Who doesn’t like a good weekend brunch? You get to sleep in and combine two meals into one.
There are two new options for brunch and, well, something for every day at Almost Home General and The Ground Rittenhouse. Each one has a different feel and vibe.
The Ground Rittenhouse, 120 S. 18th St., not only features coffees, bubble teas, pastries and sandwiches, but also plants. The plants add a fresh look to the usual coffee house.
“Our thumbs have gotten a whole lot greener since opening this shop,” said co-owner Molly Kiriacoulacous. “But yes, we’ve always loved plants.”
The Ground invites guests to peruse the curated collection of houseplants that are not only beautiful but also eco-friendly. Kiriacoulacous and co-owner Michelle Miller take pride in sourcing their plants locally whenever possible to reduce their carbon footprint and support community growers.
Many of the plants in the cafe come from an expansive greenhouse which Miller built on her property in Mount Airy with the help of Kiriacoulacos. The two will continue this program with an inventory which features a mix of plants grown at home, as well as others sourced from local nurseries. Additionally, the partners compost coffee grinds for their own needs, as well as for the neighborhood.
From petite succulents and trailing vines to statement-making fiddle leaf figs and monsteras, The Ground offers plants of all sizes and varieties to suit every space and skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a beginner looking to greenify your home, they have the perfect plant.
“We are thrilled to bring The Ground to Rittenhouse Square,” said Miller. “Five years ago I opened and built DAPR Grooming Parlour right across the street with my husband. I love this neighborhood and this block. It represents the true hustle and bustle of Center City – and has an amazing electric energy. We feel our little concept can bring not only a lot of happiness to residents and visitors, but it can bring a nice balance to the area. We are honored to have the opportunity to create a space that is cozy and warm – and will offer joy that only hundreds of living plants can bring.”
Established in 2021, The Ground Coffee, Plants & Gifts embodies the motto to ‘Propagate Kindness’ through every cup served and interaction shared. Known for dynamically evolving menu that showcases both inventive seasonal delights and beloved classic treats. Each element of the café has been thoughtfully designed to foster a warm, whimsical atmosphere.
The Ground features drip coffee and artisanal coffee drinks, various teas, bubble tea and other drinks which feature inspiration from Miller’s Korean lineage, and pastries (including beignets, croissants, Danishes, muffins, and more) from Au Fournil in Narberth.
Check out https://www.thegroundcpg.com/ for more information.
Meanwhile, Almost Home General, one of New Jersey’s more popular coffee shops, is now open just a short walk from Penns Landing at 205 Race St.
Almost Home takes inspiration from the welcoming coffee shops in Vietnam and Thailand and brings them to Philadelphia in a lofty yet cozy 3,000-square-foot stunning space.
Owner Robert Doran created the concept in New Jersey with partners Andrew Datre (Gianni’s Pizzeria in Monmouth County) and Braxton Berrios (Miami Dolphins wide receiver).
Doran travelled 1,800 miles on his bike to raise money for NJ’s baristas at the start of the pandemic, and to return to his home state to create Almost Home.
Doran likes customers to think of the welcoming front of house team as “family” — where they get to know customers first names and orders — and who are always ready to make suggestions for those feeling adventurous to those wanting the simpler classics.
The spacious and lofty 3,000 square foot space features seating for 60 guests.
Signature dishes include Tempura Fried Scrapple with Olive Oil Poached Egg, Truffle Fondue and Crispy Potato Sticks on a Hoagie Roll; Triple Flash Fried Chicken Thigh with Umami Sauce, Hot Honey Butter on a Seeded Milk Roll; Chopped Cheese-style Ribeye with Cooper Cheese and Duck Fat Braised Onions on a Kaiser Roll; House-made Lamb Sausage with Gorgonzola Dolce, Dried Cherries, Sesame Brittle on a Hoagie Roll; Eggplant Cutlet with Piri Piri, Brie De Nangni on a Vegan Hoagie Roll; and Pork Roll with Fried Eggs, American Cheese, Dill Pickle Aioli, House-Made Ketchup on a Fresh Brioche. From the coffee shop inside, look for Smoked Maple Latte, Smoked S’mores Latte, Old Fashioned Cold Brew, Pour Over Coffee (Macerated Natural/ Columbia and Washed/ Guatemala), Cold Brew Lemonade, Butterfly Lemonade, Charcoal Lemonade, Purple Haze Matcha, Cereal Latte, Bee’s Knees, Rose Lemon Espresso Tonia and their signature Shaken Espresso.
Visit almosthomegeneral.com for more information.
