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The American Swedish Historical Museum To Host The Third Annual Great Meatball Match Up This Sunday, October 7

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Get your meatball fix at the American Swedish Historical Museum's annual Great Meatball Match Up competition this Sunday, October 7. (Photo courtesy American Swedish Historical Museum)

One of the tastiest comfort foods of fall is meatballs, especially of the delicious Swedish variety.

Happily, the American Swedish Historical Museum is hosting its third annual Great Meatball Match Up this Sunday, October 7, a year competition for amateur and professional chefs co-presented by the South Philly Review.

Attendees and local contestants will be able to taste and vote for the Best Professional Meatball, and a special panel of judges will choose the best amongst the amateurs’ entries.

Potentially prize-winning meatballs include: Plenty, Brauhaus Schmitz, Dad’s Stuffings and, of course, Ikea.

For information on how to become a contestant, call the museum at (215) 389-1776.

Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and $4 for ages 4-12. Kids under 4 enter for free. Bread will be served along with the meatballs, and beverages will be available for purchase.

The 3rd Annual Great Meatball Match Up at the American Swedish Historical Museum
When: Sunday, October 7, 4-6 p.m.
Where: 1900 Pattison Avenue
Cost: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, $4 for ages 4-12, children under 4 free
More info: www.americanswedish.org


Brauhaus Schmitz To Host A Bottomless Beer Happy Hour, Thursday, October 25

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Oktoberfest at Brauhaus Schmitz didn't end with their huge South Street block party; stop by the German hotspot on Thursday, October 25 for an all-you-can-drink fundraiser for the local Center for Literacy. (Photos courtesy Brauhaus Schmitz)

Brauhaus Schmitz is making your dreams of endless beer a reality on Thursday, October 25 at their Oktoberfest happy hour event.

From 5:30-8 p.m. fill a bottomless liter mug with your choice of five different drafts.

This Oktoberfest festival is different than the rest; while you’re getting your drink on, you will also be raising money for the Center for Literacy.

Tickets for the event are $30, but $10 of each ticket will be donated to the cause. There are only spots for 100 guests, so act fast: contact Kathy Meck at (215) 474-1235 ext. 231 or email her at meck@centerforliteracy.org in order to reserve your spot.

Oktoberfest Happy Hour at Brauhaus Schmitz
When: Thursday, October 25, 5:30-8 p.m.
Where: Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South Street
Cost: $30
More info: www.centerforliteracy.org

Tonight Picks: Academy Of Music’s Monster Ball, Opening Night Of Freud’s Last Session At The Arden Theatre, Oktoberfest Happy Hour At Brauhaus Schmitz, Whiskey Festival, PAFA After Dark And More

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PAFA After Dark is back at the gorgeous Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, this time celebrating the legacy of locally bred architect Frank Furness. (Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC)

[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!]

Young Friends Of The Academy Monster Ball: Tonight at the Orpheus Club of Philadelphia, support the Academy of Music at the Second annual Monster’s Ball. Dress up in your best Halloween costume and enjoy delicious drinks from Philadelphia Distilling while dancing to the beats of DJ Adrian Hardy.

When: Thursday, October 25, 7-11 p.m.
Where: The Orpheus Club of Philadelphia, 254 S. Van Pelt Street
Cost: $50-$65; get $15 off by using the discount code ‘uwishunu’

Freud’s Last Session: Opening tonight at the Arden Theatre, Freud’s Last Session is an intellectual yet humorous play about an imagined meeting of Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis. Directed by Philadelphia actor Ian Merrill Peakes, the debate discusses God, love, science and man’s place in the universe. The play will not only entertain, but get you thinking too.

When: Thursday, October 25, 8 p.m.
Where: Arden Theatre, 40 N. 2nd Street
Cost: $36-$48

Treasures Jewelry Sale and Show Preview Gala: The Penn Museum’s jewelry sale and show doesn’t technically start until tomorrow, but for those who can’t wait, there is a preview gala tonight! Treat your eyes to a wide range of jewelry from more than two dozen designers and jewelers. Details on the rest of the show, running through Sunday, here.

When: Thursday, October 25
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South Street
Cost: $175

PAFA After Dark’s Designed With Love: From 6-9 p.m. head over to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Historic Landmark Building to celebrate the architecture of Philadelphia’s own Frank Furness. As you listen to music from DJ Apt One, enjoy cocktails and explore the work of Frank Furness, you can also fulfill your shopping needs at Anthropologie’s pop-up shop where designs by PAFA students will be up for sale.

When: Thursday, October 25, 6-9 p.m.
Where: PAFA’s Historic Landmark Building, 118 N. Broad Street
Cost: Free for PAFA members, $10 advance, $15 at door (based on availability)

Oktoberfest Happy Hour at Brauhaus Schmitz: Head over to Brauhaus Schmitz tonight for an endless supply of beer. From 5:30-8 p.m. fill your liter mugs up time and time again will raising money for a good cause, the Center for Literacy.

When: Thursday, October 25, 5:30-8 p.m.
Where: Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South Street
Cost: $30

More Tonight Picks, below.

Longchamp and InStyle “More is More” Cocktail Party: Mingle with fellow fashionistas tonight at the King of Prussia mall. Longchamp is teaming up with InStyle magazine to celebrate the Longchamp Paris 2012 “More is More” Collection. The in-store cocktail party celebrates the 2012 collection with champagne, hors d’ouvres and live jazz.

When: Thursday, October 25, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Longchamp Boutique at the King of Prussia Plaza, 160 N. Gulph Road
Cost: Pay as you go

GLOW In The Park At FDR: The Fairmount Park Conservancy is hosting their first “GLOW in the Park” event tonight at the boathouse at FDR Park. Music will be provided by Hazie Blu and food will be available from some of Philly’s favorite food trucks like Foo Truck and Sweetbox Cupcakes.

When: Thursday, October 25, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Boathouse at FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue
Cost: Fairmount Park Conservancy Members, $45, Non-Members, $75

Philadelphia Film Festival: The film festival is quickly coming to an end. Don’t let the opportunity of watching great movies with a great crowd slip by. See what’s playing tonight and pay the festival a visit. And while you’re there, enjoy dinner from one of the delicious food trucks.

When: Through October 28
Where: Various locations
Cost: Varies

Terror Behind the Walls: Scare yourself silly tonight at Eastern State Penitentiary. It’s another event that is quickly coming to an end, so add a little fright to your night before the event ends.

When: Thursday, October 25
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue
Cost: Varies

Mega-Bad Movie Night: Mega-Bad Movie Night is back, and tonight, Bigfoot will be playing. Not only do you get to watch an “awesomely awful” movie, but the Academy of Natural Sciences invites guests to explore the museum before showtime. And then, during the movie, munch on snacks and enjoy Drink Philly sponsored beer. If the movie has you wondering if there is a Bigfoot wandering around somewhere, experts will be in attendance to discuss the possibility.

When: Thursday, October 25, 6:30-10 p.m.
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cost: $15

Pumpkin Head at Standard Tap: Pumpkin beer served out of a pumpkin gourd, nothing could be more festive! Starting at 4 p.m., drink up with 10 of the best pumpkin brews from the area like, Dogfish Head, Woodchuck and Manayunk.

When: Thursday, October 25, 4 p.m.-close
Where: Standard Tap, 901 N. 2nd Street
Cost: $10 for the gourd, $2 for refills

Slam, Bam, Thank You Ma’am at the Pen and Pencil Club: Tonight at the Pen and Pencil Club, write with all of your might in celebration of the written word. Musician, Andrew Keller will be the event’s new host. Write to impress for a chance to win fun prizes!

When: Thursday, October 25, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Pen and Pencil Club, 1522 Latimer Street
Cost: Free

The Dark Arts in the Dark Ages: Join historian Elly R. Truitt at her discussion about medieval demons, magic and pacts with the devil tonight at the Wagner Free Institute of Science. With Halloween getting nearer and nearer, its the perfect time to get a little spooked.

When: Thursday, October 25, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 West Montgomery Avenue
Cost: Free, but requested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors

Philadelphia Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival: Enjoy tasty spirits tonight at Lincoln Financial Field at the Philadelphia Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival hosted by Philadelphia magazine. Choose from over 200 spirits of all of the types of liquor that you can imagine. Local restaurants will offer bites to pair with your booze.

When: Thursday, October 25, 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, 1020 Pattison Avenue
Cost: $90 in advance, $100 at the door, $150 VIP

An Evening with Ann Coulter: Talk Radio 1210 host Chris Stigall will host an evening with bestselling author Ann Coulter at the National Constitution Center. In her most recent book, Mugged: Racial Demagoguery from the Seventies to Obama, she takes a look at race and politics in the last 40 years. Tonight she will discuss her new book which is bound to start fires about race and politics.

When: Thursday, October 25, 7 p.m.
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street
Cost: $35

Countdown: 10 Days Until The Craft Beer Express And Karneval Brunch Party, Returning November 10-11

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There’s no denying Philadelphia’s love for beer, and the popularity of the biannual Craft Beer Express is particularly telling.

The mobile beer blow-out is back November 10-11, with a few great updates.

First of all, tickets are now limited so that CBX can ensure you have a good time and plenty of room to mingle. They’ve also added several more buses this year to reduce wait times.

The Craft Beer Express is devoted to giving you a taste of the bar-owners of Philly’s love for micro brews. It’s a simple concept, with a complex menu of full-flavor beers being served up at some of the city’s best craft beer houses.

Busses will make a pretty comprehensive loop of the outskirts of Center City, taking you from Fishtown, to Northern Liberties, to Fairmount, to South Philly, Old City and back.

Stops include Kraftwork, Johnny Brenda’s, Standard Tap, Institute, Bishop’s Colar, Kite & Key, Jose Pistolas, Sidecar, P.O.P.E., Devil’s Den, Brauhaus Schmitz and Race Street Cafe.

They’ve got you covered on hangover cures, too. Join them them on Sunday, November 11, for the Karneval Party at Brauhaus Schmitz. The fete will feature Kolsch, brunch food, cocktails and a costume competition.

Buy your CBX tickets from now up until the day of the event here. Start the pub crawl from where you bought the bus ticket from and then continue riding to the other destinations. Cheers!

Craft Beer Express
When: Saturday, November 10, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Karneval Party on Sunday, November 11, 11:00 a.m.
Where: Various locations
Cost: Pub crawl bus tickets $10 each, pay as you go for beers and brunch
More info: www.craftbeerexpress.com

Brauhaus Schmitz Debuts Its Reading Terminal Outpost Wursthaus Schmitz Today, November 1

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Reading Terminal Market's newest addition, from the powerhouse Brauhaus Schmitz team, makes its official debut today. (Photo courtesy Wursthaus Schmitz)

UPDATE: Due to unforeseen delays, Brauhaus is now hoping to open Wursthaus at Reading Terminal on Friday.

Beer gardens were all the rage this summer in Philadelphia, Oktoberfest is on its way to becoming a regular American holiday and now South Street staple Brauhaus Schmitz is expanding.

Starting today, Reading Terminal Market is about to become even more Euro-fab with a delicious taste of Germany added to the the long list of cuisines they already have for your tastebuds’ pleasure.

The mouth-watering smell of brats grilling will now be mingled into all of the aromas at the market, with the debut of Wursthaus Schmitz.

Brauhaus Schmitz opened up their traditional South Street drink hall/foodery a little over three years ago and has since become a Deutsche destination. For Wursthaus Schmitz, expect a taste of the same great German grub from Chef Jeremy Nolen including wursts, salads, charcuterie, spreads, pretzels and, eventually, hot sandwiches and platters.

Wursthaus Schmitz
Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th Street
www.readingterminalmarket.org

Roundup: Where To Watch The 2012 Presidential Election Returns In Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 6

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Election Day — Vote

Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 6, is Election Day 2012. And we know we don’t have to remind you how important it is to get out there and vote, no matter who it’s for.

So here are a few helpful voting-related links for Philadelphia residents. If you need to need to check on your voter registration, go here. If you need to find your polling place, go here.

There are four ballot questions on the ballot in Philadelphia — don’t forget you’re voting on more than just President! — check out this helpful rundown from the Committee of Seventy. They also have a complete, non-partisan guide to all the races.

Polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

And you do NOT need a photo ID, unless you are a first-time voter or voting for the first time at a new polling place. More details here.

(For New Jersey residents still affected by Hurricane Sandy, check out all the ways Governor Chris Christie is encouraging people to vote.)

Election Night — Where To Watch The Returns

Once the polls close at 8 p.m., it’s time to dig in for a long night of watching the returns come in.

And we know a lot of you are going to want to head out somewhere to watch the results come in with friends. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of places that are hosting events or specials for watching as the election results come in Tuesday evening. And be prepared for a late night — it’s a close race.

