Experience Chef Vetri's Philadelphia with GQ's guide to the chef's top 10 destinations. (Photo courtesy Marc Vetri)

In honor of Chef Marc Vetri’s newest cookbook, Rustic Italian Food, out this month, GQ Magazine has just published a cool online feature in which Chef Vetri dishes on his top food, drink and music picks in Philadelphia.

The latest feature in the magazine’s series called “The Short Order,” in which top local chefs provide a tour of their city’s go-to spots, Vetri’s roundup highlights Hank’s Place in Chadds Ford, Jose Garces’ Distrito, Capogiro Gelato, La Colombe, Di Bruno Bros., Stephen Starr’s Morimoto, Silk City and Zahav.

Vetri also spotlights Vintage Instruments guitar shop (he’s a guitarist on the side) and Electric Factory to round out his selections.

The article lends Vetri some huge praise. According to the magazine, Mario Batali, Tom Colicchio and Bobby Flay will all vouch for Vetri as the best Italian chef in the entire country.

That’s just how we do it in Philadelphia.

A few choice quotes from Vetri about his picks:

• About Philadelphia: “The variety of food here has made leaps and bounds in the past 10 years. You can get just about anything you want, whether it’s Israeli, Mexican, or Italian… and there’s still room to grow.”

• About Distrito: “Chef Jose Garces is a good friend of mine, and my wife and I love to go here. It’s my favorite of his restaurants.”

• About Capogiro; Vetri agrees it’s the world’s best: “Capogiro is the best gelato inside or outside of the Boot. A couple of years ago, my wife and I went to Rome and looked everywhere for an ice cream place and it was all crap. There are a lot of places in America that do gelato much nicer. I think this one’s at the top of the list. It’s ridiculous. The dark chocolate is my favorite. It’s all about the ingredients, the milk is sourced well, and they spin it up that morning.”

• About Vintage Instruments: “This is the guitar shop to end all guitar shops…. I wouldn’t call myself a collector, but I have about 15 guitars and three are from this shop.”

• About Morimoto: “I eat sushi at least one a week and for the best I go to Morimoto.”

Read the full guide right here.

The Short Order: Philadelphia [GQ]

Enjoy an outdoor dinner or drinks with the help of our selections of well-heated restaurants, or head to any of the high-caliber foodie festivals taking over the city tonight. (Photo courtesy Chenango)

[Fall evenings in Philadelphia are always action-packed, and we want to help you cherry-pick from all the events and activities going on. On certain days that promise particularly bustling evenings, we round up our selections for the most can't-miss pursuits with which to fill your schedule. See you out there!]

• Outdoor dining with heat lamps or firepits: Check out our guide to restaurants and bars with auxiliary heating devices, like heat lamps and/or fire pits, so you can enjoy a little outdoor dining and drinking before the nights get too cold.

• Percy Street Barbecue’s Pecan Harvest Festival: For $50, you can gorge on New Orleans-inspired food and bottomless Louisiana-brewed Abita beer and Dixie cocktails, rock out to live music and celebrate the crowning of “The Percy Pecan Queen,” just as the Louisianans do. Only better, because it’s in Philly.

Where: 900 South Street
When: Wednesday, November 2, beginning at 6 p.m.
Cost: $50

• Opening reception for “Strange Beauties” at PHS Headquarters: PHS’s latest fun programming is located at its McLean Library, on the first floor of PHS headquarters, which will house the cool plant exhibition “Strange Beauties.” There is a special wine and cheese reception at 5 p.m. this evening, plus a 6-8 p.m. lecture, “Living on the Edge: Orchids and Conservation in Amazonia,” $20.

Where: 20th and Arch Streets
When: Wednesday, November 2, beginning at 5 p.m.; exhibition on view through December 2
Cost: Free; lecture is $20

• An Evening with Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert: Ever wondered what really goes on behind the kitchen doors at top restaurants? Master chefs Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert are opening up to share an evening of provocative storytelling about the truth behind the toques, November 2, 7:30 p.m. at the Merriam Theater.

