End the summer season on a flavorful note in Philly

August might mark the start of the end of summer, but that also means that there are plenty of possibilities to indulge in some seasonal fare and summertime ingredients in and around the City of Brotherly Love. 

Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho at Fond

Summer is the perfect season for a refreshing bowl of gazpacho, and one East Passyunk spot is serving up its own spin on the classic dish. French-focused spot Fond has its Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho prepared with a fresh shrimp and cucumber salad from Chef Lee Styer. Styer’s menu features rich and seasonal dishes that are available to be enjoyed during dinner service in the expansive indoor space, and al fresco on the sweeping patio at 11th and Tasker.  

1537 S. 11th St., fondphilly.com

Stella of New Hope

It’s out of the city, but it’s well worth the drive. Stella of New Hope—located next to the Bucks County Playhouse overlooking the Delaware River—offers an assortment of summer dishes. Highlights include their beet and strawberry salad ($14) crafted with honey whipped chevre, beet ash, bee pollen-oat streusel, and toasted sunflower seeds, and their heirloom tomatoes ($15) prepared with house-made Stracciatella, fresh corn, baby basil, toasted pine nuts, with a tasteful sherry-shallot vinaigrette. Folks can indulge in these offerings in the outdoor dining area while taking in waterfront views of the Delaware River, or indoors in the expansive space.  

50 S. Main St., New Hope, stellanewhope.com

Shrimp Ceviche at Sor Ynez

Summer means fresh seafood, and nothing gets fresher than shrimp ceviche. According to a release, at Sor Ynez, a Mexico City-inspired veg-focused restaurant, Philadelphians will be able to sink their teeth into an “elevated” take on the classic ceviche dish with the refreshing shrimp ceviche ($15) composed of flavorful poached shrimp, cucumber, red onion, lime juice, and Valentina hot sauce, served with tasty tostadas and salsa botana. All of executive Chef Alexis Tellez’s dishes are available for indoor dining, or outdoor seating on the new patio. 

1800 N. American St., sorynez.com

Mingle Mocktails

Summer typically means having a drink or two, but for those who are looking for a lighter and/or sober option, that can be tough. That’s where Mingle Mocktails come in. These new mocktails in a can or bottle can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite spirit for a lighter option or something that tastes like an actual cocktail. Flavors range from a cucumber melon mojito to a blackberry hibiscus bellini to a cranberry cosmo to a blood orange elderflower mimosa. Cans, bottles or variety packs can be bought online or in some alcoholic and non-alcoholic retailers around Philly. 

minglemocktails.com

Royal Boucherie

According to a release, Royal Boucherie, Old City’s lively neighborhood bistro, offers a slew of seasonal menu items ideal for cooling off in the sweltering heat – such as their summer staple prosciutto and melon ($14) crafted with arugula and Banyuls vinegar. Guests may also enjoy their savory Steak Tartare ($16) prepared with parmesan and bottarga, as well as the icy lobster cocktail ($21) from the robust raw bar. Additionally, the Plateaus De La Mer ($48), consisting of fresh shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, oysters, and crudo, is an ideal dish for seafood lovers to indulge in. 

52 S. 2nd St., royalboucherie.com

A Mano

This quaint, Italian BYO is a seasonal staple from the Townsend Wentz Restaurant Group and Philadelphians still have some time to head to this popular spot for some of their new summer dishes. Options include the  Insalata Di Mare ($16) composed of chilled shellfish, fennel, and cured lemon, Panzanella ($14) crafted with fresh heirloom tomatoes, lemon yogurt, and marinated cucumbers, and of course, their Honey Grilled Peaches ($14) prepared with Stracciatella, prosciutto, and whole wheat sesame crackers.

2244 Fairmount Ave., amanophl.com

Sinatra Brunch at Pizza Crime

There’s a few spots to head to for brunch around the Philadelphia area, and one of them serenades you with Sinatra’s tunes while you dine. Pizza Crime in Haddonfield, New Jersey, offers a menu of breakfast styled pizzas along with some other classics including a pork roll egg n cheese pizza, scrapple pie (both served with an egg and the latter with hot and honey), a spinach rotolo, pizza fritta (fried pizza dough with cinnamon orange dulce de leche) and much more.  

139 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield, New Jersey, pizzacrime.com