Waking up slightly hung-over on Friday, you've got a simple choice ahead of you: go to class or stroll down to South Street and indulge in a carbfest? Obviously, South Street is the better and more productive alternative.
Your destination after random meanderings through secondhand record shops? Carb Central, or, as the sign reads, The Pink Rose Pastry Shop. Pink Rose resembles the Southern cafe your Grandma frequents, complete with chintz curtains and floral booths. (Note: move in quickly and get the seat in the booth; the chairs are as uncomfortable as they look.) True to the Pink Rose's reputation as an ideal spot for girls to gossip, all the other customers are women. The first thing to hit you will be the amazing smell wafting in from the kitchen; the waitstaff says it's sizzling butter -- the primary ingredient for every option on the menu.
The Pink Rose Pastry Shop does offer your standard lunch fare, including wraps and sandwiches. Even if it's 3 p.m., definitely make breakfast your first meal of the day when visiting this place. The make-your-own omelettes are incredible -- better than Izzy and Zoey's or Philly Diner -- with cheddar cheese oozing out and slightly crispy edges. The buttermilk pancakes are good, but not as great as the friendly waitstaff (and by staff we mean one bohemian waiter) makes them out to be. In addition to the warm breakfast offerings, there is an extensive selection of pastries and premium teas.
Even though you'll be absolutely stuffed, save room for the Zagat-recommended desserts displayed safely behind a sheet of glass. Get a wide variety: a lemon square, an apple crumble square, a slice of marble cheesecake and an incredible pastry filled with vanilla custard, then drizzled with chocolate and white chocolate and topped with two chocolate-covered strawberries. The cheesecake is the best by far, but who doesn't love chocolate-covered strawberries?
So if you find yourself hesitant to go to class on one of the few warm days remaining, and are fed up with your Atkins' diet, take a stroll down to Pink Rose. If you feel guilty about the 5,000 calories you consumed, just remember, Pottruck's always there.
pink rose pastry shop
630 S. Fourth Street
(215) 592-0565
www.pinkrosepastry.com
