Fabulous Philly Friends

Reservation opens Fri, Jan 23, 2026 · 12:00 PM
Get ready for a soul-warming culinary journey to West Africa! Our next stop on the World Food Tour is Kilimandjaro, a beloved University City gem that has been serving authentic Senegalese cuisine for nearly two decades. Founded by Youma Ba, this restaurant is a local legend for its bold flavors and home-cooked feel. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience!

Why You Should Join Us:
Kilimandjaro offers a warm, intimate, and colorful atmosphere that feels like dining in a friend’s home. Known for bringing the first authentic tastes of Senegal to Philadelphia, their menu is a masterclass in West African spices. From the smoky and tender Dibi Lamb to their signature Red Snapper topped with savory marinated onions, every dish tells a story. It’s the perfect chance to try something new, enjoy a vibrant ambiance, and connect with fellow adventurous eaters in our Fabulous Philly community.

What's The Plan?
We’ll be gathering at Kilimandjaro to immerse ourselves in their diverse menu of Senegalese specialties. We’ll definitely want to sample their Fataya (savory beef patties) and Fried Plantains before diving into the main courses. You can explore their menu and get a preview of the deliciousness here: Kilimandjaro Menu

• Must-Tries: The Mafee (lamb cooked in a rich, creamy peanut butter sauce) and Thieboudiene (the national dish of Senegal—fish stewed with vegetables over seasoned rice) are absolute standouts.
• Refreshing Sips: Don't forget to try their house-made Bissap (hibiscus juice) or Ginger juice for a truly authentic accompaniment to your meal.

The Deets:

• BYOB: Kilimandjaro is BYOB! Feel free to bring your favorite wine or beer. (Pro tip: A crisp Chenin Blanc or a light lager pairs beautifully with West African spices!)
• Cost: We will plan to order shared appetizers for the table, and then everyone can order their own entree. Please anticipate the total cost to be approximately $35-$45 per person (including tax and a 20% tip). To make bill-splitting easier, please bring cash.
• Allergies: If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions (especially nut allergies, as peanut sauce is a staple), please let me know as soon as you RSVP.
• Important: I will send a confirmation message a day or two before. If your plans change, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" promptly. This will allow for someone on the wait list to attend.
• Parking: Kilimandjaro is located at 4317 Chestnut Street (at the corner of 44th & Chestnut). Metered street parking is available, but please read signs carefully! There are also paid lots nearby, such as the University Square Lot at 3901 Market St.

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Can't wait to explore the incredible flavors of Senegal with you!

Get ready to spice things up as we head to Kensington for our next cultural feast! Our World Food Tour is stopping at Vientiane Bistro, a sister restaurant to the beloved West Philly staple. This gem brings the vibrant, bold, and incredibly fresh flavors of Laos and Thailand right to the heart of the neighborhood. If you're looking for a meal that is as soulful as it is delicious, this is the place to be!

Why You Should Join Us:
Vientiane Bistro offers a cozy and contemporary setting that perfectly complements its authentic Southeast Asian menu. Known for its family recipes and warm hospitality, it’s a fantastic spot to bond over shared plates of zesty herbs and perfectly balanced spices. It’s the ideal environment for our group to enjoy stimulating conversations while discovering the rich culinary tapestry of Laos.

What's the Plan?
We’ll be gathering at Vientiane Bistro to explore their diverse menu of Lao and Thai specialties. We'll order a variety of traditional dishes to share so everyone can get a true taste of the region. You can get a head start on picking your favorites by browsing their menu here: https://vientianebistro.com/

The Deets:

• BYOB: Feel free to bring your favorite wine or a refreshing lager—Thai beers or a crisp Riesling pair beautifully with the heat and aromatics of this cuisine!
• Cost: We’ll plan to order shared appetizers for the table, followed by individual entrees. Please anticipate the total cost to be approximately $35-$45 per person (including tax and a 20% tip). Please bring cash.
• Allergies: If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please mention them when you RSVP so I can coordinate with the kitchen.
• Important: I will send out a confirmation message a day or two before our dinner to finalize the headcount. If your plans change, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" promptly so someone from the waitlist can take your spot.
• Parking: Vientiane Bistro is located at 2537 Kensington Ave. There is street parking available nearby, but since it's an urban area, carpooling or using public transportation is always a great idea.

