Culinary Quest

In South Philadelphia, there is a beautiful neighborhood north of Christian Street known as Bella Vista (“Beautiful View”) where history abounds, families flock, and businesses thrive.  If you decide to visit Philadelphia for any period of time, there is no better, or more romantic place to stay than The Bella Vista Bed & Breakfast, owned and operated by Dan McGowan and Barbara Ross.  Located only moments from the Italian Market on South 9^th Street and just a stone’s throw from the shops and restaurants of South Street, The Bella Vista has charm and beauty unlike any hotel you are likely to find in Philadelphia. 

Built in 1860, The Bella Vista B&B is a stately Philadelphia town home that will immerse you in a world of character and sophisticated styling.  The antique furnishings, eclectic design, decorative art, and wonderful colors all contribute to a truly unique and wonderful place that you will want to visit again and again. 

The B&B’s location is ideal for a visit to the city.  You are just a short walk from many of the historic sites, museums, the central business district, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Antique Row, and the Avenue of the Arts which is home to the Academy of Music, the Kimmel Center, and the Wilma Theater. 

Each beautiful suite has a private entry and is stylishly appointed, featuring generous amenities.  The exquisite queen beds are lavishly adorned with fine sateen linens, magnificent comforters, and stylish bed coverings with plush pillows and throws. 

The Bella Vista B&B provides a self serve Continental Breakfast in your own private dining area.  This includes delicious fresh fruit, a huge variety of hot and cold cereals, yogurt, delicious muffins, bagels, croissants, hot cocoa, fruit juice, milk, half & half, and Krusteav’s frozen waffles, French toast, and pancakes.  Barbara also provides gourmet coffee and a special variety of English and herbal tea for her guests’ delight.  So sleep in!  Breakfast at your leisure!

There are, of course, dozens of coffee shops and scores of restaurants within ten minutes’ walk from The Bella Vista B&B.  These include:

Anastasi Seafood Ristorante, located in the Italian Market at 1101 S. 9^th St.

Anthony’s Chocolate House, located in the Italian Market at 919 S. 9^th St.

Bean Exchange, only 10 minutes away at 650 Bainbridge St.

Beau Monde Crêperie  located at 624 S. 6^th St.

Bridget Foy’s, located at 2^nd and South Streets

Dante & Luigi’s Corona di Ferro, located at the end of the block (762 S. 10^th St.

Geno's Steaks, located at the far end of the Italian Market at 1219 S. 9th St.

Pat's King of Steaks, Located at the far end of the Italian Market at 1237 E. Passyunk Ave.

Ristorante Mezza Luna,  just two blocks away at 763 S. 8^th St. ( 8^th and Catherine St)

Morning Glory Diner, across the street at 10^th and Fitzwater St.

Ralph’s Italian Restaurant, located two blocks away at 760 S. 9^th St.

Sabrina’s Café, only a block and a half away at 910 Christian St.

Chick’s Café & Wine Bar, only 10 minutes away at 614 S. 7^th St. (7^th & Kater St)

This barely scratches the surface.  At the Bella Vista B&B, you are ideally located in the most convenient neighborhood in center city Philadelphia.  The neighborhood is quiet, safe, and clean.  The people are friendly, demonstrating that Philadelphia truly IS the City of Brotherly Love.  You will find relaxation as you enjoy the good life.  With private suites and private rooms to choose from, you are sure to find the best of what you are looking for.  Whether it is a quiet vacation, a romantic getaway, or a business trip, The Bella Vista B&B is the place to stay. 

Each room is equipped with Wi-Fi Internet and Satellite TV.

There is a private garden for guests to enjoy in nice weather.

Nightly rates range from $105 to $145.  Weekly and monthly rates are also available.

Visit The Bella Vista B&B’s website today at www.philadelphiabellavistabnb.com to make your reservations.  You’ll be glad you did.

I am not inclined to provide a rating for B&B’s, motels, etc.  I felt it necessary to let you, my readers, know about this particular B&B because my girlfriend and I have fallen in love with it.  It is the most romantic place we have gone together and, as such, means a great deal to us.  While staying there, we have found many wonderful restaurants to review (so keep reading the website!)  The Bella Vista B&B has a charm all its own that I think you, too, should have a chance to enjoy.  Should we come across another such B&B, motel, etc., I will be sure to let you know about that too.  As for now, rest assured that The Bella Vista B&B receives all 10’s and a Gold Star as well. 

05 July 2007