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The Flavors of the Avenue event takes place this Saturday, April 24th, from Noon to 5 pm. The event will be held on a two-block stretch of East Passyunk Avenue between Dickinson and Morris Streets, which will be closed off to automobile traffic for the day.

The main attraction is the Flavors of the Avenue tent, which will be filled with chefs from 20 of East Passyunk’s award-winning restaurants offering samples of their signature dishes and drinks.

Some menu items to expect:

* Paradiso – Slow-braised Beef Short Ribs over Creamy Mascarpone Polenta
* Fuel – Sweet Pea Wonton, Toasted Hummus, Vegetable Couscous Salad, Banana Whips
* Le Virtu – Porchetta: Country Time Farms Roast Pork Seasoned with Garlic, Fresh Herbs and Hot Pepper; Penne con Ragu di Salsiccie: Penne Pasta with Housemade Sausage Ragu
* Izumi – Kimchee, Maki Rolls
* South Philly Bar & Grill – Grilled Guava BBQ Wings, Grilled Buffalo Wings, Cajun Spice Wings
* Da Vinci Ristorante – Crespelle con Prosciutto and Fontina Cheese in a Bechamel Sauce
* Fond – Chilled Pea Soup with Lemon & Smoked Paprika Yogurt, Rosemary Meringue Cookies
* Ristorante Tre Scalini – Shrimp Bean Salad, Tripe & Fresh Bread
* Lucky 13 – Crab Spring Rolls, Trout Sandwich, Hummus Platter
* Mamma Maria – Gnocchi, Chicken alla Mamma, Bruschetta

In addition to the food tent, the event will feature live music by Chad & Willy, two fashion shows from some of the Avenue’s eclectic boutiques (at 1 and 3 pm), and an “April Showers” craft market hosted by Crafty Balboa at the Fountain, which will all be enjoyed by thousands more.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. Tickets are available for purchase online.

And don’t miss the Flavors After-Parties. Paradiso will have drink specials after the event ends at 5 pm. And the Urban Jungle is holding their Opening Celebration on Saturday — they’ll be serving libations and will have a DJ til 8 pm!

What: Flavors of the Avenue
Where: East Passyunk Avenue between Dickinson & Morris Streets
When: Saturday, April 24, 2010, 12 noon-5 p.m.
Who: Cantina Los Caballitos, Da Vinci Ristorante, El Zarape, Fond, Fuel, Izumi, Le Virtu, Mamma Maria, Paradiso, Tre Scalini and 10 other EPA restaurants
Verdict: Great food, live music, fashion shows and a craft market, all in a buzz-worthy neighborhood for the low ticket price of $20 (or $25 at the door).

Flavors of the Avenue [East Passyunk Avenue BID]

Photo by Henry Horenstein, courtesy the Academy of Natural Sciences

“Sometimes the inside of something reveals hidden relationships that the outside masks. It’s like people – on the outside, we all look different, but on the inside we’re very much the same,” muses Barbara Ceiga, Vice President for Public Operations at The Academy of Natural Sciences.

This is illustrated quite literally in the Looking at Animals exhibit currently on display at the Academy. Through a series of two dozen black and white photographs by Henry Horenstein, accompanied by specimens from the Academy’s collection, the beauty, diversity, and ultimately the connection between all animals – including us – is explored.

A stunning photo of flamingos is juxtaposed with the skull of a flamingo, seen through a mini-aquarium of brine shrimp (better known as sea monkeys to many of us). An unusual closeup of a giraffe’s legs sits next to a large pile of bones making up a complete giraffe skeleton. A picture of an elephant’s wrinkly, stumpy foot is contrasted by a surprisingly human-looking skeletal foot.

There are many other things to see, all of which present animals in a way we don’t typically see them. A pig’s fuzzy snout, a hippo’s undulating spine, a crane’s long, curvaceous neck. The exhibit closes with a mirror, once again reminding us of our fundamental connection with the animals we’ve just seen.

This exhibit can be enjoyed by adults and children alike – as Barbara pointed out, children enjoy identifying the animals and their parts, and adults appreciate the artistic value of the photos and specimens.

Looking at Animals: Photographs by Henry Horenstein
Now through May 16th, 2010

The Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1195
(215) 299-1000
www.ansp.org

Wordsworth, the Please Touch Museum's latest puppet pal.

