This weekend, I fell in love! His name is Ferdinand. He’s good looking. He knows how to please. And, boy, can the man cook. Best of all, he’s a cheap date. Oh, have I mentioned that Ferdinand is a restaurant/bar? As in Bar Ferdinand, Northern Liberties’ new tapas hotspot.

It’s no coincidence that this place is as visually stunning as any Stephen Starr restaurant in the city. The owner, designer Owen Kamihira, put the Buddha in Buddakan and gave Continental those iconic olives. Now, he’s finally put his design talent to use for himself. Huge neutral-colored mosaics depicting a toreador and his bull adorn the walls. Dried crimson roses hang in bunches above the bar. Black lace dangles from light fixtures above a 20-plus person communal table. Lots of simple touches set the scene for pure dining drama.

Not only is Ferdinand easy on the eyes, he’s easy on the wallet too. (Take note, Stephen.) Dishes range from $3-$9, and there are nearly 50 small plates to choose from. Extensive wine and beer lists round out the offerings. House wine is $2 a glass – yes, $2 a glass. (I don’t think Oscar’s or Dirty Frank’s sells wine that cheap – and if they do, it’s gotta be for a glass of Mad Dog 20/20 or Boone’s Farm.) Bottles of beer start at three bucks, and these are not happy hour prices, people. These are primetime, all-the-time prices. So, move over, Stephen. There’s a new man in town. His name is Ferdinand.

Bar Ferdinand
1030 N. 2nd Street
215-923-1313

Because I’m special, I got to see the a-some historical costume collection at Drexel University, where I learned that their College of Media, Arts & Design conserves historical costumes for use by fashion students, professionals and scholars, as well as the everyday fashion-minded Philadelphian. Adopting a costume, such as the two-piece silk wedding gown created by father of haute couture Charles Worth in 1912, offsets the university’s costs of replacing deteriorated fabrics and photographing the garment in 3D for the collection’s website. Hovering around $5,000, adoption’s not cheap, but the chance to make fashion history in Philadelphia is priceless.

Drexel University’s College of Media, Arts & Design
33rd & Market Streets in University City

I had the privilege of meeting Earle Brown a few years ago at my favorite Jazz nightspot, Zanzibar Blue. Jimmy Scott & The Jazz Expressions were playing that evening, and Earle was emceeing the show. I found that the sincerity and warmth he projected from the stage was even greater when I spoke to him in person. In addition to being one of the kinder people I’ve met, Earle is a wealth of musical knowledge—Jazz in particular.

His love of jazz and of people led him to form Jazz Journeys, a non-profit organization that is literally taking it to the streets, teaching youths from all walks of life about the history of this uniquely American art form. As I’ve heard Mr. Brown say a number of times, “It’s for the children.” I highly recommend going to the website below and checking out what this man is doing for our community. I’m certain he would appreciate any support or well wishes you can offer. The history of Jazz is the history of America, and should be regarded as a human experience that all can enjoy and be part of. Thanks to “Jazz Crusader” Earle Brown, the light he shines on the past proves a bright future.

Jazz Journeys
ebrown@jazzjourneys.org
888-618-7400

I’m always amazed at how much public art Philly has to offer. So many people are oblivious to it, though, and it’s weird. It’s like not knowing the first names of Madonna’s kids or how many times J-Lo’s been married. You should just know that, man. Do you have to remind yourself how to breathe too?

Anywho, I could go on and on about how much public art we have and where it’s all at, but instead I will just tell you my three faves… which all happen to be pop art:

Clothespin, Claes Oldenburg, 1976
Claes Oldenburg’s 45-foot-high, 10-ton sculpture stands in front of the Center Square Building at 15th and Market Streets. Hilarious and amazing to see, especially when you look at it with City Hall in the background.

Brushstroke Group, Roy Lichtenstein, 1996
This four-part, 29-foot-high sculpture stands in front of the United Plaza building on 17th Street between Ludlow and Rainstead streets. Rumor has it that the owner of Duane Morris & Associates (a big-time Center City law firm that occupies half the United Plaza building) is an avid art enthusiast and commissioned the installation of the piece.

