Bites Around the Block: Talula’s Not-So-Secret Garden

In the spirit of spring break, this week’s restaurant requires a bit of traveling (albeit a very small bit) and can be turned into a several hour (or even day-long) excursion for those remaining in Philly or on-campus this break. Located right in Washington Square and no farther than a quick (ten minute) cab, uber or septa (well, septa might take longer if you’re like me and still can’t manage to get on the right line ever) ride away, Talula’s Garden is just the spot to welcome spring.

Although it was still too cold when I went to take a post-overly-indulgent-meal-walk through the square, in the coming months (when I’ve been told spring finally arrives) when the weather is warmer the park right outside the restaurant’s front door is the perfect place to soak in the much-needed sun (I swear I’m becoming vitamin-D deficient) or spend a relaxing afternoon with friends someplace other than the Starbucks under Commons. The gorgeous patio with its lush greenery and twinkling lights is the ideal setting for brunch or dinner or even a quick cocktail and cheese plate (although you really should order one of their cheese plates at any meal you eat here…).

A nice change from White Dog, Green Eggs and Sabrina’s, Talula’s Garden prides themselves on using almost exclusively local ingredients, and as somebody who is admittedly a bit of produce snob (I’ve searched just about everywhere to find fresh fruit and vegetables on campus and have just about given up) the fresh plates are a welcome deviation from the usual, diabetes-inducing brunch fare. The brunch menu is just as robust as the dinner menu, offering starters, sides, main courses and dessert for those with an insatiable appetite (aka, me).

Although you truly cannot go wrong with any of their “beginnings,” the Jewish girl in me could not resist the “bialy and lox,” which did not disappoint. The bialy was light enough to make the lox the focus, and the smoky, barely-fishy spread was the best lox I’ve had since coming to Penn (and believe me, I’ve had my fair share). For those with a sweet tooth, the honey-soaked ricotta doughnuts (a dessert on the dinner menu) are sinfully sweet and airy enough to ensure that you still have (plenty of) room for your main dish. From the savory options, the steak and eggs are a clear standout (although I may be biased as I jump at any chance I get to eat red-meat off-campus, as I’m all but a vegetarian while at school). Cooked to perfection, the yolks were runny and the meat just red and tender (with enough juice to sop up with the fluffy biscuit that comes on the side), with the potato-kale hash providing just enough greenery to keep you from feeling too guilty. For those who prefer a sweeter breakfast, the special ricotta blintzes melt in your mouth (and are a great way to incorporate their amazing cheeses into your meal!). With attentive (but not overly so) service, Talula’s Garden provides a great off-campus alternative to the usual Hill brunch and is well worth the cab-fare.