Where: Merriam Theater
When: Wednesday, November 2, 7 p.m.
Cost: $45-55

• North Third Pumpkin Beer Dinner: You get three courses for $35, plus a greeting course which includes Rogue Dead Guy Ale paired with a tasty Pumpkin Butter and Chive Crostini. The dishes are all fall-themed, the perfect complement to spicy pumpkin beer.

Where: 801 N. 3rd Street
When: Wednesday, November 2, 6-10 p.m.
Cost: $35

• “Day of the Dead” at Distrito: Jose Garces’ modern Mexican joint Distrito is hosting a “Day of the Dead” blowout, beginning at 5 p.m. There will be two floors of fun, including a “Dead or Alive” costume contest, drink specials and a strolling tequila and street food tasting, all in celebration of the traditional Mexican holiday.

Where: 3945 Chestnut Street
When: Wednesday, November 2, beginning at 5 p.m.
Cost: $35 in advance, $45 at the door for the tasting; pay as you go otherwise

• 2011 Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival Opening Night: A free and open-to-the-public Launch Night screening and reception will kick off the festival tonight at the Asian American Arts Initiative, with a live B-Boy performance and a screening of the exciting break-dance documentary “Among B-Boys.”

Where: Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street
When: Wednesday, November 2, 7 p.m.
Cost: Free

• 10 Arts’ “Taste of Le Bernardin” menu: For just five nights, Chef Eric Ripert will offer a special “Taste of Le Bernardin” menu at his 10 Arts Bistro & Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton. From November 1-5, guests can savor a five-course tasting menu from Chef Ripert’s acclaimed New York City restaurant, Le Bernardin.

Where: 10 Avenue of the Arts
When: November 1-5, between 5:30–10 p.m
Cost: $95 per person, $140 per person with wine pairings

• Philadelphia Weekly’s 5th Annual Taste of Philly: The Taste of Philly event was created in 2007 to accompany PW’s annual dining guide. This year’s is bigger and tastier than ever before with dozens of participating restaurants.

Where: Crystal Tea Room, 100 East Penn Square
When: Wednesday, November 2, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $25

Halloween in Philadelphia isn’t over after October 31.

Jose Garces’ modern Mexican joint Distrito is hosting a “Day of the Dead” blowout, Wednesday, November 2, beginning at 5 p.m.

There will be two floors of fun, including a “Dead or Alive” costume contest, drink specials and a strolling tequila and street food tasting, all in celebration of the traditional Mexican holiday.

Tickets for the tasting, 6:30-9:30 p.m. featuring 12+ tequilas and passed small plates (think Shrimp Tacos and Sweet Onion Sopes with poblano peppers), are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. Downstairs, admission is free.

All night, enjoy $2-$5 drinks including Margaritas, Red and White Sangria, Dos Equis Amber and Lager on draft plus cans of Tecate and Distrito’s “Especial de la Ciudad,” a can of Tecate and a shot of SoCo and lime.

Throughout the night, all revelers wearing “Dead or Alive” costumes will be photographed by staff members, who will enter the Polaroids into a drawing basket. At 9:30 p.m., one winner will be selected and awarded with a bottle of tequila! See you there.

“Day of the Dead” at Distrito
When: Wednesday, November 2, beginning at 5 p.m.
Where: 3945 Chestnut Street
Cost: $35 in advance, $45 at the door for the tasting; pay as you go otherwise
More info: www.distritorestaurant.com

The margaritas will be flowing and the Mexican fare bottomless for all Monday night football games at Jose Garces' University spot.
(Photo courtesy Distrito)

Back by popular demand, you can now chow down on Endless Tacos and Enchiladas for just $25 per person at Distrito during Monday Night Football.

