Go See Sienna's Show at the Wexler

A fan of First Friday? Bored with the usual happy hour routine? This Friday, May 2 at 5PM, our friend Sienna Freeman is curating a show at the famous Wexler Gallery, 201 N. 3rd Street. Called (In)Between, "[t]he exhibition is based loosely on the idea of Vanitas- 16th century Dutch still-life paintings that celebrate life’s pains and pleasures while meditating on their inevitable loss." We are very proud of Sienna, the Associate Director of the Gallery, and urge everyone to go support local artists, decorate your homes better, and get some free wine!
Check it out here:
http://wexlergallery.com/wexler.html

Apothecary is the Coolest

Apothecary is the latest addition to the newly risen Restaurant Row along 13th Street in the newly christened Midtown Village. And oh man! Does it sound cool! The concept is a cocktail restaurant, something this town has been in dire need of. And finally, FINALLY - this place has a roof deck. Previously, the Continental stood alone. Check out the deets below, from Michael Klein's Food and Drinq blog:
http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/foodanddrinq/apothecarydrinks.htm

and

http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/foodanddrinq/apothecaryfood.htm

This place is going to be huge here! I mean, come on - it's good for you!

Lito and the Jags

Lito might be going to Jacksonville this weekend, in return for a package of 2009 draft picks. Draft picks are NOT Chad Johnson. Draft picks are possibilties, sure, but with a QB entering his 10th season, and a defense full of veterans, don't we owe someone, even ourselves, something better than potential? Come on guys - send Lito to Cincinatti, and have him sit on the doorstep and hold his breath. It's worth the shot...
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20080429_Eagles_-_Sources__Jaguars_interested_making_deal_with_Eagles_for_Sheppard.html

Airlines Afoot

So United and UsAir might merge, but no one knows who'll come out on top. We worry about our frequent flyer miles!
http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080428_US_Airways__United_in_advanced_merger_talks.html

Draft Madness!

Welcome, welcome brand new Eagles. Did the birds do well for themselves over the marathon weekend? We won't know for sure for another 5 months, but they certainly seem to have drafted a character (and a hottie, but we won't go there) in Trevor Laws, (DT, Notre Dame). Laws led in tackles for losses last year, managing to shine on a sad 3-9 Notre Dame team. And those praying for some new offensive blood may have their prayers answered by Cal's DeSean Jackson, a fantastic punt returner and WR some are saying might be the offensive answer to McNabb's requests. However, he's tiny, at 5'8" and 170. Then again, many used to say Westbrook was too small, too and look what happened there. All in all, an interesting draft weekend, but again, only time will tell if the Birds did well.
http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080428_Paul_Domowitch__3_new_Eagles_could_have_sudden_impact.html

Now, can we please, please try to get Lito out there for a Chad Johnson?? If Coach Reid can manage to pull that off, in addition to our newest draftees and the Samuel signing earlier this year, there's no stopping the Green Machine...

Sunday, Bloody Sunday

This makes me tired. Like, really, really tired. And the violence is moving. I've been to McDaniels, a number of times, and I never thought I'd need to be afraid of gunfire while there. Another causalty list, follow the link:
http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080428_A_bloody_Sunday_in_Philadelphia.html

More Spring, er, "Summer" Events

Summerfest, the oddly named drinking party at McFadden's, will kick off on Saturday MAY 10th at noon and rock it's way till 2 in the morning. The party is outside in the lot adjacent to McFaddens. Check out more info here:
http://www.springfestphilly.com/ref.asp?id=10

Penn Relays!

The historic Penn Relays began yesterday at University of Pennsylvania, and will run through tomorrow, April 26. If you want tickets, click here and find out if there are any available!
http://www.thepennrelays.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=1720&KEY=&ATCLID=1403834

Casino Games and Players

Plan Philly today reports that Rep. Bill DeWeese (D., Fayette, Green, Washington) has introduced Bill 2121 that will allow casinos to expand beyond slots to table games once they've been in operation one year. While we here at Jilladelphia are on the fence about casinos' presence in the city at all, we firmly believe that if it's going to be done, let it be done right. A mini-Vegas on the Riverfront is certainly better than what we have now, and the flood of money table games (full casinos) can bring is undeniable. What do you think?
http://www.planphilly.com/node/3001

Restaurants Everywhere!!

Michael Klein's "Table Talk" is a treasure trove of information this week regarding exciting new Center City restaurant openings.
http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/20080424_Table_Talk__Les_Bon_Temps_rolls_into_Odeon_s_old_spot.html

Les bons Temps is now open at the site of the old TPDS club, and from reports it's been redone beautifully. Dinner now, lunch coming 5.5 (Celebraqte Cinquo de Mayo Cajun style?)