LOVE, Robert Indiana, 1976
This is arguably the most popular sculpture in Philadelphia, and rightly so. It’s located in the park named after it, Love Park at 15th and JFK Blvd. It always makes me smile and fills me with a nice warm feeling inside. Gross, but true.

Snap a comment if any of Philly’s public art gives you a fuzzy feeling.

Maybe you’ve heard classical music floating on the breeze through Rittenhouse Square. Nope, it’s not in your head. It’s coming from The Curtis Institute of Music, considered to be one of the finest conservatories in the world, and just sitting there, right on the corner of 18th and Locust. So fine, in fact, that they would have never let yours truly in… not in a million years. Sob.

Anyway, I know what you’re thinking… “why are you telling me this… what’s in it for me?” Well, I’m so glad you asked. These brilliant young music students give lots of recitals and they’re FREE and open to the public. Just about every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through May 11th, you can hear chamber and solo music in Field Concert Hall at 1726 Locust Street. Recitals start promptly at 8 p.m., and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t dilly dally.

The Curtis Institute of Music
1726 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-893-5261

Seriously. Here’s an opportunity to take part in a Monster Mash-Up. DJ Spooky, a master of blending hip hop and experimental influences to make lush, danceable soundscapes, is making a guest appearance at the Back 2 Basics Halloween Party at World Cafe Live, West Philly’s latest and greatest music venue. Back 2 Basics, the longstanding DJ night hosted by Philly’s own King Britt, is taking over the downstairs stage on Tuesday night for what looks to be a night of groove-able scariness. Admission is $16, but only $11 if you come in costume. So grab that pitchfork and devil horns and head over the Walnut Street bridge to get your BOO! on.

World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut Street
PHiladelphia, PA 19104
215-222-1400

I know I’ve gushed about Antiquarian’s Delight before (in fact, I am admiring my vintage ring, flashing above the keyboard as I type right now…) but here I go again: run (or take Septa Bus #40) to 6th & Bainbridge and get thyself downstairs this weekend to where all the young and crafty indie designers sell their rad stuff, like pseudo-retro Hall & Oats tees. I heard a little rumor that they are movin’ out. I don’t know exactly when, but I think next week. I don’t know where they are going, but you can count on me to tell you when I do. But try to catch them in the basement of the Antiquarian today so you can say you “knew them when.”

If you’re too busy this weekend dressing up as a “sexy cop” and stealing candy from children, then check out some of the designer’s goods here:

www.ladiesauxiliaryclub.com
www.typhaneyb.com
www.angelaricci.com
www.loloandgretch.com

Photo courtesy of www.angelaricci.com.

This week, we have two quick tips from readers who care. Readers like you.

Best Run on the East Side of the City

“Running over the Ben Franklin Bridge. The sidewalk is elevated so there’s no exhaust, and no pesky traffic lights either, so you don’t have all the stops and starts you get when running on streets.”

—Tania Rorke

Oysters on the Half Price

“Sansom Street Oyster House has an amazing happy hour (M-F, 5–7). Six oysters for $5 seems about right. It’s beautiful inside, and nothing beats a 5:00 beer and a half doz. before you head home.” [Ed: Bonus tip—They've got coupons.]

—Phoebe Lancer

A hearty thank you to our very first tip submitters. Folks, please keep the quick tips coming. Some of us need places to eat and bridges to run. And so forth.

iknow@uwishunu.com

One of my favorite things about living in Philadelphia is that no matter where you are, you’re probably pretty close to a park. And Schuylkill Banks, one of the city’s newest parks, is also one of the coolest additions to Center City living since Love Park’s fountain went pink. The new landscaping makes the trail and walkways feel as loved as they are useful, and on any given day, they’re full of people walking, running, or riding their bikes. The linear park hugs the river and gets an up-close view of the water, which changes mood along with the weather.