For just $25 per person, from 8-10 p.m. every Monday throughout the football season, enjoy all-you-can-eat tacos and enchiladas such as Carnitas, pulled pork with black beans and pineapple salsa; and Enchilada de Pollo, chicken, Chihuahua cheese, epazote and red chile sauce. Delicious.

But that’s not all: Distrito also has great drink specials including $2 Dos Equis Drafts. It’s one of the best places in Philadelphia for food and drinks with friends during the games, screened throughout the first-floor tequila lounge.

Go Eagles!

Full menu below.

Distrito
3945 Chestnut Street
www.distritorestaurant.com

Rachael Ray visited Philadelphia last month and stopped by Famous 4th Street, Barbuzzo, Sketch Burger and more. (Image courtesy Rachael Ray Show)

The Rachael Ray Show came to Philadelphia a few weeks ago, filming an awesome Philly Grill-Off with locals competing against each other, plus planting an urban garden at the corner of Wharton Street and East Passyunk Avenue, where the show was taped.

Today’s episode, titled “Philly’s Best Eats,” highlights Barbuzzo, Famous 4th Street Deli, Distrito, Lorenzo’s Pizza and Sketch Burger. Chef Marcie Turney makes a cameo, serving Rachael fresh beet salad, with local goat cheese and salt-roasted golden red beets, at the Barbuzzo bar herself.

Her 13th Street entrepreneurial partner in crime Valerie Safran also makes an appearance, to help explain how over nine years the pair turned the street into “Lucky 13″ with the help of six wildly successful businesses.

Some choice Rachael quotes:

• “Philly is a city rich in brotherly love and good food.”

• “If you think it’s all about the Philly steak, you’re so wrong.”

You can watch a clip from the Philadelphia segment of today’s episode here.

Meanwhile, tune in Monday to catch the much buzzed-about Philly Grill-Off episode!

Rachael Ray Show [Official Site]

Previously: Rachael Ray Comes To Town, Dines At Barbuzzo, Builds A Community Garden In South Philadelphia, And Films A Philly Grill-Off For Her Show

It's one of your last chances to enjoy an al fresco meal; take advantage! (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

[Summer in Philadelphia is action-packed, and we want to help you cherry-pick from all the events and activities going on. On certain days that promise particularly bustling evenings, we'll be rounding up our selections for the most can't-miss pursuits with which to fill your schedule. See you out there!]

Earthquake or no, it’s finally gorgeous out! Take advantage of it with any of the options below:

• Tinto Tuesdays: This tasty new happy hour begins tonight, with food for $2 and drinks priced at $5 and under from 5-7 p.m. every Tuesday. You can toast to “Tinto Tuesdays” either at the bar or in the adjacent dining room.

Where: 114 S. 20th Street
When: Tuesdays, 5-7 p.m.
Cost: $2 food and $5 drinks

• Liberty Lands Park Summer Movie Series: It’s your last chance to catch a movie in Liberty Lands park, courtesy of the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association. Tonight’s movie is West Side Story. Pack a picnic!

Where: 700 N. 3rd Street
When: Tonight, 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

• Cabo Wabo Tequila Pairing Dinner at Distrito: $55 gets you four courses of delicious modern Mexican cuisine, each course complemented by Cabo Wabo, a 100% pure agave azul tequila.

Where: 3945 Chestnut Street
When: Tuesday, August 23, 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $55

• “Can of Wheat” Dinner at Percy Street Barbecue: Beer and BBQ: is any combo sweeter? Chef Erin O’Shea of Percy Street Barbecue is dishing up a special “Can of Wheat” beer pairing dinner tonight. Seeing as Percy Street boasts one of the city’s largest canned beers list — 60+ craft and domestic beers! — the event is supremely fitting.

Where: 900 South Street
When: Tuesday, August 23
Cost: $50

Mark your calendars: on Tuesday, August 23 at 6:30 p.m., Chef Jose Garces’ University City Mexican restaurant Distrito will dish up a “Cabo Wabo” Tequila Pairing Dinner.