Other city openings include:
Kanella (discussed below) at 10th and Spruce

Union Gourmet Market and Cafe - 11th and Locust (We'll do more digging on this one)

Apothecary - 13th and Sansom

goodburger! - May 3rd at 17th and Chestnut. This is just exciting news, as more top end burger chains only increase the choices - should be tough competition for 5 Guys down the street...

Zahav (the root of which Klein followed in his blog, "The Making of Zahav": read it here:
http://go.philly.com/zahav)

JL Sullivan's Speakeasy, under the Bellevue at the old Chris' Jazz Cafe location

Table 31 at the new Comcast Center, May 18th. See post below re: Scarduzzio and Perrier's new digs

The Eric Ripert label on Broad Street, 10 Arts, is set to open early next month.

Finally, Chima, a Brazilian steakhouse at 20th & JFK is making it's long-awaited debut on Memorial Day weekend.

Lots of reservations to snag - go get 'em!!

Parkway Dig

Just got back from a stroll through Center City, and can report a small bit of progress on the construction site at 16th and Cherry, on the Parkway. The spot is rumored to become the next home of Capriccio, the long-time Warwick coffee house that closed last week. More small cafes, bars and shops are badly needed on the picturesque strip to increase foot traffic and make the street the pedestrian friendly tourist destination as it was first envisioned!

Temple Law names new Dean

Congratulations, Dean Epps!
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/homepage/20080424_New_Temple_law_dean_has_big_ideas__challenges.html

The Fattest City?

Well, not if Nintendo has it's way. The makers of the hugely popular Wii gaming system are soon to introduce the WiiFit, a Balance Board that connects with games that emphasize exercise! Players will have to hold yoga poses, do pushups and other strength-training exercises for a workout that Nintendo promises will be challenging for the whole fam. Check out the MSN article here:
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/WiiMakerPushingWeightLossGamesToWomen.aspx

More food thoughts

April 30 begins the 3rd Annual "8 days of Eats" event at participating Headhouse Square and South Street Restaurants. It's the South Street version of Restaurant week, with many places offering multi-course meals for $30 (drinks, sadly, are never included). The kick-off is April 29, 7PM. Click here to learn more!
http://www.southstreet.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17:8-days-of-eats&catid=8

Happy (sunny!) day

Southwark has a patio!! Who knew?
http://www.phillymag.com/dining_food_wine/detail/southwark

Wii-ddings

This post really has nothing to do wth Philadelphia, but is too, too cute to pass up. This company makes wedding cake toppers that look just like your Mii. Personally we've always thought ours looks creepily like us, so we gotta say, we might have to spring for one...
http://www.miisculptures.com/

Courtesy of Nerve.com, Modern Materialist...

Restaurant Musings (Because we refuse to write Food for Thought)

Two of our favorite Inquirer reporters have to be Michael Klein and Craig Laban, mainly because they tell us about cool new restaurants and bars, and the yumminess factor of each. We can't explain it, but we are FASCINATED by new restaurants/bars and they possibilities they hold. It's more than just a new place to eat, the possibility that it might become an old-standby and the memories we might make there. It's an intangible, something about the whole process that is just intriguing and always so exciting. It's the style involved in the design. It's the new cuisine that might broaden horizons. Mainly, we think it's the possibility that a new place brings to a neighborhood, especially those that are still expanding and growing. A new place in Franklintown means more people coming to Franklintown, which means more life on formerly empty streets which brings more businesses to serve them and more people to live there. This may sound a little crazy but a new restaurant or bar, more than almost any other kind of business, can mean new life for an old place. The magic of economic expansion and growth. And that is one of the most exciting changes anyone who loves this city can see.

That said, here is a link to Craig Laban's online chat for this week, held every Tuesday over at Philly.com:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/online_extras/

No deal...

Polls will close on schedule....
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/politics/Judge_Polls_Will_Close_As_Scheduled.html

Polling Hours Extended?

According to the Inquirer, Voter Action, a national voter's rights group, has asked a judge to allow Philadelphia polls to remain open until 10PM tonight. There have been many complaints of broken voting machines. The Committee of 70 claims problems have been normal. This is no real surprise to anyone who's voted in a Philadelphia election before. Broken machines, crooked poll workers - these ARE the norm here. We've worked many election days in Philadelphia, trying to minimize the corruption and underhanded practices, and honestly, we've given up. Any good stories of election days past?

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/politics/Extended_Hours_Paper_Ballots.html

And it's Earth Day, too!

