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Outside the NCC, Photo by Jason Smith for GPTMC

Most festivals last a day or two. This one lasts two weeks.

The When in Rome Spring Festival at the National Constitution Center kicks off this Saturday, March 27th, and runs through Friday, April 11th. The festival will offer up workshops, activities, reenactments, and more, with unique events on special days.

On the first day of the festival, visitors can take the 2010 U.S. Census Road Tour through the Center. Learn about how the Census works, how data is collected, and why the Census is so important.

On March 29th, from noon to 2pm, visitors will be treated to a Roman military reenactment by Legion XXIV. Check out examples of Roman armor and weapons, and even try on some of the military gear.

Daily activities and events include a special program, A Tale of Two Republics, that will teach visitors about the similarities and differences between ancient Rome and America’s laws, elections, Senates, and more. You can catch this program at 11am and 1pm in the Grand Hall Lobby. In addition, the NCC will offer craft workshops for children, allowing them to create mosaics, build chariots and catapults, and design aqueducts.

For event updates and ticket prices, visit the Constitution Center’s official website.

When in Rome: Spring Festival @ the NCC
Monday, March 22nd, 2010, 6:30pm

National Constitution Center
525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 409-6700
www.constitutioncenter.org

Inside the Art Star Gallery & Boutique

Art Star’s newest exhibit, entitled The Souvenir Shop, shows off the work of over 15 ceramic artists from around the country.

These artists have created one-of-a-kind souvenirs, designed specifically for Art Star. The exhibit will be on display March 27th through April 25th, with an opening reception on April 2nd, First Friday.

Along with the Magic Gardens’ Tell Tale Tiles & Fractured Fantasies exhibit, the Art Star’s Souvenir Shop is another one of hundreds of exhibitions taking place as a part of the 44th Annual National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference here in Philadelphia.

For a full list of participating galleries, visit The Clay Studio’s official website.

The Souvenir Shop
March 27th – April 25th, 2010

Art Star Gallery & Boutique
623 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-1557
www.artstarphilly.com

Burgers and Fries @ 500º, Photo by Michaelangelo Ilagan / Unbreaded

Rob Wasserman, known for his Rittenhouse Square restaurant Rouge, recently expanded his reach with the announcement of 500°, a new burger spot opening in Center City.

The new burger joint opened today, featuring burgers for under $6 and combo meals for around $9. I’m sending a blogger there today to try the burgers out, but for now, have a look at the menu. I’ve pasted it after the jump.

For more on 500°, check out these posts on Unbreaded and Grub Street.

First Look at 500, Opening Today [ Grub Street Philly ]
500: Center City’s Hottest New Burger Joint [ Unbreaded ]

500°
1504 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

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Clockwise from top: Paesano's chalkboard menu, self-serve drink cups and sign for take-out (all photos by M. McClellan for GPTMC)

For months now, I’ve been hearing reports from friends and internet acquaintances about the gustatory miracle-in-a-roll that is a sandwich from Paesano’s. However, until yesterday, I hadn’t managed to try one. And, of course, now I’m kicking myself that I kept myself away from that distinct eating pleasure for so long. Truly, these sandwiches are revelatory.

They are the brainchildren of Modo Mio chef/owner Peter McAndrews. He first started selling these Italian-inspired sandwiches from a small shop in Northern Liberties back at the end of 2008 and they quickly became a neighborhood favorite. In January, he opened up with an expanded menu at 901 Christian Street, in the light-filled space that was once Butcher’s Cafe. To my mind, this is the ideal application for this location, as Butcher’s always tried to be a Sabrina’s knock-off and sadly never managed to do anything well.

Part of the beauty of Paesano’s is that the whole operation is really simple. There are 14 sandwiches (not including any daily specials that my appear), one soup, one salad and a self-serve soda fountain. A single waitress works the room for those who want to eat in and a clearly marked take-out window is available for those who want to grab and go. Prices are in round, dollar amounts (including the soda, which is a buck a cup, with refills) and it’s cash-only.

I had the Arista, which contains suckling pork, braised rabe, sharp provolone and zingy long hots. It was drippy and amazing. As good as it was, I nearly stole my husband’s Meatloaf Parmesan, which may well have been the best thing I’ve ever tasted. Our friend Thad got the Diablo, which he gobbled down (his only minor complain was the uneven spread of the spicy sauce on the chicken). The fourth member of our party was Thad’s very pregnant wife, and the sandwich makers were happy to accommodate her need to avoid anything heartburn provoking.

Please, do yourself a favor and eat a sandwich from Paesano’s.

Paesano’s
901 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA
modomiorestaurant.com/paesanos_italian_market_location
215-922-2220

Hungry customers line up at the SquareBurger stand, Photo by M. McClellen for GPTMC

Burger lovers, rejoice. Stephen Starr’s SquareBurger is set to reopen in Franklin Square this Friday, March 26th.

