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Toast to fall in Philadelphia at the elegant Granite Hill restaurant, the perfect companion the Art Museum's luxurious holdings. (Photos courtesy Starr Events)

On Friday, November 11 at 5 p.m., indulge in a four-course dinner reflective of the fall harvest season.

Stephen Starr’s Granite Hill at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is hosting the special meal.

With a menu that includes cranberry-cured salmon and brown-butter hazelnut cake, you can enjoy an evening viewing the museum’s exhibits and then toasting to fall in Philadelphia. The meal will be paired with rustic wines from small farms.

Check out our coverage on current Philadelphia Museum of Art exhibits that you can explore in tandem with the dinner.

Call (215) 684-7990 to make a reservation.

Harvest Dinner at Granite Hill at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
When: Friday, November 11, 5 p.m.
Where: 2500 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cost: $65
More info: www.philamuseum.org

Bennett has sold more than 50 million records worldwide during his career. (Photo courtesy Kimmel Center)

Tony Bennett is set to perform new works from his Billboard No. 1 chart topping album, Duets II, among other signature standards, show tunes, jazz and classic hits at the Academy of Music, November 4 at 8 p.m.

Bennett’s illustrious career has spanned more than five decades, including an incredible 15 Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards.

He will be performing with his daughter, Antonia Bennett.

Duets II, his most recent release, remains in the top 5 on iTunes’ album chart in the U.S. and has received unprecedented international attention in the U.K., Canada, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Australia.

The album was released for Bennett’s 85th birthday, and the tour is in celebration of both milestones.

Tickets for Tony Bennett are available from $51 to $131 online.

Tony Bennett at the Academy of Music
Where: 1420 Locust Street
When: Friday, November 4, 8 p.m.
Cost: $51-$131
More info: www.kimmelcenter.org

Adorn yourself and decorate your home with J. Karma's signature accessories for the very last season.
(Photo courtesy J. Karma)

It’s the end of an era for J. Karma Boutique, which began its journey as Ethnics on South Street and in recent years became a favorite accessory staple in Old City.

It will be closing its doors for good in late November. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that between now and then, there will be major sales for Philadelphia shoppers to take advantage of.

Here’s the skinny. All regular inventory — glorious jewelry, bags, soft scarves, adorable jewelry boxes and unique handicrafts — is on sale in a sort of “beat the clock” tradition. It goes like this:

• This week: 20% off
• Week of 10/31: 20% off
• Week of 11/7: 30% off
• Week of 11/14: 40% off
• Week of 11/21: 50% off
• Week of 11/28: 60%-80% off

J. Karma is also selling its fixtures and office-y items, including wall-mounted glass display cases, custom-made wrought iron racks, mirrors, chandelier, mahogany bookshelves and more.

Hurry and stock up on J. Karma’s great accessories just in time for the holidays. Its last day is slated to be November 30. It will sorely be missed.

J. Karma Boutique Closing Sale
When: Now through November 30
Where: 62 N. 3rd Street
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.jkarmaboutique.com

One of the most beloved residents of Sesame Street is scheduled to make a guest appearance at the 20th annual Philadelphia Film Festival this Friday, October 28.

Kevin Clash, aka Elmo, will be at the Prince Music Theater for a screening of the award-winning documentary Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey.

The film tells Clash’s inspirational life story from his humble beginnings as a puppeteer in Baltimore to his meteoric rise to international superstardom as the beloved furry, red monster with a squeaky voice.

Watch the heartwarming trailer here.

The film is recommended for those ages 10 and up.

Student bonus: Get into any screening during the Philadelphia Film Festival for just $5 with a valid school I.D.

Watch Clash’s recent appearance on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart below.

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey
Where: Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street
When: Friday, October 28, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: General admission $12
More details: www.filmadelphia.org

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Start your Halloween weekend off right with a free screening of the 1956 classic, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, outdoors at the gorgeous Race Street Pier.

