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Hey Center City folk, looking for a fun and cool way to spend your lunch break tomorrow? Well, from noon until 2PM, the Kimmel Center is celebrating the holiday season… in the middle of August. And despite only running for two hours, the people at the Kimmel Center are packing a lot of free live music, giveaways, and events into those 120 minutes. They even have plans for real snow on Broad Street! Check out the schedule.

Noon – 12:50PM: Peter Nero’s POPS Festival Brass performance
Noon – 2PM: Photo opp. with Santa
Noon – 2PM: Ornament-making and cookie-decorating
1:00PM – 1:15PM: Reading of The Night Before Christmas, by Kimmel Center President and CEO Anne Ewers
1:20PM – 2PM: Carolers sing holiday favorites
2PM: Contest drawing for tickets to Kimmel Center performances, one night stay at Ritz Carlton, and dinner package at 10 Arts.

Discounted tickets will also be available for limited time to select 2009/10 holiday programs, ranging from 10 to 50 percent off. This includes The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller (Nov. 14), Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (Nov. 24 – Dec. 6), the Vienna Boys Choir (Dec. 4), Peter Nero and the Philly POPS’ Holiday POPS! (Dec. 5 – 20), and the Pennsylvania Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (Dec. 12 – 31)

You can also take advantage of this offer online tomorrow. Promo codes after the jump!

Warm Winter Wonderland @ the Kimmel
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 from Noon – 2pm

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Broad and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19103
www.kimmelcenter.org

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Looking for things that go bump in the night? Well there’s always Ben Franklin’s spirit haunting the city of Philadelphia or me trying to get a glass of water at 3am. But if you’re looking for something a little more exciting (and slightly less painful), you might want consider Brat Productions’ Haunted Poe Tour.

Hosted by Brat Productions, this walking tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery takes place this Thursday at dusk! Take a stroll past tombstones of Edgar Allan Poe’s friends, enemies and frenemies, while listening to some of his dramatic readings – the Tell-Tale Heart, the Raven, and more! You will not only explore Poe’s literature, but learn about his life in Philadelphia. At the end of the tour, a toast will be offered in remembrance of Poe and his legacy left on contemporary literature.

This candle-lit walking tour is in preparation for the theatrical Haunted Poe production running October 1 – November 1, 2009 at 38 Jackson Street in Philadelphia. The cast of Poe will be performing the readings on the haunted tour, so you get a special, sneak preview of the play.

The tour is free, but it’s BYOF – Bring Your Own Flashlight! All you have to do is RSVP to rsvp@bratproductions.org or call (215) 627-2577. RSVP soon because space is limited!

Bump, bump…bump, bump…

Haunted Poe Walking Tour
Thursday, August 20th, 2009

Laurel Hill Cemetery
3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA

Now through Sep 20, 2009; Photos courtesy of the Park Hyatt Philadelphia

The historic Bellevue building will be 105 years old this September and the Park Hyatt Philadelphia is celebrating with special anniversary offers. Like room rates of $105 now through September 20, 2009.

Built in 1904 and called “the grande dame of Broad Street,” the Bellevue building has graced the corner of Broad and Walnut Streets for more than a century now.

To mark the occasion, the hotel is offering a special $105 anniversary rate available for a limited number of guest rooms per evening, leading up to the anniversary date, September 20th, 2009. Simply enter offer code “105TH” into the ‘Special Offer Code’ box when checking availability on the hotel’s website.

(I just tested it out and the $105 room rate popped up when I searched for a room on Friday, September 11, 2009. Click here to search other dates.)

The hotel’s restaurant, XIX, is also celebrating the anniversary with a specialty chef’s tasting menu, offering a four-course meal for two at $105.

CLICK HERE for more on the special offers. And click here to search dates.

Park Hyatt Philadelphia [Gophila.com]
XIX Restaurant [Gophila.com]

Sitting outside-in at Valanni, I was ready for my first Medi-Latin dining experience. And what an experience it was! This restaurant doesn’t look very big from the outside, but looks are certainly deceiving. Once you get in, there are several areas to choose from in which to dine – the snazzy bar, dining room,  tables by the open, airy windows, and even outside seating. The service was outstanding, and the entire 3-hour dinner was relaxing, with each course perfectly timed so you can savor the taste of each dish.

Before you start eating, order some Valanni cocktails! I tried the recommended Watermelon Sangria, which was like an appetizer in itself with the juicy chucks of watermelon and blueberries soaked in this brandy-infused vacation-in-a-glass. My boyfriend had the Coconut Mojito (they have other flavors like pineapple and mango, too). Fresh coconut juice and a yummy rock candy stick to garnish.

