October 30, 2010
President Obama poses for a photograph before taking on the Famous Fourth Street Deli's Corned Beef Reuben.
(Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
In town for a rally this morning at Temple University, President Obama stopped by the Famous Fourth Street Deli in Queen Village for lunch afterwards.
Word on the street is he ordered the Corned Beef Reuben.
No word, however, on whether he was able to finish it… as the sandwiches at Famous Fourth Street Deli are infamously massive.
October 29, 2010
During this culturally sanctioned time to eat chocolate, it’s important to remember that not all sweets come out of pillow-sized bags. In fact, we’ve got a pretty great wealth of amazing candy stores in our region. For a more local sugar rush, check out some of these spots:
At the nostalgically themed ice cream parlor Franklin Fountain, “clear toy” candies are available in all manner of fun shapes, cast in the molds of a Victorian era shop that was located on Girard Avenue. Owners Ryan and Eric Berley, meanwhile, are on the verge of (re)opening the historic Shane Candies, America’s first candy store which will dish up buttercreams, truffles, taffies and fudge.
Swiss-made Teuscher Chocolate opened its only stateside retail shop in Philly a few years back and there’s no sugar rush more refined than the one brought on by its pink peppercorn-dappled chocolate bars, ultra-dark truffles and gianduja pralines.
Opened in 1850, Center City’s Maron Chocolates is a classic spot for, caramels, clusters, Double Dipt Mints and other sweet treats; pumpkin truffles are a must this time of year.
Click here to finish reading this post at Just in at Homegrown
October 29, 2010
Still looking for something fun and just slightly spooky to do this weekend? Consider signing up for the Halloween edition of the Philadelphia Beer Experience Walking Tour this Saturday, October 30th. Hosted by Rolling Barrel Events, they bill this tour as their educational pub crawl. It includes stops and samples at four locations (Monk’s, Nodding Head, McGillin’s and Jose Pistolas) and an orange and black tee-shirt (just for Halloween!).
They encourage comfortable shoes and warm clothes (or costumes!). As a special bonus, The Discovery Channel is going to be filming a beer documentary at the Nodding Head on Saturday and have invited the tour participants to appear in the footage (of course, it’s not required if you’re camera-shy).
This five-hour (11:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.) tour costs just $35 per person and is a terrific way to talk with some of the city’s most knowledgeable brewers and pourers. To purchase tickets, click here (you must be 21 years of age or older to participate). The group meets tomorrow morning at 11:30 a.m. at Monks.
October 29, 2010
Old City on a bustling night (photo by B. Krist for GPTMC)
Old City is hosting a neighborhood-wide Halloween celebrate. They’re kicking events off tonight with a free meet-the-artists reception from 6-9 p.m. at TRUST, the art gallery and special events space at 3rd and Arch Streets. They currently have two Halloween-themed exhibitions installed.
On Saturday, October 30 TRUST will be hosting a Halloween party that they’re calling “The Haunting of the Corn Exchange.” It’s a costume party that starts at 9 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m. with a 4-hour open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $40 a person and can be purchased here.
Sunday is Family Day in Old City and will include plenty of crafty, kid-friendly activities at TRUST (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), as well as trick-or-treating with retailers throughout Old City District (from 2nd and Chestnut streets to 3rd and Arch streets). The activities at TRUST cost $20 per child (parents get in free), but there’s no charge for the trick-or-treating (that starts at 1 p.m. and runs until 3 p.m.).
Click here to learn more about Old City Halloween or to purchase tickets. You can also call TRUST with questions at (215) 592-8400.
October 29, 2010
Hotel Bars Serve Cocktails With Love — The Lounge at XIX, perched high above the city. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)
Over the past few years, hotel bars in Philly have really amped up their cool factor. The openings of Square 1682, the Sofitel Philadelphia’s new Liberté and the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown’s totally renovated Circ prove that these spots aren’t just for hotel guests anymore — although having a bedroom and a cool hangout under one roof is a heel-wearing gal’s dream.
Now there’s another reason to put hotel bars on your nightly to-do list: the new With Love Cocktail. Created by an Amuse bartender and inspired by GPTMC’s popular love letters, the drink includes vodka, ginger liqueur, passion fruit syrup, fresh lime juice and champagne. Yes, champagne.
You can enjoy the drink along with sweeping views of the city at Nineteen (XIX), up 19 floors at the Hyatt at The Bellevue. Or swing by the new Le Méridien Philadelphia’s ultra-sleek Amuse lounge during the Three-Martini Lunch to sip the cocktail Mad Men-style.
The drink is available through December 31, 2010. Happy New Year.