Yards Brewing Company: In honor of the momentous events, Yards Brewing Company is distributing their Ales of the Revolution — Thomas Jefferson’s Tavern Ale, George Washington’s Porter, Poor Richard’s Spruce (inspired by Ben Franklin) — among local bars and restaurants including McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Khyber Pass Pub, POPE, Grey Lodge, Resurrection Ale House, Local 44, Memphis Taproom, Kite and Key, Jose Pistola’s, Varga Bar and more. All they ask is that you “Vote Yards this Election Day!”. Check for participating locations here.

DIVIDED: An Election Party & Exhibition at the Ice Box at the Crane Arts Building: Artists Amanda Benton and Hope Rovelto will be hosting a unique display in honor of the election at the Crane Arts Building. Starting at 7 p.m., live feeds of the election results will be projected alongside the artists’ exhibition. You’ll be able to see many perspectives and news outlets as they learn the fate of the election. The exhibition includes politically themed broadsides, newspapers, ceramics, T-shirts, an interactive map of the U.S. and more. The admission fee is $20 and gets you a ceramic cup perfect for filling with unlimited beers and enjoying the games, music, art and live history-in-the-making.

“Stat of the Union” at the Kelly Writers House: Enjoy homemade snacks while you take a look at some creations by members of the Writers House at the Kelly Writers House of University of Pennsylvania. They’ll be taking statistical data to a whole new level, pushing it to “absurd but inevitable ends,” with this fascinating display of infographic art. They’ll be watching election returns live on television, too, so you’ll have plenty of things to keep you amused as you anxiously await the turnout.

Devil’s Alley: Get $5 specialty cocktails at Devil’s Alley in honor of the election — Obama Mama or Romney Runner, anyone? — as results play at the upstairs bar with sound on.

Doobies Bar: Happy hour will run until 9 p.m. in honor of Election Night, in addition to dollar dogs.

Smokin’ Betty’s: After voting, head to Devil’s Alley’s sister tavern and enjoy $3 beers and $5 glasses of wine starting at 9 p.m. as you watch the returns. Bonus: sound will be on!

Election Party at Temple Contemporary: Temple Contemporary invites you to an election night bash featuring the musical curation of Philadelphia’s own King Britt. More than 20,000 balloons will fall from the ceiling at 10 p.m., as the election results are announced. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Malt House LTD: Stop by the store on Elmen Street in Mt. Airy and sample some great new brews they’re featuring on November 6. Local home brewers will be sharing their Official White House Honey Porter in honor of the election.

7165 Lounge Election Party in Mt. Airy: Everett Stanton, the man behind the Obama Boutique on Germantown Avenue, is hosting an election returns watch party at 7165 Lounge. They anticipate that the party will really start once the polls close at 8 p.m., but doors open at noon that day. Click here for more information.

Tria “Yes We Can!” Beer Specials: Tria Rittenhouse and Tria Wash West will be rewarding voters with a nicely priced cold one all day and night on Election Day. After all, what could be more American than drinking an ice-cold can of beer? Nab Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale for $2.50 or Oskar Blues G’Knight Imperial Red/Double IPA for $3.

Election Watch Party at Field House Sports Bar & Restaurant: There will be drink specials and food all night long at Field House as guests watch the election results come in with the Human Rights Campaign and Equality Pennsylvania. A $5 donation is suggested for the Equality Watch 2012 party, and with that, you’ll receive a Vote Obama wristband. Donate $10 and get a Vote Obama T-shirt and drink on the house.

Yuengling Brewery Drink to Democracy: If you vote on November 6, Yuengling would like to salute you by allow you to drink lagers for just $1 a piece. Text “I Voted” to 74455 and show your phone to your bartender at the participating locations.

The Blockley: The West Philly music venue is combining Election Night with a Hurricane Sandy Benefit party and offering a free drink to anyone bringing 10 cans of food. From 8–10 p.m. they’ll offer unlimited wings and fries, and all night long toss back $2 Coors Light, $3 well drinks and $4 select craft beers. According to Drink Philly, there will also be voting games to pass the time — for example: “Vote on which craft beer should be $4 this hour!”

SoWe: This Graduate Hospital neighborhood bar will host an election party with “bipartisan drink specials,” Big Bird Wings and more. Bonus: every Tuesday is buck-a-shuck oysters from 4 p.m.-midnight with $2 tall beer cans. Also, your first beer is on the house when you show your “I Voted” sticker!

Ms. Tootsie’s: Starting at 6 p.m., enjoy food and drink specials plus a live DJ at South Street’s Ms. Tootsie’s.

The 700: Tomorrow night, in lieu of the normal Philebrity Salon, Philebrity will be at The 700 watching election results roll in. Enjoy election-themed drinks like The Goldwater, The Obama Bahama Mama and The Paul Rye ‘n Ginger Beer. Also, The 700 will also be hosting a swing state betting pool, in which the winners who picked the way nine swing states went will split the money.

Swann Lounge at the Four Seasons: From 3 p.m. until close, Swann Lounge at the Four Seasons will screen the election results. You can also enjoy the exclusive patriotic red, white and blue cocktail they’ve created for the 2012 election day. It’s called the Pennsylvania Avenue, and it’s made with local Penn 1681 Vodka, blue curacao, white cranberry juice and lime juice. Bonus: show your “I Voted!” sticker to receive $1 off any Signature Cocktail.

Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House: Starting at 5 p.m., catch live CNN coverage in the bar area, fortified by $5 election-inspired cocktails including Liberal Lemonades, Conservative Cosmos, the “Mitt” Julep and the “Barackin’” Mai Tai.

We’ve also got a list, below, of some other spots that will be tuning in to the election returns, with their normal nightly drink and food menus.

Alla Spina
Frankford Hall
Cantina Los Caballitos
Warmdaddy’s
Standard Tap
Kraftwork
The Dandelion
City Tap House
Landmark Americana
Sampan
Perch Pub
Revolution House
Brauhaus Scmidtz
Table 31
Growlers
Jet Wine Bar

Bonus:

National Constitution Center: The National Constitution Center is hosting election festivities all day long on November 6, where you can learn some more about the political candidates, join in presidential trivia and Political Cartoons 101, design your own campaign buttons, read and deliver a famous presidential speech, get a snapshot with the Center’s mascots, Donny the Donkey and Ellie the Elephant and much more. It’s open until 5 p.m.

Night Kitchen Bakery: Night Kitchen Bakery in Chestnut Hill is whipping up presidential candidate iced vanilla shortbread cookies in one of two flavors: Obama or Romney. The three-to-four-inch round treats go for $3.50 each, and are prepared fresh on site. A running tally is being kept in the front window, as well as on Night Kitchen’s Facebook page, so if you see your candidate falling behind, pop over and scoop up a few more.

Shake Shack: Get a coupon for a free shake if you go to Shake Shack today and pledge to vote!

Franklin Fountain Commander-in-Chief Phosphate Election: Cast your vote via this online ballot and choose the fate of the flavors of Franklin Fountain ice cream for the next four years. Named in honor of some previous presidential candidates from 100 years back in the 1912 election, check off your voter card for the mix most likely to do your tastebuds right. Will the “Commander-in-Chief” Phosphate be the Socialist Party’s Eugene V. Debs Wonder Worker Tonic, the Republican Party’s William H. Taft Taft Soda, A Winner, the Democratic Party’s Woodrow Wilson Wilson Punch or the Progressive Party’s Theodore Roosevelt Teddy’s Favorite? Vote by November 13 and reap the benefits of your civic duty to demand deliciousness.

[Photo credit: Shutterstock]

Chefs Jeremy Nolen And Michael Solomonov Team Up For A “Beer Vs. Wine Pairing Dinner” At Brauhaus Schmitz, Tuesday, November 20

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Three Philadelphia food and drink pros are teaming up at Brauhaus Schmitz on November 20. (Photo courtesy Brauhaus Schmitz)

On Tuesday, November 20 at 7 p.m., Chef Michael Solomonov and sommelier Marnie Old are pairing up with Brauhaus Schmitz Executive Chef Jeremy Nolen and owner Doug Hager for a night of sips, suds and German-inspired plates.

The “Beer vs. Wine Pairing Dinner” presents passed hors d’oeuvres and five courses each accompanied by one beer chosen by Hager and a wine option selected by Old.

It’s up to you to decide the winning combination for each dish.

A glimpse at the menu reveals chestnut-stuffed pasta with pumpernickel crumbs and aged gouda, chicken liver schnitzel “BLT,” halibut-stuffed cabbage rolls with passion fruit-mango pickle, confit pork belly alongside turnip-sauerkraut gratin and maggi glaze and lastly, malted pot de creme and chocolate covered pretzel sticks for dessert.

The food/wine/beer combo comes in at the $75 mark (plus tax and gratuity).

Reservations can be made via City Eats here. Note: you have to first sign up for a (totally free) City Eats membership. For more information, call (216) 909-8814.

Beer Vs. Wine Pairing Dinner
Where: Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South Street
When: Tuesday, November 20, 7 p.m.
Cost: $75 plus tax & gratuity
More info: www.brauhausschmitz.com

Check Out The Expanded Brauhaus Schmitz At The Friends Of Schuylkill Banks’ Third Annual Holiday Party, Wednesday, December 5

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Join the Friends of Schuylkill Banks at the group’s Third Annual Holiday Party, scheduled for Wednesday night, December 5 at the newly expanded Brauhaus Schmitz.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the South Street German beer hall’s brand new extension, boasting 2,000 additional square feet of space to eat and drink, and 10 more taps, this is your opportunity.

The room has a bar top cut from a single spruce tree, a reclaimed antique stove from 1880 that’s been converted to gas and a custom beer tower built in Slovenia that will have an operational steam whistle in lieu of a tip bell. Pretty awesome.

The party, $10 in advance and $15 at the door, includes delicious hors d’oeuvres, holiday music, drink specials and raffle prizes. All proceeds go towards maintenance and operational work on Philadelphia’s beloved Schuylkill Banks.

Get tickets online right here.

Friends of Schuylkill Banks’ Third Annual Holiday Party
When: Wednesday, December 5, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South Street
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door
More info: www.fosb.eventbrite.com


Tonight Picks: City Hall Tree Lighting, Repeal Day Festivities, Deb Perelman Of Smitten Kitchen At The Free Library, Chestnut Hill’s Stag & Doe Night And More

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Philadelphia's First Lady Lisa Nutter will do the honors of illuminating the City Hall Christmas tree at Love Park tonight at 5 p.m. (Credit: GPTMC)

[The holidays in Philadelphia are totally action-packed, and we want to help you cherry-pick from all the events and activities going on. On 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!]

City Hall Tree Lighting: Tonight, Philadelphia’s official Christmas tree will be light up by Philadelphia’s first lady Lisa Nutter, Mayor Nutter’s wife. She’ll light up the tree, located in the Christmas Village at Love Park, alongside a fun cast of characters. During the event, enjoy mulled wine from Chaddsford Winery and browse hundreds of Christmas ornaments, homemade gifts and jewelry from 60 vendors at the Christmas Village.

Where: Love Park, 1500 Arch Street
When: Wednesday, December 5, 5 p.m.
Cost: Free

2012 Stag & Doe Nights in Chestnut Hill: Tonight is the first night of Chestnut Hill’s Stag & Doe shopping nights. Avoid the chaos of holiday shopping at the mall by stopping by the shops in Chestnut Hill. Germantown Ave will be welcoming shoppers tonight with holiday decorations and cheer. Enjoy carolers as you shop along the avenue.

Where: Along Germantown Avenue
When: Wednesday, December 5, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Pay as you go

Repeal Day Party at XFINITY Live!: December 5, 1933 marked the end of prohibition in America. If this isn’t reason to celebrate, we don’t know what is. Tonight, XFINITY Live! is hosting a cocktail party with jazz, h’ors d’oeuvres and all the makings of a Prohibition style party. It’s presented in conjunction with the National Constitution Center’s American Spirits exhibition. Guests are requested to dress to impress in their finest 30′s attire. So, pull out the flapper dresses, ladies, and men, wear your best fedora tonight at XFINITY Live!

Where: XFINITY Live!, 1100 Pattison Avenue
When: Wednesday, December 5, 8-11 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend, pay as you go for food and drink

Repeal Day Festivities: For more Repeal Day parties in addition to the Xfinity Live celebration, check out our roundup right here.

The 12 Cans Of Christmas at Percy Street Barbecue: Named the Number 1 Place in America for Craft Beer In Cans earlier this year, Percy Street Barbecue is flexing its craft beer muscles for their 12 Cans of Christmas event. Guests will be offered a different half-priced beer each day along with free bar snacks. Tonight, the beer of choice is Narragansett Brewing Company’s Gansett Porter. After enjoying your canned craft beer, add your empties to the 2012 Percy Street Christmas tree.

