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Well, it’s that time of year! It’s time for pumpkins to suddenly become the main ingredient in just about everything, to find themselves as a decorative elements in our homes, as a let’s-get-creative-and-messy toy for our children, even as a flavor in our coffee! Pumpkins brings us back to nature, to our inner child, and this year to Society Hill. Specifically, Headhouse Square.

Tomorrow, on Saturday, October 24, the Headhouse Square shambles will put on its fall colors and transform into “Pumpkinland”, a child’s fall fantasy world filled with pony rides, farm animals, face painting, a clown, Halloween arts and crafts, bales of hay, petting zoos, and, of course… pumpkins!

It really looks to be a day full of excitement for children of all ages, giving city kids the chance to experience farm fun in the city! It’s also the best place to get a chance to decorate their own pumpkin. You get the pumpkin (a wide variety will be available for sale) and the Society Hill district provides the paint!

A miniature Argentinian llama and Sicilian donkey, woolly sheep, and Indian Fantail doves will be there for petting, and the fun will continue all day with live music and dance performances from local companies. Even dogs will be honored with the dog costume parade at 12:30 PM! Does your dog have its Halloween costume yet?

Pumpkinland @ Headhouse Square
Saturday, October 24th, 2009
11AM – 4PM

Headhouse Square
S. 2nd Street between Pine & Lombard Streets, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 625-7988
www.southstreet.com

There is something to say about Kevin Smith’s movies: either you hate them or you love them… I’m definitely part of the later group and I’m thrilled that he chose Philadelphia as a part of his 6-city fall tour. Is a third sequel to An Evening with Kevin Smith around the corner? Maybe, let’s ask him!

On November 5th at 8:00 PM, Kevin Smith will once again leave his iconic character “Silent Bob” to the side and speak his mind on the Merriam Theater stage. Delicate ears should be warned: this can get “ugly”. The event is presented by WMMR’s very own Preston & Steve, and will include a no holds barred Q&A session.

The New-Jersey native is famous for his unconventional, and often controversial, movies (Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma…), his participation in SModcast weekly podcasts, and his tell-it-all blog. An evening with Kevin Smith… there’s no way this can be boring.

You can get more info and purchase tickets via the Kimmel Center’s official website.

Kevin Smith @ the Merriam Theater
Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Merriam Theater
250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
www.merriam-theater.com

It’s no secret that women have a special bond with shoes. But for some women, like Elena Brenan, owner of Bus Stop Boutique, the passion goes beyond a nicely filled shoe rack at home, and develops into a mission: bringing the best shoes from around the world to Philadelphia shoe lovers. Whether it’s France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Australia or her beloved Great Britain (Elena was born in London), she scouts for the perfect pair of pumps (stilettos, boots… place the shoes of your choice here) and brings them to you in her Queen Village boutique.

Shoe-addicts, from trendy fashion design students to more traditional stay-at-home moms, are able to open their horizons to all new levels: funky, edgy, but always comfortable. After-all, Elena makes a point to try all the shoes herself before she purchase them.

But the Bus Stop experience goes beyond a retail store. Every 4th Friday, Bus Stop hosts an event with a local artist. This month, on October 23rd, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Bus Stop will host a dance show put on by a local performer. In addition to the monthly rendez-vous of shoes and arts lovers, Bus Stop is celebrating the arrival of the Fall/Winter collection with a series of events all through October:

Philadelphia Fashion Week Night Out
October 10th, 2009

Green Shoes Workshop
October 11th, 2009 (Part of Philadelphia Design Week)

Harvest Festival Sidewalk Sale
October 17th, 2009

Visit Bits & Pieces on Bus Stop’s website for more information about upcoming events, or to read Elena’s tips on how to be a fashionista this autumn.

Bus Stop Boutique
750 S. 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 627-2357
www.busstopboutique.com

If, like me, you can eat Mexican food 3 times a day without getting tired of it, Distrito (recently named “Best New Restaurant 2009” by Philadelphia Magazine) is a destination of choice for special occasions and dinner treats.

Starting this month, the University City posh restaurant, opens brand new horizons to the Mexican food lover with the launching of The Cantina at Distrito on the restaurant first floor, where the funky Beetle booth is, and into the karaoke room (for post-Tequila-shot singing adventures.)