Valanni’s appetizer list is aplenty including tapas, cheese and meat plates. Sean and I had the Serrano Ham Croquettes with aioli chipotle, which is similar to a Texas petal sauce (yum!). These are way better than hot pockets. Our chosen meat plate was the Quijote – pork chorizo cured meat served with Cornish pickles, caperberries, mixed olives, red onion marmalade, toasted almonds and spicy mustard. You can put any of these accompaniments together on the soft bread they give with it and it’s amazing; you can’t go wrong with any concoction you choose! The cheese plate we ordered was a French cheese, Morbier, with a touch of nut, hay & ashes. It came with the same sides as our cured meats, and again, it is ALL good. Through these app plates, I found my second love – caperberries. Don’t be afraid to try it all!

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Ted’s Montana Grill, located on the Avenue of the Arts at Broad and Spruce Streets right across from the Kimmel Center, has a new lunch special.

They’re offering five lunch entrees for just $8 each. Bonus: The deal is available for take-out as well.

The entrees are:

* Fresh Cedar Plank Salmon: A five-ounce salmon filet is served with garlic mashed potatoes, country-style green beans and a side of creamed horseradish sauce.

* Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwich: All-natural, slow-roasted BBQ chicken on a kaiser bun. Served with fresh-cut french fries and cole slaw.

* Bowl of Soup and Half Chopped Salad: Choose between a bowl of “Ted’s Soup of the Day” or Karen’s “Flying D” bison chili and pair it with a half chopped salad tossed with salami, artichoke hearts, garbanzo beans, fresh vegetables and creamy vinaigrette dressing.

* Meatloaf Sandwich: Ted’s signature 100 percent bison meatloaf topped with caramelized onions and Monterey Jack cheese and served on ciabatta bread with fresh-cut french fries.

* Delicious Duo: One mini-beef burger and one mini-bison burger topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and mustard remoulade sauce. Completed with a generous helping of fresh-cut french fries.

The deal is good at lunch from 11 am to 4 pm. It runs thorugh October 4th, 2009.

In addition to the location on Broad Street, Ted’s Montana Grill has a second area location in Warrington in Buck’s County.

CLICK HERE for more info about the deal.

Check out a preview of the meatloaf sandwich after the jump. (more…)

Anam Owili-Eger, performing at Tritone on Thursday Photography by Eric Vincent and Kate Wilhelmi

Jazz and more… Where I’ll be and where you should be…

TUESDAY 8/18/09
Lucky Thompson & the Budesa Brothers’ Blue Tuesday Open Mic & Jam Session
Elena’s Soul Showcase Lounge, 4912 Baltimore Ave.
Veteran drummer Lucky Thompson has played with greats like Nina Simone and Patti LaBelle during his long career and led jam sessions all over the city (including at Natalie’s Lounge, where he was the music director for more than 10 years). Lucky and brothers Rich Budesa on keys and Rob Budesa on guitar are doing their part to keep Philly’s great organ trio tradition alive. If you haven’t heard them play at Elena’s, a neighborhood bar with a friendly staff and a welcoming vibe, then you’re missing out on an essential part of Philly’s jazz scene.
9 p.m., FREE

WEDNESDAY 8/19/09
Avant Ascension: Ran Tan Toon, Free Radicals, Re-Vamped District
Tritone, 1508 South St.
It’s the one-year anniversary of Dan Peterson and Larry Toft’s monthly avant-garde showcase, and they’re doing it up with three bands, plus the usual last set open jam. Free Radicals is Dan on reeds, along with Dave Kaszorowski on bass and Adrian Valosin on drums. Dan’s also playing with Re-Vamped District, Larry’s Miles Davis electric tribute band, along with Travis Woodson on guitar, Matt Cantwell on bass, and Eli Litwin on drums.
9 p.m., $5

THURSDAY 8/20/09
Anam Owili-Eger
Tritone, 1508 South St.
The singer/songwriter/jazz pianist known simply as Anam does his thing at Tritone. Expect 1 or 2 other bands on the bill too.
9:30 p.m., $5

FRIDAY 8/21/09
Warren Oree
Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Bassist Warren Oree, the leader of the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble and a founder of the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival, is one of Philly’s most talented, versatile, and engaging jazz musicians. I’m not sure exactly who will be with him tonight, but the museums website promises some of the city’s most popular band leaders.
sets at 5:45 & 8:15, FREE with museum admission ($12)

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He’s a little bit James Brown, a little bit Frank Sinatra, but really there’s no one quite like Johnny Showcase. Most recently seen at Connie’s Ric-Rac, Johnny Showcase and the Lefty Lucy Cabaret is a zany, Vegas-via-Rhode-Island lounge act. Johnny is brought to life by local actor and musician, David Sweeny. With the support of his back-up band, including accordion and sometimes finger puppets, Johnny puts on one of the freshest cabarets in town.