Where: Percy Street Barbecue, 900 South Street
When: Wednesday, December 5, 5-7 p.m.
Cost: Pay as you go

Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen at the Free Library: Deb Perelman of the hugely popular food blog (and now book), Smitten Kitchen, will be at the free library tonight at 7:30 p.m. The National Museum of American Jewish History and the Free Library teamed up to bring her to Philadelphia for food-knowledge-hungry guests. Best part: it’s free!

Where: Central Library, 1901 Vine Street
When: Wednesday, December 5, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

More Tonight Picks, below.

Adresse Holiday Doe and Stag Wish List Party: Tonight marks the second and last holiday wish list party at Adresse Boutique this season. At the last event last week, ladies created their Adresse wish list; this week, men can swiftly find gifts for their ladies by handing off the wish list to an Adresse employee who will handpick the items for them. Talk about easy holiday shopping. Art in the Age will be pouring ROOT liqueur to ease the stress of your holiday… shopping. Plus, with every purchase, enter to win a custom shirt by Commonwealth Proper.

Where: Adresse Boutique, 1706 Locust Street
When: Wednesday, December 5, 5-8 p.m.
Cost: Pay as you go

Friends of Schuylkill Banks’ Third Annual Holiday Party: Tonight at Brauhaus Schmitz, celebrate the Schuylkill Banks at the third annual holiday party. Not only is this a great opportunity to mingle with friends and other Philadelphians, but it is also a great opportunity to check out the newly expanded Brauhaus Schmitz which houses an 2,000 additional square feet and 10 more taps. Snack on tasty hors d’oeuvres and enjoy great drink specials, holiday music and raffle prizes. Plus, all proceeds go towards maintenance and operational work on Philadelphia’s beloved Schuylkill Banks.

Where: Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South Street
When: Wednesday, December 5, 7-10 p.m.
Cost:$10 in advance, $15 at the door

Marlene and The Machine at the Wilma Theater: Debuting tonight, The Bearded Ladies are back at the Wilma Theater with Marlene and The Machine, a bold original work. The show, a collaboration of music from 1920s German-American actress and singer Marlene Dietrich with that of 20th century Austrian performer Lotte Lenya, will transform the lobby of the theater into a cityscape with a German expressionism influence. Tickets are $20 for seats and $25 for tables. Did we mention that tickets include all-you-can-drink themed cocktails?

Where: The Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad Street
When: Wednesday, December 5, 8 p.m.
Cost: $20 seats, $25 tables

Longwood Gardens Christmas: Longwood Gardens’ impressive Christmas light display has been open for a week and there is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than with half a million lights plus Christmas trees and wreaths decorating the property. Enjoy dazzling fountain shows among the lights. Purchase your timed tickets in advance now to avoid disappointment.

Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
When: Wednesday, December 5, last entrance is at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets range from $8-$18

Comcast Holiday Spectacular: A Philadelphia favorite, the Comcast Holiday Spectacular is bound to knock your socks off. More than half a million people have visited the site since its opening in 2008. Enjoy the free, 15-minute holiday show shown on the Comcast Center’s Comcast Experience video wall which happens to be the largest four-mm LED video display in the world. Holiday scenes from the The Nutcracker, performed by the Pennsylvania ballet and scenes from the snowy Pennsylvania countryside will fill the screen.

Where: Comcast Center, 1701 JFK Boulevard
When: Wednesday, December 5, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (except 5 p.m.) every hour on the hour
Cost: Free

McCrossen’s Tavern: Tonight, head out to McCrossen’s Tavern for their monthly pairings dinner. This month, the event is entitled All Things Sparkle and will boast a large collection of bubbly drinks. Sip on champagne from Italy, France, Brazil and even special sips from the Champagne region. Enjoy a menu created by Chef Wentz and delicious cheeses from Rocco Rainone of Di Bruno Bros.

Where: McCrossen’s Tavern, 529 North 20th Street
When: Wednesday, December 5, 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $40

Scratch Biscuit Wednesdays at Supper: Supper restaurant is appealing to the masses! Starting tonight, Supper will be hosting Scratch Biscuit Wednesdays. Get a biscuit and a beer for just $10. Enjoy tasty biscuits like the Pigscuit, a red curry glazed pork belly, pork rinds, daikon slaw and pineapple mayo.

Where: Supper, 926 South Street
When: Wednesday, December 5
Cost: $10

The Soundtrack Series at L’Etage: Tonight is the last night of The Soundtrack Series 2012. Head out to hear stories about some of the biggest songs in music. Listen to Philadelphia’s best writers, performers and storytellers tell tales about some of the most influential music. Notable performers include Brian Howard of Philadelphia Magazine and City Paper and Shawn Metcalf of Society Hill Records.

Where: L’Etage, 624 S. 6th Street
When: Wednesday, December 5, doors 7 p.m., performance 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $10

Gustavo Dudamel at The Kimmel Center: Tonight at 8 p.m. in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, Gustavo Dudamel will be leading the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela in their first performance at the Kimmel. They will preform Carlos Chávez’s Sinfonía india, Julián Orbón’s Tres versiones sinfónicas and Richard Strauss’ Eine Alpensinfonie. Dudamel is a world-renowned conductor, the music director of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela and the music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Where: Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street
When: Wednesday, December 5, 8 p.m.
Cost: $40-$150

It’s About Time: Short Films from the Secret Cinema Archive: The American Philosophical Society Museum is hosting a movie event from The Secret Cinema tonight. The free event is presented in conjunction with the museum’s Tempus Fugit: Time Flies exhibit. Tonight marks the end of the video series. Doors open at 6 p.m. to give guests a full hour to discover the exhibit before the movies begin at 7 p.m.

Where: American Philosophical Society Museum, 104 S. 5th Street
When: Wednesday, December 5, doors 6 p.m., show 7 p.m.
Cost: Free

A Celebration of Zero at the Gershman Y: Celebrate the life and artwork of Zero Mostel tonight at 5:30 p.m. Josh Mostel, Zero’s son, will discuss the work and life of his father. The sneak peek of Zero Mostel: Artist exhibition will allow guests to celebrate his work and even bid on Zero’s original artwork. Snack on hors d’oeuvres and sip wine as the undiscovered artwork of Mostel is celebrated.

Where: The Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad Street
When: Wednesday, December 5, 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $50

Great Battles Evening Lecture at the Penn Museum: Listen to Dr. C. Brian Rose, curator-in-charge of the Mediterranean Section at the Penn Museum, discuss Great Battles: Moments in Time that Changed History tonight at 6 p.m. The Great Battle lectures are a series running every Wednesday from October to June.

Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South Street
When: Wednesday, December 5, 6 p.m.
Cost: $5 advanced, $10 door

Roundup: Top Picks For Where To Enjoy New Year’s Eve Dinner In Philadelphia

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Ring in the New Year at Philadelphia’s top restaurants with dinner specials, festive celebrations and champagne toasts at midnight. (Top left photo courtesy R2L, bottom right by J. Fusco for GPTMC, others by G. Widman for GPTMC)

Ring in the New Year at Philadelphia’s top restaurants with dinner specials, festive celebrations and champagne toasts.

This year is extra-flexible with the return of two sets of (free!) fireworks shows on the Delaware River Waterfront, at 6 p.m. and midnight. Enjoy the 6 p.m. show with kids, or not, followed by dinner and a night on the town. Or else, plan your dinner reservation around heading to the midnight showing to conclude your night.

Either way, join the decadent celebration with our top picks for where to eat out on New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia. We’ve got a bunch of picks below, categorized by neighborhood for super easy decision-making, but there are even more over on Visit Philly’s New Year’s Eve Dining Guide.

Center City East

Amis: You’ll be in the company of good friends and good food at Amis, open from 5 p.m.-midnight this New Year’s Eve. (Pay as you go)

Barbuzzo: Barbuzzo is bringing in the New Year with a four-course menu including truffled polenta, grilled hanger steak with marrow butter and of course their cult favorite dessert, the famous salted caramel bundino. ($85 per person)

Brauhaus Schmitz: Enjoy a grand buffet at Brauhaus Schmitz, complete with a four-hour top-shelf open bar and live entertainment. ($100 per person)

Chifa: Choose from one of two four-course tasting menus at Chifa created by Chef Jose Garces and Chef de Cuisine Natalie Maronski from 5 p.m. until midnight. Head to the bar for la carte service with dishes drawn from the tasting menus. ($60 or $75 per person)

Continental Mid-Town: Continental Mid-Town’s dramatic two-story atrium, rooftop bar and patio are perfect for celebrating the New Year. DJ Ernesto will be supplying the music during the New Year’s Eve celebration featuring dinner specials and a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. (Pay as you go)

El Vez: Forgo the champagne for a special tequila toast during the New Year’s Eve celebration at El Vez. Plus, enjoy special menu items, drink specials and a DJ spinning in house. (Pay as you go)

The Farm and Fisherman: Stuff yourself full this New Year’s Eve with a six-course dinner from The Farm & Fisherman at 5 p.m. ($80 per person) If that’s not enough to celebrate 2013, you can enjoy an equally delicious eight-course dinner at 8 p.m. ($105 per person)

Garces Trading Company: Garces Trading Company will be serving dinner from 5 p.m. until midnight. Guests can choose from two four-course tasting menus created by Chef Garces and Chef de Cuisine Gregg Ciprioni. The a la carte menu will not be offered. ($55 or $65 per person)

Lolita: In addition to their excellent “bring your own tequila” margarita mixes, Lolita will be offering a special three-course menu featuring tuna tostadas, carne asada and tiramisu a la Mexicana. (5:30 p.m. $45; 7:45 p.m. $65 per person; 10 p.m. $75 per person)

Mercato: It keeps getting better all night long at Mercato, with a three-course menu at 5 p.m. ($60 per person), a four-course menu at 7 p.m. ($75 per person) and a five-course menu at 9 p.m. with a complimentary champagne toast and party favors ($85 per person).

Morimoto: Ring in the New Year with a special Omakase menu at Morimoto, featuring the best in contemporary Japanese cuisine from 5 p.m. – midnight. A la carte menu will be available as well. ($120 per person; optional deluxe wine pairing available for $45 per person)

Sampan: Treat yourself to Asian-fusion tapas courtesy of chef Michael Schulson and Sampan for an exceptionally delicious New Year’s Eve. (Pay as you go)

Supper: Supper’s indulgent New Year’s Eve menu is perfect for celebrating. With crispy pork belly, lobster pot roast and a chocolate terrine, your 2013 will be off to a good start. (3 courses, $72.00 per person; 4 courses, $79.00 per person)

Many more New Year’s Eve Dinner suggestions, below: Oyster House, R2L, Sbraga, Fork and everything in between.

Talula’s Garden: Serving the best locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, Talula’s Garden is ringing in the New Year with an eight-course tasting menu featuring Maine oysters, charred quail with foie gras and more from 5–10 p.m. with a champagne toast at midgnight. ($100 per person; optional wine pairing for $60)

Vetri: Experience an unparalleled New Year’s Eve dinner at Vetri, where you’ll be treated to one of Chef Marc Vetri’s creative tasting menus complete with Franciacorta on arrival and champagne toast at midnight. ($195 per person; optional wine pairings $135 or $200 per person)

Center City West

10 Arts by Eric Ripert: Feast on a special four-course New Year’s Eve dinner at 10 Arts, complete with a live band, a midnight balloon drop and of course a champagne toast at midnight. ($175 per person)

El Rey and Ranstead Room: Make your reservation now for the New Year’s Eve parties at El Rey and Ranstead Room to enjoy their a la carte menu and a tequila or champagne toast at midnight. (Pay as you go)

Nineteen: Celebrate New Year’s on the 19th floor of the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue with Nineteen’s four-course dinner. ($95 per person)

Oyster House: Head over to the Oyster House for a four-course meal including roasted oysters with caviar, seared scallop with parsnip-brown butter puree and grill filet mignon with warm mushroom and bacon salad. Toast to the New Year with complimentary champagne at midnight. ($55 per person)

R2L: Boasting some of the best views of the city, R2L is hosting a New Year’s Eve Penthouse Party with special hors d’oeuvres by Chef Daniel Stern, live music, dancing and more. ($150 per person)

Sbraga: What’s better on New Year’s Eve than bubbly? That’s why Top Chef Kevin Sbraga is serving a four-course menu with champagne pairings from across the world at his flagship restaurant Sbraga. Happy New Year’s! ($125 per person)

Square 1682: Executive Chef Guillermo Tellez is ringing in 2013 at Square 1682 in the Hotel Palomar. Choose from an early seating at 6 p.m. ($65 per person) or later seating at 9 p.m. ($95 per person) featuring live music, dancing, drinks and more in the Burnham Ballroom.

