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The Creative Vitality Index (CVI) score is based on revenue, sales and employment figures. (Image courtesy Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy)

A newly released report, Creative Vitality in Philadelphia; A Three Year Index: 2006-2008, is yet another feather in Philadelphia’s cap.

According to the report, officially unveiled by Mayor Nutter yesterday, from 2006 to 2008 Philadelphia’s creative sector performance increased by 7% and measured at 1.7, which is 70% stronger than the national baseline score of 1.0. (The Creative Vitality Index (CVI) score is based on revenue, sales and employment figures.) In fact, Philadelphia’s CVI growth rate is in the top 5 in the entire country.

Sponsored by the William Penn Foundation, the report revealed that the city employed 17,699 creatives in 2008 (actors, dancers, architects, librarians, etc.) and the creative job climate here in general is very diverse and stable.

From world-class art museums and rich historic sites of national significance to the city’s award-winning performing arts community, creativity in Philadelphia is bearing more fruit than ever.

You can check out the full report online (PDF).

Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy [Phila.gov]

Spend Christmas Eve at the brand new National Museum of American Jewish History. (Photo by Jeff Goldberg/Esto for Ennead Architects)

Being Jewish at Christmas, the annual family Christmas Eve celebration at the National Museum of American Jewish History, promises to be its most fun-filled and memorable ever, hosted for the first time in the new Museum building which opened in November.

The event, on Friday, December 24th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will include the foot-stomping, hand-clapping performance of nationally known children’s music artist Jon Nelson’s Rockin’ Kids Review, in the 200-seat Dell Theater. Joining him is entertainer Michael Rosman, whose comedy has been seen on David Letterman and Jay Leno, and Wondergy, the “Best of Philly” party entertainers who fuel curiosity by making science fun and exciting.

Performances begin at 11 a.m. and will repeat at noon and 1 p.m.

While you’re there, enjoy a one-day-only 20% discount in the Museum store on NMAJH logo merchandise.

In addition, the Museum will be holding a kosher food drive during the program for the Mitzvah Food Project, which provides ongoing food relief to vulnerable households. Visitors are encouraged to bring kosher, non-perishable, packaged food to contribute.

The program is free with the cost of Museum admission ($12 for adults, $11 for military, ages 13-21, and 65+). Children 12 and under are free.

The Museum will also be open Christmas Day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets for that day can only be purchased in advance on the Museum’s website.

Being Jewish at Christmas
When: Friday, December 24th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 101 S. Independence Mall East
Cost: Museum admission ($11-12)

Watch Joyce House on TLC's Extreme Couponing. (Photo courtesy Coupon Diva)

Just in time for post-holiday-shopping wallet burnout, TLC’s new reality show Extreme Couponing, premiering next Wednesday, December 29th at 8 p.m., introduces “four of the country’s most coupon-obsessed savers who will do anything for a deal.”

One of the show’s four main subjects is Philadelphia’s own Joyce House, a retired nurse who “hasn’t paid for a toothbrush, toothpaste or deodorant in 34 years.” On one trip to a local Philadelphia supermarket, House lands a load of groceries for $6.32, originally valued at $230.38. One of her tricks of the trade is knowing her grocery store’s coupon policy in and out, plus apparently if an item scans incorrectly at check-out, you can often get it for free. Mental note.

Known as the “Coupon Diva,” House was featured on NBC’s The Today Show last year. Check out her Facebook page for a heads up on local sales.

With over 367 billion coupons printed each year, it’s no surprise savvy shoppers like House are taking extreme advantage. Teach us, Joyce?

TLC’s Extreme Couponing [Discovery.com via Eater National]

Let someone else roast, carve and serve the Christmas Dinner turkey. (Credit: iStockPhoto)

Looking to indulge in a Christmas feast without worrying about grocery lines, cooking, and dish-cleaning? Leave those chores to the professionals and enjoy a delicious Christmas Day meal at some of Philadelphia’s top restaurants.

Check out a few of our picks:

[Note: All Jose Garces restaurants and 13th Street Restaurant Group (Lolita, Barbuzzo, Bindi, etc.) restaurants will be closed Christmas Day, and all Stephen Starr restaurants, except Buddakan, will be closed as well.]

• Tavern 17: Serving a special Christmas menu for $25 per adults and $15 for children (up to 10 years old). Open noon to 8 p.m.

• 10 Arts at the Ritz Carlton: Dine from the à la carte menu or Jennifer Carroll’s magnificent five course holiday tasting menu, $75. Open 5:30 to 9 p.m.

• Liberté at the Sofitel: Enjoy a Christmas buffet, $45 (children 12 and under are half price). Open 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

• Buddakan: Serving the regular à la carte menu. Open 5 to 9 p.m.

• Fountain Restaurant: Dine lavishly at the Four Seasons, with their absolutely epic brunch offered all afternoon and evening. For $103 per person (kids under 12 are half-price, kinds under 5 eat free), expect everything from Belgian waffles to sushi to petits fours. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Lacroix: Celebrate Christmas with a holiday-inspired brunch ($79) featuring dishes like house-brined carved ham and gingerbread Ice cream. The restaurant’s traditional brunch items will be also be available. Open 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• The Plough & The Stars: Check out the special à la carte Christmas menu online. Open noon to 8:15 p.m.

• Divan Turkish Kitchen: Enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine, and remember to BYOB. Open noon to 10:30 p.m.