But it’s not just the trail that makes this park so great. It’s that this popular new park has recently been carved out of what once was a forgotten patch of urban backyard. So the trail snakes under bridges that link Center City to West Philadelphia, and there are highways, railroad tracks and skyscrapers all around. The net effect? A newly claimed green space located smack in the middle of a vibrant city.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot—the park also gives Philadelphians something they’ve never had before: an easy way to get out and enjoy the water. You can rent a canoe, take a kayak tour, or hop on one of the regularly scheduled paddle boats that take passengers downriver to one of the city’s other great treasures, Bartram’s Garden.

Photo courtesy of schuylkillbanks.org.

I’ve been on Weight Watchers (WW) for a few months now. I’m 15 pounds slimmer, a couple of weeks away from achieving lifetime membership (that’s WW’s version of a lifetime achievement award) and sick to death of monitoring every morsel that enters my mouth. This weekend, I put a momentary ban on this health food frenzy and headed to Tritone, a South Street dive that’s also fried-food heaven.

Along with the masterfully prepared glutton fries, topped with bacon, cheese and sour cream, Tritone serves up fried Jewish pickles (I kid you not), fried catfish tenders (divine little devils) and, the ultimate in deep-fried decadence, fried candy bars. There are dozens of options in a bowl for choosing—Snicker’s, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Almond Joys, Twix bars and even Cadbury Cream Eggs, in season.

Once deep-fried, the chocolate comes out two to three times its normal size and is slathered, if you choose (and, at this point, why not?), with ice cream, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. After much debate, I settled on the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, and boy, was it worth it. I didn’t think about its nutritional value. I didn’t log it in my daily food dairy. I didn’t wonder how many calories I was consuming. I did, however, savor every bite. Just don’t tell my Weight Watchers leader!

Tritone
1508 South Street
Philadelphia, PA
215-545-0475

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Fen Branklin.

Have you fed your inner snob lately? If the newest restaurants and gastropubs in town are no longer cool enough for you, it may be time to explore some underground dining options. Underground dining is like the culinary version of Prohibition-era speakeasies. Only instead of blindness-causing bathtub gin you get to experience restaurant-quality veal cheeks served over soft polenta with glass of Cabernet from a small vineyard that not even your most hardcore oenophilic friends have heard of.

In cities like New York and Seattle, underground dining clubs meet in unlikely locations that serve as below-the-radar eateries. Here in Philly, a roving band of chefs from Global Dish Caterers throws the occasional L’Atelier party in an art gallery or a department store. It’s a concept that has instant appeal for foodies and food artisans alike. For the people at Global Dish, it’s a chance to go boutique style with their cooking and serve a smaller number of guests with high-falutin’ palettes.

For participants, it’s all about being part of the elite group of diners who know where and when it will take place. With a price tag of $125 a person, the covert kitchen will prepare a full menu of multiple course meals paired with unusual wines. There’s no secret handshake, but, unfortunately, you do have to be invited. I’ve never made the cut, but if anyone out there can pull any strings, I promise to keep it on the D.L.

Global Dish Caterers
215-592-9944

Photo by R. Kennedy.

My friends and I are often looking for a few drinks and a place to eat—and this is the important part—on a small budget. Not always an easy task, however I may have found the solution to the problem at a great little bar in South Philly called Royal Tavern. Located in the Bella Vista area, it’s a perfect place for a low-key hangout with friends. It has a great atmosphere with a nice mix of local patrons.

When we first sat at one of the tables in the bar area and ordered some drinks, we didn’t even look at the menu, as we did not have much money and really just wanted to pick at something. That soon changed when I glanced at the choices. Fresh popped popcorn with pecorino cheese and truffle butter?! Mmmm—best part—$3. Looking on, I noticed how (besides the $16 petit filet) nothing was over $14.00, and it was all pretty good food! I am such a carnivore that even the word ‘vegetarian’ turns me off; but if you are one, they have many great selections to choose from, including a vegan sloppy joe sandwich. For me, the kicker on the menu was the Mac & Cheese. Yes, it sounds boring, but forget about it; if it’s on the menu, I’ll order it… especially the way they make it with white cheddar.

