Culture

Philly Pick: Miel Patisserie

- Sarah 1 Comment

Reviving my Philly Picks series, where I highlight my favorite places around the City of Brotherly Love! First up: Miel Patisserie.

Miel Patisserie | Shades of Sarah

I really enjoy working in Center City Philadelphia — it gives me ample time to explore restaurants and cafes, like Miel Patisserie, a French pastry shop in Rittenhouse. I’ve been occasionally stopping by since my first summer in Philadelphia, but I honestly don’t think I’ve ordered anything but their macarons or tea. So don’t trust my word for their sandwiches and other desserts (though those also look delicious!).

The macarons though? The best I’ve tried in the city. My favorite flavor is salted caramel, but the flavors do rotate. Each macaroon is priced just under $2.00, so it’s a bit pricey, but it’s a nice splurge (I spent just under $10 for the five pictured above, and I was stuffed!). Miel Patisserie’s macarons are also a thoughtful gift for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, as long you don’t wait until the last minute (been there).

Miel is a nice stop on a rainy day — it’s not a bustling, overcrowded place. It’s a quiet environment that’s perfect for taking a break with some sweet snack and a cup of warm tea. (And don’t forget to take a colorful Insta.)

~ Sarah

Miel Patisserie
204 S. 17th St.
(17th and Walnut)

Happy Birthday, America!

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4th of July

“This, then, is the state of the union:  free and restless, growing and full of hope.  So it was in the beginning.  So it shall always be, while God is willing, and we are strong enough to keep the faith.” ~ Lyndon B. Johnson

Happy Independence Day! This is one of my favorite holidays, and I’m looking forward to a day of relaxing, eating, watching the World Cup (and don’t you dare tell me that’s un-American!) and just hanging out! And if you’re not a Yank, happy Friday!

~ Sarah

The Hidden City

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The past two weekends I have done my best to scope out potential Philadelphia friends by volunteering at The Hidden City Festival. It’s not a traditional festival by any means, but over the course of several weekends, history and art nerds have a chance to see new exhibits and installations in historical sites off the beaten path. (Because there are only so many times you want to see the Liberty Bell.)

The site I volunteered at Sunday was incredible. The space was Global Dye Works, a former yarn-dying factory that opened in 1865. Granted that’s relatively young for Philly, but still, 1865. The installations were housed in the old boiler room, and while they were interesting and quirky, the factory floor just felt like a movie set. So cool.

I definitely missed out by not having my DSLR, but I was still able to capture a few cool shots with my phone. I love Instagram, I feel like since I started using it over a year ago I’ve gotten more creative with my photography (and not just through filters). I just pay a lot more attention to detail now I think.

The exhibit also got me started on some of the other things I want to see in Philly this summer (Welcome America is a given). So of course, I made a list to keep track:

Did I miss anything, Philly readers? Any fun festivals near you?

~ Sarah