Never been? James covered the stand’s opening last summer with Marisa. James wrote about the food while Marisa snapped some photos. Read up, here!

The stand will be open March 26th through May 27th, 11am to 6pm, daily.

Can’t wait to grab a cake shake!

Franklin Square [ visitphilly.com ]

Bibou (dish pictured, bottom) hopes to take home a James Beard Foundation Award.

Bibou, Osteria, Vetri Zahav and Stephen Starr are among the finalists for the 2010 James Beard Foundation Awards, as Grub Street Philadelphia reports.

Here’s the breakdown:

Best New Restaurant
- Bibou

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic
- Michael Solomonov, Zahav
- Jeff Michaud, Osteria

Outstanding Restaurateur
- Stephen Starr, Stephen Starr Organization

Outstanding Service
- Vetri

Congratulations to our Philly foodie finalists, who will take on the nation’s best at the May 3 award ceremony — and a special thumbs-up to Philadelphia’s 15+ semifinalists, as announced on February 18.

James Beard Awards: The Philly Finalists [Grub Street Philadelphia]

If you’ve walked around the Logan Square neighborhood recently, you may have stumbled upon Doma, a quaint zen-infused BYOB on Callowhill Street, just passed Sabrina’s and Kite and Key.

Robert and Patti Moon, who also own Center City’s Shiroi Hana, opened Doma last month. The menu features Japanese and Korean specialties, including a mix of bento boxes, rice and noodle bowls, soups, salads and an extensive sushi and sashimi line-up, plus a nice variety of vegetarian options.

Be sure to try the raved about Okonomiyaki, a Japanese style seafood pancake with bacon, assorted julienne vegetables and bonito shavings.

Doma
1822 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 564-1114

Danse4Nia In the Studio, Photo courtesy Danse4Nia

Next Sunday, the Painted Bride Art Center is hosting the Danse4Nia Repertory Ensemble’s annual benefit performance, Danse for the Cure. This year, proceeds will support awareness and research for HIV/AIDS, with Philadelphia’s BEBASHI as the chosen benefactor.

Along with Danse4Nia, performers include Nia-Next, Smoke, the Lilies & Jade Arts Initiative, and Pittsburg’s Dance Alloy. Tickets to this year’s event are $25.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Painted Bride’s official website.

“Danse” for the Cure @ the PBAC
March 28th, 2010, 5pm

Painted Bride Art Center
230 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-9914
www.paintedbride.org

Photo by K. Ciappa for GPTMC

This Saturday, the Tony Boutique is hosting their second-annual indoor yard sale.

The event, entitled Trash & Treasures, is Tony’s way of Spring-cleaning. Customers can expect big bargains through out the shop, from discounts on designer and vintage clothing to sales on second-hand knick-knacks like books, DVDs, housewares, and… well, anything else you’d expect to see at a yard sale.

The event is cash and carry, with nothing priced over $25.

Happy rummaging!

Trash & Treasures Sale @ Tony
Saturday, March 27th, 2010

Tony
47 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106-4534
(215) 592-8669
www.tonyonthird.com

It's the final weekend to catch Blue Door at the Arden Theatre! Do it! Photo by Mark Garvin

Friday

Tell Tale Hearts & Fractured Fantasies @ Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Great new exhibit launching at the PMG, featuring the works of ceramic artists from all over the country.

Final Weekend of St Patrick’s Day Specials @ Swift Half
The Swift Half Pub in No. Libs is currently running a fantastic $3 special, that features appetizers and small beers. The special wraps up on Sunday, so take advantage of it while you can.

Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater Presents: Macbeth
Macbeth opens today and runs through May 8th. [ via Phillyist ]

Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins @ Philadelphia Theatre Company
Yet another great tip from Phillyist, Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins opens at the Philadelphia Theatre Company today, running through April 18th. See Kathleen Turner, on stage! [ via Phillyist ]

Saturday

Ed Lee Bing @ the Art Star Gallery & Boutique
Bing will be demonstrating his knotting techniques at the Art Star Gallery, and explaining his work to visitors. Stop by!

March Madness @ Thirteen
Grab some discounted drinks and appetizers at the Marriott Downtown’s Thirteen today.

Terrarium Workshop @ JimmyStyle
Visit the E. Passyunk boutique and make your own terrarium. The event is only $20, and includes all the supplies you’ll need.

Kun Yang/Lin Dancers @ the Painted Bride Art Center
Friday’s show sold out, but you can still catch these wonderful performers today and tomorrow.

Sunday

Jay Michaelson @ Giovanni’s Room
Michaelson, author of Another Word for Sky, will be reading from his latest collection of poetry at Giovanni’s Room.

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