The so-called Lawn Chair Drive-in is the longest running outdoor community film series in the United States. Established in 1994, the Lawn Chair Drive-In film series has earned a reputation of being a renowned fixture of the Philadelphia art scene and one of the few film series screen movies using 16mm film and projectors.

Guests are welcome to bring chairs, blankets and picnics but no glass will be permitted. And of course, you’re encouraged to bring a friend or two to the event; the film is a spooky one.

Check out our guide to Halloween weekend in Philadelphia for suggestions on other events and activities from Friday, October 28 through Monday, October 31.

“Invasion Of The Body Snatchers” Free Screening at Race Street Pier
When: Friday, October 28, 7-9 p.m. (Cancelled if raining)
Where: Race Street Pier, Columbus Boulevard at Race Street on the Delaware River
Cost: Free
More info: www.delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com

Explore Springsteen's legendary career at the first major exhibition about the pioneering American songwriter, which debuts this February at the National Constitution Center, the first and only venue where it is slated to travel. (Image courtesy National Constitution Center)

Today, the anniversary of the date Bruce Springsteen appeared on the covers of both TIME and Newsweek in 1975, the National Constitution Center announced that the first major Bruce Springsteen exhibition will be coming to the Center next year, for an exclusive run between February 17 and September 3, 2012.

Titled “From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen,” the exhibition takes a comprehensive look at Springsteen’s career and catalog. The National Constitution Center will be the only venue to host the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s must-see exhibition.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum worked closely with Bruce Springsteen to assemble the 5,000-square-foot exhibition, which is a comprehensive look at his entire career. It contains more than 150 items, many of which have never been seen before by the public, including:

• Family photos of Springsteen’s childhood in Asbury Park, N.J.
• Scrapbooks containing newspaper clippings, photos and handbills from Springsteen’s early music endeavors
• Handwritten lyrics from all phases of Springsteen’s career
• Saxophone used by the late Clarence Clemons to play the solo in “Jungleland” from Born to Run
• Springsteen’s 1960 Chevrolet Corvette
• Springsteen’s Fender Esquire from the cover of Born to Run
• The outfit Springsteen wore on the cover of Born in the U.S.A.
• Springsteen’s 1993 Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Streets of Philadelphia”

The exhibition also features several listening stations where visitors can hear never-before-released songs by the Castiles; Springsteen’s successful 1972 audition for Columbia Records; and interviews with Springsteen on his songwriting process, his first recording session and some of his best-known albums.

Video footage throughout the exhibit includes archival performances, clips of Springsteen’s appearance on MTV Unplugged in 1992 and more.’

Check out a few artifacts you can expect to see at the exhibition, below.

You can sign up to receive exhibition related email alerts here. And tickets for the exhibition are already on sale online.

Talk about a must-see exhibition! We can’t wait!

From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street
When: February 17 to September 3, 2012
Cost: $24.50 for adults, $23 for seniors and students and $12 for children ages 4-12
More info: www.constitutioncenter.org

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Traveling salesmen, circus performers, immigrants, factory and rail workers, cab drivers and downtowners have come to the southeast corner of 11th and Callowhill to cut loose for years and years. (Photos by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

With a hundred years of history under its belt, Callowhill’s Trestle Inn has reopened under new ownership as a whiskey and go-go bar.

The bar boasts a dizzying variety of whiskeys and a classic cocktail menu that does them justice.

Trestle’s draft list is similarly impressive and features several hard-to-find-on-tap brews like Ommegang 3 Philosophers Quadrupel.

Sticking with the retro theme, their fare is re-imagined comfort food from scratch. Bar snacks include deviled eggs, pigs in a blanket, pickled pigs feet and bone marrow. The menu also features a variety of salads, hearty sandwiches and the king of all nostalgic sweets, a Jell-O mold dessert.

Their grand opening event this weekend, Saturday, October 29, is a Hitchcockian celebration and Halloween blow-out complete with 60’s-clad go-go dancers, drink specials, live music and a “Most Psychotic Costume Contest.”

