Two Hidden Philadelphia Gems

It may be hard to believe that one of these gems is on the 19th floor of a city center hotel but I will get to that shortly. But first please take a look at my previous post, The Thinking Man’s Menu to see the cool links that have already been added and please add one of your own if you haven’t already.
I have two places I want to share with you. XIX is a Restaurant/ Café/ Bar on the nineteenth floor of the Hyatt on Broad Street. The reason why this is a gem is the Prix Fixe lunch menu for $20 is such an incredible deal for the quality of the food and the ambiance. There is a small salad buffet, a selection of entrees and then a dessert table made up of miniature desserts. Soft drinks are also included and I had a really good iced tea.
The real treat about this dining experience is just how beautiful the room and the view are. I did not see this in any tourist literature  but was directed here by a friend.

XIX CAFÉ LUNCH $20
Includes Soft Drinks And Freshly Brewed Iced Teas 
 
Daily selection of fresh salads, meats, cheeses 
and baked breads
Lunch entrée
Choice of One 
Pappardelle Pasta 
mushrooms, tomatoes, sage, roasted squash sauce, 
shaved parmesan  
Pizza
grilled chicken, spinach, manchego cheese, 
roasted pepper sauce 
XIX Steak
brussel sprouts, celery root, brown ale sauce       
Grilled Panini
eggplant, zucchini, tomato pesto, Dubliner cheese  
Fish of the Day
Dessert display
Selections of mini cakes, parfaits and individual

xix website

I was somewhat rushed these photos and want to do a much better set on my next visit. This will give you an idea of what everything was like. The standard of service was also excellent.

My second Gem is not food related but is truly magical.

PHILADELPHIA’S MAGIC GARDEN

“Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a folk art environment, gallery space, and nonprofit organization that showcases the work of mosaicist Isaiah Zagar. Located at the site of Zagar's largest public mosaic installation, the Magic Gardens includes a fully mosaiced indoor gallery and a massive outdoor labyrinthine mosaic sculpture. The installation, primarily consisting of found objects and contributions from the community, covers half a city block with myriads of tile, texture, and color. A walk through the labyrinth will reveal sculptures from Latin America and Asia, bicycle wheels from local South Street shop Via Bicycles, Zagar's hand-made tiles, and mirrors of every shape and size.”

The above text is taken directly from the website. This is another one of my finds for which I do not have the verbal ability to describe so I will let my camera do the talking. The whole would  is so much more than the sum of it parts and I would urge you to see it for yourself.