$55 gets you four courses of delicious modern Mexican cuisine, each course complemented by Cabo Wabo, a 100% pure agave azul tequila.

Distrito’s Chef de Cuisine Maria Schmidt will prepare the special menu featuring:

• Hiramasa Ceviche, with tequila and lime over tostaditas, macerated strawberries and compressed rhubarb paired with Cabo Wabo Blanco

• Enchiladas de Pato, duck confit, red chile, cotija and tequila-macerated figs paired with Cabo Wabo Reposado

• Tacos de Arrachera, ancho-grilled skirt steak, black beans, nopales, radish and salsa verde paired with Cabo Wabo Anejo

• Frutas con Crema with roasted apricot, lime curd, compressed strawberry and granola paired with Cabo Uno, an ultra premium tequila aged in oak cases for over three years, which is no longer in production.

Call (215) 222-1657 for reservations.

Cabo Wabo Tequila Pairing Dinner at Distrito
When: Tuesday, August 23, 6:30 p.m.
Where: 3945 Chestnut Street
Cost: $55
More info: www.distritorestaurant.com

The exciting new Mural & Meals Tour and Dinner Series will include evenings with Chef Erin O'Shea at Percy Street and Chef Maria Schmidt at Distrito. (Photos courtesy Mural Arts, Percy Street Barbecue and Distrito)

The Mural Arts Program has concocted yet another fulfilling (mentally and physically) way to see the beautiful murals that have transformed Philadelphia’s neighborhoods into an ever-growing collage: the new Murals & Meals Tour Series hosted by celebrity chefs, kicking off Saturday, May 21.

Discover the dual superiority of food and public art in Philadelphia through this VIP experience, which pairs an informative trolley tour with a sampling of local cuisine at one of the city’s top-notch restaurants including a special presentation by the host chef.

Tours depart from and return to the restaurant location. Pricing is $50 per person unless otherwise noted. Advance reservations are required and space is limited to 35 attendees per tour.

Learn why Philadelphia is lauded as the Mural Capital of the World, and why the city’s culinary scene is more vibrant than ever. Call (215) 685-0754, or click here.

Check out a schedule of planned tours, below; pick your favorite!

• May 21: Percy Street Barbecue, Chef Erin O’Shea

• June 18: Fork Restaurant, Chef Terence Feury

• June 25: Sampan, Chef du Cuisine Khamala Vongsakoun

• July 16: Distrito, Chef Maria Schmidt

• July 23: Kokopelli Restaurant & Tequila Bar, Chef Gina Rodriguez

• August 6: Seafood Unlimited, Owner David Einhorn

• August 13: City Tavern, TBD

Schedule for the fall, below.

Mural & Meals Tour Series
When: May 21-November 5
Where: Locations throughout Philadelphia
Cost: $50
More info: www.muralarts.org

Donald Gensler and Jane Golden's 'A Family Garden' adorns the back of a building at 801 N. 40th Street.
(Photo by J. Ramsdale courtesy Mural Arts)

• September 10: Le Virtu, Owner Francis Cratil

• October 1: Noble, Executive Chef Brinn Sinnott

• October 8: Adsum, Chef Matt Levin

• October 22: Le Bec-Fin, Chef Georges Perrier ($60/person)

• October 29: Cafe du Jour, TBD

• November 5: The Farmer’s Cabinet, Chef Peter Felton

As if we need any more incentive to eat Jose Garces' food. (Photo courtesy Garces Restaurant Group)

Everyone think of an excuse to host an event: Chef Jose Garces has introduced Garces Catering, a full-service event-planning division of Garces Restaurant Group.