The party goes until last call and promises to be a crazy-good time for anyone seeking something completely different this Hallow’s Eve. Check out our other Halloween weekend suggestions here.

Psycho-A-Go-Go at The Trestle Inn: Halloween Event and Official Grand Opening
Where: The Trestle Inn, 339 North 11th Street
When: Saturday, October 29, 8 p.m.
Cost: No cover, pay as you go
More info: www.thetrestleinn.com

The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta is an exciting, two-day race that draws fans from around the world to Philadelphia year after year. (Photo courtesy Head of the Schuylkill Regatta)

This weekend, join rowers from across the country as they put their paddles to the test in the historic, 41st annual Head of the Schuylkill Regatta.

Competitors of all skill levels will have the opportunity to race on the 2.5-mile Schuylkill River course, which begins just south of Roosevelt Boulevard and the Falls Bridge, and ends in front of scenic Boathouse Row.

37 years after its inception, the race became the largest 1-day rowing competition in the world, and in 2008 expanded to a two-day event. Now rowers include high school and college, veteran, masters and elite athletes, with the majority of college, elite and masters races taking place on Saturday.

Last year the event drew almost 6,000 competitors and as many spectators!

Check out our helpful guide to what this weekend’s events have in store:

How to Get There: The event takes place about five miles northwest of Center City between Boathouse Row and Roosevelt Boulevard. Much of this stretch of Kelly Drive will be closed during the regatta, so plan on parking at one of two off-site, city-supervised lots off of Reservoir Drive, which you will be routed to as you approach the race area on Kelly Drive. A free shuttle bus service will be available from the lots, and all-day parking costs only $10.

The Race Course: The 2.5-mile course starts just south of the Twin Bridges (Roosevelt Boulevard aka Route 1) and stretches down the River to finish just north of Boathouse Row.

Best Place to Catch the Action: The area around the Grand Stand at the Columbia Avenue Bridge is probably the ultimate place to watch the event. It’s flanked on either side by two of the three boat docks and is right by the Festival Tent. Or, if you want to check out some of those photo finishes, then plan on bringing a chair and hanging out along the Trail closer to Boathouse Row.

Where to Grab Some Grub: The Festival Tent full of food vendors is located near the Grand Stand at the Three Angels Statues. In addition to delicious eats, the tent will also play host to music and games as well as the days’ award ceremonies.

Races You Won’t Want to Miss: Perhaps the Regatta’s most exciting races will be the Men’s and Women’s Open Championships between 2:20 and about 3 p.m. on Saturday. Or you may not want to miss seeing some of our local high school students battle it out on Sunday from 9:40-10:30 a.m., 12:30-1 p.m. and 2-2:40 p.m.

What to Bring: Bring a chair, a blanket and umbrella (it might get a little chilly and rainy out there on Saturday), and, of course, your closest friends and family.

How to Get Involved: If you’d like to help out behind the scenes as you watch some of the dozens of races, shoot an email over to volunteer@hosrregatta.org to see if there are any availabilities that you’d be interested in.

Make a Weekend of It: Looking to make a trip of it? Check out the Regatta website for a list of area hotels offering weekend discounts for Head of the Schuylkill race attendees. And Visit Philly has plenty of fun themed itineraries as well.

Course map available here, and schedule here.

Thomas Eakins Head of the Schuylkill Regatta
When: October 29-30
Where: Kelly Drive
Cost: Free
More info: www.hosr.org

Il Pitore takes over the space that was formerly Noble on the 2000 block of Sansom Street. Chef Chris Painter will be serving guests a refined and authentic taste of regional Italian cuisine complemented by a 200-bottle wine list. (Photos by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

Stephen Starr officially opens his 19th currently operating restaurant in Philadelphia tonight, Il Pittore.

It’s an authentic upscale Italian restaurant that’s taken over Noble American Cookery’s former space. While keeping some of Noble’s key design elements intact, the team has breathed new life into the space, personalizing it with a rustic and warm vibe for a truly homey Italian dining feel.

