Uwishunu.com

Sabrina, one of the instructor of Bootcamp Philly, and a regular here on Uwishunu!

Feel the burn is an understatement at Bootcamp Philly.

This start-up outdoor fitness class is sure to kick your butt regardless of how “fit” you think you are. I’ve always considered myself a pretty in-shape person, as I run quite often, but there are certainly some muscles that I forget to work out.

At Bootcamp, you’ll work every single muscle as Sabrina (or Jill) leads you in a number of calisthenics exercises. My shoulders, my triceps, my pectorals, oh my! Sabrina makes sure to work all muscle groups, instructing you to do walking lunges and plié squats “lower!” My obliques were feeling it, too.

Sabrina said she likes to incorporate some sprinting in between calisthenics to give your muscles a short break and add some cardio to the class. Most classes have a handful of people because Bootcamp is still new, but you can benefit from smaller classes; it’s almost like having your own personal fitness trainer for the night!

The 45 minute class is certainly enough to get your heart pumping and muscles working. Sabrina and Jill may look small and harmless, but they are dedicated to Bootcamp and will not let you quit!

I can’t wait to go back for another class. Come to the Art Museum steps any Monday–Thursday at 7pm and get your butt in shape. The first class is free.

Dedication + Motivation = Bootcamp Philly.

Bootcamp Philly
www.bootcampphilly.com

Inside World Cafe Live

Come for the guest speakers. Stay for the networking and $3 Yuenglings.

This Monday, stop by World Cafe Live and join Philadelphia’s Young Professionals Network for a discussion on Philadelphia’s future at their fourth annual Success in the City event. This year’s theme? Vitality. The speaking panel features “leaders whose contributions to the Philadelphia community have helped to create a vital environment in our region during challenging economic times.”

Panelists include Sharon Pinkenson, the Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, Meryl Levitz, President & CEO of GPTMC, and Martin Welch, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of the International Group, ARAMARK. Roger Lamay, the General Manager of WXPN, will be moderating the panel. For full panelist bios, visit YPN’s official website.

Come 9pm, World Cafe Live will dish out $3 Yuenglings for you thirsty networking-types out there.

And before you go, be sure to drop your business card at the share table, for a chance to win two tickets to a show of your choice at World Cafe Live.

Space is limited, so RSVP while you can.

World Cafe Live [ visitphilly.com ]

Delightful dishes at Table 31

Table 31, located in Center City’s Comcast Center, is currently featuring a three course pasta tasting menu for $38. Wine pairings are available for $20 per person.

The menu offers dinners a three course taste of Italian dishes with Chef Chris Scarduzio’s personal touch. My favorite? The black pepper tagliatelle pasta with spring onions, garlic, guanciale and arugula served with bronzino, and a crispy soft fried egg garnish. Yum!

Sorbet @ Table 31

Table 31 doesn’t have just delicious pasta. Don’t leave without trying a dessert, especially chef’s selection of three housemade gelati & sorbetti.

Table 31 @ the Comcast Center
1701 JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 567-7111
www.table-31.com

Green Fellow, handmade doll by Mira Gohel

Every year, InLiquid hosts Art for the Cash Poor, an event that showcases a number of fantastic artists from around the region. These artists meet their admirers and sell their work at an affordable price. For all you amateur art-collectors out there, everything at Art for the Cash Poor is priced at $199 or less, with most items priced well under $100.

Art for the Cash Poor takes place June 12th and 13th, rain or shine, at the Crane Arts Building. I’ll be highlighting one artist every week leading up to the arts-filled weekend, because seriously, you should be getting excited. Today’s pick is Mira Gohel, a member of the Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art, and her unique hand-made dolls.

Gohel regularly does photography work, some of which you may have seen in galleries around town, and these dolls aren’t necessarily a total departure from her work. She creates them to look as though they’ve been made spontaneously, like a candid photograph. Her intent is to “invoke an appreciation for the familiar and also acknowledge its vulnerability and impermanence.”

Gohel has collected dolls since she was a kid. “My favorite dolls, though,” says Gohel, “are the wacky creatures that my grandmother knitted for me. I [have] the pig in a blue dress and fat Dutch boy with clogs that she made for me prominently displayed in my bookcase, along with the prototypes of all my own designs.”

You can learn more about Mira Gohel via her page on InLiquid, as well as scope out some of her amazing photography work.

Art for the Cash Poor [ InLiquid.com ]

Third Street Habit

On Saturday, May 22nd, from 11am to 6pm, Third Street Habit is hosting a trunk show of exotic artist Chan Luu’s jewelry and scarf collection. For the one-day-only event, all accessories in the shop will be discounted 15% off. Mimosas are included, but prepare yourself for a sugar coma…

Eager customers waiting for cupcakes at the Buttercream Truck

The Buttercream Cupcake Truck has agreed to park right out front for the day! All customers will receive a “Cupcake Voucher” good for any cupcake.

