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Dear Bruins, Prepare to be Orange Crushed… Again. With Love, Philadelphia XOXO

The Flyers kick off the second round of playoffs today at 3 p.m. against the Boston Bruins.

It’s a rematch of last year’s epic seven-game series when the Flyers came back from a three game to zero deficit to win the series in seven games, so it’s sure to be another great match-up.

The game will be aired on NBC. Go Flyers!

Philadelphia Flyers [Official Site]

In a fitting climax to the 25-day, French-themed festival, the PIFA Street Fair will transform the Avenue of the Arts into a Parisian boulevard. (Image courtesy PIFA)

PIFA comes to a close this Sunday, but not before taking over Broad Street from Chestnut to Lombard with its marquee event, the much-anticipated PIFA Street Fair, running from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The map, above, is your guide to what’s going on where. Some highlights:

• Giant Ferris Wheel, between Walnut & Sansom
• Giant Maze, between Locust & Spruce
• Giant Dance Flash Mob, 1 – 2 p.m., Sansom Street Stage
• Giant Trampoline, Broad & Locust
• Giant Outdoor Flying Trapeze Spectacular, 4:30 & 7 p.m., Broad & Spruce
• Eiffel Tower Replica, Kimmel Center Plaza
• Food Vendors: Everywhere

Some of the day’s schedule specifics, below:

Performances

• Two stages, at Pine Street and Sansom Street, will offer non-stop music throughout the day, and street performers will be stationed at the Doubletree garden and kids’ amphitheater. Click here for the full list, including times.

• Click here for details on the PIFA Dance Flashmob.

• Click here for details on La Compagnie Transe Express, the stunning finale spectacle.

Food

• Cool down with Anthony’s Gourmet Italian Ice and Capogiro, and fill up with gourmet eats from Cichetteria 19, Girasole, Tyson Bees food truck, Knock Restaurant & Bar, Lacroix, McCormick & Schmick’s, Parc, Capital Grille and Wolfgang Puck. Plus there will be sweets from Miel Patisserie, Nuts About You and The Coffee Bar. And you can pick up a glass of wine (this is faux-Paris, after all) from Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars.

Street vendors

• Browse booth from local businesses like Big Green Earth Store, CBS 3, Celeste Hardester Photography, Mural Arts Program, Earthlight Images, Helium Comedy Club, Joseph Fox Books/Free Library of Philadelphia, Jacqueline ter Kulie jewelry, KisKis Imports French soap and linens, Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Philadelphia Orchestra/Peter Nero and the Philly Pops and Willow Street Pictures. A few national businesses will also be represented like Aerosoles shoes, fye electronics store and Plantscapes U.S.A.

Click here for all our previous coverage on the Street Fair. See you out there!

PIFA Street Fair
When: Saturday, April 30, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Where: Broad Street from Chestnut to Lombard
Cost: FREE
More info: www.pifa.org

 
Bicyclists, rejoice: Mayor Nutter has announced that the city will be adding two critical new bike lanes to Center City in June — a southbound lane to 10th Street and a northbound lane to 13th Street.

As part of his ambitious Greenworks Philadelphia plan, Mayor Nutter wants to make Philadelphia one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the country.

To that end, the city added two new bike lanes on Pine and Spruce Streets in 2009, which created a much-demanded east-west corridor for biking.

Similarly, the new bike lanes coming to 10th and 13th Streets will create a much needed north-south corridor for biking.

To accommodate the new lanes, officials will remove one lane of car traffic from both streets, from South Street to Spring Garden Street. The pilot plan will be in place for about six months before the decision is made final to keep the new bike lanes.

Newsworks has an interview with Deputy Mayor for Transportation and Utilities, Rina Cutler, in which she talks about the plan.

Way to sneak in one last eco-friendly move into April’s Earth Month, Philadelphia!

