Uwishunu.com

Ahh, Cuba Libre. Is there any way this Caribbean trove is anything less than EVERYTHING a girl could want? Let’s see. They have: ambiance (check!), delicious food (checkkkk!), salsa dancing every Friday night (double-check; woohoo!) and now: a to-die-for cocktail and picada (“small bites”) menu, available every Monday through Friday from 5-7 p.m. I think I’m falling in love.

The cocktail menu is short and sweet: 4 drinks, $4 a pop. I tried the grilled pineapple mojito (sooo tasty) and the Caballito, a Cuban Manhattan made with dark rum, sweet vermouth, guarapo, and fresh mint. It tasted strong but went down smooth. No complaints here! My friend Riff went the girly route with the mango and ginger martini, a sweet martini served with candied mango and ginger. Classy!

Picadas are a steal at just $3 each “” so naturally, Riff and I went overboard, ordering the ceviche (Baja bay scallops with truffle sauce, goat cheese confetti and toasted flat bread), the mini guava bbq rib sandwich (exactly as it sounds, only so tender and juicy) AND the mini turkey frita, a turkey burger served with applewood bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion and mustard aioli, on a brioche roll. Each one was exquisite “” fresh, flavorful, and more than just a few bites. We left in a food and alcohol coma!

Lastly: they say a bar is only as good as its best bartender, and our bartender, Sparky, really made the visit, regaling us with tales from his 8+ years behind the CL bar, and Cuba Libre’s famed $66 shot. (“Only if someone else buys it for me,” I tell him.) I can’t wait to return again, and actually “” is it 5 o’clock yet?

Cuba Libre Happy Hour Cocktails and Picadas
10 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-0666
www.cubalibrerestaurant.com

Hey! I’ve got an idea. Let’s go tour a hospital! I know, it’s not your typical tourist site. After all, don’t we all try to avoid being inside of one? Well, you’ll have to make an exception, because Philadelphia is home to the nation’s historic first hospital.

Located in historic Society Hill, Pennsylvania Hospital was founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond. Although it is still very much an active institution, the history is still well intact and well worth a visit. I know you’re all geared up to go exploring, but keep in mind that the main entrance is the gateway for patients and doctors.

The tour of the hospital is offered in two ways.

1. Visitors can opt to peruse the historic area on their own from 9am to 4pm by purchasing a self guided walking tour brochure for a donation of $4.00. A cell phone tour sheet is also included inside.

2. You can take a 45 minute guided tour to hear the stories behind the history. Must be made in advance by calling 215-829-3370

Highlights? You can visit the Nation’s First Surgical Amphitheatre…

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The Mutter Museum, part of Philadelphia Museum week

I would venture that Philadelphia has more museums of every imaginable type than anywhere else in America. Has anyone done an official count? We’re swimmin’ in ‘em!

I’ve visited museums on my own when I’m in a quiet and contemplative state of mind, on fun museum dates with my wife, or as a full on family outing. When I owned a specialty moving company, I was often called in to move something special for the Atwater Kent Museum, the Mutter Museum and others.

April 27th through May 3rd will see the arrival of our first Museum Week, and discounts to 55 museums will be made available through the Philly Fun Guide. Looking at the list below, I see plenty of places I’ve yet to visit even once, and plenty that I look forward to a return engagement with, just for the fun of it!

Check out the whole list after the jump!

Museum Week on Philly Fun Guide
www.phillyfunguide.com/museumweek

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Photo by Eye Gargano

Located at the South-East corner of Center City, between funky the South Street and the colorful Bella Vista, Queen Village has a very neighborhoody feeling, especially with its block parties and community clean-up days. But Queen Village is also known for its one-of-a-kind architecture. Tiny trinities from the 18th century, nineteenth century row homes, converted warehouses, as well as contemporary post-modern dwellings.

Have you ever walked in those streets wondering what was hiding behind the walls? Now is your opportunity to check it out! On May 17, from noon to 4:00 PM the Queen Village Neighbors Association sponsors the over 30-years old tradition of their Open House Tour.

For $25, the self-guided walking tour begins at Old Swede’s Church (Christian and Water Streets, off Christopher Columbus Ave) and will allow you to visit homes but also enjoy beautiful courtyards, gardens, alleys and historic churches. What a great way to spend the day, maybe after a nice brunch in one of Queen Village or Society Hill/South Street restaurant, and discover part of the hidden face of our city.

To reserve your spot and purchase a ticket, call 215 339-0975 or email info@qvna.org.

Queen Village Open House Tour
May 17th, Noon – 4PM

Queen Village Neighbors Association
www.qvna.org

Apparently Fishtown wasn’t named completely at random. There were fish at play.

On Saturday April 25 at 11 a.m., the Fishtown Area Business Association will host the first annual Shad Festival, featuring the shad fish that helped give this revitalized neighborhood its name.

The event aims to celebrate the historical and environmental impact the shad has had on Fishtown and rally around developing the future of the Delaware riverfront. There’s the 5k Shad Run, live music, food booths, historic trolley tours, lots of children activities and, we just might like this best, valet bicycle parking.

Find out more at www.fishtownshadfest.org.