Village Whiskey: Village Whiskey will be open until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, just long enough for you to welcome 2013 with a toast and a foie gras burger. (Pay as you go)

Old City

Amada: Chef Jose Garces and Chef de Cuisine Andrew Zensinger of Amada have created two four-course “La Mesa de Jose” tasting menus for New Year’s Eve with seatings available from 5 p.m.–midnight. ($75 or $95 per person; optional $30 or $50 wine pairings)

Buddakan: Buddakan will be serving their regular Asian-inspired menu with locally sourced ingredients, prepared using European and Asian techniques from 5 p.m.–midnight along with various specials, a multi-course tasting menu (for parties of six or more) and a champagne toast at midnight. (Pay as you go)

Continental Martini Bar: In addition to the modern cocktails at the Continental, enjoy dinner specials and a special sparkling wine menu. (Pay as you go)

Cuba Libre: Celebrate the New Year at Cuba Libre with a four-course Celebration Dinner at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. featuring classic dishes, non-alcoholic drinks, Latin floorshows, DJs and dancing all night long. ($89 per person)

Ela: Chefs Janson Cichonski and Chip Roman are hosting a pair of prix fixe menus at their new Queen Village hotspot Ela. Choose a three-course or four-course menu highlighting hyper-creative, hyper-seasonal dishes. ($60 or $75 per person; optional wine pairing available for $20 or $25 per person)

Fork: Catch the New Years Eve 6 p.m. fireworks at Penn’s Landing before enjoying a sumptuous four-course dinner at Fork featuring poached lobster, house-made pasta, delicious hand-made desserts and more. ($85 per person)

Jones: Take a trip back to 1968 with Jones’ comfort food and nostalgic atmopshre as you celebrate with specials from 10 a.m.–midnight.

Moshulu: You’ll have a spectacular view of the fireworks as you dine aboard the Moshulu during a special New Year’s Eve celebration with a four-course prix fixe menu from 3:30–7 p.m. or a later seating from 7:15–10:30 p.m. ($100 or $150 per person)

Ristorante Panorama: Ristorante Panorama at the Penn’s View Hotel will be opening at 4 p.m. for dinner prior to the New Year’s fireworks show at 6 p.m. From 8:30-9:30 p.m., enjoy a special four-course meal and complementary sparkling toast at midnight at Panorama, not to mention a spectacular view of the fireworks on the Delaware Waterfront. Seatings are available from 8:30-9:30 p.m. ($85 per person)

The Twisted Tail: The Twisted Tail is swinging into 2013 with a Retro Dance and Burlesque Party. Start off the night with a three-course prix fixe menu that includes fried oysters, t-bone steak with sautéed mushrooms capped off with a dessert of chocolate fondue. At 8:30 p.m., the Society Hill Dance Academy will offer a few tips before house band Mikey Jr. and the Stone Cold Blues takes the stage. ($45 or $120 per person for meal and party; $10 per person for party only)

Zahav: Chef Michael Solomonov of Zahav is offering his traditional tasting menus: Ta’yim ($39 per person) and Mesibah ($48 per person), with additional supplemental dishes available. An optional Wine Flight ($35 per person) will also be available to toast to 2013.

Rittenhouse

Twenty Manning Grill: Celebrate New Year’s Eve neighborhood favorite Twenty Manning Grill with a special four-course menu to start 2013 off right. ($65 per person)

Alma de Cuba: From 5 p.m.–midnight, Alma de Cuba will be their serving regular Latin American-inspired a la carte menu and specials, New Year’s Eve cocktails with champagne toast at midnight plus DJ Brendan Bring’em will spin in the lounge. (Pay as you go)

Barclay Prime: Celebrate at Barclay Prime, as the kitchen offers more than just steakhouse fare from the a la carte menu with specials, deluxe wine pairings and a champagne toast at midnight. (Pay as you go)

Butcher and Singer: Embrace the bygone era of Hollywood with the perfectly charred steaks and chops at Butcher and Singer. Enjoy old favorites and New Year’s Eve specials from 5–11 p.m. then celebrate with a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight.

The Dandelion: Inspired by the U.K.’s great gastropubs, celebrate all day long in the cozy comfort of The Dandelion with New Year’s Eve specials during breakfast, brunch, tea and dinner from 8 a.m.–midnight. Enjoy specials, special beers, New Year’s Eve cocktails and a champagne toast at midnight.

Il Pittore: Savor the flavors and feel of Italy without leaving the city with Il Pittore’s New Year’s celebration featuring specials, deluxe wine pairings and a champagne toast at midnight. (Pay as you go)

Parc: Philly’s own a Parisian-inspired brasserie in Rittenhouse Square will be offering their normal a la carte menu and various specials, including a champagne toast at midnight.

Pumpkin: Pumpkin, a seasonal Rittenhouse BYO, is the perfect place for an intimate New Year’s celebration, with a delectable four-course menu in honor of 2013. ($60 per person)

Rouge: Welcome 2013 on Rittenhouse square with a table at Rouge. Choose from items on their a la carte menu at their 6 p.m. seating or their 8 p.m. seating. (Pay as you go)

Russet: Bring your own bubbly to Russet and celebrate with their festive four-course menu. ($68 per person)

Tinto: Guests can choose from one of two tasting menus created by Chef Garces and Chef de Cuisine Anthony Scuderi of Tinto. ($70 or $90 per person; optional wine pairings available for $40 or $55)

Vernick: Walnut Street’s new attention-grabbing Vernick will be serving their a la carte menu with a few special editions in celebration of 2013. (Pay as you go)

South Philadelphia

Federal Donuts: Try to get your hands on some of the delectable donuts or fried chicken from Federal Donuts while supplies last (not long) before heading out for New Year’s Eve.

The Mildred: The Mildred will be serving a sumptuous five-course tasting menu featuring cannelloni of crab, whole salt-baked fish and chocolate delice. Choose from the early seating (6:30 p.m.) or the late seating (9 p.m.). ($75 per person)

Village Belle: Get a spectacular view of the New Year’s Eve fireworks at Penn’s Landing and a delicious four-course meal at Village Belle featuring lobster bisque, braised short ribs and cheesecake spring rolls with raspberry sauce. Choose from two seatings: 5 p.m. ($75 per person) and 8:30 p.m. ($125 per person).

West Philadelphia

Distrito: Dinner at Distrito will be served from 5 p.m. until midnight. Guests can choose a $50 or $75 four-course Tasting Menu created by Chef Garces and Chef de Cuisine Maria Schmidt with an optional $25 specialty cocktail pairing. A la carte service will be offered at the bar only, with dishes drawn from the tasting menus.

Pod: Enjoy specials in the modern, hip atmosphere of Stephen Starr’s sushi spot Pod from 5–11 p.m. with a champagne toast at midnight.

North Philadelphia/Fairmount

Alla Spina: Enjoy Italian tapas at Alla Spina while sipping champagne-like beers and $6 Prosecco from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Pay as you go)

Fountain Restaurant: Fountain will be hosting a fabulous New Year’s Eve gala. Enjoy a caviar and champagne reception before dinner service begins at the Fountain Restaurant and Swann Lounge, then party all night long with live music and entertainment. ($300 per person; optional wine pairings $120 per person)

Frankford Hall: The traditional open-air beer garden Frankford Hall is welcoming 2013 with a festive party featuring a performance from the Ja Ja Jas, a schnapps toast at 12 midnight and happy hour pricing all night. (Pay as you go)

La Calaca Feliz: Mexican specialities like hiramasa ceviche, duck barbacoa tacos and black bass are all part of La Calaca Feliz’s two special four-course NYE menus. ($40 or $55 per person)

Osteria: Dine on homemade pasta, thin-crust pizza and wood grilled meats at Osteria this New Year’s Eve, open from 5-11 p.m. (Pay as you go)

Route 6: Route 6 will be showcasing their seasonal, coastal town-inspired menu along with specials, a lobster extravaganza menu and a champagne toast at midnight. (Pay as you go)

Outside Philadelphia

Blackfish: Blackfish in Chestnut Hill will be serving a special four-course menu with a complimentary glass of champagne. ($75 per person)

Citron and Rose: Chef Michael Solomonov’s newest restaurant Citron and Rose celebrates the cuisine of European Jews and will be celebrating New Year’s Eve from 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. with their a la carte menu. (Pay as you go)

La Cantina Feliz: La Cantina Feliz is celebrating 2013 with a special four-course menu including tuna ceviche, duck tacos and a petit filet. ($45 per person; option $20 beverage pairing)

Check out Visit Philly’s New Year’s Eve Dining Guide for even more.

New Year’s Eve In Philadelphia: Our Top Picks For Alternative New Year’s Eve Celebrations This December 31

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Make New Year's Eve memorable with one of Philadelphia's more alternative celebrations, including a festive Philadelphia Orchestra concert, Johnny Brenda's jam, Piazza at Schmidts party and Silk City DJ bash. (Top photos by G. Widman for GPTMC, bottom left courtesy Piazza at Schmidts, bottom right courtesy Philadelphia Orchestra)

Hard to believe, but New Year’s Eve is just two weeks away.

As 2012 is about come to an end, Philadelphia is offering up plenty of New Year’s Eve activities to make sure you and 2013 get off to a good start.

To ring in the new year, there will once again be two sets of spectacular free fireworks, one at 6 p.m. and one at midnight.

But before the midnight show, or after the 6 p.m. one, if you’re looking for something a little more unexpected to celebrate, this list is just for you.

Our top picks for alternative New Year’s Eve celebrations in Philadelphia, below:

Philadelphia Orchestra New Year’s Eve Concert: The Philadelphia Orchestra will be performing an upbeat and festive concert to put you in good spirits for 2013. The concert will take place at The Kimmel Center at 7:30 p.m. and end in time for you to grab New Year’s Eve dinner or drinks. Pop by Estia, Perch Pub, Russet, 10 Arts, XIX or a number of other nearby bars and restaurants for a bite and drink after the concert.

New Year’s Eve at Hotel Monaco: Spend your New Year’s Eve at the city’s new Stratus Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Monaco. Enjoy the view from above while dancing to tunes spun by a DJ, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors to take home. Tickets are $65 for general admission and $50 for hotel guests. Or, if you’re going with a big group, reserve a table for $200 per person.

New Year’s Eve at Fette Sau: Want some barbecue with your New Year’s Eve? Fishtown’s newest BBQ joint, a transplant from Brooklyn, is, er, feting the New Year with a celebration to ring in their very first New Year’s in Philly. Fette Sau will be providing guests with special meats and some live music to get you in the proper spirit. Blue Grass band The Old Fashions will be performing twice for your listening pleasure, first at 9 p.m. and then again at 11 p.m.

Frankford Hall: Next door to Fette Sau, Frankford Hall will celebrate New Year’s Eve beer-garden-style with live music, complimentary schnapps toast at midnight and drink specials. Bonus: no cover!

New Year’s Eve at the Piazza: Last year, not only did The Piazza’s New Year’s celebration bring together more than 3,000 people, but it also sold out. Get your tickets ASAP. What does your ticket include? Under a 25,000-square-foot tent, imbibe in a five-hour open bar from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and balance all of that alcohol out with tasty treats from numerous food buffets. No New Year’s party is complete without a DJ, so dance to the tunes of great DJs as professional dancers show their moves too. There will also be a live performance from Steamroller Picnic Live, and party favors to take home.

Celebration NYE 2013 at XFINITY Live!: Bid farewell to 2012 and celebrate XFINITY Live’s first New Year’s Eve. Purchasing a ticket will grant you access to seven parties, all under the XFINITY Live! roof. Music will be aplenty, as there will be 10 DJs and two live bands. Get a special peek at New York City at this event, as you watch New York’s famous ball drop on a 50-foot video wall at the venue. Enjoy a five-hour open bar with more than 100 bartenders at your beck and call to make sure the lines don’t get too long. Each of XFINITY’s bars will have their own perks and surprises to make sure your night is as fun as it is varied.

New Year’s Eve Ghost Tour — Toast With A Ghost: If you’re looking to break away from the endless holiday partying, Toast With A Ghost is far from the norm. The historic Powel House will be the site of the evening’s events. It was a spot for many high society parties and events in the 1700s and 1800s. Guests will be told eerie stories about the spot and the people who used to frequent it, and in some people’s opinion, still do. Tours start on the hour from 8-11 p.m. and last about 70 minutes. Ring in the New Year with the help of spirits past. This creepy tour is not for all, though: bear in mind it’s for ages 13 and up.

More New Year’s Eve alternative celebrations, below.

Third Annual New Year’s Eve with Yards Brewing Company at Kennett: Back by popular demand is Kennett’s Third Annual New Year’s Eve with Yards Brewing Company event. The low key shindig will begin at 8 p.m. and provide guests with multiple courses of scrumptious meals and plenty of Yards beer to wash it down with.

