Tucked away down a narrow Old City alley, the garden patio behind Wedge + Fig is one of the loveliest local pocket hideaways in which to while away the last warm days over panini and salad. Formerly a cheese shop (and a bakery before that), this light-bite boutique from one-time sailmakers Kirk Nelson and Lisa Ruff features the culinary talents of Rebecca Torpie, the former chef-owner of Flying Monkey.
There are baked goods reminiscent of her cupcake days (lemon bars, macaroons) But it's the cheese-centric sandwich combos that caught my eye, from Quicke's cheddar, Marmite, and avocado (the Ex-Pat); Gjetost, quince, and apples (the Caramel Apple); or this tasty Tamanend, named for the Leni-Lenape chief whose statue stands at Front and Market Streets. It adds the sweetness of mango to molten Brie and roasted turkey on crisply pressed brioche. Try the half-sandwich with a side salad such as this quinoa-garbanzo for less than $10 - a best-of-both-worlds al fresco bargain.