First Annual Fishtown Shadfest @ Penn Treaty Park
Delaware and Columbia Avenues, Philadelphia
Saturday April 25 at 11 a.m.
www.fishtownshadfest.org

Johnny Brenda’s - Photo by G Widman for GPTMC

In the last few years, Johnny Brenda’s has become a prime music venue in the city. That means a lot more concert goers are visiting the three-story Fishtown bar, but many head straight upstairs to the stage (and second-floor bar).

And that’s a damn shame, according to Gourmet Magazine, who recently named Johnny Brenda’s second on its list of Eight Great Rock Venues with Great Food. Anyone who has eaten at JB’s knows the food, and draught beer list, is equally as worth the trip as whatever uber-hip band happens to be playing upstairs. And better yet, the full menu is available until 1 a.m.

Gourmet is all about the raw bar at happy hour and the soft shell crab sandwich, though we hear the weekend brunch is pretty spectacular as well.

Johnny Brendas
1201 N. Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA
215-739-9684
www.johnnybrendas.com

Center City’s ultra-fabulous PURE Nightclub and nightlifegay.com will play host to the third annual Mr. Gay Philadelphia contest Saturday April 18th. Ticket prices for the contest range from $20.00 to $40.00. A portion of proceeds from this year’s competition and corresponding silent auction will benefit Action AIDS, a charitable organization based right here in Philadelphia.

Any openly gay residents of Philadelphia and the surrounding region can register to participate in the competition. In the past, many contestants represented local LGBT business and community organizations.

Now for what you’re all waiting to read”¦ during the Mr. Gay competition, contestants will be scored during two preliminary rounds of evening/club wear and swimsuits. Of the many contestants, only five lucky men will advance to the finals for a Q&A session with the hosts and judges. One contestant will be crowned winner after all scores are tabulated and counted.

And now for the line-up of celebrity hosts and judges. Writer/performer Frank DeCaro and Philadelphia’s own drag personality Brittany Lynn will host the event with gossip-guru and The Village Voice’s own Michael Musto, Pennsylvania’s own openly gay Judge Daniel J. Anders, Mickey Boardman “” Manhattan based celebrity reporter, Josh Rosenzweig, David Brown and Will Wikle of Big Brother and Logo fame.

No excuses, I want to see everyone there Saturday night, it’s good fun and it’s for a great cause. Plus it’s a chance to hob knob with some celebutants! See you there!

Pure Nightclub
1221 St. James St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-5772
www.purephilly.com

The City of Brotherly Love Softball League kicks off their 2009 season Sunday April 19th at the Dairy Fields in Fairmount Park. Come out and support your local Philadelphians of the queer perspective who have a passion for America’s past-time.

What started out as two teams 26 years ago, the CBLSL has grown to over 650 members, 31 teams and multiple divisions for men and women.

The CBLSL is open to gay men and lesbians of all skill levels with a passion for softball, exercise and fun. The womens’ league consists of three divisions while the men’s’ league has three levels, with competitive levels A and B playing each other throughout the season vying for a chance to compete in the Amateur Sports Alliance of North America World Series (ASANA) later this year. The 2009 season is slated to commence July 26th.

The rules of softball are slightly different from those of baseball. The game itself is played at a slower pace, with pitchers standing anywhere from 6 to 12 feet off the pitcher’s mound and all pitches are thrown underhand. Softballs are larger than those of baseballs and no stealing of bases is allowed in softball leagues. Otherwise it’s play ball!

So grab a hot dog and come out to support your local LGBT community as they kick off the spring sports season this weekend! For more information please visit: www.CBLSL.org.

City of Brotherly Love Softball League
www.CBLSL.org

Almost everyone enjoys tasting beer. The real aficionados are the ones who choose to critique the subtle flavors in a good beer “” and make an effort to remember those flavors the next morning.

Luckily, The Marketplace at East Falls and beerheads.com have got you covered. Every third Saturday of the month (including this Saturday, April 18th), they host SAWBUCK Saturday: An evening of craft beer tasting.

A $10 donation gets you a sampling of local, regional and national craft beers from breweries including Stoudt’s, Smuttynose, Gritty McDuff’s, Thomas Hooker and Riverhorse. As you sample, you’ll be able to wander around the market searching for the perfect dinner ingredients to compliment the brew you like best (You can check out a list of The Marketplace at East Falls’ vendors here). Chances are, as you sample more and more beers and take in the live music, you’ll find something to eat right there at the market.

Marketplace @ East Falls
www.marketplaceateastfalls.com

Have you ever found yourself peering into the windows of the homes on Spruce St? It’s okay to admit it. We’ve all done that. Well now’s your chance to get a good look inside of some of the sweetest homes in all of Philly.

The Society Hill Open House and Garden Tour, sponsored by the SH Civic Association, will let you take a self-guided tour of 10 of the neighborhood’s nicest homes and gardens.

What’s even sweeter? The proceeds from the tour will be used for neighborhood improvement projects. So sign up, take a peek, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy getting the inside look you’ve always wanted.

Society Hill Open House and Garden Tour
Sunday, May 31, 2009. 1PM – 5PM.
RSVP: (215) 629-1288 or Email mattdejulio@aol.com