The Cantina menu includes traditional guacamole, a variety of tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas, for only $3.00 to $10.00. On the drink side, Distrito’s mixologist created an array of cocktails, with the classic Margarita as a headliner, as well as a full list of shooters. Both specialty drinks and beer options (a choice of Mexican and microbrew) are under $6.00.

No more excuses for not indulging in excellent Mexican cuisine more often! Starting at 3 pm on weekdays and 4 pm on the weekend, there might be a line in front of Distrito!

Distrito
3945 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-1657
www.distritorestaurant.com

The Blockley Pourhouse opened their doors a couple weeks ago at the corner of 38th & Ludlow, in the heart of University City.

Exposed brick walls, polished cement floors, and blackboard menus surround the main attractions: the large welcoming bar and the center stage, making it an ideal venue for live music of all genres. The Pourhouse is a cross between gastro-pub and concert hall, and the new hangout promises that there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The event calendar shows off an eclectic mix of DJs, concerts and local acoustic artists, from 9:00 PM on, every night.

Along with their 24 beers on tap and awesome specials (ie: $2 Lionshead), the pub serves up some excellent food to fill your hungry stomach. We tried the house specialty, the Chesapeake Bay Fries (covered with decadent creamy Vermont Cheddar cheese and Jumbo Lump Crab) and couldn’t stop nibbling til the basket was empty. The IPA battered Fish & Chips was a satisfying twist on the traditional pub fare, and a healthier and very flavorful Shrimp and Asparagus special is also worth trying. I’m already thinking of going back for the tempting Dry-Aged Burger. Mmm!

The Blockley Pourhouse
38th & Ludlow, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 222 1234
www.theblockley.com

It’s hot outside; it’s sticky and barely breathable. Good old Philadelphia summer! My favorite way to beat the heat, is with a fresh, cold and tasty treat. Iced-coffee? Very last year! Ice-cream or gelato? Packed with calories! So how about frozen yogurt? It seems to be the brand new trend in the city with stores popping up in every neighborhood.

On 20th and Locust, an Italian franchise recently opened: Yogorino. Not your typical fro-yo. Why? Well, because Yogorino isn’t your typical frozen yogurt… it’s probiotic. According to Yogorino’s definition, a probiotic food “provides health benefits and creates a state of well being in our body”. For all I was able to verify, my body was definitely thankful after eating Yogorino and I felt very good: no heavy stomach and no sense of guilt, probably because I found out that it’s organic, low fat, low-sugar and low calorie!

There is only one flavor of Yogorino: a unique tart taste that reminds me of, well, a good yogurt! Complemented by toppings ranging from exotic Italians “dulce”, traditional American sweets, or fresh chopped fruits, it’s a delight in a (recyclable) cup!

I mentioned my Yogorino experience to a friend, she ended-up trying it one afternoon and going back that same day for more. At this point, if the weather stays the way it is, I’m about to fall into addiction myself. But at least it’ll be guilt-free!

Yogorino
230 S. 20th St, Philadelphia, PA
(267) 639-5287

It’s hot outside; it’s sticky and barely breathable. Good old Philadelphia summer! My favorite way to beat the heat, is with a fresh, cold and tasty treat. Iced-coffee? Very last year! Ice-cream or gelato? Packed with calories! So how about frozen yogurt? It seems to be the brand new trend in the city with stores popping up in every neighborhood.

On 20th and Locust, an Italian franchise recently opened: Yogorino. Not your typical fro-yo. Why? Well, because Yogorino isn’t your typical frozen yogurt… it’s probiotic. According to Yogorino’s definition, a probiotic food “provides health benefits and creates a state of well being in our body”. For all I was able to verify, my body was definitely thankful after eating Yogorino and I felt very good: no heavy stomach and no sense of guilt, probably because I found out that it’s organic, low fat, low-sugar and low calorie!

There is only one flavor of Yogorino: a unique tart taste that reminds me of, well, a good yogurt! Complemented by toppings ranging from exotic Italians “dulce”, traditional American sweets, or fresh chopped fruits, it’s a delight in a (recyclable) cup!

