A recent trip to Philadelphia took me to Loews Philadelphia Hotel, where I enjoyed dinner at its restaurant, Bank & Bourbon. With exposed pipes and wood beams, the restaurant is decorated in a rustic yet modern style.

Upon perusing the menu, I was amazed at the variety of bourbon options. It would be nice if I was a bourbon drinker so I could have enjoyed one. The wine list offered a Riesling, which I chose instead. Those seeking nonalcoholic drinks can also take advantage of Loews Hotels’ Free Spirited by Loews Hotels program, which features a variety of drinks utilizing locally sourced ingredients.

The waitress asked if I would like some bread, and I replied I never turn down bread! Fresh, crusty bread with perfectly softened butter was a great start with that glass of wine, and I’m glad I didn’t skip it.

The starter menu had various interesting dishes including grilled octopus, duck confit and fried burrata. I settled on Smoked Pastrami Pork Belly with taleggio, pickled cabbage and shishitos. The pork belly was tender and delicious, and the accompaniments complemented it beautifully.

For my entree, I wasn’t in the mood for a big steak, although they looked wonderful! I asked the waitress what was popular other than steaks, and she suggested the salmon, although the roasted Amish chicken, Duroc pork chop or branzino are all fine choices.

I took her advice and wasn’t disappointed in my choice of True North Salmon with sambal-maple glaze, sweet potato succotash and miso butter.

After that amazing salmon, she asked if I had room for dessert, but I informed her I had been left unsupervised with that delicious bread and ate too much of it to have room for dessert.

The next morning I took advantage of the proximity of Loews Hotel Philadelphia to Reading Terminal Market and walked over to find myself something for breakfast. I had envisioned a nice sit-down meal to start my day, but that got derailed as soon as I walked past the donut stand. One thing I miss after moving to North Carolina is having a donut shop nearby. My mind went into overdrive at all the beautiful donuts, and instead of picking one, I ended up walking away with three, and no regrets!

— Tracey Cullen, art director