Bonus: Enjoy a southern-style, hassle-free Christmas feast at home with a “Lone Star Christmas To-Go” menu from Percy Street Barbecue. The take-home package includes a smoked turkey with gravy and cranberries or roast beef with horseradish sauce, plus sides macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, glazed carrots, and braised cabbage. For dessert, pecan or key lime pie. The feast costs $225 and feeds six to eight people. Turkeys and roasts are also available individually for $65 each.

You can also put a tasty spin on your home meal with a few recipes from local chefs in Philly Homegrown’s seasonal guide.

There’s no better place to be a sports fan right now than Philadelphia. With DeSean Jackson’s game-winning 65-yard punt return yesterday, it was a Christmas-appropriate Miracle at the New Meadowlands Stadium.

Watch a video of the play online. It’s ok, we’re tearing up a little bit, too.

Eagles Add ‘Miracle’ To A Season To Remember [PhiladelphiaEagles.com]

Get a bird’s eye view of the parade on Broad Street from the Kimmel's balcony, open to the public. (Photo courtesy Kimmel Center)

It’s just about time for Philadelphia’s one-of-a-kind celebration: the 111th Mummers Parade, our city’s fanciful way to ring in the New Year, where sequins, feathers, floats and music rule the day.

This special brand of revelry struts up Broad Street, starting at 10 a.m. in South Philadelphia, and heading north to City Hall in Center City, where it doesn’t end until approximately eight hours later.

Bundle up to stay warm while enjoying this unique cavalcade of five distinct performance divisions: Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades.

The Fancy Brigades present short theatrical shows and rather than a full strut up Broad Street they stop at Washington Avenue then head to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for ticketed shows at noon and 5 p.m. (tickets are $17, available online).

Meanwhile, the most coveted outdoor spot to catch all the fanfare is at the City Hall judging station, where division clubs perform and vie for cash prizes. Tickets for this vantage point must be purchased in advance, and they will sell out; so if you want them, act now. Seats on bleachers at City Hall cost $19 and are available in advance at the Independence Visitor Center or Fairmount Park Welcome Center.

In the week leading up to the big strut, MummersFest provides a sneak peek at what goes into the making of a Brigade. At this fun family event, you can watch clubs put finishing touches on floats, catch final rehearsals, talk to designers, make colorful crafts and even try on costumes.

The MummersFest parade is the final reward for plenty of preparation all year long by the performers, especially Fancy Brigades which craft elaborate costumes, build big props, and stage choreographed themed shows.

Don’t miss either event, both long-time Philadelphia holiday traditions, the perfect spirited way to start off 2011.

Mummers Parade
When: January 1st, 8:50 a.m. until about 7 p.m.
Where: Parade runs along Broad Street, beginning at Oregon Avenue and ending at City Hall
Cost: Free along main route; $17 for Fancy Brigade shows
More info: www.mummers.com

MummersFest
When: December 28th-30th 4-9 p.m.; December 31st, Noon-7 p.m.
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 11th & Arch Streets
Cost: $4
More info: www.mummerscom/mummersfest

Center City is the third-largest residential downtown in the country. (Image courtesy Center City District)

Buffered by strong employment growth and the walkability of the city — 40% of Center City residents walk to work, and outdoor restaurant seating for more than 3,500 amps up that pedestrian volume — Philadelphia’s retail market is stronger than ever.

Some choice statistics:

• The number of Center City fine-dining restaurants has increased 328% since 1992.

• Within one mile of City Hall, the total demand for shoppers’ goods is $491.5 million.

• The recently opened 14,000 square foot Apple store can expect more than 2,000 pedestrians to pass its front door every hour during the business day.

You can read the full report online (PDF).

Center City District [Official Site]

The new billboard is visible from I-95 as you travel south toward Center City near Girard Avenue. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

Our Cliff Lee Love Letter has officially achieved billboard status. The Phillies’ new #33 deserves nothing less.

UPDATE: Want to write your own “With Love” Billboard to Cliff or someone or something else? CLICK HERE to check out our Write-a-Billboard Contest.

The Whiskey King burger is set for national fame. (Photo courtesy Village Whiskey)

Tune into the Cooking Channel this Sunday, December 19th at 10 p.m., when Unique Eats will be featuring Chef Jose Garces and the Whiskey King burger from Village Whiskey as part of a special “Burger” episode.

The 8 ounce burger is $26, topped with: maple bourbon glazed cipollini onions, rogue bleu cheese, applewood bacon and — that’s right — foie gras.

The other burgers being spotlighted are topped with pimento cheese in Atlanta, umami in Los Angeles and truffles in New York.

But the Whiskey King is the only burger served up by an Iron Chef. We’re just saying.

The episode will also include Village Whiskey’s Pickled Baby Beets recipe, which you can preview online.

Try both dishes for yourself in person!

Unique Eats: Burgers [Cooking Channel TV]

Last summer, Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson and Jack Nicholson were in town filming the movie “How Do You Know,” which opens in theaters today.

One of the scenes they filmed in Philadelphia was a restaurant scene at Union Trust on Chestnut Street. Here’s an extended clip from that scene:

 
A little hard to tell. Philadelphia is actually used as a stand-in for Washington, D.C. in the movie, but it is nevertheless still kind of cool to see places you recognize in a major movie.

The full trailer for the movie is below. See if you can spot any other Philly locales, like maybe Rittenhouse Square…

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