Each of globetrotter Chan Luu’s edgy designs originates from a story inspired by nature and world cultures. Join the ranks of celebrity admirers Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Reese Witherspoon, and many others, and treat yourself to a masterfully crafted accessory (or two).

Third Street Habit has carried the designer’s work since it opened in 2004; I guess there’s a reason it was voted Best Women’s Boutique by Philadelphia Magazine and Top Visionary Boutique in the United States by Lucky Magazine. Happy shopping.

Third Street Habit
153 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA‎ 19106
(215) 925-5455‎
www.thirdstreethabit.com

Inside the Spa, Photo courtesy Rescue Rittenhouse

As the weather gets warmer and hemlines get shorter, the desire to really pamper yourself is sometimes overwhelming. Manicure, pedicure, waxing, facial, massage? Why yes, I don’t mind if I do. And if you’re really looking for the celebrity treatment, be sure to make an appointment at Rescue Rittenhouse Spa.

Tucked inside the Medical Tower at 255 South 17th Street, Rescue is the premier skin care spa on the East Coast and, luckily for Philadelphians, it’s right here in our own city. When you step off the elevator into their 2nd floor establishment, you are immediately checked in at the front desk, ushered to a plush seating area, and asked if you would like coffee, tea or a cookie. Yes, I’ll have two of each, thank you.

Soaps and Candles @ Rescue

And while you wait for your appointment there are shelves and tables filled with the most beautiful skincare products, candles, soaps, lotions and cosmetics for your perusal.

If your appointment at Rescue is for a skin treatment, you will receive a comprehensive consultation about your skin, a treatment tailored specifically to you and a customized list of products that will help transform the skin you have, to the skin you want. One of the their most popular service is the Bio-Lift Facial, which combines the healing effects of serums and botanicals with non-invasive electrical currents.

Rescue Rittenhouse's Pedicure Station

If you’re not in the market for a skin treatment try a bikini wax starting at $30, a pedicure starting at $40, or a Swedish massage starting at $60.

If you act quickly, you can still capitalize on Rescue’s Mother’s Day Specials that are running until May 31st. These include a “Mother Knows Best” Bio-Lift Facial plus a manicure/pedicure for only $180 (without special: $215). Or a Harmony Essence Massage and a manicure for $100 (without special: $125). Rescue Rittenhouse also offers Gift Certificates for all of their services as well as their retail products.

Visit their website for a complete list of services and pricing.

Rescue Rittenhouse
255 South 17th Street (2nd Floor), Philadelphia PA 19103
(215) 772-2766
www.rescuerittenhousespa.com

National Constitution Center, G. Widman for GPTMC

On Thursday, June 3rd, Jean-Marie Lacroix (of Lacroix @ The Rittenhouse Hotel fame) is stopping by the National Constitution Center to host Gusti d’Italia, a cooking demonstration and small plate tasting of Italian dishes. This event is being thrown in conjunction with the Ancient Rome & America exhibition.

Before the tasting, guests will be treated to a wine and cheese reception, as well as a VIP tour of the Ancient Rome exhibit. Special Italian cheeses include Quadrello di Bufala, Piave Vecchio, and Pecorino Tartufo.

Menu highlights include roasted olive oil and fennel crusted tuna medallions, homemade potato gnocchi served with artichokes, and braised lamb shank stew. The full menu is available on the Constitution Center’s website.

The event is $79 for Constitution Center members, $100 for non-members. Reservations are required, so call the NCC to reserve your spot.

Chef Lacroix @ the NCC
Thursday, June 9th, 6:30pm

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

I know my Mayfair hood isn’t exactly the center of Philly’s culinary universe, so I like to spread the word when there’s something to brag about, and boy, do I have something to brag about: the Burger Bar at Gallo’s.

That’s right, Gallo’s, the see-and-be-seen seafood spot for the Northeast’s silver-haired set, opened an adjoining restaurant that’s all about Philly’s “it” food: the burger. This bright, modern spot, complete with candy-apple red bar stools, exposed brick walls, an industrial ceiling and an under-construction patio, couldn’t look more different than its nautically themed sister restaurant. It’s clear that the Galloway family is looking to attract a younger crowd with this hip three-week-old endeavor—and attract them they will just as soon as word gets about the sleek look, spiked shakes, local beer selections, easy-on-the-wallet prices and those gloriously juicy burgers.

On my recent Burger Bar visit, we skipped the appetizers and headed straight for the main attraction: a burger with gruyere cheese, bacon and crispy onion strings for me and a double beef, double cheese, bacon and fried egg number known as the 5-Napkin special for my husband. Made with house-ground certified angus chuck, the burgers were juicy, melty, messy delights. And the heaping plates of garlic parmesan waffle fries and house-cut onion rings made for the perfect crispy accompaniment to our indulgent meal.