Available for a wide assortment of events — from an intimate birthday dinner or a bar/bat mitzvah to an office luncheon or even weddings — Garces Catering can design custom menus with dishes from any of Chef Garces’ seven Philadelphia restaurants: Amada’s authentic Andalusian tapas, Tinto’s Basque flavors, Distro’s vibrant Mexican food, Chifa’s Latin-Asian bites, Village Whiskey’s classic American cuisine, JG Domestic’s artisanal American food and drink, or Garces Trading Company’s gourmet charcuterie, pastries and the like.

And for events of 150 guests or more, Garces Catering offers various set menus comprised of salad, entrée and dessert courses, passed hors d’oeuvres, cheese and charcuterie plates or an antipasti bar plus Garces’ signature line of custom-roasted coffee. Alcoholic beverage pairings can be suggested, but must be supplied by guests.

Not only can Garces Catering host events in the Cira Center lobby adjacent to JG Domestic, but the company provides services from setup to breakdown, and can enlist outside vendors for invitations, flowers, music, valet services, lighting and design. It’s basically an all-inclusive service designed to take all the guesswork out of event-planning, complemented by award-winning cuisine.

PLUS: for a more casual event, the Guapos Tacos food truck is available. To reserve the truck at an event, there is a one-hour minimum for 50 or more guests.

As Chef Garces says, “For me, the greatest joy of being in this business is sharing special occasions with guests visiting our restaurants. Now, we can finally bring that experience directly from our kitchens and incorporate it into any celebration in a new and exciting way.” Sign us up!

Garces Catering [Official Site]

Philadelphia has no shortage of top-notch Mexican restaurants, many of which are celebrating today's Cinco de Mayo with festive fiestas. (Photos courtesy El Vez)

Get your margarita on today to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Philadelphia bars and restaurants, of both the Mexican variety and otherwise, are hosting fiestas that include irresistible drink specials, delicious snacks, spicy music and much more.

Check out a few top picks for where to celebrate, below:

• Cantina dos Segundos and Cantina Los Caballitos: The 5th annual Cinco de Mayo party (literally all day, from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.) includes watermelon margaritas, white sangria and an assortment of Mexican snacks. Get it all for the appropriately priced $5.55.

• Distrito: Nosh on tacos, guacamole, nachos and a Cinco de Mayo margarita, all specially priced from $5-7. DJ Lips will get the fiesta going, plus Distrito will also host a Tequila Tasting from 8 to 11 p.m. in the upstairs private dining room.

• El Rey: Leave it to Stephen Starr to hook you up with great drink and food specials; the casual eatery cousin of El Vez doesn’t take reservations so head there early. The “Uno, Dos, Tres, Quattro” happy hour features $1 tacos, $2 Tecates, $3 Coronas and $4 classic margaritas.

• El Vez: Stephen Starr’s original Mexican restaurant will have a DJ, specials, giveaways and a make-your-own T-shirt station.

• Xochitl: Executive Chef Lucio Palazzo will prepare and serve goodies specially crafted for the holiday. Thee tasty dishes are all priced under $10, and the classic Xochitl margarita, made with juiced-to-order limes, is just $6.

• Square 1682: In honor of Cinco de Mayo, Chef Guillermo Tellez will be offering Tostadas de Atun y Guacamole; Queso Fundido con Chorizo y Poblano Rajas; and Enchiladas de Pollo. Wash it all down with their famous Nectar Margarita.

A few more options, below.

• Jolly’s Dueling Piano Bar: They’ll be serving up (in their new location!) beer buckets, $4 margaritas and $3 Landshark Lagers — and there’s no cover. Also, starting at 8 p.m., it’s Jimmy Buffett night. A proper occasion for a trip to Margaritaville.

• Lolita: Marcie Turney is dishing up a three-course prix fixe dinner for $38. It includes tequila-cured salmon tostadas, chile braised short ribs, grilled pork adobado, a Yucatan style chicken breast, and much more. Bring your own tequila for the BYOB’s fresh made mixers and margarita fixings.