Johnny is taking his vocal stylings to the Philly Fringe with his new show, Purr, Pull, Reign. Together with director Adrienne Mackey, Johnny has created a “rock-cabaret spectacular,” including a band of backup dancers and featuring some of the finest 80’s rock music ever written.

You have two opportunities to enjoy Johnny Showcase live over the next few weeks. You can whet your palate at a fundraiser for Purr, Pull, Reign at World Café Live, with headliner, Martha Graham Cracker. Then you can experience Purr, Pull, Reign at the Philly Fringe itself. Expect a tribe of dancing showgirls, Johnny’s wacky sense of humor, and of course, the color purple.

Johnny Showcase Fringe-tacular Quasi Formal
August 19th at 8pm
World Café Live, Downstairs

Purrr, Pull, Reign: part of the 2009 Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe
September 11th, 12 th , 18 th & 19th

Photo by P. Butler for GPTMC

The U.S. evangelical movement has made Charles Darwin a controversial figure 127 years after his death. There is an old adage that goes a man is alive as long as he is remembered. But one wonders how the original Chuck D would feel about all the controversy in his name.

Whether you think him saint or Satan, Charles Darwin changed the way we view our origin on this Earth. And to celebrate his contributions to science, philosophy and human discussion, the American Philosophical Society presents Dialogues With Darwin, an exhibition that traces the evolution of Darwin’s big idea.

You’ll see rare first editions of Darwin’s groundbreaking work, The Origin Of Species, on display, as well as maps, manuscripts and even letters to and from the world’s most famous life scientist.

While exploring the history of Darwin’s work, the American Philosophical Society would be remiss not to explore what the Origin of Species accomplished as a theory. The idea of Natural Selection set off international debates, inspiring new ideas within the scientific community, as well as new ideas in business, human interaction and even art. The APS commissioned artists to depict some of the themes of Darwin’s work to further the discussion, and the works are gorgeous.

The exhibit also explores Darwin’s influence, including books he read at the time, ideas he explored at Cambridge and how he may have come to his revolutionary theory.

Love him or hate him, after visiting Dialogues With Darwin, you will have respect for the man and his experiments when you see how he got there.

Dialogues with Darwin
Now thru October 17th, 2010

American Philosophical Society
104 S. Fifth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 599-4283
www.amphilsoc.org

My buddy Ben Kessler runs one of my favorite blogs in Philadelphia, Unbreaded, a sandwich blog dedicated towards… well, sandwiches. Together with his partner Jeff Vogel, Ben visits restaurants, pubs, dive bars, any place that claims to serve up something decent between two slices of bread. He writes wonderfully detailed articles about the sandwiches he noshes on, complete with stunning photographs. Definitely worth a read, and certainly deserved to win Best of Philly this year.

Last week, Ben and Jeff announced their first event, the Sandwich Smash. “The event will showcase five of Philadelphia’s premiere restaurant professionals, who will perform chef demos in front of a live audience and tell stories that go behind the food. This non-competitive event will be hosted by Esquire Food Editor Ryan D’Agostino, who will be interviewing the chefs on stage while they cook and moderating questions from the audience.”

Attendees will enjoy a five-course tasting menu of the featured sandwiches, complete with a beverage and dessert from the event’s sponsors. Participants include Chef Michael Solomonov (Zahav), Chef Peter McAndrews (Paesano’s), Chef Arthur Cavaliere (Parc), Rick Oliveri (Rick’s Steaks), and Mark Coates (Bebe’s BBQ).

The smash goes down on October 4th at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia, with some proceeds going towards local food charities. Tickets are available via the official website. Get them while you can, seating is limited.

Unbreaded’s Sandwich Smash
October 4th, 2009
www.sandwichsmash.com

Wall display at Vagabond (photo by M. McClellan)

For years now, I’ve associated the word boutique with high-priced, unattainable clothing and accessories. I stayed away from small, locally run stores, for fear that my measly wardrobe budget and I would be laughed straight back out onto the sidewalk. However, a couple of weeks ago, a handful of us from uwishunu HQ had the opportunity to tour some of the local shops around town and that afternoon has totally changed my perspective on all these shops around town.

Signs from 3rd Street shops (photos by M. McClellan)

That afternoon, we stopped by Vagabond, Sevilla Smith, Top Stitch, Lost + Found, Matthew Izzo, Forbidden Planet, LeTau Designs (showroom in Fishtown) and Made to Order (in Northern Liberties). I was particularly impressed by the deals at Lost + Found (clearance priced Orla Kiely bags!) and by the second floor furniture sale at Matthew Izzo (he stashes the returned pieces up there and sells them for cheap).

For those of you who have always considered the many indie shops around town to be beyond your ken, consider giving them a second chance. They might just surprise you. More photos from our fashion tour are after the jump.

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