
Sometimes a daughter can only find peace in her mother's arms. Or in my case, in the arms of Mama Vamp's home turf of Philadelphia.
The weekend started easily enough with a basic Cheeseburger at Pub & Kitchen followed by a stroll down Antique Row and a jewelry spree at the enchanting, glittering, bling den that is Halloween.
I began to feel at ease.
The evening introduced us to a new Mexican hot spot on Head House Square called Xochitl, where Mama Vamp finally gained respect for bona fide Guacamole and we both took solace in sublime Nuevo Mexicano fare and tequila-laden Sandia cocktails with fresh-squeezed Watermelon juice.
I felt my equilibrium returning.
The next day brought another guest to Mama Vamp's doorstep, her BFF Christina. Now that the musketeers were complete, the real fun began, including window shopping, not so window shopping, an educational stop at the National Constitution Center that had Mama Vamp crying at "We the people," and a brilliant lunch at Chifa, a sumptuous Peruvian-Chinese dining establishment that had us a "Hola."
Among the treats that we devoured was a plate of golden brown Empanadas stuffed with Lump Crabmeat sitting atop a sunset-colored Sweet Chili Sauce (pictured above). The Sweet and Sour Glazed Pork Ribs with Daikon Salad and Soy Nuts also delighted. As did the Lomo Saltado, with its slice of rare steak and a crisp vegetable saute.
But, it was the decadent, simply-named Shrimp Noodle Bowl that made us swoon. The combination of flat white noodles, rocoto cream, shrimp, bacon, parmesan and green peas didn't sound like much, but it was SO very much. Very, very, very much.
I'm swooning now just thinking about it.
Between all the swooning and the bottle of Pinot Gris we downed, the rest is a bit of a blur. A blur I returned from with my breathing abilities fully intact.
My taste buds too.
Thanks Mom!