Enough with the food, let me say that Royal Tavern has one of the better juke boxes around (which is kinda rare in my opinion). Lastly, I can’t fail to mention to be careful when you go to the bathroom—especially if you’re tipsy. There are three mean wooden steps that may not be an issue going up, but when coming down, watch out. There are hand railings on both sides, but they’re only usable if you have go-go-gadget arms.

Royal Tavern
937 E Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-389-6694

You’ve hoped, you’ve dreamed, you’ve even prayed that 80’s fashions would never come back in style, but they’re back in a BIG way. Tights? Check. Chunky belts? Check. Gold jewelry? Check. Big Hair? Not so fast—and thank God! While the clothes were (and still are) just plain horrific to me, I feel exactly the opposite about the music. I’m only slightly embarrassed to admit that the music of the 80’s moves me. Honestly, how could Debbie Gibson’s “Only In My Dreams,” the anthem of my childhood, not move you?

That’s why, for me, the 80’s-themed Happy Hour at Alfa is way too much fun. First, there’s the cheap booze, a prerequisite for any decent after-work drinking binge. They have $4 glasses of wine and a couple dozen $5 specialty drinks named after the best 80’s shows, musical groups, toys and games ever. They’re fruity, frothy, wildly colorful and come with names like Wham, Care Bear, Mr. T and My Little Pony. Order them with pride, my friend. That Care Bear won’t drink itself.

Best of all, the drinks are served with a side of 80’s music magic. For two blissful hours (5:00-7:00 p.m.), you’ll hear Guns ‘N Roses, followed by Bell Biv DeVoe, followed by INXS, followed by New Edition, followed by New Order. Can you imagine such a wildly eclectic mix of pure 80’s cheese? It was music to the ears of this 80’s child.

Alfa Restaurant & Bar
1709 Walnut St., 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-751-0201

This week I got two hints that I’m too stressed out:

1. Yesterday I ended up with a not-so-fun stomach bug that kept me lying in bed (and close to a trash can) all day.
2. A notice about an upcoming yoga workshop at one of my favorite yoga studios in the city magically appeared in my inbox.

Chestnut Street’s Dhyana Yoga is an oasis of peacefulness and calm amid honking buses and Continental Mid-Town martini-drinkers, and the studio is offering an Ashtanga Yoga Workshop on Saturday, October 28 from 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m for $65. Whether you think ‘plow’ is just a farm tool, ‘warrior’ is just a soldier and ‘cobra’ is just a snake—or whether you’re a master of Pranayama breathing—you’re welcome to join the workshop and learn to be more comfortable in different postures. Don’t worry, you’ll get guidance from two instructors who’ll offer hands-on adjustments. Sign up quickly though—because space is limited and I’m guessing I’m not the only one in Philadelphia who needs to relax.

Namaste.

Dhyana Yoga
1737 Chestnut St, 2nd Floor
215-496-0770

You know that saying, “killing two birds with one stone”? What if you could apply that phrase to your wardrobe? Cleaning out the old, and replacing it with the new… well, sorta new.

I recently discovered Buffalo Exchange, a great vintage/retro/trendy second-hand store on Chestnut Street between 17th and 18th. Don’t be discouraged by the neon sign. It’s absolutely fab!

How does it work? Just bring in your old clothes, shoes, handbags, and/or accessories and take a fashion litmus test. See, at Buffalo, they don’t just take anything. They are picky and for good reason—they offer a great deal. If they like what you have, they’ll exchange it for either store credit or cash.

I’d opt for the store credit, which is 50% of what they plan on selling your items for. Cash is cool too, but it’s a slightly lesser rate (30%).

I was impressed with the great condition of the clothes, and the name brands. It definitely involves patience to search the racks, but it’s well worth it. I scored a cashmere DKNY turtleneck for $19 after only 15 minutes of looking.

Buffalo Exchange
1713 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-557-9850