
Watch the video above to meet Scott Barnes, Director of Marketing for Stephen STARR Events.
We filmed him at Granite Hill restaurant at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, run by Starr, to learn what he wishes more people knew about in Philadelphia. Check it out!
Granite Hill
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
www.philamuseum.org/dining
Starr Restaurant Group
www.starr-restaurant.com
Fairmount Horticulture Center
N. Horticultural Drive and Montgomery Avenue
www.fairmountpark.org
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Horticultural and Lansdowne Drives
www.shofuso.com
Watch the video above to meet Scott Barnes, Director of Marketing for Stephen STARR Events. We filmed him at Granite Hill restaurant at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, run by Starr, to learn what he wishes more people knew about in Philadelphia. Check it out! Granite Hill 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway www.philamuseum.org/dining Starr Restaurant Group [...]
Read more»
Watch the Philly 101 video below to meet Village Whiskey master mixologist Lindsey Krueger and learn what he wishes more people knew about in Philadelphia. Turns out, when he’s not concocting creative cocktails behind the bar of Jose Garces’ famed whiskey bar and burger joint, Krueger has an appreciative eye for art in the city.
Watch the Philly 101 video below to meet Village Whiskey master mixologist Lindsey Krueger and learn what he wishes more people knew about in Philadelphia. Turns out, when he’s not concocting creative cocktails behind the bar of Jose Garces’ famed whiskey bar and burger joint, Krueger has an appreciative eye for art in the city.
Read more»May 11, 2012

Gigi and Big R, usually stationed in University City, won Philadelphia's first-ever Vendy Awards last summer with their tasty Caribbean fare. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)
Look out for an awesome profile on Philadelphia’s food truck scene in The New York Times’ Sunday Travel Section this weekend.
In a piece called “In Philadelphia, Food Trucks are Rolling,” the Times calls out the Philadelphia Mobile Food Association’s and the Food Trust’s efforts to mobilize (so to speak) the mobile food vendor community.
In fact, the piece says, “The best way to experience Philadelphia’s still surging street-food scene is at one of the city’s Night Markets,” which are organized by the Food Trust. The next one of these super popular roving outdoor food truck bazaars is just around the corner on May 24 in Northern Liberties; save the date!
Specific food trucks highlighted in the piece include Lucky Old Souls burger truck, Pitruco Pizza, Pitruco Pizza and Sweetbox.
As Matthew Feldman, Lucky Old Souls founder, told the paper, “Considering the trucks that are out there now and the trucks that are planning to open, this could be a great thing for Philly. It could become something that Philly becomes known for.”
A city reveals itself through its street food, and Philadelphia’s wealth of on-the-fly options only continues to grow.
In Philadelphia, Food Trucks are Rolling [New York Times]
May 11, 2012

The cafe, affiliated with the Independence Visitor Center, is the perfect warm-weather hangout in Historic Philadelphia; now you can bring along your dog and get great food and drink deals for both of you. (Photo courtesy Crosswalk Cafe)
In partnership with Doggie Style pet stores and Operation Ava, Crosswalk Cafe on Independence Mall is hosting Doggie “Yappy” Hour, Thursdays starting May 17, from 4-7 p.m.
Dish on $1 Hot Dogs and $4 Dogfish Head Ale, plus $3 Domestic Bottles.
The cafe will also offer special treats for your furry four-legged friends.
The cafe, affiliated with the Independence Visitor Center, is the perfect warm-weather hangout in Historic Philadelphia, situated on the gorgeous Independence Mall with a great view of the National Constitution Center, National Museum of American Jewish History and Independence Hall.
Check out the complete cafe menu online.
Crosswalk Cafe Host Doggie “Yappy” Hour
When: Thursdays starting May 17, 4-7 p.m.
Where: 50 N. Independence Mall East
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.crosswalkcafephilly.com
May 11, 2012

The brand new Market at the Shambles hits Headhouse Square tonight, and the super popular Headhouse Square Farmers Market is officially back for the season on Sundays. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)
There’s plenty to do this weekend both indoors and out, in neighborhoods around the entire city, in every genre of activity and for every demographic.
And the forecast looks great, which is always a win.
Our top picks for your best weekend, below:
Friday, May 11
Dad Vail Regatta (Fri, Sat)
The New Market at The Shambles — Opening Day!
Martinis On The Portico at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Red Hot Chili Peppers play the Wells Fargo Center
Secret Cinema Blind Date: 35mm Archival Surprises at International House
Friday Night Blues, Booze & Food in Downingtown
Squidling Bros. Circus Sideshow
Morris Arboretum Annual Plant Sale (Fri, Sat)
Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Fair (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Civil War Days At Peddler’s Village (Fri, Sat, Sun)
PAFA 111th Annual Student Exhibition and Sale (Fri, Sat, Sun)
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Philadelphia Legacy Series (Fri, Sat)
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Burger Month (Fri, Sat, Sun)
“De Pueblo a Pueblo” Festival (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Arden Theatre’s Robin Hood (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Bistrot La Minette Movie Under the Stars
Saturday, May 12
Sister Cities Park Grand Opening Celebration
9th Annual Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar
Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Ancient Times at the Franklin Institute (Sat, Sun) — Opening Day!
The Trestle Inn Presents: Victory Summer Love Release Party
On My Honor: 100 Years of Girl Scouting at the National Constitution Center: Girl Scout Day (Sat, Sun) — Opening Day!
Rum Bar’s 4th Annual Bob Marley Tribute Party
Mother’s Day Brunch Cocktail Party at Jonathan Adler
More Weekend Picks, below.
May 11, 2012

