Highlights from the Philadelphia Flower Show 2013--Part II

In addition to the themed displays at the Philadelphia Flower Show, there are rows and rows of specimen plants, that are judged and on display.

This is one of my favorite parts of the flower show, where you can see what makes the perfect begonia, poinsetta, and even snake plant.  It is a place to see every variety of cactus imaginable, countless orchids, flowering bulbs, rock gardens, and terrariums.  I love to see what I have grown and also get ideas.  Here are some of my favorites this year.

I could have spent hours and hours inspecting each and every plant.  But alas...after a little shopping....it was time for dinner.

We ventured over to Talula's Garden at 210 W. Washington Square to try out their fresh, seasonal, farm to table selections.  They had an amazingly diverse menu, yummy cheese plate, old fashioned drinks, and heavenly deserts.  I look forward to going back in a few months to sample their spring and summer menu.  There is a great outdoor patio area too!

Talula's was the perfect place to end our Flower show day!  Fresh ingredients, botanicals, terrariums, long wooden country style tables, tulips, and garden lights.

Here are some of the dishes that we sampled...

Carrot Soup, Spicy Cucumber Radish "Pickles," Torn Mint and Yogurt

 Pear Salad, Red Watercress, Endive, Walnuts, Port Pears, Blue Cheese, Poppy Seed Dressing

 Seared Gulf Snapper, Kumquat Vinaigrette, Chervil, Mint, Sunchokes, Radicchio, and Creamy Cauliflower Puree--Yum!

and for dessert....

Crisp Creme Brulee Napoleon--Vanilla Bean Creme, Pistachio Tuiles, Blood Orange Sorbet

Oh....and don't forget the Maple Glazed Brussles Sprouts with Alpine Cheese, Cider and Leeks
and the Creamed Kale with Fontina and toasted pistachios.

And their coffee and espresso is really good too!

And so ends the Flower Show 2013 adventure.  Can't wait until next year!