New Year’s Eve with The War on Drugs at Johnny Brenda’s: Kick it this New Year’s Eve with Philadelphia’s The War on Drugs, live at Johnny Brenda’s. $1 from every ticket will be donated to MANNA, plus they’ll be collecting cans of food to donate. Tickets, $18, are available online.

DJ Deejay at Silk City: Dance the night (and year!) away with DJ Deejay at Silk City. DJ Deejay is known to get hips shaking every Saturday at Silk City. The music on New Year’s Eve is bound to keep you grooving into the New Year. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door, and include an open bar from 9-11 p.m., a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, three bars, heated outdoor tent, drink specials and party favors.

No Bullsh*t New Year’s Eve at City Tap House: Last year’s event was such a hit, City Tap House is bringing back their No Bullsh*t New Year’s Eve this year. There are two ticket packages available: the first is $65 and includes all the booze you could imagine. There will be an open bar from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. where you can choose from 60 taps, wine, cocktails and a champagne toast at midnight. The general admission ticket, for just $10, grants you guaranteed entrance into the bar to celebrate the night away. Also, the delicious food of City Tap House will be available until 11 p.m.

New Year’s Eve with Philly Bloco at World Cafe Live: Show off your dance moves with Philly Bloco as they celebrate the New Year at World Cafe Live. Enjoy an upbeat mix of Samba, Funk and Reggae to bring you into 2013.

Bistro Romano’s New Year’s Eve Dinner Theater: Enjoy a full evening of delicious food and a fun performance this New Year’s Eve at Bistro Romano. Make your last meal of 2012 a unique one with a top-notch theater performance. Enjoy h’ors d’oeuvres starting at 8 p.m. followed by the performance at 9 p.m.

City Rhythm Orchestra and Dinner Theater Performance at the Sheraton: Enjoy a unique musical performance to end 2012 at the Sheraton Society Hill. Nosh on a four-course gourmet dinner while being entertained with a supper club performance. After your meal, dance to Motown, Classic Rock, Sinatra and Swing music performed by the talented City Rhythm Orchestra. Tickets start at $129.95.

New Year’s Eve with Brauhaus Schmitz: Check out the newly expanded Brauhaus Schmitz this New Year’s Eve. The expansion includes an additional 2,000 square feet of room and 10 brand new taps and will be open for the New Year’s Eve soiree at the South Street German beer hall. From 9 p.m.-2 a.m. enjoy a top-shelf open bar which will include exclusive German winter imports, a buffet, live entertainment and more. Tickets are $100 apiece.

The Trestle Inn’s Go Go New Year’s Eve: For a cover of only $10, gain access to The Trestle Inn’s Go Go New Year’s Eve party. Join the Trestle Dancers as they dance to funk, disco and soul tunes. Enjoy specially made cocktails, some of the 60 plus whiskeys available, or choose from the 12 craft beers on tap. In addition to snacks all around the venue, the bar’s full menu will be available as well. Toast to 2013 at midnight with a complimentary champagne toast.

New Year’s Eve Beer Dinner at Victory Brewing Company: Enjoy a tasty meal at Victory Brewing Company this New Year’s Eve. Each course of the six-course meal is paired with one of Victory’s unique brews. Tickets are $60 for designated drivers and $75 for those in the passenger seat.

Walnut Street Supper Club: Get the best of both worlds at Walnut Street Supper Club this New Year’s Eve. For $95, indulge in a four-course meal, which starts with some bubbly, then includes an appetizer, your choice of four different main courses and ends with coffee and dessert. The night will be full of live music performances and singing (extremely talented!) waitstaff.

New Year’s Eve with Gary Gulman at Helium Comedy Club: Having appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Last Comic Standing and more, Gary Gulman is bringing his comedic show to Helium Comedy Club on New Year’s Eve. He will be performing twice, first at 8 p.m. during which guests will enjoy appetizers from 6-7:30 p.m. and receive a ticket to a future show. For the night owls, Gulman will be ringing in the New Year at 10:30 p.m. The show will include a champagne toast at midnight, dessert and a ticket to a future show. Spend your night laughing into 2013.

Lincoln Financial Field West Club: Mingle with some of Philadelphia’s finest at the Countdown for a Cause New Year’s Eve Red Carpet Affair at the West Club in Lincoln Financial Field. The star-studded night will be hosted by Eagles player LeSean McCoy. Join him and his friends as they close out 2012. Not only will this event have four DJ’s, live bands and a champagne toast at midnight, but also benefits three local charities — ALS Philadelphia, Rising Sons and Duffy’s Hope. Ring in the New Year while benefitting three great causes.

Year In Review: 12 Highlights From The Philadelphia Dining Scene In 2012 And 13 Food Stories We’re Excited About For 2013

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What a whirlwind year it's been for Philadelphia's dining scene, with a series of sensational openings, revitalizations, accolades and chef imports. There's even more to be excited about for next year. Pictured, clockwise from top left: Fette Sau in Fishtown, Chinatown's Hop Sing Laundromat, the newly expanded Brauhaus Schmitz and the renovated Le Bec-Fin. (Photo credits, clockwise from top left: Danya Henninger courtesy Drink Philly, Robert Neroni courtesy Hop Sing Laundromat, courtesy Brauhaus Schmitz, courtesy Le Bec-Fin)

When it comes to food, Philly’s got it covered. In 2012 we welcomed lots of great new bars and restaurants that have proved to be well worth the anticipation.

Philly restaurants have cleaned up in the awards and accolades department and our favorite chefs have been featured left and right.

But all of that’s not to say that 2013 won’t be just as exciting for the local restaurant scene.

Next year, some of the city’s favorite restaurants are expanding, new restaurants are opening and transports are setting up shop within the city limits.

Below, a look back at 12 Philadelphia dining highlights from 2012 and 13 we’re looking forward to for 2013:

12 in 2012

1. Fette Sau: Thanks to a partnership between Stephen Starr and Brooklyn Restaurateur Joe Carroll, Philadelphia gets a taste of NYC’s prized BBQ spot, Fette Sau. Using all local meats and smoking them in house, this place puts up some serious competition for best BBQ in the city. The down-home vibe and extensive bourbon menu add some leverage, too.

2. Le Bec-Fin: The reinvention of what some have called the country’s best French restaurant was one of the year’s most exciting (and relieving) success stories. The service is still impeccable, the food excellent, the atmosphere elegant — but it’s all just a little bit more accessible.

3. Brauhaus Schmitz expands and adds Wursthaus Schmitz in Reading Terminal Market: Nothing wrong with plattering up Parma ham and Spanish lomo, but the latest trend in Philly kitchens is do-it-yourself (DIY) sausages, terrines and pâtés. Meat eaters have already pounced on the German-style Wursthaus Schmitz in the Reading Terminal Market, a spinoff of South Street’s Brauhaus Schmitz, offering the restaurant’s acclaimed homemade sausages, salads, pretzels and sandwiches such as the Bavarian, complete with bauernwurst, horseradish mayo, Bavarian coleslaw and crispy fried onions. The restaurant’s South Street home base also expanded into to accommodate 2,000 additional square feet of space, and 10 more taps.

4. Red Owl Tavern and Stratus Lounge: The opening of Philadelphia’s first new hotel in Old City’s Historic District in years also brought two new bar/restaurants to Independence Mall: Red Owl Tavern, helmed by Chef Guillermo Tellez of Square 1682 fame, and the super chic Stratus Rooftop Lounge.

5. Pizza Brain and Little Baby’s Ice Cream: Fishtown artist Brian Dywer, aka Pizza Brain, joined by a few of his pizza obsessed friends, has amassed a Guinness World Record holding 1,000-piece collection of pizza memorabilia. And you can check it out for yourself at the world’s very first pizza museum, right here in Philadelphia, complete with artisanal pizza restaurant. Right next door is Little Baby’s headquarters, letting Philadelphians enjoy the gourmet, milky goodness of their delicious ice-cream year-round. With crazy good flavors like Earl Grey Sriracha, Chai Coconut, Thai Peanut and even Pizza (paying homage to their pizza museum neighbors at Pizza Brain), this place is a hit for good reason.

Check out the rest of our 2012 highlights, plus 13 food stories we’re excited about for 2013, below.

6. Federal Donuts opens a second location: Next time you think about “Running on Dunkin,” think again. Philadelphia’s new Federal Donuts now has a downtown location in addition to the Pennsport spot. With cool creations like maple bacon, strawberry fennel, turkish mocha, spicy PB&J and the Korean-style chicken and donuts, these guys are definitely upping the deep-fried ante.

7. Rittenhouse Tavern: Rittenhouse Square’s east stretch along 18th Street is one of the best dining corridors in the city, featuring Parc, Rouge and Devon plus a. kitchen and Serafina right across the street. Joining the cadre this year was the Rittenhouse Tavern, a brand new venture replacing Gardenia inside the Philadelphia Art Alliance featuring a quaint courtyard out back for outside dining sheltered by trees, the perfect compromise for dining on the Square without all the hustle and bustle.

8. Vernick: When a Jean-Georges Vongerichten protégé returns home to his native city after a blistering career in top restaurants around the world, Vernick Food & Drink is born. The new casual bistro from Chef Greg Vernick features urbane-yet-homey offerings like potato ravioli with braised lamb and long beans. It’s received across-the-board flattering reviews. For good reason.

9. Hop Sing Laundromat: The unmarked storefront of Chinatown’s mysterious speakeasy Hop Sing Laundromat belies the liquid delights within, which pay spirited tribute to the storming of Normandy, the first African-American woman doctor and the late author David Foster Wallace, among others.

10. Morgan’s Pier: A beer garden at the foot of the Ben Franklin Bridge, Morgan’s Pier offers 20 draft beer and easygoing eats like corn-and-blue-crab fritters, blackened tuna burgers and fried-chicken tacos, along with Little Baby’s Ice Cream, Federal Donuts and a packed schedule of live music.

11. Shake Shack opens: Shake Shack finally made its way to Philadelphia this year. It was a pretty huge story for the Philadelphia dining scene, and the city at large. The 20th and Sansom spot is stocked with Philly-specific custard flavors, addictively juicy burgers, fries, hot dogs and more. Even after more than six months open, lunch lines still stretch around the corner. They must be doing something right.

12. Alla Spina opens: Marc Vetri’s newest restaurant, Alla Spina, opened on North Broad Street and like the rest of his restaurants in the city, it did not disappoint.

13 in 2013

1. Serpico: Finally, Peter Serpico, of New York’s Momofuku fame, will be opening up an eponymously named eatery on South Street with the help of Stephen Starr.

2. Noord: A Dutch BYO from Chicago chef Joncarl Lachman is slated to open on Tasker Avenue in East Passyunk.

3. Sophia: Also in South Philly, one-time local chef Chris Lee will be developing a new concept where Salt and Pepper currently stands. Lee returns to the city after a highly touted stint in New York.

4. Ramen Revolution: 2013 may well be the year of the noodle. After decades of a relatively ramen-free existence, Philly’s got a whole slew of new Japanese style joints: Nom Nom, Hiro Ramen House, Terakawa Ramen, Green Wasabi and more. For 2013, there will be no more running around to find Cheu Noodle Bar, as the popular Philly pop-up has secured a spot in Midtown Village.

5. Volver: Jose Garces will be opening a street-level restaurant at the Kimmel Center called Volver. The restaurant is set to open in spring 2013.

6. Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat: At last, 2013 should see the opening of Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat’s second location, at 21st and South. The Northern Liberties favorite will be bringing their tasty comfort food to eager Graduate Hospital brunchers after much anticipation.

7. Joe: One of the Big Apple’s favorite coffee shops, Joe, is coming to two spots in Philadelphia in 2013, in Rittenhouse Square and University City.

8. Metropolitan Cafe: Metropolitan Bakery will be opening a sit-down cafe a stone’s throw from their current location in Rittenhouse Square. The cafe will be full of tasty baked goods, soups, a full espresso bar and more.

9. Talula’s Daily : The folks at Talula’s Garden will be opening up Talula’s Daily right next door to the restaurant’s Washington Square spot. Talula’s Daily will be a market full of all of the same types of things that make Talula’s Garden awesome, but with an urban and high-end general store twist.

10. Boot & Saddle: South Broad Street’s Boot & Saddle will reopen in 2013, thanks to Avram Hornik and team. The bar will serve as a live music venue in South Philly. R5 Productions will book live acts at the establishment.

11. Dolphin Tavern: Avram Hornik’s Four Corners Management will also be resurrecting the recently closed Dolphin Tavern. Expect the South Philly spot to open its doors once again in 2013.

12. Mac’s Tavern Rittenhouse: Now you can get your It’s Always Sunny on in two different Philly bars. Mac’s Tavern will soon be extending beyond Old City, opening a second location on Chestnut Street near Rittenhouse Square.