North-south bike lanes are on the fast track [WHYY Newsworks]
Greenworks Philadelphia: Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled By 10 Percent [Official Site]

The PHLASH is one of the best ways to get around to more than 25 key locations in Center City.
(Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

The purple PHLASH trolleys synonymous with spring and summer in Philadelphia officially hit the streets this Sunday, May 1 beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Since the mid-1990s, PHLASH has offered convenient rides (for visitors and residents alike) to 27 destinations in Center City and the Centennial District, including major hot spots like the Independence Visitor Center, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Zoo and the Please Touch Museum.

The fare per ride is just $2. Individual all-day passes are $5 (meaning you can hop on and off as many times as you’d like) and all-day family passes for two adults and two children 6-17 years old are $10. Children under six and seniors always ride free!

Tickets can be purchased at several locations along the route or aboard the trolley. Insider tip: SEPTA’s One Day Independence Passes ($11) and One Day Family Independence Passes ($28), and SEPTA TransPasses and TrailPasses, can also be used for an unlimited number of trips.

Best part? PHLASH is super quick, with daily service every 15 minutes (9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.) all spring and summer long through October 31.

For full details on fares, the list of Center City stops and park & ride discounts, click here.

And below, we’ve included the PHLASH route. Happy sightseeing!

NOTE: PHLASH will not make stops at Penn’s Landing on Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25 due to Wawa Welcome America events.

Philly PHLASH [Visit Philly]

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Iron Chef Morimoto is granting you access to his coveted recipes, for the benefit of American Red Cross Japan relief. (Photo courtesy Food Network)

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, at the helm of Stephen Starr’s popular creative Japanese restaurant Morimoto, is doing his part to raise money for the American Red Cross’ relief efforts in Japan by teaming up with Michelin star chef Anito Lo, New York Times columnist Mark Bittman, Madonna’s personal chef Mayumi Nishimura and others to provide their favorite Japanese recipes for a digital cookbook.

With a donation of $10 or more, you can get access to these experts’ personal recipes here, from now through June 31, with all funds raised going to support the American Red Cross.

Morimoto has a personal connection to the tragic circumstances overseas, as Japan is his home country. His family is based in Hiroshima, far from the affected area, but coincidentally he flew into Japan the day after the first earthquake so he has seen the wreckage firsthand.

Meanwhile, Chef Eric Ripert has introduced a special Hinomaru cocktail to raise money for Japan disaster relief. Available at 10 Arts, plus his D.C. restaurant Westend Bistro, the drink was named after the Japanese word for “sun disc,” honoring the country’s flag.

A blend of Gekkeikan Black and Gold sake, St. Germain, pear puree and lemon sour, the cocktail is priced at $15. For every drink ordered, the restaurants will donate $5 towards Direct Relief International’s Japan Relief and Recovery Fund.

It’s great to see the local support for such a noble cause; and in this case giving back has much to offer for all who partake.

Bonus: click here to watch Morimoto sing at a Japanese earthquake relief concert, with a live band and all!

KeepRecipes for Recovery [Official Site]

This weekend is looking like it may be one of the most epic weekends for spring festivals in memory. And the forecast looks beautiful.
(Clockwise from top left: M. Kennedy for GPTMC; courtesy PIFA; J. Smith for GPTMC; courtesy Penn Relays)

Weekends in Philadelphia are never short on things to see and do, but this one promises to be especially fantastic from start to finish.

The lineup of major festivities includes the 117th Annual Penn Relays which kicked off yesterday, a giant dance party at the Piazza for World Dance Day tonight, and the super popular annual Flavors of the Avenue on East Passyunk.

Plus, it’s PIFA’s final weekend! The festival is closing with a highly-anticipated, amazing street fair of epic proportions, which will be taking over South Broad Street all day tomorrow (traffic is cut off starting at 1 p.m. today).

Oh, and did we mention that the Flyers kick off their second round playoff series on Saturday at 3 p.m.?!?

And we haven’t even reached Sunday yet, when there’s the annual Broad Street Run, SundayOUT! at the Piazza and the official opening of the Headhouse farmers market, Sesame Place and the Philly PHLASH bus service

Translation: spring is officially here. And a gorgeous weather forecast proves it.

Don’t get overwhelmed; just check out our guide, below, to the best bets for today, tomorrow and Sunday. And be sure to follow us on Twitter for daily tips and updates.