Don't call it a comeback. Wait, do. The With Love Beer Garden will once again be taking over the Four Seasons' outdoor courtyard during Philly Beer Week, serving up awesome beer, great food, live music and all around good times. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)
We’re pretty psyched to announce that the With Love Beer Garden is back — by (extremely) popular demand — for Philly Beer Week 2012. The Beer Garden will be returning for its second year to the awesome outdoor courtyard at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.
One of Beer Week’s signature venues, the With Love Beer Garden brings together great beer, delicious food and an awesome alfresco setting for a Beer Week destination like no other.
The With Love Beer Garden will take place every day from Monday, June 4 to Friday, June 8 from 5-9 p.m. — note the extended hours; we’re happy to report that the Beer Garden will go one hour later this year. And each day, a different local brewery will be featured, bringing a selection of their craft brews for guest to enjoy.
Please be sure to put June 4 on your calendars. That’s opening night for the With Love Beer Garden, and it doubles as our kickoff party for the re-release of Summer Love Ale. You’ll want to be in the house for some delicious Victory brews, a chance to say hello to Victory brewer Bill Covaleski, food, music, and a special check-in giveaway that we promise you’re going to love. (Seriously. It’s awesome.)
In addition to the new hours, the With Love Beer Garden will also feature an improved ticketing system this year for seamless beer ordering.
There will also be a nightly rotating menu of tasty bites to enjoy with your beer; think pork roll sliders, kielbasa sandwiches, pretzels and the like. More details to come.
The bottom line: the With Love Beer Garden is a pretty great summer spot to grab a casual drink and a bite after work during Philly Beer Week, with big trees, lush gardens, a cool breeze — there’s even fountains and a stream. But don’t take our word for it; grab a few friends and check it out for yourself.
We’ll be sure to see you out there.
The With Love Beer Garden
When: June 4-8, 5-9 p.m.
Where: The Courtyard at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, 1 Logan Square
Note: You can enter straight from the corner of 18th and Cherry Streets
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.visitphilly.com
Watch the video above to meet rapper Tariq Trotter, aka Black Thought, the lead vocalist of The Roots, and learn what he wishes more people knew about in Philadelphia.
Black Thought and his bandmate Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson started The Roots here in Philadelphia in 1987. They’ve since won Grammy Awards, have a mural being painted about them on South Street and are currently the house band for Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on NBC.
And save the date for two upcoming opportunities to see Black Thought perform live in person: the Roots Picnic returns to the Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing with an expanded two-day festival this year June 2-3; and Wawa Welcome America’s annual July 4th Concert and Fireworks on the Parkway, headlined by The Roots.
The Roots
www.theroots.com
South Street
www.southstreet.com
Watch the video above to meet rapper Tariq Trotter, aka Black Thought, the lead vocalist of The Roots, and learn what he wishes more people knew about in Philadelphia. Black Thought and his bandmate Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson started The Roots here in Philadelphia in 1987. They’ve since won Grammy Awards, have a mural being painted [...]
Read more»May 10, 2012

The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team is heading to Philadelphia May 27 for their second-to-last domestic game before departing for the 2012 Olympics in London. They’ll be battling China at PPL Park in Chester for the second time; the two teams also met at the home of the Philadelphia Union in October 2010 in what was the U.S. team’s first match there. It ended in a 1-1 draw. Tickets starting at $22 are on sale to the public online. The U.S. Women’s National Team is 10-1-1 in 2012, having scored 55 goals and allowed five. Let’s go USWNT! [U.S. Women vs. China]
May 10, 2012

A stunning smorgasbord of flavors will be on full display during the festival, as vendors line the street, musicians roam the crowds and top chefs show off some of their best techniques at live cooking demos. (Photo courtesy Italian Market)
When one of the city’s most flavorful neighborhoods hosts a food festival, you know it’s going to be epic.
Enjoy a weekend of authentic Italian American culture in South Philadelphia next Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20, when the annual 9th Street Italian Market Festival returns in full force.
9th Street from Fitzwater to Federal Streets shuts down to vehicle traffic as shops and stalls spill onto the sidewalks to serve food, performers take to multiple stages and local artisans vend their goods.
The event is an extravaganza for the senses, featuring six long blocks of streets lined with vendors offering every Italian delicacy imaginable, plus day-long live entertainment, fun contests, top chefs showing off their best techniques at live cooking demonstrations and lots more.
A stunning smorgasbord of flavors will be on full display (and in your stomach) at one of the year’s most anticipated food events. We’re talking fresh sausage and peppers, antipasto salads, roast pork sandwiches, cheeses, cured meats, an infinite array of pastries, famous mango roses and so much more.
Stay tuned for a comprehensive guide.
Italian Market Festival
Where: 9th Street between Fitzwater and Federal Streets
When: May 19-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: www.italianmarketfestival.com