Eating Vegan in Philadelphia: Blackbird Pizzeria

Today we took a day trip to Philadelphia. We got off the train and went straight to see the Liberty Bell. After waiting on line for a few minutes, we got into the center to see Philadelphia’s most prized possession. A symbol of freedom that was named by the abolitionists fighting to end slavery, the LIberty Bell has inspired people in many countries still fighting for their own liberty.

I did some research and found out that there is a vegan pizza place in a section of Philadelphia called Society HIll. Lucky for us, right? We walked south on 6th Street, through an historic district of preserved houses all built in the late 1700’s, early 1800’s, past a gorgeous church, and found ourselves at the doorstep of one Blackbird Pizzeria!

We were hungry when we got there so we ordered two slices of pizza as an appetizer: a regular slice and a caramelized onion-avocado-jalapeño slice. Next, we indulged in a salad with salt roasted golden and red beets, baby arugula, roasted leeks, orange segments, toasted pumpkin seeds and a shallot thyme vinaigrette.

And the pièce de résistance arrived moments later: the Yukon pizza made with thinly sliced yukon gold potatoes, rosemary, olive oil, and sea salt. Can you say amazing? They slice the potatoes razor thin so that the top layer gets super crispy while the layers underneath are warm and tender. Potato perfection.

All the while we enjoyed a lively conversation with our new friend Arnold S., a criminal lawyer and his friends, who are frequent diners at Blackbird. They regaled us with stories about the restaurant, the food, and the history of the city. Love meeting new people!

Oh, and don’t forget dessert. An “oreo” cookie cupcake!

As we made our way north on 6th again, we stopped in that church for a tour. Ms. Sharon, the tour guide, taught us all about the Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, it’s history, and the meaning behind all of the symbols of the most spectacular stained glass windows.

Then, we visited the tomb of the unknown Revolutionary War solider in Washington Square before hitting the carousel and the miniature golf course at Franklin Square.

All in all, a great day in a great city!