• Cantina Feliz: Jose Garces protégé Tim Spinner will celebrate his inaugurak Cinco de Mayo at his own restaurant with 50 different types of tequilas, three flavors of margaritas and a whole, roasted in-house pig.

• Matyson: If you’re seeking a more sophisticated celebration, enjoy a Mexican tasting menu with courses including ahi tuna ceviche, rock shrimp tamales and carne asada with black beans, corn and queso fresco. $45 per person.

• Pub & Kitchen: In addition to drink specials and light appetizers, today’s 6-9 p.m. happy hour benefiting Nest will also feature a global raffle and a small assortment of handcrafted items available for sale (all made by Nest loan recipients). Cover charge is $25.

• Valanni: Up for a “Cinco de Mayo Smackdown”? Two tequilas will be competing to be the favorite for the night: Tequila Patron and Tequila Don Roberto. They’ll also have $5 margaritas and $25 pitchers until 2 a.m., $3 Tecate and Corona, and $5 Latin-inspired tapas (Spicy Pulled Chicken Empanadas, Housemade Guacamole, Chickpeas & Chorizo, Quesadillas).

• Avenida: This Latin-inspired restaurant voted Best Kids Menu by Philadelphia Magazine, celebrates Cinco de Mayo with five $5 food & drink specials that include traditional favorites, margaritas, quesadillas and more. Coconut tres leches cake? Yes please.

• Coyote Crossing: What’s on the table at this authentic Mexican suburban spot: drink specials outside on the patio, $3 beer specials all weekend long, DJ Dance party, $5 margatitas and more.

Enjoy Mexican snacks and sips all afternoon and night long. (Photo courtesy Distrito)

While the unofficial start of summer may be Memorial Day, everyone knows the celebrating starts on Cinco de Mayo. And where better to celebrate Mexico’s victory over the French (did you know that was the basis of the holiday?) than at Jose Garces’ Mexican hot spot Distrito.

The day starts downstairs with Mexican snacks like tacos, guacamole, nachos and a special Cinco de Mayo margarita, all specially priced from $5-7. DJ Lips will get the fiesta going, spinning everything from hip hop to classic rock to her own special mash-ups.

For those looking for a more intimate experience with their tequila, Distrito will host a Tequila Tasting from 8 to 11 p.m. in the upstairs private dining room. A limited number of guests (80) will delight in 10 varieties of tequila as well as passed dishes such as Atun Ceviche, Los Hongos Huaraches and Duck Barbacoa Quesadillas.

Still need a reason to skip out of work early on May 5? Did we mention the $5 margaritas?

Cinco de Mayo at Distrito
Where: 3945 Chestnut Street
When: 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. (Tequila Tasting from 8 to 11 p.m.)
Cost: Party is free, Tequila Tasting is $35 in advance; $45 at the door
More info: www.distritorestaurant.com

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day today at Distrito with their brand-new happy hour menu, available 5-7 p.m. (Photo courtesy Distrito)

Jose Garces’ University City hot spot Distrito debuts its new Happy Hour menu today, 5-7 p.m.

Known for its eclectic pink ambiance and extensive selection of first-class tequilas, Distrito’s cantina is revamping its current happy hour menu to show off its chic modern Mexican fare.

The menu features five creative cocktails ranging from $5-$7, and with names like Tequilachilada and Spanish Fly, the spirits are sure to bring out your adventurous side. Tequila not your thing? $2 cans of Tecate and $3 cans Modelo are available to wet your whistle, as well as a select choice of premium Spanish wines.

The cantina will also serve up happy hour staples such as nachos with skirt steak, guacamole and salsa; the menu will also feature chorizo with queso mixto, chicken enchiladas with red chile sauce and pulled pork, and yellowfin tuna tacos.

The new Happy Hour menu was hand-picked by restaurateur extraordinaire Garces and will be offered every Monday-Friday from 5-7 p.m.

Distrito
3945 Chestnut Street
www.distritorestaurant.com