November 19, 2009
The oldest open-air market in the country is a place to play, shop and, above all, eat. While it's open every day of the year, the Italian Market Festival in May is especially fun. (Photos by R. Kennedy)
The Italian Market is surely too eclectic and diverse for just one photo. So, a few more:
Authentic Italian music and cupcakes from Isgro Bakery get the party started.
November 18, 2009
Set in the National Constitution Center's dramatic, circular theater, Freedom Rising tells the story of "We The People" through moving videos, sounds and a one-person performance. (Photos by G. Widman)
Another view of Freedom Rising:
The performance is the perfect preamble to your experience at the Center.
National Constitution Center [gophila.com]
November 17, 2009
Horses in city limits? You bet — at Fairmount Park's Chamounix Equestrian Center, where riding lessons are available to children and adults. The Center is open April through November, with some winter availability. Giddy up. (Photo by R. Kennedy)
Chamounix Equestrian Center [gophila.com]
November 16, 2009
Jose Garces, who we witnessed cook a Japanese feast last night en route to a berth in The Next Iron Chef‘s decisive finale, will host a viewing bash at Distrito Sunday night (11/22), starting at 8:30 p.m. The finale airs at 9.
Tickets are $50 apiece; call (215) 222-1657 to book your spot. Writes Michael Klein at philly.com,
Bill of fare includes Distrito food, including ceviche and guacamole and salsa Mexicana stations, and passed hot dishes such as lamb chops, adobo chicken and shrimp skewers, hongos huarache and a variety of tacos, beer, red and white wine, red and white sangria, and margaritas.
Unlike the kickoff party on the first floor that Garces threw when the show premiered, this fiesta will encompass the entire restaurant and will involve extra TVs.
We’ve already got our money on Jose for title of “The Next Iron Chef.” Whether Sunday will be a victory party remains to be seen — by all but Jose, of course.
Attend Garces’ Victory (?) Party [philly.com]
November 16, 2009
Named after his wife (and James co-owner) Kristina, James chef Jim Berke's Risotto Alla Kristina dish was named one of Food & Wine Magazine's "Ten Best Dishes of 2007." Book a reservation at the sustainably minded restaurant to try a bite — as well as some of James' signature cocktail concoctions. (Photo by J. Varney for James)
James [gophila.com]
November 13, 2009
Located in the shopping-rich north end of Old City, Bruges Home sells Belgian-inspired home solutions. Walk into the store, and you'll daydream about living there. (Photos by Ben Leuner for Bruges Home)
With so many gorgeous views of Bruges, we couldn’t choose just one. So here’s a double-dose of the shop to get your weekend started.
Inspired by the way Belgians incorporate nature into their homes, Bruges showcases large wooden tables, bamboo lampshades and organic accessories to bring out the natural sophistication in any living space.
Bruges Home [gophila.com]
November 12, 2009
Every Tuesday, Blackfish chef Chip Roman will serve a $45* four-course Chef’s Tasting Menu. The menu will focus on a single ingredient each week.
Having spotlighted foie gras this past Tuesday, Chef Chip Roman will continue with scallops, turkey (a Thanksgiving special), oysters and beef. Here’s a look at the upcoming menus:
November 17: A Taste of Scallops (scallop crudo, butter poached scallops…)
November 24: A Taste of Turkey (Turkey and lentil soup, bbq turkey wing, stuffed turkey leg, pumpkin pie pancakes)
Dec 1: A Taste of Oyster (pickled kumomotos, grilled wainno oysters…)
December 8: A Taste of Beef (Beef “pho,” smoked rib eye…)
CLICK HERE to view the full menu, and call (610) 397-0888 to make your reservation.
Tuesday Chef’s Tasting Menu [The Latest Dish]
*plus tax and gratuity
November 12, 2009
Newly opened at 2nd and Lombard Streets, Pizzeria Stella offers 12 gourmet pies with such toppings as black truffles, prosciutto and egg, along with traditional and more wordly takes on Italian antipasti. And this is Stephen Starr, after all, so expect a fun décor to go along with everybody's favorite food. (Photo courtesy of Pizzeria Stella)
Pizzeria Stella [gophila.com]
November 10, 2009
While walking along the Parkway, one can see the green dome of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, the largest Catholic Church in Pennsylvania and one of Philadelphia’s greatest architectural achievements. Built in 1864 to resemble the Lombard Church of St. Charles in Rome, the Cathedral Basilica hosted Pope John Paul II for mass services in 1979. (Photo by T. O'Keefe)
A Weekend on the Parkway [gophila.com]
November 10, 2009
A luxurious interior rivals the outstanding dishes at The Fountain. (Photos courtesy of The Fountain Restaurant)
The Fountain Restaurant, located within the Five-Diamond-winning Four Seasons Hotel, was awarded Five Stars in Forbes Travel Guide’s* 2010 Annual Star Awards.
Long in the national spotlight, The Fountain has received a Five-Star rating for the first time.
The Fountain joins an ultra-exclusive list of 21 Five Star restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.
Past Five-Star Awardees in Philadelphia include Le Bec-Fin and Lacroix at the Rittenhouse. Lacroix has received Four Stars at this year’s awards.
Forbes Travel Guide 2010 Annual Star Awards [Official Site]
*formerly Mobil Travel Guide
