North Third: 801 N. 3rd Street, Northern Liberties

Last Friday, we had to take advantage of the daylight hours of Midsummer's Eve, arguably the best day of the year. With Dante in tow we went to the Northern Liberties area of Philly for dinner and a walk. North Third is fabulous restaurant on the corner of 3rd and Brown Street. We got a sunny table outside; a caveat to bringing small children into this establishment; be prepared to explain the female anatomy, because in one room there is a larger than life painting of breasts, just breasts... Anyway, we've eaten here a handful of times, and the food is always superb.

This time I opted for the lamb burger, on special, with arugula, tzatziki, and big chunks of feta. I felt a little silly, this was my first lamb "burger" and I wasn't aware that the inside is meant to be very pink. It alarmed me at first, but our helpful waiter assured me that's how it's meant to be prepared. Whew. That first reaction aside, it was excellent! The tzatziki was fresh and flavorful, and the chunks of feta were a nice salty addition. I know french fries usually are a filler, but I love my fries, especially doused in malt vinegar and an unhealthy amount of salt and pepper. These were also well done, not too greasy (Dante also approved). And of course they have a killer draft line up to match their menu. If you're in the area, I would suggest eating here, slightly away from the busy Piazza on 2nd street.

After dinner we got to mosey on through the park nearby where they were about to show a film. There's a pretty community garden and lot's of artwork nearby. Lovely painted fences and walls. Every time we're in the city like this, it makes me want to flee dull suburbia in the worst way. Or maybe I should just paint a mural on our garage to liven things up.