurant.com

Clothing Stores

Anthropologie

1801 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 568-2114
anthropologie.com

H&M

1725 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 563-2221
hm.com

Joan Shepp

1616 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 735-2666
joanshepp.com

Dessert

Capogiro

117 S 20th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 636-9250
capogirogelato.com

Monk’s Cafe

626 S 16th St
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 545-7005
monkscafe.com

Restaurant Review By Aaron Stella

Rittenhouse residents patronize Monk’s Café for two reasons: their tour de monde of brews containing more than 250 beers, and their mussels, which are arguably the best and most affordable in the city. The beer menu is hardly your standard order wash of local and imported; it’s a phalanx of curios, obscure as they’re beautiful, and refined and they’re diverse. Such that Monk’s appropriately titles their beer list, “The Beer Bible.” You could probably dream up some beer with random attributes and find it or something scarily similar to it at Monk’s. And the quaint cafe treats imbibing beer with same care that the brew masters took concocting them. All beer’s are served in precisely shaped glasses or are decantered for maximum flavor and breathing effect. Now for the food. After the braised veal cheeks, country terrine, a smattering of burger stacks and the seitan cheese steak, there are the mussels. All boast of rich herbaceous vigor—chervil, an uncommon herb, is in Monk’s Flemish-styled and Red light Mussels—with infusions of choice beers and varying consistencies in the broth, all of which are preceded by two copious rolls so nothing goes to waste. Broth recipes include Ghent (Saison Dupont, fum, parsley, caramelized leeks, bacon, bleu cheese & garlic), Provence (fume, celery, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, leeks, garlic, parsley and cream), and Monks (Cantillon, gueze, fum, garlic and parsley). Monk’s Belgian pub interior is usually packed on the weekends, and experiences high volumes during the week. But all in manageable droves. So drop on by and partake in the sensation Philadelphians know and love. Beer and Mussels. You can’t go wrong.