This weekend, the Please Touch Museum is celebrating the 25th anniversary for their Book Award, with a number of special literacy events.

On Friday, April 23rd, this year’s Book Award winner, Leslie Patricelli, is flying in for a meet-and-greet, and will be signing her award-winning children’s book, Higher! Higher! immediately after the award ceremony.

She’ll be signing autographs from 1pm to 2pm, and again 3pm to 4pm. Kids can also join in a number of activities in the Please Touch Museum’s Program Room, including puppet making (out of spoons!).

Can’t make the book signing with Patricelli? On Saturday, children will be treated to a musical/narrative performance of Peter & the Wolf in Hamilton Hall and on Sunday, Gene Barretta, author of Now & Ben, will be signing books in the PTM’s Story Castle. Show up early to catch a reading with Sir Read-A-Lot at 12:30pm.

And that adorable little worm pictured on the right? That’s Wordsworth, the museum’s latest puppet pal. They’re unveiling him on Friday. Come say hi.

Please Touch Museum
4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131
(215) 581-3181
www.pleasetouchmuseum.org

Seating Inside Euphoria Smoothies & Coffee

While walking around Liberties Walk I found myself craving something sweet. I didn’t have much time to spare and the weather’s been absolutely gorgeous lately, so I decided to run over to Euphoria to check out their extensive smoothie menu. Considering that I’d never been there before, I was expecting it to look like any other ordinary cafe. I was quite surprised when I saw how much effort was put in to the overall decor. The atmosphere is comfortable and there is plenty of seating.

After looking at the menu and briefly speaking with the two people at the counter as to which smoothies were their favorites, I decided to get the Tropical Oasis smoothie; a mixture of mango, pineapple, orange, banana and fat-free yogurt. While it was undergoing its transformation from individual ingredients to drinkable bliss, I’m pretty sure that I double-guessed my choice a million times. Each and every one of the flavors on the board made me want to order them — and if that wasn’t enough, there’s an even a create-your-own smoothie option.

A few minutes later, my smoothie was done and I was on my way. The texture was perfect. It was really creamy and the taste of all the fruits together left me craving another sip even before I finished my first. Before I knew it, my drink was gone.

If you find yourself anywhere near Liberties Walk, I highly recommend that you stop by and get a smoothie. You most certainly won’t regret it.

Euphoria Smoothies & Coffee
1001 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-9209
www.nleuphoria.com

The Penn Relays: your chance to see Usain Bolt race in person. (Photo courtesy Penn Relays)

Big news: Jamaican track superstar Usain Bolt will compete at the 2010 Penn Relays as part of the “USA vs. The World” event on Saturday, April 24. Bolt will compete in the men’s 4×100 relay.

The Penn Relays Carnival, which is one of the oldest and longest-running track and field events in the world, takes place for three days at the University of Pennsylvania. It begins this Thursday and runs through Saturday, with Saturday and Mr. Usain Bolt being the main event. And expect the festival-like atmosphere surrounding the stadium, including the countless food and merchandise vendors on the streets, to be extra exciting this year.

Over the course of the three-days, more than 100,000 people are expected to file through Franklin Field. And more than half of those people will be in the stands on Saturday afternoon to watch Usain Bolt.

Bolt has quickly become one of the world’s most celebrated and recognizable athletes. A three-time Olympic gold medalist and current world record holder in the 100 and 200 meters, Bolt became the first man to set three world records in sprinting events at one Olympics in 2008 in Beijing (100, 200, 4×100 relay).

Tickets for Saturday at the Penn Relays are still available, but they’re going fast. They’re $25 in advance and available for purchase online.

Note: Bolt’s race is scheduled to take place at 2:50 pm. If you can’t make it in person, the Penn Relays will be televised on ESPN2 on Saturday, April 24, from 8-10 pm. Eastern Time. For more information about Saturday’s races, visit the official Penn Relays blog.

Usain Bolt to Compete at 2010 Penn Relays [The Penn Relays]
Team USA prepares for Lightning [The Penn Relays]
2010 Penn Relays Guide & Changes [The Penn Relays]
The Penn Relays [Visit Philly]

Photo by Marisa McClellan

This weekend, Reading Terminal Market is hosting their first ever Italian Festival, dishing out sample-sized nibbles from their wide array of vendors. Reading Terminal boasts that the festival offers “locals and tourists a taste of Italy without the airfare.” After checking out the menu, I’m inclined to believe this bold statement.