I mentioned my Yogorino experience to a friend, she ended-up trying it one afternoon and going back that same day for more. At this point, if the weather stays the way it is, I’m about to fall into addiction myself. But at least it’ll be guilt-free!

Yogorino
230 S. 20th St, Philadelphia, PA
(267) 639-5287

Downstairs at Chifa

There is something to say about Latin music and summer… they just belong together. And Chifa, a wonderful restaurant in Old City, seems to agree. They’re hosting an exciting line-up of live Latin bands and DJs every Thursday in July, from 10:00 PM ‘til 1:30 AM.

Now, add the fact that there’s a $5 menu of Chifa’s cuisine until midnight, as well as specials on cocktails, and you’ve got a budget-friendly round-trip excursion to Latin America without leaving the city!

Mark your agendas with the musical program:

July 16: A fusion of traditional Latin rhythms with modern electronic grooves with Afrocyberdelia
July 23: La Maquina del Tiempo and Grammy winner Aaron Levinson
July 30: Masami’s Trio “The High Hopes” and DJ lil’dave

See you there!

Chifa
707 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
www.chifarestaurant.com
(215) 925-5555

Here in the United States, there is July 4. Where I’m from, back in France, we’ve got July 14th. Both of these holidays have the same purpose: celebrating a country’s independence. July 14, a.k.a. Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille, a famous Parisian jail, and the beginning of the French revolution. In France, it’s a day off, full of outdoor dancing and fireworks.

Whether you’re a French expat (like me), or curious about French history, or simply looking for any excuse to party; Philadelphia offers many opportunities to celebrate Bastille Day. You might be familiar with the jail storming reenactment at the Eastern State Penitentiary and the outdoor ball in University City, but this year, for the first time, the National Constitution Center adds an educational piece to it.

From Saturday, July 11th to Tuesday July 14th, visitors can join in an interactive demonstration comparing and contrasting the French and American Revolutions. During a special tour of Signers’ Hall, guests will discover which Signers visited France during and after the American Revolution and how they contributed to the history of both countries. In addition, on Saturday, July 11 at 2:00 p.m., guests can sample crepes and learn about the history of French food.

Craft activities for children will take place throughout the day, including the chance to create bicorn Napoléon hats, multi-colored cockades, and French tricolor flags, while learning about their significance. Marie Antoinette lookalikes may wander the museum, as visitors create their own wigs and have their faces powdered to get into the spirit of the day. During a “cutting edge” presentation, visitors can create their own miniature (and harmless!) toy guillotines while learning about their use during the French Revolution.

The Center is also offering a walking tour of Philadelphia, highlighting the city’s connections with France during the French Revolution and the time of Napoléon’s reign. Participants will explore the French presence in the city during stops at the former residences of Joseph Bonaparte and Louis Philippe, the Duke of Orléans, among other destinations.

For more information and the events schedule, visit the Constitution Center’s official website. Have fun!

National Constitution Center
525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 409-6700
www.constitutioncenter.org

Photo by K. Ciappa for GPTMC

With its decadent jewel box decor that features sheer curtains, plush seating and a gorgeous reverse painted mirror a la Gustav Klimt, Rouge has set the tone for dining and drinking on Rittenhouse Square since opening more than 10 years ago. But this year, the still trendy-crowd-favorite pushes the tone even further by hosting, all summer long, Rittenhouse Square’s only live jazz series: Live at Rouge.

Every Tuesday night, starting July 7, and from 6:30 to 9 PM, renowned vocalist Barbara Montgomery will perform two sets with her band of talented musicians. Called “the ice cream blonde with the black coffee jazz voice” by one critic, Montgomery has written and produced six acclaimed albums. A delicious treat for Rouge’s patrons!

“Barbara’s music is a lively, sophisticated addition to our beautiful park-side restaurant,” says owner Rob Wasserman. What could be better than, on a warm summer night, sitting on a terrace overlooking the beautiful square, sipping on a crisp glass of wine and listening to some beautiful jazz?

Save your seat early. You’re going to have to fight for it!

Rouge
205 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 732-6622
www.rouge98.com