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Entering through The Prime Rib’s corner location at 17th and Locust in the heart of Center City and only two blocks from Rittenhouse Square, I was immediately overtaken by a hall of glimmering white — marble on the floor, glistening chandelier above. The hallway is a bit of a trick actually, as the restaurant proper (“supper club” to the flapper crowd) is stowed away in a spacious wing of the Warwick Hotel’s main floor. Like Smith & Wollensky, Butcher & Singer and Barclay Prime, The Prime Rib has modeled itself as not only a steakhouse but a nighttime spot for those seeking the finer things in life: a piano & bass duo nightly, high walled leather chairs and massive cuts of roast prime rib cooked to order.

Luckily for the college/young entrepreneur crowd in Philly, The Prime Rib is offering a “prix fixe” during the month of January where you can choose from a variety of appetizers, entrees and desserts for the significantly affordable price of $35.

Worried you’ll get the short end of the stick? Don’t be. They’re offering up the full schtick (you see what I did there?) of options, including two different cuts of beef (yes, the eponymous prime rib is among them), the requisite chicken option and a variety of other fare, though vegetarians may be left out in the cold a bit — but then again, they’re in a steakhouse. Between the delicious soup or salad you start with — prepared in traditional steakhouse fashion — and the assortment of dripping-in-calories desserts you’ll top it all off with, The Prime Rib is a top-notch steakhouse from beginning to end.

One word of warning though: Regardless of the dinner you’re going for, wear a sport coat. Lesson learned.

The Prime Rib
1701 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215)772-1701
www.theprimerib.com

Mugshots is one cool little coffee shop. Located directly across from Eastern State Penitentiary (hence the name!), Mugshots specializes in buy-fresh-buy-local sandwiches, smoothies, coffee and the like. It’s also a great place to just hang out, as is Mugshots’ equally awesome Manayunk location.

And they’re pulling out all the stops for the Inauguration, throwing a bash from 7 – 9:30 p.m. on January 20 where kitschy drinks specials and treats will underlie a most triumphant day for Obama supporters.

But that’s not all! On that date, Mugshots will debut the “West Wing,” their oh-so-appropriately-named new addition to the space. Stop by and take a look!

CLICK HERE for more info.

Outside of the Independence Visitor Center “” a one-stop-shop for museum tickets, Philadelphia concierge services, Philly-style food and bathrooms at 6th and Market Streets “” a giant screen will project the historic inauguration for all to see, starting at 11 a.m. on January 20.

Not only that: You’ll be sitting in the shadows of both Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, making this the perfectly patriotic place to celebrate Barack Obama’s inauguration.

And without the strict Washington, D.C. rules regarding strollers, coolers and backpacks, viewers can enjoy viewing the inauguration stress-free.

For those who’d rather not brave the colder temperatures, the center will have an indoor screening as well. Otherwise, bundle up!

APO Bar and Lounge, or Apothecary as it was first called, has remained just under-the-radar of many since it opened last year.

However, now you can be one of the lucky (and discerning) few to enjoy this very cool, in-the-know hangout, all the while getting the most bang for your buck.  APO now has $6 Recession Proof Specials, consisting a half-dozen or so high-end cocktails for just $6 each. Available Sunday through Thursday after 7 P.M.

Go ahead, try them all.

CLICK HERE to view the Deal.

(* No coupon necessary.)

Hedda Gabler, the 1890 play by Henrik Ibsen, is considered a classic. It explores themes of sexism, economic divisions and the role money and power play in every decision an individual makes. Sounds like plenty of material for a compelling story, right?

Maybe so, but it’s been done before. Countless times. Thankfully, Mauckingbird Theater Company got a hold of Caroline Kava’s adaptation and will be presenting it from Jan. 13 through Jan. 29 at the Adrienne Theater’s Second Stage.

Like Mauckingbird’s The Misanthrope and Shakespeare’s R&J, Hedda Gabler takes the work’s well-known conflicts and adds an additional layer of struggles surrounding sexual identity and desires. If these first two sell-out productions are any indication, Hedda Gabler will bring a decidedely modern and topical element to Ibsen’s story “” a real feat considering its set in 18th century Norway.

Mauckingbird’s Hedda Gabler tells the story of the young, beautiful and privileged Hedda (Jennie Eisenhower) who marries for the wrong reasons only to see her true love, Miss Eilert Lovborg (Sarah Sanford), return. She watches as Miss Lovborg lives the openly homosexual life Hedda herself desires. Trapped in marriage and society, Hedda starts to use her dangerous intelligence and beauty manipulate those around her with tragic results.