Highlights include sausage scaloppini from Giunta’s Prime Shop, the Termini Brothers Bakery’s famous cannoli, a make-your-own mini pizza workshop for kids from George Pizza & Pasta, a wine tasting with Pio Imports, a live pasta making demo from La Cucina, and a number of delicious sounding bites from Iovine Brothers Produce, including prosciutto e melone (proscuitto-wrapped melon), broccoli rabe crostini (sautéed broccoli rabe on toast) and bruschetta.

A dozen more merchants will be situated at tables in the Center Court, serving up over 20 Italian specialties. Members of the Opera Company of Philadelphia will be performing selections from La Traviata, an opera debuting in Philadelphia on May 7th.

Italian Festival @ Reading Terminal Market
Saturday, April 24th, 2010

Reading Terminal Market
12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 922-2317
www.readingterminalmarket.org

Heads up film fans, the Philadelphia Film Society is screening Shadow of a Doubt at the Prince Music Theater tomorrow night.

Part of the Philadelphia Film Society’s filmadelphiaCLASSICS screening series, the showing is only $10, with $8 tickets available for students and seniors.

Doors are at 7:30pm.

Shadow of a Doubt Screening
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Prince Music Theater
1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 569-9700
www.princemusictheater.org

This Saturday, April 24th, the Crafty Balboa arts and craft market is returning to the Passyunk Fountain, the place where they hosted their very first craft event.

Participating artists and crafters include Box Turtle Press, Volta Soap, Melo Studios, Squidfire, Made With Awesome… over 30 awesome artisans from around the region.

You’ll be able to browse through a great selection of jewelry, clothing, art, photography, and so much more. I went their holiday sale back in December at the Broad Street Ministry, and left with bundles of gifts for friends, family, and myself.

The event is being held in conjunction with Flavors of the Avenue, which Linda Huss covered last week. Read about it, here.

Crafty Balboa
www.craftybalboa.com

Flavors of the Avenue [East Passyunk Avenue BID]

This week's Facebook winner Joan Estis posing with the Phanatic statue in scenic LOVE Park.

It’s Tuesday, which means it is time to announce a new Phanatic statue location for the “Phanatic Around Town” photo submission contest!

Last week’s winners were Joan Estis, who submitted the photo above via Facebook, and Kieran Kelly, whose Twitter submission is after the jump.

Joan did a great job in capturing the spirit of the statue while showcasing while showcasing it’s picturesque location — notice the beautiful springtime backdrop of LOVE Park, with City Hall towering in the distance. Well done!

Week Two Phanatic Statue Location: Independence Visitor Center

This week’s featured statue is the Independence Visitor Center’s “Liberty Bellie” Phanatic and the deadline to submit your photo is Monday, April 26th.

The statue is located inside the center, on the North End. This week should be a great time to capture the statue alongside the hustle and bustle of the building. The Independence Visitor Center offers tickets and passes to tours and attractions throughout the city, so why not snap your Phanatic statue shot and spend the rest of the day touring?

To submit your photo, upload it to our Visit Philly Facebook fan page or share it on Twitter using the hashtag: #Phanatic. Click here for details.

Have fun and remember to be creative!

Who: You and a “Phanatic Around Town” statue.
What: Take a picture of you with the “Phanatic Around Town” statue of the week and share it with us via Facebook and/or Twitter.
When: Every week for 20 weeks beginning on Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Where: At 20 locations across the city, changing each week.

“Phanatic Around Town” Program [visitphilly.com]

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Inside the Arcadia Boutique

Not a big fan of festivals, running, or flea markets? That’s okay. Even if you missed all the Earth Day events last week, the Arcadia Boutique is giving you another chance to celebrate Earth Day’s 40th Anniversary, with a party and some discounts.

From noon until 8pm, on Thursday, April 22nd, the Arcadia Boutique is hosting a special Earth Day sale, with discounts on a number of their wares. Also, 10% of their sales for the day will be donated to the Earth Day Network.

So stop by, sip on some champagne, and shop for a good cause.

Earth Day Sale @ Arcadia Boutique
Thursday, April 22nd, Noon – 8pm

Arcadia Boutique
819 A N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
215.667.8099
www.arcadiaboutique.com