So let's all try to reduce our carbon footprint and skip the plastic bag at the grocery store, ok? Thanks. Thanks a lot.

http://www.earthday.gov/

Election Day PA

Just the usual reminder for people to get out and vote.
Gobama!!
Check out all the election updates you'll need here:
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/

Tonight's post-election parties will be held in town. Clinton supporters can head over to the Park-Hyatt Bellevue, where she'll be joining you to watch the results. Here's her site for last minute volunteers, questions, donatins, etc.
http://hillaryclinton.com/?splash=1

Obama's peeps will gather at the Waterworks restaurant to see if he's victorious, though the candidate himself will be keeping track of things from Indiana. His website, for any donations or offers of your time, is right here:
http://origin.barackobama.com/index.php

Polls are open till 8PM. If you have any questions regarding your polling place please contact the Committee of 70 website at www.seventy.org

Table 31 Coming Soon

Table 31 is the name of the new Georges Perrier/Chris Scarduzio joint in the new Comcast Tower. The two formerly worked together at Brasserie Perrier and they've made many changes to the business plan to accomodate 31's opening. Deciding not to compete against themselves, they've revamped the menu at the formerly snobby and overpriced Brass to a true French brasserie, where one can get a killer steak frites for an affordable price.
(Ed. note - the steak frites were admittedly always good and always a pretty good deal compared to the rest of the menu)
Table 31 will be top shelf and it's right across from where we work. Convenient, no? Full report will follow after soft open...

My old hood

is becoming a cluster of new restaurant activity. The old diner standby, Logans, closed for good about four months ago. In it's place, a Greek BYO called Kanella will open this week. Ther is a real shortage of good Greek food in the city (only Effie's and Zorba's really come to mind - Estia is too expensive and a bit flat). Once we get a look at teh menu we'll fill you in.

A new placeis also taking shape across the street at the now defunct Sauce, which may have had one of the worst debuts in the city between poor service, a wine list that came from the bottom shelf of the neighborhood tappy (unforgivable for a wine bar!) and inedible food. No tears there, and let's hope whatever pops in is much-improved. It couldn't be worse...

Comcast's Attempt at Civility

This article in today's Inquirer addresses Comcast's attempts at improving it's image.
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/homepage/20080420_Comcast_s_big_push_to_repair_its_image.html

I don't know about you, but the only company that has a more frustrating customer service experience is Verizon. I can't stand the rigamarole of "turn off your box for 30 seconds" that one needs to go through even before being able to address the problem. And it's never properly fixed when they DO come out. We've had problems with our HD service from the moment it was installed and no matter how often they come out, it never stays fixed for long. A few days max. And that's if they do manage to show up between the hours they say they'll be there, which last time did NOT happen. When I called to see where they were I was told we had been rescheduled for the next day and oh, they couldn't tell us when. Sigh.

I will believe it is a better run company when I see it. I'l give them 2 points for trying to monitor complaints at least - let's see if I get a response, huh? :)

Rock Band Rock Band ROCK BAND!!!!

Every Sunday at Field House from 6-10! Four teams of four will compete in the best video game known to man - Rock Band!! Top prize is $100 off your bar tab the next week, but the real prize is the fun. In case you're not familiar with it, Rock Band truly is the best game ever invented. You can play guitar or bass, you can play the drums, but best of all, you can get points for your singing performance too! In case you can't tell, I HEART Rock Band and will definitely make it out to Field House at least once!!

Field House is 1150 Filbert Street. Even if you can't play or sing, come and enjoy $2 Miller products at the same time!

Flyers Fans Rock it Hard!!

Hee hee, the Washington Post is sad that their team is losing, and they are crying big, weepy tears about what the Bullies bring to each stomping. They said our women and children "look like they could provide security for Megadeath."

Hee. Hee.

PW endorses Obama; wants us to boycott WPVI

Between this article in Philly Weekly:
http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/?inc=article&id=223&x=boycott-action-news&_c=news

and this from the Inquirer's Will Bunch: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/attytood/An_open_letter_to_Charlie_Gibson_and_George_Stephanapoulos.html

we are thinking we won't be feeling the love of Dave Roberts' smile anytime soon. :(

Red, red wine. And white. And sparkling...

The Philadelphia Wine Festival will be held this year at the Convention Center on Saturday, May 10. Over 200 wineries represent from those super famous and expensive ones you've heard of (Cakebread - yums) to those you have not (Grgich Hills - probably yums, too). Picture it - booth after booth of snackies and drinks, all for your sampling pleasure. We are DEFINITELY going to hit this up. Though we may not remember enough to report on it...

Tickets benefit The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (I love drinking for a good cause), and $225 per person VIP; $125 for general admission.

The VIP pre-event tasting runs 5-6:30, and the event itself goes from 6:30 to 9PM.

The Most Wonderful Time of The Year! Rittenhouse Row Fest Announced

That's right, kids! This year's Rittenhouse Row Festival will kick off on Wednesday, April 30th, with events every day till the big Rittenhouse Row Street Fair on Saturday, May 3rd. If you haven't been, this event is one of the biggest and best street fairs in the city (second only to lesser-known and more intimate Antiques Row Fest, traditionally held in June). All the Rittenhouse Row restaurants are on hand to sell bite sized samples and specialty cocktails. There are tons of musical guests, puppeteers and shows for the whole family. Seriously, if you do nothing else this year, come out and join in the fun. Bring the dog and the baby and get to snacking!