13. Philadelphia Live Arts Building Restaurant: The old high pressure fire service building at Columbus Boulevard and Race Street has recently obtained a liquor license and will soon be the Philadelphia Live Arts’ fantastic new home. The building will boast a 225-seat theater, an outdoor area and a 2,000 square-foot restaurant and bar. Another snazzy addition to the revitalized Delaware River Waterfront.

The Second Annual Bierfest Returns To The German Society Of Pennsylvania Pouring Imported And Local Brews, Saturday, February 23

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Taste incredible German beers, as well as local favorites, at the 2nd Annual Bierfest. (Photo courtesy of Philly Bierfest)

Saturday, February 23 the second annual Bierfest takes place at The German Society of Pennsylvania in Northern Liberties.

Offering a sampling of imported sips from Germany and PA’s top brewers of Weizens, Bocks and Lagers, The Foodery hosts the all day affair in the German Society’s traditional Ratskeller or underground bar.

Participating suds suppliers include Nodding Head, Stoudts, Sly Fox, Kostritzer and Round Guys Brewing.

Bites from Brauhaus Schmitz are included with the purchase of a ticket and fare from the beerhall’s newest endeavor, Wursthaus Schmitz located in Reading Terminal Market, will be available at an additional cost.

Listen to live bluegrass and gypsy jazz bands while taking part in beer trivia fun, arm wrestling matches and Liter Stein Lifts.

Tickets can be purchased online starting at $30 ($20 for designated drivers) and proceeds help support the Philly Roller Girls, the city’s female roller derby team.

Second Annual Bierfest
Where: The German Society of Pennsylvania, 611 Spring Garden St.
When: Saturday, February 23, 1-5 p.m.
Cost: $30-60, $20 for designated drivers
More info: www.phillybierfest.com

The Craft Beer Express Is Back And Ready To Chauffeur You To Some Of The City’s Most Popular Bars On Saturday, March 9

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Craft beer lovers, this one’s for you. The Craft Beer Express is back and has a lot in store for those who are ready to take part in a day-long beer event. From 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, the Craft Beer Express will transport you between 11 participating bars all over the city.

Participating bars include Kraftwork, Johnny Brenda’s, The Institute, Bishop’s Collar, Kite and Key, Jose Pistolas, Sidecar Bar and Grille, Pub on Passyunk East, Devil’s Den, Brauhaus Schmitz and Race Street Cafe.

Each bar will be running their own special events. Sidecar will be featuring hoppy beers, Race Street Cafe will be pouring the dark beers of winter and Johnny Brenda’s will be serving up lots of local brews. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Tickets are $10 and secure attendees a seat on the bus. Tickets are available online or at any of the participating bars.

Each guest must purchase a ticket from a particular starting point – one of the 11 bars. Guests have to start at their designated starting point, but after that, guests can travel to any bar of their choosing.

Buses will run every 25 minutes.

Craft Beer Express
When: Saturday, March 9, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Participating bars
Cost: $10
More info: www.craftbeerexpress.com

Sample Fare From Some Of Philadelphia’s Most-Loved Restaurants At Taste Of The Nation, Sunday, April 28; Get 15% Off Tickets

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The feel-good culinary event, Taste of the Nation brings out some of Philadelphia’s most-loved chefs to serve up samples of their popular dishes in the name of ending childhood hunger.

On Sunday, April 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. indulge in some of the city’s most popular tastes during this festive event at the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, which overlooks Independence Mall.

Participating restaurants include Alla Spina, South Philadelphia Tap Room, Vernick Food and Drink, Zahav, Sbraga and Brauhaus Schmitz, with more to be confirmed soon. Get ready for some seriously drool-worthy samplings.

Chef Chair David Katz, of now-shuttered Mémé, will make a momentary return to the kitchen to prepare a Creekstone Farm beef dish.

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation is Philadelphia’s largest No Kid Hungry event, raising funds for Philabundance, The Food Trust, The Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger and The Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center.

In addition to tasty bites, guests will also enjoy a great silent auction and an array of specialty cocktails, wine and beer.

Tickets are $85 for general admission and $135 for VIP. Tickets are available online.

For a sweet 15% discount on all tickets, use code UWISHUNU. (So, you’ll save $12.75 off of general admission and $20.25 off of VIP!)

Share our Strength’s Taste of the Nation
When: Sunday, April 28, 5-8 p.m., VIP 4-8 p.m.
Where: Hotel Monaco, 433 Chestnut Street
Cost: $85 General Admission, $135 VIP, 15% discount with code UWISHUNU
More info: strength.org


The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Raven Society Hosts A Spring Book Swap At Brauhaus Schmitz On April 18, 6-8 P.M.

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The Free Library of Philadelphia's Raven Society young friends group hosts a bookswapping affair April 18. (Image courtesy the Free Library of Philadelphia)

Got books?

Join the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Raven Society Thursday, April 18 for its Spring Swap ‘n’ Sip Bookswap at Brauhaus Schmitz.

From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., bring a book to swap and browse the selection of books brought by the other bookworms while taking advantage of food and drink specials. The Raven Society will donate all leftover books, so feel free to bring more than one.

For those unfamiliar with the Raven Society, they are the young (20s and 30s) supporters of the Free Library of Philadelphia. You can join the Raven Society (and get free entry into the book swap) here.

There is a $10 cover charge for the bookswap for non-members, as well as a $5 dollar raffle for door prizes.

All proceeds of the event go to the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, and the books left behind will be donated to the Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia bookstore.

The Raven Society Spring Swap ‘n’ Sip Bookswap
When: April 18, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South Street
Cost: $10 for non-members, free to members
More info: www.freelibrary.org

Brauhaus Schmitz Presents Maifest, A Daylong German Beer And Food Festival, Saturday, May 4

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Brauhaus Schmitz is hosting a spring blowout in conjunction with the South Street Spring Festival on Saturday, May 4 from noon to 8 p.m. (Photo courtesy Brauhaus Schmitz)

South Street is going to be even more abuzz than normal on Saturday, May 4.

As part of South Street’s Spring Festival, Brauhaus Schmitz celebrates spring in the way it knows best — with an abundance of German beer and food.

From noon to 8 p.m., the German beer hall and restaurant offers indoor and outdoor fun, food and serious steins to festival-goers.

A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $100 a piece. VIP tickets boast a number of added benefits; complimentary appetizers, a beer stein, private bathrooms (a treat at citywide festivals), access to a VIP room with exclusive beers and eight beer tickets.

Brauhaus Schmitz’s takeover of the 700 block of South Street is set to bring a taste of Germany to the South Street spring festival.

Be sure to head down South Street to explore all of the live music, activities, food and drink that the festival has to offer.

Maifest at Brauhaus Schmitz
When: Saturday, May 4, noon-8 p.m.
Where: Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South Street
Cost: VIP tickets $100
More info: www.brauhausschmitz.com

Tonight Picks: Opening Night For The Beer Garden At The Porch At 30th Street Station, The Kick-Off Party For The Philadelphia Science Festival, BalletX At The Wilma Theater And More

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Get out of the house tonight and pay a visit to any one of the number of happenings set to occur this evening in Philadelphia. (Photo by Conrad Erb for University City District)

Plenty of great events are on tap tonight in Philadelphia, including the Beer Garden at The Porch at 30th Street station, the first day of the Philadelphia Science Festival and the first performance of Ballet X’s Spring Series 2013.

The weather may not be bright and sunny like last week, but temperatures are sure pleasant, and tonight’s offerings include both indoor and outdoor options.

Philadelphia Science Festival Kick-Off Party: Science Carnival After Dark: Graduate Hospital’s NextFab Studio plays host to the kick-off party for the Philadelphia Science Festival tonight! The epic spring festival is finally here and tonight’s event brings together a number of great and science-filled events and preview some of the fun events set to occur during the festival. Get the first taste of Yards Brewing Company’s official Science Festival beer, Pythagorean Beerum which will be available at all beer-friendly science festival events. Check out demonstrations from NextFab studio’s awesome laser cutters and 3-D printers tonight, too.

When: Thursday, April 18, 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: NextFab Studio, 2025 Washington Avenue
Cost: $15, save $2 with code “Uwishunu”

Beer Garden at the Porch at 30th Street Station: Tonight marks the first night of the Porch at 30th Street Station’s beer garden. Bridgewater Pub heads outside to serve up four featured beers and pub fare to attendees. Tonight’s featured beers are Konig Ludwig Hefeweizen, Hofbrau Doppelbock, Great Divide Titan IPA and Warsteiner Dunkel Lager. Live jazz, folk and blues music also fills the warm, outdoor air.

When: Thursday, April 18, 3-8 p.m.
Where: The Porch at 30th Street Station, 2955 Market Street
Cost: Pay as you go

The Raven Society Spring Swap ‘n’ Sip Bookswap: Bookworms and avid readers, there’s a cool event just for you at Brauhaus Schmitz tonight. The Free Library of Philadelphia’s group of young friends (The Raven Society) hosts a night of books and beer tonight at 6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a book and participate in a book swap while enjoying food and drink specials. All leftover books will be donated, so feel free to clean out your bookcase and bring more than one. Entry is free for Raven Society members and $10 for nonmembers.

When: Thursday, April 18, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South Street
Cost: $10 for members, free for nonmembers

BalletX at the Wilma Theater: The Wilma Theater hosts one of the city’s most versatile and talented ballet troupes tonight. BalletX brings their talent to the stage for their spring 2013 showcase. This season brings together innovative choreography and world-premiere performances. Tickets are available online.

When: Thursday, April 18, 8 p.m.
Where: The Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad Street
Cost: $22-$35

Caribbean Cuisine Week: Enjoy a taste of the islands at a number of restaurants across the city participating in Caribbean Cuisine Week. The dining event raises money for athletes from Trinidad, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, the Bahamas and Grenada to attend this month’s Olympic-level track race, the Penn Relays. Tonight is your last chance to enjoy a tropical bite for the good cause at restaurants like Mixto, Sabrina’s and Tashan. Click here or the full list of participating restaurants..

When: Thursday, April 18
Where: Participating restaurants
Cost: Varies

FutureFest at the Adrienne Theater: Tonight is the world premiere of the Luna Theater Company’s play festival, FutureFest presented in part with PIFA. The festival debuts five one-act plays that all center around life in the future and how our own visions of the future impact our lives. The show runs until April 27, and tonight’s performance is the show’s preview so tickets are a steal. Grab yours for just $10. Admission for future performances is $25.

When: Thursday, April 18, 7 p.m.
Where: The Adrienne Theater, 2030 Sansom Street
Cost: $10

Hiraki: Tsunami Loss & Hope: PIFA, Settlement Music School, The Friends of the Japanese House and Garden and KyoDaiko Taiko Drummers present a touching performance to honor the victims of the 2011 tsunami in Japan. Tonight’s event is at the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden and begins with a tour of the locale from 5 to 6:45 p.m. followed by the performance at 7 p.m.

When: Thursday, April 18, 5 p.m.
Where: Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, 100 Horticulture Drive
Cost: $20 general admission, $15 for seniors and students

Roundup: Our Updated Guide To The Dozens Of Spring And Early Summer Festivals Hitting Philadelphia In The Coming Weeks

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May is festival month in Philadelphia. There are literally dozens of spring festivals coming to neighborhoods all across the city in the coming weeks and we have an updated roundup of all of them. (Photo credits clockwise from top left: G. Widman, M. Kennedy, J. Fusco, R. Kennedy, all for GPTMC)

The month of May overflows with awesome spring events and outdoor festivals, so to help you navigate through them all and find the ones you definitely do not want to miss, we’ve updated our Spring Festivals roundup with a more comprehensive list of all the festivals we could find this month and next.

From blockbuster annual festivals like the Rittenhouse Row Spring Fest and the Italian Market Fest and newcomers like this weekend’s South Street Spring Fest to festivals taking place in neighborhoods around the city like Plazapalooza, the Chestnut Hill Spring Fest, the Pie in the Sky Food Truck Fest and the Trenton Avenue Arts Fest, every weekend this month has multiple options for cool spring festivals for you to add to your must-do list.

And these festivals cover it all: food, drink, music, art, races, water, shopping and more — Philadelphia has a spring festival for pretty much everything.

Look out for additional coverage on a lot of these events and festivals in the days and weeks to come, but for now, start making your plans. Some weekends are going to require careful planning to maximize the number of festivals you’ll be able to attend. (And if you know of another festival coming to your neighborhood, be sure to let us know!)

As always, you can reference our events calendar to see what’s happening on a specific day or weekend.

Check out our updated guide to more than 45 spring festivals coming up in May and June below.