We’ll be back again soon, real soon, and next time I’m pretty sure we won’t be the only patrons getting our burgers on. Brace yourselves, Galloway family, because the crowds they are a comin’!

Curious about the menu? I’ve got it pasted after the jump.

Gallo’s Seafood
8101 Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19152-3013
(215) 333-0484
www.gallos-seafood.com

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Eastern State Penitentiary

A hearty reception of pizza, pasta, and drinks was held in honor of 2010 artists on Friday, May 14th at Eastern State Penitentiary.

Thanks to the event I was able to tour the nearly two century old prison for free. Around 6pm, I entered the dark & gloomy corridors and wandered amongst damp walls and rusted doorways to discover the well-preserved, dungeon-like prison cells.

Out the prison’s 980 total cells, I managed to peak into a few. It was hard to believe inmates actually lived in there, in such a tiny space, with so little light!

However, the dark atmosphere quickly faded as I entered Cell Block 4 and found a well-attended reception. The unique art work of artists Bill Morrison and Vijay Iyer (Release), Shanon O’Mara (Victim Impact Statement) and Mary DeWitt (Pardon Me), were showcased in the dim lighting, with eager appreciators of art gazing at the works.

A large crowd of viewers led the way through 15 different cell blocks laughing, eating, and making the penitentiary a surprisingly pleasant party spot. Whether you’re looking for a good scare or some quality art, do visit this historic prison located in the heart of Fairmount.

Eastern State Penitentiary [ visitphilly.com ]

500 Degrees' Delicious Burger & Truffle Fries, Photo by Leslie McDermott

Ah, May. There are a lot of reasons to love this month here in Philadelphia. It’s a great month for festivals, farmers markets, block parties, and sipping wine outside at your favorite restaurant. It’s also the one month you have an excuse to eat a burger every single day, all in the name of a month-long celebration. May is National Burger Month, and you’ve still got plenty of time to indulge.

And believe me, I’ve been indulging. Philly is a awesome city for burgers, whether you’re nibbling on foie gras-butter stuffed patties at the uber fancy Le Bec-Fin or kicking back in the park at Franklin Square, chomping down on a SquareBurger. From gastropubs to upscale restaurants, there are a lot of places to check out.

• 500° – From the creators of Rouge, stop by and grab the famous Rouge burger on-the-go, and slather it in their delicious special sauce. Open late (til 3am). Blogger Leslie McDermott wrote about 500 just the other day. Read up.

• Sketch Burger – This quirky, art-themed burger joint has both carnivores and vegetarians covered, dishing out everything from Kobe beer to vegan burgers. Plus, you can draw all over the restaurant. Lauren covered this place, check out her post and some great photos here.

• The folks who started Devil’s Alley know more than just wings, just look at their BBQ joint, Smokin’ Betty’s. And though BBQ is their specialty, Smokin’ Betty’s has a fantastic burger. Try the Betty burger, with pickled jalapeño, grilled corn relish, smoked mozzarella and smoked tomato jam topped with crispy leeks.

• Named after a Twitter friend of mine, the Fat Boy Monster at PYT is a must try. Two patties, cheddar, bacon, onion rings, and special sauce on a potato roll. I wish you luck in trying to finish it.

• Standard Tap’s burger is widely regarded as oen of the best in the city, with their seven-ounce, all natural patty topped with sautéed mushrooms and grilled onions.

• Good Dog stuffed their burger with Roquefort. Need I say more?

• The Royal Tavern on E. Passyunk served up a smokin’ hot burger, dressed up with pickled long hots, smoked Gouda, and chile mayo.

• Pub & Kitchen’s Windsor burger is a mainstay on their ever changing menu, served up with homemade bacon and a side of truffled dijonnaise fries.

• Done browsing the gastropubs? Why not check out Jose Garces’ eight-ounce angus burger at Village Whiskey? With toppings like maple bourbon-glazed cipollini, Rogue bleu cheese, foie gras and applewood bacon, they are seriously hard to resist.

• Noble American Cookery serves up a great burger on the brunch menu, with house-ground meat and a fresh bun. You can also check out their vegetarian options, which blogger Silvana Pop explored recently. Read what she had to say, here.

• Stephen Starr’s got two fancy burgers on the list, the lunchtime burger at Butcher & Singer, and Barclay Prime’s dry-aged mini burgers made from New York strip, Kobe and ribeye.

• As I mentioned earlier, Le Bec-Fin has a rather fancy burger, a prime beef patty stuffed with foie gras butter, topped with truffled fontina cheese and a charred red onion puree

• And don’t be afraid to dine outside. Starr’s SquareBurger is a great place to enjoy a bite, what with Franklin Square surrounding it and all. Make sure you try the Tastykake milkshakes. I stopped by SquareBurger on opening day this year, and couldn’t get enough.

Did I miss some of your favorites? Leave them in the replies, and go enjoy National Burger Month!