Can't wait to explore the incredible flavors of Laos with this fabulous group!

• When: Friday, February 6th, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
• Cost: Tickets are $35 for the general public. If you are a Barnes member (National, Patron, or Contributor level) or a student, tickets are $10.
• RSVP Process: To ensure everyone who signs up is actually attending, everyone will initially be placed on the Waitlist. Once you have purchased your ticket, please post in the comments section below to confirm, and I will move you to the "Going" list!
• Tickets: Buy yours here before they sell out: https://www.barnesfoundation.org/whats-on/first-friday-february-2026
• Food & Drink: Cocktails and light fare are available for purchase.
• Parking: The Barnes has a fee-based lot on Pennsylvania Avenue (between 20th and 21st Streets). Street parking is also available nearby.

Why You Should Join Us:

• Unique Experience: See the Barnes collection in a completely different light (and with a cocktail in hand!).
• Incredible Music: Catch a performance by a "Best of Philly" rapper paired with a classically trained harpist.
• Genuine Connections: Our group is all about building real friendships. This relaxed, culturally rich environment is the perfect backdrop for great conversation.
• Zest for Life: We believe in staying active and engaged—come show us how it's done!

Important: I will arrive early to find an area for us and I will post in the group where you can find me before the event. If your plans change, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" promptly so we have an accurate headcount.
Can’t wait to share this magical evening of art and music with you all!

Ahoy Fabulous Philly Friends!
Get ready to set sail for an extraordinary brunch on the water! Our next social adventure takes us to the historic Moshulu for their famous Bubbles and Brunch. As the world’s oldest and largest square-rigged sailing vessel still afloat, the Moshulu offers a spectacular backdrop for a sophisticated yet lively Sunday gathering.

Details:
Prepare to indulge in a multi-course culinary experience while enjoying the refreshing river breeze. From their house-made breads with sea salt whipped honey butter to savory mainstays, this brunch is designed for those who appreciate fine food and even better company. Whether you are a regular or a first-timer, there is no better way to spend a Philadelphia morning than on the deck of this iconic tall ship.

Why You Should Join Us:
The Moshulu provides a unique, upscale atmosphere that perfectly captures the "zest for life" our group is known for. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a curated menu featuring everything from artisanal charcuterie to classic comfort dishes like Chicken & Waffles. Come for the stunning views of the Delaware River waterfront and stay for the stimulating conversations with your fellow Fabulous Philly Friends

What's the Plan?
We will gather on the ship to enjoy a structured multi-course brunch. We’ll start with fresh bread for the table, followed by your choice of a first course and a delicious entrée. You can view the full menu here: Moshulu Brunch Menu.

The Deets:

• Menu Highlights: * To Start: House-made daily fresh baked bread with fruit jam.
• First Course: Your choice of a Charcuterie & Cheese board, Smoked Salmon with bagel chips, or a Mezze Platter with hummus and pita.
• Entrées: Options include a classic Breakfast Platter, Blackened Shrimp & Grits, a Goat Cheese Omelette, or Buttermilk Battered Chicken & Waffles
• Cost: The brunch is a set multi-course experience. Please anticipate the total cost to be approximately $77-$85 per person, which allows for the prix-fixe menu, bottomless mimosas, tax, 20% gratuity, and any coffee or tea ordered outside the prix fixe price. To make bill-splitting seamless, please bring cash!
• Allergies: The menu clearly labels items containing dairy (d), gluten (g), nuts (n), and shellfish (s). Please let me know of any specific restrictions when you RSVP so I can alert the captain’s kitchen!
• Important: I will send a confirmation message 48 hours before our reservation to finalize the headcount. If your plans change, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" promptly so someone from the waitlist can take your spot on deck.
• Location & Parking: Moshulu is located at 401 S. Columbus Blvd. There is a parking lot directly at Penn’s Landing (for a fee), and limited street parking nearby. Ride-sharing is always a great option if you plan on enjoying the "Bubbles"!

I can’t wait to welcome you aboard for a beautiful morning of brunching and bonding!