March 27th, 2019

United By Blue, Coffee Shop, Retail Store, Accessories, Apparel, Camping, Online Shopping, Old City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,

A coffee shop experience is different for most everyone. I remember when I used to be petrified of going into Starbucks. How in the world do you order? I learned quickly…..A Venti, Cafe Mocha, Extra Hot, No Whip. That is my standard.

People watching is a must. Some are relaxing checking their texts. Others are rushing by.

When I was young I remember my grandmother always had coffee in the balcony in Puerto Rico, accompanied by the neighbors. It was a time to relax and talk. Really talk! You had to. There were no portable phones yet. Not even in the imagination of us mortals.

I was in Philadelphia last month and this city is perfect for foodies. It is also a paradise for good coffee shops. Are you a coffee snub? Then you are in the right city.

United By Blue started in Philadelphia in 2013. My son told me he was taking me to a very interesting coffee shop. Indeed it was! It is located at 205 Race St., Old City, Philadelphia 19106. Tel. 267-457-3114. Website? https://www.unitedbyblue.com/pages/flagship

United By Blue is local, so you probably won’t see too many tourists yet. Another location on Walnut Street.

Their coffee was excellent. You can do a little online shopping if you want to try something delicious.

A Breakfast sandwhich with home fries. The menu is online, as well. It was perfect for a cool morning in the City of Brotherly Love.

We all call our planet home and United By Blue is doing its part to help keep it clean. Their Mission? “For every product sold, United By Blue removes one pound of trash from our World’s ocean and waterways.” To find out why please log onto the website above referenced.

Besides being a coffee shop, it is also a retail store. Apparel for men, women, including shoes. Camping gear too.

In the store there is copperwear to buy. I particularly liked the straws. I think you can see them in the following photo, inside the mugs.

Very interesting indeed. Read about them, join a cleanup and check past cleanups as well.

In the meantime, if you are in Philly and want to really be a neighborhood local, by all means stop by. Remember this company offers coffee, food, retail shopping but in their hearts it is an “enviornmental conservation organization”.

Follow them on Instagram ubb_phila and on FB as United By Blue.

Have a great day.

August 24th, 2014

Destination? The Manor Tavern, Full Service Tavern, Restaurant, Monkton, Maryland, Maryland’s Horse Country, Bringing Back the Era of Sustainability

I have a strong connection with Baltimore, Maryland.  First of all, my husband, John, was from Baltimore.  For years I worked in Downtown Baltimore, watching the Inner Harbor take place.  Baltimore has fantastic neighborhoods and awesome food.

The Maryland’s countryside is so pretty.  Rolling hills….it is also horse country.  Back in June I visited The Manor Tavern located at 15819 Old York Rd., Monkton, MD 21111.  This is northern Baltimore County.  Tel. 410-791-8155.    Website?  http://www.themanortavern.com.

This is a full fledge tavern, with a property that has been in existence since 1750 when stables were located in what it is now The Manor Tavern.  If you are from Baltimore, probably, at some time or another you have attended events or have gone to lunch, dinner, or Sunday Brunch.  There are the regulars that make The Manor Tavern their watering hole.

The Manor Tavern opens 7 days a week.  Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until 12:00 a.m.  Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.  Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.  And, Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m.

They told us that we needed to have the Truffle Fries….a must.  At first I said “no way”, but, they twisted my arm and I had to order them.  First things first, though

We sat outside….afterall, it was June.

On the menu we saw the Crispy Brussels Sprouts….Also a must!!  Best I have had, and I do have them anywhere they will serve them.  Tender inside, crispy outside with red salt and a tangy dipping sauce.

We ordered hamburgers.

Mine was The Manor Burger.  A classic burger for sure.  Crabstone Farms Black Angus, topped with sharp cheddar, Swiss and apple wood smoked bacon.  Medium rare for me.  Delish!!  See those fries?  They are the truffle fries..hand cut, with truffle oil, garlic, and dusted with parmessan cheese.  To die for!

The Gunpowder Bison Burger made an appearance on our table, as well.  It had roasted garlic cream cheese, arugula, apple wood smoked bacon and truffle oil.  Again, the truffle fries were ordered.

The Manor Tavern is bringing back the era of sustainability.  On their property the organic gardens were taking shape.  The gardens work year-round.  The Manor Tavern also uses local vendors and growers.

After lunch we took a walk through the gardens and this is what was growing in June.

Please note that The Manor Tavern is able to accommodate parties, graduations, weddings….you name it.  Just give them a call.

Have a great day!!