February 25, 2010
Lewis Carroll, Dalziel Brothers, after drawing by Sir John Tenniel, "Why is a Raven Like a Writing Desk?": proof. London, 1864 or 1865, courtesy the Rosenbach
If you are as excited as I am to see Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland (opening March 5, 2010), then the Mad Tea Party at the Rosenbach Museum is the perfect mid-week night out for you! This event plans to celebrate the works of Lewis Carroll with a first edition copy of Alice in Wonderland for museum-goers to examine up close, along with an evening enjoying Rosenbach’s new exhibition Moore Adventures in Wonderland, created by Rosenbach Artist-in-Residence, Sue Johnson.
You can’t have a tea party without some tea, right? Local tea companies Cha Cha Tea and NecessiTea will be on hand with a variety of tea samples for everyone to enjoy. Scott Chamberlin Hoyt, the director of the documentary The Meaning of Tea and Alexis Siemons, local tea enthusiast will be hosting a discussion on the important role that tea plays in our busy lives.
Take some time out of your fast paced life to stop and smell the roses… and enjoy a nice cup of tea.
A Mad Tea Party is free with museum admission, registration required. Admission to the Rosenbach is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students and free for children under 5. To register, please contact Mary Duffy, Development Associate, at (215) 732-1600 ext. 123 or rsvp[at]rosenbach.org. For additional information, visit the Rosenbach’s official website.
Rosenbach Museum & Library presents A Mad Tea Party
Wednesday, March 3, 6pm – 8pm
The Rosenbach Museum & Library
2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 732-1600
www.rosenbach.org
February 22, 2010
Produce Galore @ the Marketplace at East Falls
When I first moved into the city, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a wonderful local market right outside my front door! Tucked away from Center City, across the street from Laurel Hill Cemetery lies The Marketplace at East Falls. East Falls Marketplace is home to a wide variety of fresh produce, homemade pastas, meats and lots of other tasty treats.
A few of my favorite vendors at the marketplace included Jeff’s Produce and Pappardelle Pasta. The produce was so fresh, practically begging me to create a wonderfully tasty meal. This was also my first experience with all natural homemade pasta. There were so many choices of different flavors and styles of pasta to choose from. I had never seen so much fresh pasta in my life!
Wine Tastings @ Crossing Vineyards
The Marketplace holds wine tastings from Crossing Vineyards as well as monthly beer tasting events. There is also hands-on cooking classes and demonstrations too. You can eat, drink and learn all in one place!
It in indoors, so weather is never an issue as well as free on-site parking! What could be better that that?
The Marketplace is opened Tuesday through Sunday.
The Marketplace at East Falls
3747 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132
(215) 228-0969
www.marketplaceateastfalls.com
February 12, 2010
Fun ceiling fans at the Little Treehouse Play Cafe
“Space to Play. Time to Think. Food and Drink.” I love the motto behind The Little Treehouse Play Cafe because those words say it all. The Play Cafe is the perfect escape for kids and parents alike. Located right off Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill, the cafe offers a large space split into a cafe and playground that people of all ages can enjoy.
While the cafe is geared towards children and has an variety of choices on the kids menu, the adult menu was quite lovely. There is a fantastic variety of pizzas, paninis and salads. The atmosphere was fun, I was actually inside a playhouse when I ate my meal!
Smoked turkey panini from the Little Treehouse Play Cafe. Mmm!
For dinner I enjoyed half of the Smoked Turkey, Lancaster cheddar, pesto and arugula on country bread panini, a few slices of the Claudio pepperoni, tomato, mozzarella pizza and a raspberry iced tea. Their pizza is made with whole wheat dough and they use locally sourced food whenever possible. The panini and pizza were both fresh and full of flavor.
The play area is filled with massive structures that are both colorful and intricate. There is also a large variety of wooden toys with a focus on encouraging the children to use their imaginations. It seems children could entertain themselves here and play for hours on end. And while the kids are playing, the adults can enjoy an equally good time as The Little Treehouse Play Cafe is a BYO establishment.
Handing washing station for the kids
I also enjoyed the fact that in the play area was a no-shoe zone, in an attempt to keep the area as clean and germ free as possible. There were also hand sanitizers all over the place and a big watering trough on the floor by the bathrooms to encourage the kids to wash their hands frequently.
The Little Treehouse
10 West Gravers Lane, Chestnut Hill PA 19118
215-247-3637
www.treehouseplaycafe.com
February 11, 2010
A cute cupcake at Mugshots Coffeehouse
If you are on the hunt for a little local nook to call your own, Mugshots just might be the place for you! With a focus on fair-trade and organic ingredients, Mugshots has a variety of coffees, teas and recovery shakes. There is a hot, cold, iced or frozen drink option for everyone’s tastebuds.
Aside from an array of beverage choices, Mugshots features a seasonal menu with a focus on local and organic produce. There is a wide range of breakfast choices (with eggs from local pastured hens), sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads.
The food is fresh, the vegetables are crisp and the atmosphere is quite mellow. With the free wi-fi (with purchase), this is a nice peaceful little place to zone out on your laptop, have coffee with a friend, or just enjoy some time to yourself.
Mugshots’ pumpkin soup, served with a side salad
The pumpkin soup has become a favorite of mine from Mugshots, especially during the cold winter months. The flavors explode in my mouth, put a smile on my face and warm my heart. The soup alone keeps me coming back for more.
Check Mugshots out for yourself!
Mugshots Coffee House
2106 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(267) 514-7145
www.mugshotscoffeehouse.com