Happy Friday!

Friday, April 29

Paris ‘til Sunday: Jazz Weekend at the African American Museum in Philadelphia **PIFA

Royal Wedding Kids’ afternoon tea at the Four Seasons

117th Annual Penn Relays

Art After 5: Philadelphia Freedom Jazz Orchestra at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Last Party in Paris at the Kimmel Center **PIFA

Philly Tech Week Signature Event at WHYY

Pop Cinema: Art and Film in the UK and US, 1950s–1970s at the International House

World Dance Day at the Piazza at Schmidts

Paris ‘til Sunday at the African American Museum in Philadelphia **PIFA

Saturday, April 30

Manayunk Brew Fest Extravaganza

Peddler’s Village 42nd Annual Strawberry Festival

117th Annual Penn Relays — Closing Day!

PIFA Street Fair **PIFA. Map included below!

PlazaPalooza: A Celebration of Spring at Grays Ferry Triangles

Spies, Traitors And Saboteurs Spring Break Programming at the National Constitution Center — Closing Day!

Flavors of the Avenue on East Passyunk

Bella: The Color of Love at Suzanne Roberts Theatre **PIFA

PIFA Dance Flashmob **PIFA

Arbor Day at the Morris Arboretum

Please Touch Museum’s Annual Storybook Ball

Our Show Of Shows and Laughter on the 23rd Floor at Plays and Players Theatre

Fly City trapeze lessons **PIFA

Mural Arts’ Journeys South

Flyers vs. Bruins at 3 p.m. — Game One of the second round of playoffs!

First Ever Dollar Dog Day at Philadelphia Union vs. San Jose Earthquakes at 4 p.m.

Sesame Place — Opening Day!

Sunday, May 1

Broad Street Run

Headhouse Square Farmers’ Market — Opening Day!

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis **PIFA

Disco Brunch at Pub & Kitchen

SundayOUT! at The Piazza at Schmidts

Chestnut Hill’s 15th Annual Home & Garden Festival

Peddler’s Village 42nd Annual Strawberry Festival — Closing Day!

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Spring is the ideal time to move furniture around, repaint a wall or add a few new pieces to your house or apartment. While we can’t help you with the first two (we’re not that handy), we know just the way to add a fun new lamp, table or chair to your place. Head over to Three Potato Four in Manayunk this weekend for their monthly Barn Sale.

They’ll be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 and from what they tell us, the are full to the rafters with good stuff they’ve picked up over the last month. What’s more, in addition to all the fabulous furniture and fun ephemera, Coco Love Homemade will also be on hand selling their baked goods (including their signature whoopie pies).

And if you can’t make next weekend’s event at Three Potato Four, worry not. They hold these Barn Sales the last weekend of every month. Follow Three Potato Four on Twitter or Facebook to stay in the know about their events.

Three Potato Four Barn Sale
Where: 376 Shurs Lane, Building A
When: Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Entrance is free
More info: www.threepotatofourshop.com

XIX (Nineteen) at the Bellevue is one of many great Philadelphia restaurants offering special Mother's Day menus.
(Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

She changed your diapers, hid notes in your lunchbox and lovingly traded in her dignity for a carpool-approved minivan.

This Mother’s Day, next Sunday, May 8, express your thanks to the woman who sacrificed her midsection, sanity and patience just for you, by taking her to a special brunch, dinner or other non-food celebration in the city where Mother’s Day was first celebrated (really, it’s true).

Our top picks, below — prices included when prix-fixe:

Brunch

• Four Seasons Hotel’s Swann Lounge: Bring the kiddies and treat Mom to the most important meal of the day, without the clean-up hassle. At Swann Lounge, the chefs invite children to “guest chef,” helping to prepare goodies like waffles and omelets for their table-side beaming mothers. Saturday, May 7. $25 per person.

• Granite Hill: No need to buy mom flowers when she can view Monet’s Flowers in a Vase up close after an indulgent brunch at Stephen Starr’s French bistro nestled within the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where they’ll be serving an elegant sweet and savory menu. Plus, a free glass of sparkling wine for moms! Sunday, May 8. $45 adults, $23 children 12 and under.