Nineteen (XIX)
Broad & Walnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 790-1919
Hyatt at The Bellevue
Amuse
1421 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 422-8200
Le Méridien Philadelphia
October 29, 2010
The first floor bar at Supper Restaurant (photo by M. McClellan for GPTMC)
Hey Philly Homegrown lovers! Supper Restaurant is gearing up to show you just how good eating local can be. They’re kicking off their Fall Harvest Week with a Sunday Supper at 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 7th. They’ll be offering a three-course, family style menu (for $38) that will include chicken, fried skate and a number of gorgeous, local vegetables.
Beer fans should get there early, because they’ll also be tapping a firkin of Dock Street Man Full of Trouble Porter (created through a rare and time-consuming process) from 5-6 p.m. That happy hour is being presented by everyone’s favorite mixed six spot, The Foodery and they’ll be bringing a Dock Street brewer with them to talk about the beer.
At the November 7th dinner, Supper will also be introducing their new Farm House Table. It seats eight people and is available for one seating, per evening Monday through Thursday. The Farm House table can be reserved for $50 per person and a special family style three-course supper will be served. Diners can choose from two choices for starters and then choose two entrees and two sides for the table plus dessert. If you’re curious to learn more about that, the menu is embedded after the jump.
Supper
928 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 592-8180
supperphilly.com
(more…)
October 29, 2010
Explore the murals of Philadelphia during the final days of Mural Arts Month. (Photo courtesy Mural Arts Program)
Get outside and explore the city during the final days of Mural Arts Month this weekend.
Bring the whole family out to Community Paint Day Saturday at 44th Street and Haverford Streets. Starting at 10 am, join muralist Shira Walinsky and students from Bryn Mawr College as they work on a new mural highlighting advances in the education of women.
For those who wish to explore the city, hop aboard the Market-Frankford El for the Love Letter Tour starting at the Love Park Welcome Center (16th and JFK) at 10 am Saturday. Tickets for 90 minute guided tour cost $17.
Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes if you decide to take the Mural Mile tour Saturday or Sunday. The 2.5 mile guided walk will take you past 17 murals in Center City. Tours depart at 11:30 am and reservations are strongly recommended.
For more information on all Mural Arts happenings and to get tickets, visit www.muralarts.org
October 28, 2010
Beer lovers of South Philadelphia have reason to celebrate as the Bottle Shop, a neighborhood craft beer mecca, is celebrating its grand opening Saturday.
Enjoy fine beers, hot dogs, popcorn and more from 11 am – 11 pm at the Bottle Shop on 1837 East Passyunk Ave. Sly Fox brewery will be joining the fun with a beer tasting from 2 pm – 4 pm.
The Bottle Shop, conceived by Michele Aquino and Gena Montebellow, is a nightmare for the indecisive drinker with ten fridges full of 700 different types of beer. Grab beers by the bottle or make up your own six-pack of delicious brews.
There is seating for approximately 30 people along with a few light bites like hot dogs and gourmet popcorn.
Keep an eye out for ongoing beer tastings, food pairings and more at this soon-to-be South Philly hotspot.
The Bottle Shop
1837 East Passyunk Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
The Bottle Shop [Facebook]
October 28, 2010
Outdoor diners on 13th Street (photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)
Looking for a fun way to get good and Halloween-ed without leaving the city? Consider taking a stroll through the Midtown Village on Sunday (that would be October 31) and dropping into a few of the shops and restaurants that are offering treats and deals.
Store staff will be dressed in costume and handing out candy at Tutti Frutti, El Vez, Zavino Wine Bar Pizzeria ($5 spiced cider cocktails all day here as well), Bar, Time Restaurant, Paper on Pine and Scarlet Fiorella. At Absolute Abstract Art, you can pick up a candy bar or two, as well as get a mug of hot mulled cider. They’re also offering 50% off on the famous “Scream” print by Munch.
Over at duross + langell, the soap makers will be up in the kitchen all day giving sudsy demos and offering a variety of tasty refreshments. All the autumnal soaps are half price as well. At XIII on 13 Gifts, the staff will be festively dressed and passing out treats. Additionally, they’re offering an array of glittery, ghoulish odds and ends at 40% off. You can also pick up a skull and crossbones neon light for half off, should you need such a thing.
When you’re done shopping, make sure to wander over to McGillins Olde Ale House because they’re kicking off the party with brunch and plan on going straight through to the witching hour. There will be Bloody Mary’s for $3 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. At 5 o’clock sharp, pitchers of Yuengling Lager go on sale for just six bucks. Then, at 9 p.m., be sure you’re dressed to kill for the Costume Karaoke (complete with prizes for best costumes).
Midtown Village Halloween Stroll [Official Site]
