No more juice cleanses! No more “I’m off carbs”! No more protein or die! No more “I’m trying to be good”! My friends, we’ve made it. Spring break has come and gone. We flaunted our bods, and now it’s time to reward ourselves for our hard work. If you weren’t cutting back pre-break, you should still celebrate. Here are the top 9 dishes to treat yourself to upon your return.
1. Whiskey King Burger from Village Whiskey
Photo by Village Whiskey
What is it? This burger is topped with maple bourbon glazed cipollinis, blue cheese, bacon and foie gras. Yes, it will throw you back $26, but you surely saved a few bucks after only drinking that lemon cayenne pepper juice. May I suggest treating yourself to a red velvet milkshake alongside your other indulgence? I mean while you’re at it…
2. Testina Hash Poutine from Alla Spina
Photo by Food and Wine, Jason Varney
What is it? This is the Roman gastropub’s take on fries during brunch—french fries smothered in pigs head, mozzarella curds and sunny-side up eggs. Talk about taking bacon, egg and cheese to a whole new level. Yes please.
3. Valley Thunder Grilled Cheese from Meltkraft
Photo by Amanda Shulman
What is it? A grilled cheese with baked max and cheese, brisket and cheddar. You should probably prepare a nice couch to cozy up onto.
4. Volcano Hot Chocolate from Rim Café
Photo by Amanda Shulman
What is it? The ultimate hot chocolate. It’s as thick as pudding and topped with 10 different kinds of shaved chocolate plus a mountain of whipped cream. I’m shocked when I find out so few people from campus have been here because it’s above and beyond one of the best gems in Philly.
5. Tarzan of the Apes from Franklin Fountain
Photo by Amanda Shulman
What is it? The extreme sundae. Vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce, bananas, strawberries, almonds and whipped cream may be a classic combo, but nowhere does it better. Ask for sprinkles and marshmallow sauce too.
6. Square Tomato Pie from Santucci’s
Photo by Amanda Shulman
What is it? This square pie is an upside down pizza with cheese under the sauce, and it has fought it’s way into my heart as potentially the best pizza in the city. It’s crispy and sort of thick, and the cheese comes at you like a smoking hot surprise that never gets old.
7. 100 Mini Ice Cream Cones from Sampan
Photo by Amanda Shulman
What it is? Mini ice cream cones of various rotating flavors. Whether it’s Mike & Ike, Reese’s Puff or Lucky Charms flavored ‘scream, every lil cone is a true prize. I’m planning on going every day for one week to get a proper amount.
8. French Toast Special from Green Eggs Café
Photo by Amanda Shulman
What is it? A classic-but-not french toast whose flavor changes daily. Think peanut butter & jelly, banana cream pie or cheesecake just to get your brain going.
9. Federal Donuts Fried Chicken
Photo by Amanda Shulman
What is it? Fried chicken in unbelievably unique flavors. Go to Federal Donuts and have a full fried chicken tasting–don’t miss a single flavor. If you’re feeling really ambitious, simultaneously conduct a donut tasting.