This past weekend was all about the girls in our favorite city, Philadelphia. It was about getting together with some ladies that I have gotten pretty close with through the past couple months and celebrating each of us pursuing our ambitions and dreams. I have learned so much from this group of ladies and it was so nice to be able to have a weekend to celebrate Galentine’s Day.
We started off checking into the Sonesta Hotel in Rittenhouse Square and added some decorations to our room with the cutest pink heart balloons from Studio Pep. These balloons were perfect for our weekend theme and Studio Pep’s packaging made me smile with the sweetest message of support and a pop of confetti. We also snacked on Galentine’s Day cookies from The Createrie. Aly seriously makes such perfect cakes and cookies (one of our last get together’s at Terrain she created succulent cakes that looked like the real thing). These cookies again were almost too cute to eat with the sweetest little sayings but believe me we couldn’t resist and had quite the sugar rush the rest of the day.
Once we settled in, we made our way to the Rittenhouse Club and Spa for makeup and hair. I immediately bonded with Ettore who met me with the biggest smile. As we discussed what we were going to do with my hair, we instantly bonded over talk of beach waves and his dreams of retiring in Rome. He showed me a few tricks to do the beach waves that I often try to recreate and then I headed over to Alex for makeup. After showing her photos of every natural, dewy look that I have pinned over the past couple years, Alex was able to recreate the perfect look for our ladies night out.
Our next stop was back to the hotel where we had a short period of time to change and have a quick toast ( and another cookie). We then made our way to the Ritz Carlton where we were each greeted with roses at Aqimero. It was the sweetest gesture and after being seated, we could not get over the Valentine’s Day menu the chef had created. The three course meal included a first course of a deconstructed caesar salad or delicious brie with blackberry and rosemary. We then shared arroz con pollo and uni carbonarra that had pork belly that just melt in your mouth. Finally, for the third course I got the corn tamal which consisted of grilled shrimp and corn sauce. Before desert came out, the chef came out to greet us and we had the best chat with him as he shared how he came to work here in Philly from San Diego. He then gave us a quick tour of the kitchen where we saw how all the magic works and it gives me such a greater appreciation for every person who works in the restaurant industry. After finishing an incredible dessert, we walked it off as we got a tour of the Ritz Carlton in all its glory. I had no idea the cararra marble used in the building was from the same mime used by Michaelangelo for the Statue of David or that there was a beautiful wedding venue below the restaurant. Everything in the Ritz was just gorgeous.
That night we headed back to the hotel and literally talked until 3 am. I seriously have not laughed that hard in a long time and it was the perfect end to our Galentine’s Day. The next morning, we finalized our weekend with brunch at a.kitchen. Let me tell you, my new favorite place for brunch hands down. Being that I loved my time living in the South, I immediately ordered the chicken and biscuits as soon as I saw it on the menu. It is absolutely the best I have had since moving into this area and the perfect ending to Galentine’s Day weekend. We also sat at the Chef’s table where we were able watch all the food being made and I was so impressed by everything. The service was also top-notch and I can honestly say it will be a restaurant that I go back to time and time again.
Special Thanks to the Sonesta Hotel, Studio Pep, The Createrie, Rittenhouse Club and Spa, Aqimero, Ritz Carlton, and a.kitchen for the best weekend. If you do not already, follow these philly bloggers..@carlyandsloan, @thepennyparlor, @ericaligenza, @threesistersonecloset, and @macarenaferr. These Galentine’s rock my world.