• R2L: Since she deserves the finer things in life, take your mom to super trendy — and super high up — R2L; Chef Daniel Stern’s three-course modern brunch menu and the endless city views from 37 stories in the air will make your mama feel like a queen. Sunday, May 8. $45 per person.

• Le Bec-Fin: Treat your family to a fabulous brunch buffet, followed by the Grand Dessert Buffet. Eat in leisurely style; the meal is offered until 3 p.m. Sunday, May 8. $60 per person.

• Garces Trading Company: Enjoy a special brunch tasting menu from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The a la carte menu is then available after 5 p.m. Sunday, May 8. $35 per person.

• Thirteen at the Marriott: Toast to your mother with a champagne brunch, complete with an extensive brunch menu and dessert offerings. Sunday, May 8. $32.95 per adult, $16.50 for children under 12.

A lot more options, below, for brunch, dinner and other celebrations.

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The Le Bec-Fin kitchen will be sizzling this summer. (Photo courtesy Le Bec-Fin)

Le Bec-Fin is planning a sensational summer, with the kick-off of a new “Hot Chef Series” in June.

Each month on a Monday evening Le Bec-Fin will host a hot top chef who will prepare a special dinner beside Executive Chef Nicholas Elmi… and it will be BYOB!

First up: Chip Roman of Blackfish and Mica, on Monday, June 13. Chef Roman was mentored by Le Bec-Fin’s Chef Georges Perrier, so experiencing Roman returning to the Le Bec-Fin kitchen will be a don’t-miss event.

The seven-course dinner will include highlights like Yellowtail Kingfish “sashimi style,” liquid center Foie Gras Terrine and Black Sea Bass with Crispy Skin a l’ Orientale.

Seatings will be available at 5:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 8:45 p.m., and 9 p.m. and the cost is $95 per person plus tax and gratuity.

Future Hot Chef nights will include: Marc Vetri of Vetri, Amis, and Osteria on July 11; Kevin Sbraga, winner of Top Chef on August 15; and Pierre Camels of Bibou on September 12 or 19 (as yet undetermined).

With all the culinary talent in Philadelphia, we say there’s no such thing as too many cooks in the kitchen.

Le Bec-Fin Hot Chef Series
1523 Walnut Street
www.lebecfin.com

Barnaby's is just one of many eateries participating in Restaurant Week.
(Photo courtesy Barnaby's)

What’s a better combination than food and film?

The delightful duo is being brought to you for three days straight with West Chester’s Annual Restaurant Week and Film Festival events. Now through May 1, you can treat yourself to delicious cuisine and exceptional independent short films.

West Chester Restaurant Week, a seven-day celebration of the downtown West Chester culinary scene, kicked off on April 25 and features more than 13 local restaurants. Cuisine ranges from traditional to French to Italian to Mediterranean, so there’s something for everyone. Every participating restaurant will offer a special multi-course, fixed-price menu for lunch and/or dinner. Click here for a complete list of participating restaurants.

The coinciding West Chester’s 7th Annual Film Festival brings more than 60 short films to movie-lovers with genres including animation, drama, documentary, comedy and experimental. All films are up to 30 minutes in length and have been submitted by independent filmmakers from around the world. Films will be shown all weekend long; click here for a full schedule.

And don’t miss tonight’s opening party at Iron Hill Brewery, 5-7 p.m. Buy a party ticket at Iron Hill and get a free pass to the first block of films, PLUS meet the directors, actors and sponsors.

Check out a new eatery or visit an old favorite, and catch a great film this weekend in West Chester. Gorgeous spring forecast: road trip much?

West Chester Restaurant Week
When: Now through Sunday, May 1
Where: Click here for a complete list of participating restaurants
Cost: Varies
More info: www.westchesterbid.com

West Chester Film Festival
When: Now through Sunday, May 1
Where: Click here for a complete list of venues
Cost: $8 per two hour block of films, $6 for senior citizens and students, $3 for children 5-12
More info: www.westchesterfilmfestival.com