While Philadelphia is the 6th largest city in the US, it often reminds me of living in a small town. Friday night served as reinforcement of this notion for me. After a long, mind-numbing week, I made my way to Varga (10th and Spruce) to have a few much needed drinks with my friend, Stephanie. I got a little side-tracked along the way. The shiny distraction in question – Giovanni’s Room.  After snagging a copy of Brazen Femme: Queering Feminity and The Slow Fix by Ivan E. Coyote (my fave storyteller), I made my way over to Varga.

So, here comes the small world bit.  I knew that Stephanie was meeting someone there, but I didn’t know that I would be running into the Crush too! I met her this summer, and have run into her several time since.  I am amused by the entire situation given that I don’t crush often. It has been years in fact! May write more about it under the cut, but nuff said about this for the moment.

Everyone was already enjoying their drinks of choice when I got there. After a quick glance at the menu, I chose the Pumpkin Ale – very smooth, even bodied, wonderful aftertaste.

Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale

We ended up ordering the Jumbo Lump Cheese Fries and the Truffled Mac ‘N Cheese. The Mac ‘N Cheese was divine…beyond yummy! The particular blend of cheeses - gruyere, fontina, and marscarpone – is spectacular. The hint of truffle pulled the dish together beautifully! It’s the ultimate comfort food, created a wonderful celebration in my mouth.

Jumbo Lump Cheese Fries - jumbo lump crab, white cheddar, parmesan

It’s great being out and about again. Trips to NYC, salsa lessons, and getting together with friends in Phila are helping me feel more balanced than I have been in a while. All work and no play makes Kathrin a very grumpy girl! The hermit life is so very unbecoming, no?

Looks like dinner and great conversation is in the works with several local LGBT/PoC activist friends of mine on Friday. The options – Lolitas, Cafe Apamate and Xochitl.