Festival begins Wednesday night April 30, 6-8PM at the Ritz Carlton!

A Free Plug for a Good Cause with an Out of Towner

Help my friend Sarah win!
DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS (WITH GIRLS!)826NYC hosts a Dungeons and Dragons Game Unlike Any Other to Raise Money for its Free Writing and Tutoring Programs for ChildrenFriday, May 9th, 7 to Midnight at 826NYC (372 5th Avenue, Brooklyn).

That's right, fellas. Dungeons and Dragons isn't just for teenage boys anymore.

We know you miss those late Friday nights in your parents' basement, with your friends, your Doritos®-stained fingers and your lucky D20. And now that one thing that was missing from those perfect Friday nights wants to join the game: girls.DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS (WITH GIRLS!) is a benefit for the students of 826NYC.

On May 9th, boys and girls alike will have the opportunity to send their heroic alter-egos into an uncharted dungeon in search of a lost crown. The characters you create will be pitted against monsters, traps, and each other in a contest to be the king (or queen) of an ancient fictitious kingdom (or queendom). To join the game, all you need to do is visit http://www.826nyc.org/DnD to create your character, then start raising money to buy magic spells, weapons and items, to ensure that your dwarf, warrior, wizard, or thief comes home with the prize. And all the money you and your character raise will go to support the free writing programs at 826NYC.
Who: Anyone 21 or older
What: We're playing Dungeons and Dragons and raising money for 826NYC. There is an entry fee of $25 for boys (girls play for free).
When: Friday, May 9th, 7 to Midnight (Doritos and Pepsi and adult beverages — finally — will be provided).
Where: 826NYC (372 5th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn, Between 5th St. and 6th St.)
Why: For the kids (all proceeds go to benefit 826NYC), for a real crown, and for the lands, title, and rule of a kingdom that doesn't actually exist!
How: Go to http://www.826nyc.org/DnD and all will be explained (For the newcomers, trust us, it's very simple).

Check here for news, rules, and updatesAbout 826NYC:826NYC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Services are structured around the belief that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.
With this in mind 826NYC provides drop-in tutoring, after-school workshops, in-schools tutoring, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications. Drawing from a volunteer base of over 1,000, which includes many teachers, writers and journalism professionals, 826NYC unites eager students with eager helpers. All of 826NYC's programs are challenging and enjoyable, and ultimately they serve to strengthen each student's power to express ideas effectively, creatively, confidently, and in his or her individual voice. www.826nyc.org For more info about 826NYC or Dungeons and Dragons (With Girls!), please contact Jen Snow, jennifer@826nyc.org

Cool Ass Products

And a plug for one of our favorite new blogs, the Modern Materialist on nerve.com
(http://www.nerve.com/CS/blogs/modernmaterialist/default.aspx)

It's called the Remember Ring, and it kicks ass. It looks like a men's wedding band, but oh it is so much more. All you have to do is program in a date and wear the ring. 24 hours before the magic day, the ring heats up to 120 degrees and gets progressively hotter all day long. Too bad silvercain isn't included...

Time for Time! In Vintage Fashion

Tonight is the grand opening of Time, the new steakhouse/clubhouse dealie from Jason and Delphine Evenchik of Vintage Wine Bar Fame. It's supposed to be pretty swank, which'll be a HUGE change from the rundown ambience of the dearly departed Ludwig's, which occupied that space for seemingly forever. If anyone gets there before me, let me know what you think! Decor, food, especially the wine list - we want to know it all. If not, I'll post about it as soon as I have my first sip and sup. It's always rough going the first three or four weeks, though, so be forgiving.

Crazy Wide Receivers - Do we have a shot??

This just out of Cleveland - Chad Johnson is refusing to report for June's mandatory mini-camp, stating flat-out that he does not want to play for the Cincinnati Bengals, and will not report to "anything." To date the Bengals have remained firm in their claim that they will not trade the troublesome but ultra-talented wide receiver, but perhaps we can interest them in a talented, lightly used, slightly injury-prone cornerback, hmmm??? He's got personality, to be sure, but I'll take some more drama on a Superbowl run!

New Blog, new posts for a New Day!

Hey Everyone,
This site is dedicated to my little corner of the world, downtown Philly. I've got a deep and abiding love for this place, so I wanted to create a place for fun updates on restaurants, the arts, concerts, happenings, architecture,. development, local politics and more. Anything and everything Philly. I felt like there isn't any one good place to get all the info you need. I'm not able to yet either, but I think together, we can get there. So let me know what's going on. Let me know what you think. Let's have fun together!