VIDEO: Rx Revisited

Truth be told, New Yorkers love street vendor hot dogs and jumbo pretzels; Marylanders would die for lump crab cakes at the Inner Harbor; and Philadelphians, besides cheese steaks loaded with onions, peppers, mushrooms and Cheese Whiz, truly love their brunch.

Rx has been serving up brunch to Philadelphia since 2001 when owner Greg Salisbury, 42, took the street corner of 45th and Spruce under his wing. Rx, the abbreviation of the Latin word recipe, uses only the freshest, most local ingredients for its dishes (all of the juices on the menu are fresh squeezed); Salisbury even has basil growing in planters outside the restaurant where he also offers outdoor dining. Rx’s fresh philosophy not only provides Philadelphians with a healthy brunch, but supports local businesses immensely. Rx gets its herbs from Overbrook Farms and Green Meadow Farms in Lancaster. The organic shiitake and oyster mushrooms come from Oley Valley Mushrooms. The various apples used in the apple cobbler come from Kauffmann’s Orchards and even the 100 percent pure maple syrup is fresh and local from Endless Mountains Cabins in the Poconos. The turkey used in the sausage is fresh ground from Halterman’s Poultry at the Reading Terminal Market.

The atmosphere inside Rx is sunny and inviting. As you sink into the mahogany chairs within the honey-colored walls, it’s easy to enjoy your meal and escape from the stresses of everyday life. And if the ambiance wasn’t comforting enough, the food will be sure to send you over the edge. The tag line “feel good food” is definitely an understatement; it should be “euphoria coming right up.” I ordered the tomatoes and mozzarella appetizer made with first-crop local tomatoes, Claudio’s fresh mozzarella and basil. I’ve never tasted fresher tomatoes in my life (nevermind knowing that the basil I was eating was sitting in a planter 3 feet away from me). For a hangover cure, Salisbury recommends the preservative-free cream chipped beef served over Metropolitan bread and topped with two eggs.  Accompanied with a glass of OJ, your hangover will be gone within a half hour, guaranteed.

You don’t have to worry about getting bored with Rx considering Salisbury changes the menu every day. Rx’s pastry chef, Brenda Jordan, prepares 12 desserts daily. And if you ask Salisbury what he recommends, it’s whatever is newest. Come hungry and leave stress free.