An Evening Bankin' at the Franklin

The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co. is a gem in the midst of Philadelphia's inspiringly snobby Rittenhouse Square. Set beneath (what used to be) a roaring night club, the dimly light, atmospherically-thick hallway of an establishment is framed with a bar (maybe 8 ft long) spanning the entirety of it's width. Tables are huddled together with long sofas and stools sporting deep maroon leather, studded for propriety's sake. The luxurious at-mos certainly lends itself to a slow, conscious swallow even in the excitement of exclusivity and authentic Daiquiris.

Under (and off) the 18th Street of Philadelphia is a wrinkle in the time/space fabric; a portal to a century ago. With nothing but a tiny banner waving almost half a block away, the Franklin is almost unidentifiable. Like a sentinel of the 1930s, a politely sized foreign gentleman stood in the recessed platform, waiting our arrival. He ushered us down an immaculately clean stairwell to what seemed to be a wooden wall protecting a vaulted dining room. The seamlessly integrated door appeared only when the gentleman grasped the well-hidden handle and pulled forward.

As we walked through the hall, the color seemed to drain from the room. I stepped into a nineteenth century gangster flick - half expecting to see Steve Buscemi, the other half waiting for Boo Boo Hoff. The website shares a bit of interesting history. The Investment Company was positioned during the prohibition era as a front for one of the largest alcohol rings in the US. Um...that's awesome.

As we dove into the cocktails list, I found the combination of modern and traditional an inherent dichotomous theme of the drinks: Cognac cocktails accented with rosewater or a classic-styled daiquiri with an absinthe twist. Aside from their fanciful list of refreshments, crafting a classic went above and beyond: Mint Juleps served in the proper stem wear (or should I say, metal wear), Old Fashions with an orange twist and a single glacier of ice, Mojitos perfected with the correct mint-to-cocktail ratio (something which most bars either overindulge or under appreciate). A unique supplement to the cocktail list, not native to most bar menus, peaked my interest. The Flowering Bowl offers a new perspective on the idea of "punch" for us twenty-first centenarians. The modern concept of punch (say...sherbet mixed with grain alcohol) is far from the Franklin's delectable combination flavors offering an accessible, yet sophisticated drink. Case in point: our punch was born from Jamaican and Haitian rum, cacao, fresh lime and pineapple juice, house strawberry and basil syrup, aromatic and orange bitters...and yes, it was still wickedly fun to share with friends.

Once the door closes behind you, time comes to a slow and silent pause. Without windows or much light, it seems as if even as the world rushes by outside, you are blissfully unaware. It's a short libation vacation from the modern world in which one is easily lost.