Hedda Gabler
Jan. 13 “” Jan. 29 Adults $20, Seniors $18, Students $15
www.mauckingbirdtheaterco.org

Adrienne Theater, Second Stage
2030 Samson St, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 923-8909

FRIDAY

Han Bennink and Marshall Allen
Vox Populi Gallery, 319 N 11th
Dutch drum mage Bennink and current guiding hand of the Sun Ra Arkestra, saxophonist Allen, head to head in the creation of new black holes. 6pm, $10.

Eschenbach Returns to the Philadelphia Orchestra
Kimmel Center, Broad and Locust
Christoph Eschenbach is back. Violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg plays Bruch’s First Concerto. There’s also a piece premiering by German composer Matthias Pintscher, and then Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony. 8pm, from $10; tickets at the link above.

Art After 5: Doc Gibbs
Art Museum, 26th and Ben Franklin Parkway
Anita Baker, Al Jarreau, Grover Washington Jr. and Erykah Badu’s touring drummer. He was also the head of the Emiril Live house band, if you remember those killer fills. 5pm-9pm, free after admission.

Sixers vs. Spurs Wachovia Spectrum 7pm, from $40.

SATURDAY

Department of Eagles, Bear Hands, Here We Go Magic
Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N Frankford
Department of Eagles is a Grizzly Bear side project. Sounds and hype at R5. 9pm, $12.

You Open So Late, You Close So Early
Through Saturday, January 17 Fleisher/Ollman Gallery, 1616 Washington
The gallery’s sixth annual invitational closes Saturday, with work by David Clayton, Jeremy Drummond, Steven Dufala and Billy Blaise Dufala, Charles Hobbs, Nicholas Lenker, Alex Lukas, C. Pazia Manella, Nick Paparone, Josh Rickards, Mark Stockton, and Shawn Thornton. Here’s the artblog post with
the full rundown. Noon-5pm, free.

SUNDAY

Spiral Q Puppet Theater at the Free Library
Central Library, 17th and Vine
Spiral Q’s winter celebration at the library features giant puppets, flags, noise-makers, and all kinds of bright wildness to celebrate the cold. 2pm, free.

The Emperor and the Kite: Asian New Year Celebration
Art Museum, 26th and Ben Franklin Parkway
The Philadelphia Dance Theatre performs a ballet about the little people making big changes at the art museum. The new year isn’t until the 26th, but man, the Year of the Rat was kind of a drag; I’m all for getting the Year of the Ox going asap. 11:30am and 1:30pm, from $10.

Each week during their “Sunday School” promotion, the fermentation wizards at Tria feature a different wine, cheese and beer at half-price “” the “school” aspect being that you get to learn about a wine, cheese and beer that you otherwise wouldn’t have tried.

Join us each Sunday at the cafe and learn about and enjoy a different not-so-common wine, cheese and beer”"and at 50% or more off our regular prices. School was never this delicious!

Sunday School is best experienced by trying one of each of the specials: one wine, one cheese and one beer. It’s well worth it.

CLICK HERE to view the deal.

(*No coupon necessary.)

Now, here’s a deal! On Inauguration Day (January 20), Chima Brazilian Steakhouse is offering a $44.00 menu to honor our soon-to-be-elected 44th President, Barack Obama.

You’ll get Rodizio service (meaning, all-you-can-eat, hot-off-the-grill service), plus a fountain soda, a trip to the salad bar, and (for those who didn’t make New Year’s resolutions) a tasty dessert.

Call (215) 525-3233 to make your reservation.

In honor of Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration, make it a patriotic meal at Meritage!

From January 20 – 24, Meritage is offering a “Presidential Tasting Menu” with a decidedly patriotic, red-white-and-blue theme:

• Red Snapper
• White Asparagus Salad
• Blueberry Lemon Bars

…plus delicious raspberry coulis!

The three-course meal costs just $39 per person.

Meritage is located just a few blocks from Rittenhouse Square. Along with an impressive wine list, Meritage’s menu changes seasonally to incorporate fresh ingredients. Yum, yum!

CLICK HERE for more info.

Photo courtesy of The Franklin

On January 20, visitors to The Franklin will be able to watch history, as President-elect Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of The United States.

The ceremony will be shown live in Franklin Theater beginning at 11:30 a.m.

The broadcast is included in museum admission — so you can get your politics and your Giant Heart (pictured) in equal measure.