May


Philadelphia International Children’s Festival: The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts plays host to a fun festival for the kids. The Philadelphia International Children’s Festival, which is now in its 29th year, offers a week of family-friendly performances, crafts and interactive events. The event is set for April 30 to May 4.

Equality Forum: Putting the spotlight on LGBT history and culture, Equality Forum brings together people from around the world for panel discussions, parties, art and theater events and a lively community fair from May 2 to 5.

Plazapalooza: Graduate Hospital hosts yet another awesome festival this Saturday, May 4. From 1 to 7 p.m., the Grays Ferry Triangle at 23rd and South Streets will be abuzz with the festival known as Plazapalooza. It boasts beer from Grace Tavern, food from local eateries and even a visit from the folks from the upcoming Odunde Festival to keep the young entertained.

Radio 104.5 Summer Block Party: The Piazza hosts a score of great events all spring and summer long including the 104.5 Summer Block Party which welcomes popular bands to Philadelphia. The first show is on Saturday, May 4 and boasts Family of the Year, Atlas Genius and Jackson Kingsley as the musical acts. The concerts continue throughout the summer, the next show is on Saturday, June 8. For the full lineup check here.

South Street Headhouse District Spring Festival: As the weather warms, expect serious crowds to gather for the inaugural South Street Spring Festival, an open-air party with local eats, drinks and goods from the street’s wide-ranging vendors. This year’s event on May 4 marks the first event.

Maifest: Brauhaus Schmitz presents a beer-filled daylong festival that purposely coincides with South Street Headhouse District Spring Festival on May 4. Maifest brings a taste of Germany to the 700 block of South Street from noon to 8 p.m. Fill up your stein and get ready to chow down on German food and dance around the Maipole.

Pie in the Sky Kite and Food Truck Festival: Fishtown’s waterfront spot, Penn Treaty Park, hosts the outdoor festival Pie in the Sky Kite and Food Truck Festival on Saturday, May 4 from noon to 5 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own kite to fly through the sky, or for those who do not own a kite, kite-making will be available at the day’s event. Prizes will be awarded to kites in numerous different categories. Also enjoy fare from favorite food trucks like Vernilicious, Sweet Box Cupcakes and FooTruck.

Strawberry Festival: Peddler’s Village hosts its annual Strawberry Festival on May 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Strawberries take the spotlight at this weekend-long event; enjoy chocolate dipped strawberries, strawberry fritters, strawberry shortcake, strawberry butter and even get a peek at a strawberry pie eating contest. Live music also abounds on both days of the festival. Arts and crafts will be available for children.

Broad Street Run: The annual Broad Street run runs through town on Sunday, May 5 at 8:30 a.m. The 10-mile race spans from Northeast Philly at Broad Street and Somerville Avenue all the way down Broad Street where it finishes at the Navy Yard. Non-participants are encouraged to cheer on the runners all along Broad Street. The race passes by major Philadelphia landmarks like Temple University, the Pennsylvania Convention Center and City Hall.

Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival: Head out to Chestnut Hill on Sunday, May 5 for a day of spring blooms, handmade home accessories, live music and lots of festival fare at the annual Home and Garden Festival. Get your home and garden ready for the summer months by shopping the special collection of items presented by a number of vendors along Germantown Avenue.

Burger Brawl: The third annual Burger Brawl swoops in to Fleisher Art Memorial in Bella Vista on Sunday, May 5. More than 20 popular restaurants battle it out to create the best burger in Philadelphia. Participating restaurants include Alla Spina, Shake Shack, Barbuzzo and The Dandelion. In addition to burgers, beer from Dogfish Head will be plentiful.

Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta: The Schuylkill River is home to a number of world-renowned races including the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. On May 10 and 11, the river welcomes more than 100 schools to the annual (and free) regatta. Shuttle buses leave the art museum frequently for free trips to and from the race course. Hint: The Grand Stand, located two miles north of Boathouse Row, is the best place to catch the action.

Fitler Square Spring Fair: On Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11, Fitler Square hosts its annual Spring Fair. A silent auction is set to occur and contains items from local restaurants and shops. Booths featuring flowers, baked goods, Fitler Square memorabilia, children’s clothing and games and more also surround the area. Surrounding the square, vendors create an outdoor market full of a variety of items.

Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair at Rittenhouse Square: Browse some of the finest pieces of handmade jewelry, furniture, photography, sculptures, clothing and more at Rittenhouse Square’s Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair. On May 10 and 11, visit the Center City park for unique and handcrafted items. Bonus, this festival falls right before Mother’s Day, browse gifts of all sort at the festival. Live music will fill the air on both days, and even a moon bounce makes an appearance on May 11.

Sister Cities Park International Festival: Sister Cities Park International Festival celebrates Philadelphia and its 10 sister cities on Saturday, May 11. Learn to speak different tongues at mini-language lessons and get insider tips at how to create delicious food from each of our Sister Cities. Also on schedule, a Cameroonian fashion show, Taiko Drummers from Japan and music from the Italian Consul. The festival runs from noon to 5 p.m.

Spring Arts Star Craft Bazaar: Lovers of one-of-a-kind finds descend on the annual Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar, where the handmade goods include housewares, ceramics, clothing, art, paper goods and much more. The weekend-long sale on May 11 and 12 at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing is punctuated with live music, food and art demonstrations.

Clark Park May Fair: Head out to Clark Park for its annual May Fair festival. The festival falls on Saturday, May 11 and offers arts and crafts tables for Mother’s Day gift creation (which is the day following the festival), a used book sale, live music, family-friendly games and much more.

LOVE Your Park Week: From May 11 through May 18, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy are encouraging citizens to show their love for all of Philadelphia’s great parks at this weeklong festival featuring volunteer opportunities, clean up days and other events.

Fairmount Night Market: The Food Trust’s first Night Market of 2013 is coming up and is taking over Fairmount on Thursday, May 16 from 6 to 10 p.m. Some of Philly’s most loved food trucks will be in attendance, and Fairmount restaurants like Alla Spina, Lemon Hill and Urban Saloon will set up shop. Fairmount’s Eastern State Penitentiary will offer discounted admission and free brews to after-hours guests.

Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival: Along with the blooming rhododendrons of spring comes the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival on Saturday, May 18. The event is Walnut Street’s annual fete with food, fashion, music and art, plus a slew of activities for kids.

Italian Market Festival: On May 18 and 19, the nation’s oldest outdoor market and the already-bustling heart of South Philadelphia welcomes the city for the Italian Market Festival, a foodie’s dream with flavors from its restaurants and shops, along with the Annual Procession of Saints and plenty of activities for kids.

For lots more spring festivals in May and June, see below.

Brewerytown Spring Festival: Away from the hustle and bustle, Brewerytown hosts a Spring Festival 27th and Girard to 28th and Girard on Saturday, May 18. From noon to 5 p.m., visit the festival for live music, family-friendly activities, art vendors and 15 to 20 tasty food trucks.

Radnor Hunt Races: On Saturday, May 18, a tradition returns to the Main Line’s Radnor Hunt. Gather with friends at the annual Radnor Hunt Races and watch dozens of horses and horse racers compete to win their race. Spectators pack food and drinks to eat before and during the races. Food vendors are also in attendance.

Trenton Avenue Arts Festival and Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby: Lining the cobblestone street with artists of all stripes and genres, the Trenton Avenue Arts Festival includes the storied Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby, a quirky competition for the most creative human-powered vehicles along with food and art galore. This year’s festival is on Saturday, May 18.

Clemente Fest: It’s all about family fun at Clemente Fest, a fundraiser for the Spring Garden park named for the famed Puerto Rican baseball player. Attractions include local art, music and performance, plus a moon bounce and games for kids. The event is set for Saturday, May 18.

40th Street Summer Series: All spring and summer long, University City District, The Rotunda and Penn join forces to present a series of outdoor concerts in the warm weather. The 40th Street Summer Series welcomes acclaimed performers of all types; from jazz to a ukulele orchestra. The first concert is on Saturday, May 25 and features the Brooklyn Qawwali Party, a jazz fusion group that incorporates the sounds of Pakistani folk music. The next concert is on Saturday, June 29 and features the Philadelphia Ukulele Orchestra.

Devon Horse Show: The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is a multiday horse-centric event. The Devon Horse show is the largest and oldest multi-breed outdoor horse festival in the country and runs from May 23 to June 2. The Country Fair section of the event incorporates food vendors, super candy offerings, shops, an art gallery and more. A number of events in addition to horse shows occur over the multiday festival. The full schedule of events is available here.

Hidden City Festival: The Hidden City Festival shines the light on Philadelphia landmarks that are often looked over. The festival, which lasts from May 23 through June 30, welcomes local and national artists who are slated to create visual and performing arts installations at each site. Landmarks range from The Athenaeum of Philadelphia to Congregation Shivtei Yeshurun-Ezras Israel, a South Philadelphia storefront synagogue.

Memorial Day Weekend at Chaddsford Winery: All weekend long, Chaddsford Winery hosts live music and of course lots of wine in celebration of the holiday weekend. From May 24 to 27, head out to the winery for a number of events.

Fireworks and Fountains at Longwood Gardens: Just in time for Memorial Day, Longwood Gardens hosts its first Fireworks and Fountains event of the summer. On May 25, watch the attraction’s fountains light up and fireworks erupt to the music of Elton John. The event runs through the summer.

NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship at Lincoln Financial Field: Philadelphia plays host to some of the best college lacrosse players in the country. The NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship is coming to town and bringing with it a number of festive events for visitors and locals alike. Lincoln Financial Field will be abuzz with talented athletes and their friends and family to cheer them on from May 25 to 27. Attendees can check out the LaXperience Fan Fest just outside of the field. The area has a place for guests to show off their lacrosse skills, food and drink vendors, live entertainment and a chance to meet some of the championship’s biggest stars.

PECO Multicultural Series at Penn’s Landing: Penn’s Landing hosts a score of summer events that center around Philadelphia’s diverse cultural scene. The exact dates of the PECO Multicultural Series are still to be announced, so stay tuned. The frequent summer events bring a taste of numerous cultures to Philadelphia through music, food and outdoor celebrations.

June

The Roots Picnic: The start-of-the-summer event, The Roots Picnic, is set for Saturday, June 1 and boasts an impressive lineup. The Roots, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Solange, Trinidad James, Naughty By Nature and many more artists are set to grace Festival Pier stage at Penn’s Landing.

Philly Beer Week: The local obsession with all-things fizzy and fermented comes to new heights during Philly Beer Week, a regional bacchanal with special dinners, tastings, pub crawls and brewery tours from May 31 to June 9. Venues across the city open their doors for tons of events during this festive week.

Craft Beer Day: During Philly Beer Week, East Passyunk plays up its roots with a daylong Italian Festival and Craft Beer Day. The event encompasses a pub crawl with a distinctly red sauce flavor, offering samples, brewer meet-and-greets and plenty of special deals on Sunday, June 2.

Manayunk Bike Race: Bikers flock to Manayunk on Sunday, June 2 for the annual Manayunk Bike Race, this year called the Philly Cycling Classic. This year’s course is shorter than previous year’s, but still brings bikers through Manayunk, East Falls, Kelly Drive and Fairmount Park. The women’s race begins at 8:30 a.m., and the men’s race follows shortly after in the early afternoon.

Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show: Rittenhouse Square’s 82nd-annual Fine Arts Show is slated for June 7 to 9. The art-packed festival boats tents all along Rittenhouse Square that showcase unique pieces of art for sale. More than 100 artists come together to present their finest work for this annual festival.

Vendy Awards: Philadelphia’s food trucks offer some fine food, and on Saturday, June 8, indulge in all the tasty food and beer you want as the food vendors come together for a giant festival known as the Vendy Awards. Now in its third year in Philadelphia, the Penn Treaty Park festival invites some of the most loved food trucks out for a day to determine which food truck is crowned best in Philly. The annual event is also a benefit for the Food Trust. Tickets are expected to sell out, so reserve your spot soon.

Odunde Festival: Based on Yoruba traditions, the Odunde Festival on June 9 celebrates the coming of another year for African-Americans and African people around the world with a procession, ceremonial offering and African marketplace, along with live music and dance.

Philadelphia LGBT Pride Parade and Festival: On Sunday, June 9, the 25th-annual Philadelphia’s LGBT Pride Parade and Festival marches around the city and keeps prideful spirits on high. The parade begins at noon in the heart of the gayborhood and makes it way down to Penn’s Landing. Penn’s Landing comes alive at noon with festival events for all.

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll: The super popular Baltime Avenue Dollar Stroll returns for 2013 on June 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. From 42nd Street to 50th Street on Baltimore Avenue, area vendors will provide discounted items from their shops for just one dollar. Can you say Little Baby’s scoops for $1? We can.