We got a sneak peek at the restaurant, and it promises to be an awesome addition to the Starr family.

Below, the Il Pittore vitals: the decor, the rooftop garden, Chef Chris Painter’s favorite dishes on the menu and more.

The Location

Il Pittore is located on a thriving block off Rittenhouse Square, one that’s only getting more exciting by the month. Jose Garces’ Tinto and Village Whiskey are just steps away, with Capogiro facing them, the Adrienne Theater is directly across the street and New York’s hugely popular Shake Shack is destined for the corner of 20th & Sansom in 2012.

The Decor

Here’s the set-up: the restaurant seats 85 total, 65 upstairs in the reservation-only, white tablecloth section of the restaurant, and 20 downstairs at a large family-style dining table and a wrap-around food counter.

The Starr team cut in half the gorgeous 400-year old piece of bubinga wood from Cameroon, Africa that Noble shipped from overseas and had crafted into its bar and four of its tabletops; it’s now the downstairs dining table, with beautiful rough-hewn edges that add to the comfortable atmosphere.

That vibe is augmented by the exposed ductwork and beams, subway tile bar backsplash, local reclaimed pine bar, lights made from metal piping and red leather placements at the food counter.

There are also two murals hand-painted by a local artist, replicas of the iconic vintage posters by Italian artist Leonetto Cappiello.

Below, we have the low-down on the food, the 200-strong wine list, future plans the restaurant has and more.

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Molly Malloy's takes over the old Beer Garden space at Reading Terminal, bringing a exciting new dining destination to the market with delicious sandwiches, farm-sourced pub fare, tons a local craft beers, hand crafted cocktails and more. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

Reading Terminal Market welcomed its latest merchant yesterday with the official opening of Molly Malloy’s, the Iovine Bros. Produce-backed locally sourced gastropub replacing the beer garden at the rear of the market.

Molly Malloy’s has transformed a dark, oft-empty space with a light-filled, inviting bar and restaurant without walls. Bonus: it’s the only spot with a liquor license in Reading Terminal.

The beer and cocktails are far from the only feature that’s unprecedented about the place; check out some highlights of Molly Malloy’s, below, for a first look at this highly-anticipated newcomer.

The Background

Jimmie and Vinny Iovine, brothers born and raised in Philly as two of 10 siblings, launched the super popular Iovine Bros. Produce in the southeast corner of Reading Terminal some 22 years ago. They played a huge part in helping the other merchants and working to improve the market’s pedigree at a time when it wasn’t quite as vibrant as it is today.

The Iovines have dabbled in catering before, but this is their first full-blown restaurant venture. And it’s completely awesome. As Vinny puts it, “I love coming to work.” Molly Malloy’s is named after the brothers’ mother’s maiden name, and it’s a family affair through and through. Jimmie’s two sons work there, his niece is one of the bartenders — the list goes on.

The Set-Up

Molly Malloy’s seats 79, including ample bar space and tables alike. There are four flat-screen TVs which will air local sports games and TV. The place will be open for business only during Reading Terminal’s operating hours (Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) but the rest of the time it will be available for private catered events.

The restaurant is located directly across the aisle from the soon-to-be Rick Nichols Room, a lecture space for the new market test kitchen, named in honor of the legendary Inquirer food writer who retired recently after 15 years. The room will seat 60, so events at Molly Malloy’s will be able to accommodate a total of 140 or so in a conjoined space. The Iovines will be partnering with other Reading Terminal merchants, like their next door neighbor Flying Monkey Patisserie, so that people can commission food orders from various places around the terminal for their private events.

Molly Malloy’s also offers take-out, with a glassed-in food display and a digital menu that changes at 11 a.m. from breakfast to lunch/dinner.

Below, check out all the details on the food, the local craft beer list, sustainable elements of the restaurant and more.

Molly Malloy's, which sources almost exclusively locally, serves creative homemade comfort food with an Irish influence.
(Left photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC, right photo courtesy Molly Malloy's)

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