Awesome Fest: Awesome Fest, the 80s themed film and music festival brings Philadelphia great outdoor and indoor programming all summer long. The festival runs from June 14 to August 19, kicking off with a performance by The Psychedelic Furs at the Trocadero Theatre on June 14 at 8 p.m.

Bloomsday: James Joyce’s masterwork Ulysses serves as the focal point of Bloomsday, and the Rosenbach Museum and Library hosts the Philadelphia outpost of a worldwide all-day festival for literary enthusiasts on June 16.

Drexel Park Film Series: As part of the Awesome Fest festival, Drexel Park hosts outdoor movies every Thursday night for the duration of the festival. The first film is the 1980s classic, Revenge Of The Nerds on Thursday, June 20 at 9 p.m. Future (and free) programming includes Adventures in Babysitting and Die Hard.

Manayunk Arts Festival: Billed as the largest outdoor juried art show in the region, the Manayunk Arts Festival welcomes nearly 200,000 collectors, buyers and designers to peruse fine art and handmade goods along charming Main Street on June 22 and 23.

Philadelphia Neighborhoods: Our Guide To The Restaurants, Bars, Markets And Cafes In The Bella Vista Neighborhood Of Philadelphia

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Come for the Italian Market Festival, stay for the neighborhood. Bella Vista is filled with great restaurants, bars, markets, cafes and more, so be sure to plan a return trip not long after this weekend's event. (Photos by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

[This spring, Visit Philly launched a new effort to promote 14 different neighborhoods surrounding Center City Philadelphia. With our new complementary "Philadelphia Neighborhoods" post series, Uwishunu is teaming up with Visit Philly to promote all the awesome dining, shopping, arts, nightlife, events and more within Philly's many exciting neighborhoods.]

This weekend, the 9th Street Italian Market Festival is set to bring thousands of festival goers from all corners of the city to experience the vibrant dining and eclectic culture of the Bella Vista neighborhood.

A traditionally Italian area that’s now ethnically mixed, Bella Vista spans 6th to 11th streets, and stretches from Lombard Street to Washington Avenue, but its best-known feature is the 9th Street Italian Market, the oldest operational open-air market of its kind in America.

The cultural harmony of the area has created a hugely diverse dining scene — brimming with traditional “red gravy” Italian restaurants alongside hip new American joints and casual Mexican eateries.

Head out to the festival this weekend, then stick around or make a return visit to experience the eclectic dining offered up in our Bella Vista neighborhood guide, below.

To explore more in Bella Vista, and to view these places on a interactive map of Bella Vista, check out the full Bella Vista guide in the new Philadelphia Neighborhoods section on visitphilly.com.
 

Restaurants and Bars

 
Bainbridge Street Barrel House: This handsome seven-days-a-week newcomer credits craft beer with its existence (with 25 brews on tap,180-plus bottled options, plus wine and classic cocktails) and lists smothered fries, pickled veggies, stuffed sandwiches and hearty mains as its staples. The owners of the Barrel House are the guys behind Bella Vista Beer Distributors on South 11th Street.

Brauhaus Schmitz: Details: The premier German beer bar in Philly, the Brauhaus packs in European soccer fans on the regular, but it’s also a top-notch restaurant, with modern German cooking from chef Jeremy Nolen.

Cucina Forte: This homey Italian BYOB is best known for chef-owner Maria Forte’s amazing ricotta gnocchi, pillow pasta that Philadelphia Inquirer restaurant critic Craig LaBan referred to as “weightless wonders of the dumpling world.” After those doughy delights, regulars to Cucia Forte recommend any of the day’s specials.

• Dante & Luigi’s: One of the city’s oldest trattorias, Dante & Luigi’s celebrates Italian-American cuisine with homemade lasagna, hearty veal chops and other traditional treats slathered in famous “red gravy” (South Philly-speak for marinara). Also famous here: On Halloween night of 1989, it D&L’s was the site of an attempted hit on local mob figure Nicky Scarfo, Jr – things have quieted down a bit since.

• The Dive: This casual over-21 hangout has a vast beer selection – from cans of Schlitz to local microbrews – rock-filled jukebox, inexpensive pool tables and friendly barkeeps. But it’s The Dive’s exemption from the citywide smoking ban that makes it earn its name.

• Fitzwater Café: Transformed from a vintage gas station, Fitzwater Café is a quaint satellite to the Saloon (see below) and a Bella Vista go-to for breakfast and lunch, and, on Friday and Saturdays, casual Italian dinners. Patrons fill café tables and a bar for airy French toast, crunchy-topped banana muffins, roast pork sandwiches and, at night, homemade pasta.

Growlers: A spacious “living room for the neighborhood,” Growler’s has tons of great beer on tap and a cracklin’ fireplace to warm up your bones, but not your pint. A pub menu flecked with thoughtful touches keeps many appetites satisfied.

Hawthorne’s Biercafe: On a wide stretch of 11th Street, Hawthorne’s is half beer boutique, half sandwich shop and has become a popular breakfast-through-dinner spot. A chalkboard menu offers panini, salads, burgers, cheese and meat boards, pierogies – and growlers (of beer) to go.

• Monsu: Another Italian Market BYOB, this corner spot prides itself its Sicilian roots. Monsu’s brunch and dinner menus offer the mild – airy eggplant parmigiana, ricotta-and-zucchini ravioli, osso buco – to the slightly wild – sweet-and-sour tripe.

• Nina’s Trattoria: A long vacant Italian Market storefront gained new life as this under-the-radar, authentically Italian BYOB. Lunch, brunch and dinner menus at Nina’s feature farm-to-table fare, including homemade meatballs, grilled radicchio and asparagus patties.

Nomad Pizza: Born of a food truck (which was born of an at-home $10,000 wood oven) this simple, upscale pizzeria has a pies-first focus. Aficionados have fallen for Nomad’s airy Neapolitan-style ’za, as preceded by a crisp salad, washed down by a hoppy ale.

John's Water Ice is a summertime staple in Bella Vista. (Photo by R. Kennedy)

Paesano’s II: The second location of Northern Liberties’ gourmet Italian sandwich shop resides – where else? – in heart of the Italian Market. Bread-swaddled choices at Paesano’s include roasted suckling pig adorned with long hots, sharp provolone and broccoli rabe, or fried lasagna topped with a fried egg (that’s some sandwich). Tip: gluten-free rolls are available, too.

Paloma: Haute Mexican – mushroom flan, huitlacoche mousse-stuffed duck, poblano-touched corn chowder – is the draw at this refined BYOB. Dinner at Paloma ends with no-kidding desserts – mojito layer cake with a scoop of mango habanero sorbet, anyone?

• Percy Street Barbecue: James Beard-winning chef Michael Solomonov parked his penchant for all-American barbecue at this laid-back South Street joint. Meaty, smoky platters at Percy Street include pork belly, brisket and barbecue chicken, with to-share sides of pimento cheese, skillet cornbread and turkey tails.

Ralph’s: America’s oldest Italian restaurant – and immensely proud of it – Ralph’s is a two-floor tribute to old-school Italian-American fare and still packs in the crowds, more than a century after opening its doors. Loyal patrons go for the basics – sausage and peppers, mussels red or white – and usually go home with doggie bags.

Royal Tavern: The neighborhood’s steadfast gastropub serves up truffled popcorn and piled-high nachos, vegan sloppy Joes and meatloaf sandwiches to go with its major beer list. Loud and always busy, the Royal’s a no-brainer for an easy night out.

• Sabrina’s Café: The Sunday morning line of people waiting for tables – and massive, massive plates of food – at this Italian Market attest to its brunch-time popularity. A fancier-than-a-diner spot, Sabrina’s is known for its breakfast-all-day menu of mega omelets, huge pancakes and very big salads.

• Saloon: This polished, splurge-worthy Italian-American stalwart knows its way around a filet mignon, veal chop and lobster. Unlike many of Saloon’s BYOB neighbors, this gentlemanly venue boasts a major wine list and a beautiful bar for sitting and sipping.

• Sam’s Morning Glory: Bella Vista’s original brunch spot calls itself a “finer diner.” And, it’s true: the daytime-only MoGlo turns your average omelet into a delish skillet frittata, bakes some serious biscuits, and flips a heavenly flapjack, known there as a “glory cake.”

• Santucci’s Pizza: Square, upside-down pizza (where the cheese hides under the sauce) is the signature of this casual eatery. Also on the menu at Santucci’s: Stromboli, hot wings, and garlic bread-cheesesteaks.

Sarcone’s Deli: Details: Ninth Street’s legendary Italian bakery, Sarcone’s, produces some of the best bread and rolls in the region, and serves its own line of sandwiches and snacks, too.

Supper: At their handsome two-tiered eatery, chef-owners Mitch and Jennifer Prensky take farm-to-table to the next level. The refined menu at Supper – from “mostly meatless” Monday night harvest dinners to Thursday night’s blue plate specials – gets many of its components from the couple’s very own local farm.

12 Steps Down: A dozen stair treads belowground, this drinkers’ pub inhabits the northern tip of the Italian Market. Three beers on tap – one microbrew, one big-name, one low-priced – and a rock-stocked jukebox aim to please patrons on all types of budgets at 12 Steps Down.

Villa Di Roma: With red brick tiles outside and murals of old Italy in, this reliable Italian Market old-timer is a charming tribute to the Philadelphians who call their tomato sauce “gravy.” The lengthy menu at Villa Di Roma serves up the full roster of classics, from spaghetti and meatballs to clams casino to veal Marsala to baked ziti to Chianti by the glass.

Wishing Well: A dozen microbrews on tap and a menu featuring scrapple-topped burgers and prosciutto-dressed Caesar salads are the draws at this straightforward bar and grill. Weekend brunch at the Well includes a gravy slathered “hangover bowl” and a make-your-own bloody Mary bar.
 

Cafes and Markets

 
Anthony’s Italian Coffee & Chocolate House: For those who prefer their cafes with a strong Italian accent, report directly to Anthony’s, which offers panini, sweets and from-scratch gelato in addition to killer espresso drinks.

Bean Exchange: Sure, this part of the city has its fair share of Starbucks, but it’s places like this friendly, day-through-night corner spot that make it feel like Philly. The Bean Exchange has dubbed its mild, signature, addictive small-batch roast “Morning Bell Blend.”

Chapterhouse Café & Gallery: A historic townhouse transformed into a cleanly modern venue for cutting-edge art shows, and great fair trade coffees and teas. Though Chapterhouse is big –four white rooms in all – its many tables are typically crowded with students and lingerers.

Claudio’s Specialty Foods: A salad bar’s worth of olives, a half dozen cases of cheese and salumeria, and more than a few shelves of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dry pasta, canned tomatoes and other specialties that Italians do better are for sale at this friendly, well-priced Italian Market store. Next door, Claudio’s vends its homemade mozzarella.

DiBruno Brothers: Narrow and jam-packed, this circa 1939 gourmet shop – also known as “the House of Cheese” – draws lines out the door and down the street for its unparalleled selection of international formaggio, plus cured meats and myriad other gourmet groceries. The DiBrunos have a second, newer and more expansive location near Rittenhouse Square.

Fante’s Kitchen Shop: Before Walnut Street had Williams-Sonoma, the Italian Market had this multi-room storehouse of everything and anything for the home cook. And, more than just vending freshly-ground coffee beans (and every possible maker to brew them), essential to esoteric cake-making tools, top-of-the-line Le Creuset and Henckels, and gadgets galore, Fante’s often discounts them, too.

Gleaner’s Café: A Hershey’s Kiss comes with every cappuccino, latte or plain ole Joe at this petite beatnik Italian Market hangout. Bagel sandwiches and vegan baked goods provide ample sustenance to balance out customers’ caffeine buzz at Gleaner’s, too.

Isgro Pastries: More than a century ago, baker Gus Isgro established this Italian Market-area shop, a take-a-number spot whose unmistakably buttery aroma wafts down Christian Street. Customers swear by the pound, Italian cream and strawberry shortcakes – and kids love the cookies, but filled-to-order cannoli are Isgro’s top sellers.

John’s Water Ice: Since 1945, this warm-weather takeout-ery has been transforming fruit, sugar and frozen water in to water ice – known elsewhere as “Italian ice.” Loyal patrons choose from lemon, chocolate, cherry or pineapple water ice; vanilla, chocolate, strawberry or butter pecan ice cream; or a combination thereof that John’s dubs “gelati.”

Shot Tower Coffee: Named for the still extant old structure a few blocks away, Shot Tower is a “third wave” coffee-centric cafe and gets its Strada espresso machine from La Marzocco, its beans from Counter Culture and its artisanal sandwiches from East Passyunk’s Plenty market.

Tortilleria y San Roman: Details: It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but San Roman is known far and wide for its calentitas (hot and fresh tortillas), delicious tortilla chips and spicy scratch-made salsa.

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