Wearable Computers: Live Like James Bond

Do you wish you could be outfitted with cool, techy gadgets just like James Bond? Well, in this day and age, we're getting pretty darn close. There are countless wearable computers on the market today that are designed to make your life easier, connect you with the world around you, and improve your lifestyle. If you're tech-obsessed (or have a tech-obsessed friend), and are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest cool thing, check out these items that will have you feeling like 007 in no time.

Recon Instruments MOD Display — If you're a fan of winter sports, then these high-tech goggles are a must. As you descend down the slopes, on the inner lens of the goggles appears a small screen that highlights and records your speed, the temperature, and all the info you'll need to calculate your truly great descents down the slope.

SmartWatch — Love your phone, but hate fishing it out of your purse or pocket every time you want to text or check your email? Well, the SmartWatch by Sony was made just for you. This wristwatch syncs with your smartphone, and allows you to access your most used apps right from the face of the watch! What could be simpler — or cooler — than that?!

FitBit — Want to get fit in true James Bond fashion? Then, use the FitBit! This little fitness gadget is worn on your wrist, and has special sensors that tell you about your physical activity throughout the day, including steps taken, calories burned, etc. Even better, you can sync it with your smartphone for even more in-depth computing including customized diet plans that reflect the actual calories you burn on any given day.

Bar Ferdinand: Classic Tapas

Bar Ferdinand offers traditional Spanish tapas along with new interpretations of age old recipes that hail from Spain. They also have an expansive wine and craft beer selection along with specialty cocktails like the Sandía Fresca with scotch, watermelon purée, lemon juice & mint simple syrup and the Sol de Cadíz with pilsner & fresh squeezed orange juice. The tapas menu rolls out taste pleasers like Pan con Tomate with Jamon – bread with ham & tomato, House Marinated Olives, Oysters on the Half Shell and Tuna Crudo with celery & apple. Large plates feature and Crispy Pork Belly with Butternut Squash Bacon Sherry, New York Strip Steak with organic fried egg & truffles, Seared Duck Breast with dried figs & pistachios and Paella Valenciana with shellfish, chicken and chorizo. Open every day.

Bar Ferdinand
1030 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 923-1313
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bar-ferdinand-philadelphia

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Wishing you a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day full of luck and laughter.

Chifa: Sleek Asian Fusion Cuisine

Chifa offers a unique melding of Asian and South American cuisines served in a sleek, modern setting. Peru has a large number of Chinese immigrants who came to the country in the late 1800s and melded their cuisine with that of Peruvian natives, resulting in uniquely delectable fare that you’ll find at this eatery. The menu’s dim sum offerings include Spring Rolls with peanut hoisin sauce, Pork Belly Bao Buns with pickled daikon, and Duck Tacos with house kimchi. Noodle and rice dishes feature a Pork Ramen Bowl, Mushroom Broth with Udon Noodles, and Lomo Saltado with braised beef. Chinese 5-Spice Pork served on flour tortillas, Prime Ribeye with chocolate barbeque sauce, Spicy Cantonese Eggplant, and Mussels with coconut rum are on the entrée menu.

Chifa
707 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-5555
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chifa-philadelphia

Percy Street Barbecue: Goin’ South

Percy Street Barbeque is the place to chow down on some tasty barbeque in a casual, relaxing setting. Settle in with a refreshing cocktail like the Percy St. Punch with gin, pomegranate juice, sweet tea & lemon, alongside an appetizer like Fried Green Tomatoes with tomato bacon mayonnaise, Macaroni & Cheese with garlic crumbs, or Avocado Salad with fresh lime & cilantro. Barbeque meats include Smoked Brisket with Creekstone Farms angus beef, Spare Ribs with root beer chipotle glaze, a Pulled Pork Sandwich, BBQ Chicken Salad with buttermilk dressing and a Percy Burger with house-ground brisket. Sides include Pinto Beans, German Potato Salad and Collard Greens. Order the Combo and get an appetizer, meat and side for $21. Beer and wine are served. Open every day.

Percy Street Barbeque
900 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 625-8510
http://www.yelp.com/biz/percy-street-barbecue-philadelphia

Fountain Restaurant: One of Philadelphia’s Finest Restaurants

One of the most lauded restaurants in Philadelphia is the Fountain, opened inside the Four Seasons Hotel in 1983. The recipient of scores of awards, the Fountain has brought exceptional fine dining to local palates with great consistency. The décor is gorgeous, with glass art, comfortable booths, and soundproof dividers for comfort and privacy. Cuisine is contemporary American with heavy French influences, and the menu abounds with must-try appetizers and entrees. Keep in mind that a jacket is required for gentlemen dining here. Brunch here draws a sizable crowd, with the brioche French toast a particular favorite. Pancakes with huckleberries and Ricotta cheese are also amazing. Dinner is exceptional – one of the most decadent entrees is the whole deshelled lobster in cognac our bourbon sauce. Sea bass is also cooked to perfect tenderness and seasoned deliciously. Get the chocolate soufflé for dessert. Prices are, of course, high, but the Fountain is an experience that’s worth it.

Fountain Restaurant
The Four Seasons
1 Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 963-1500
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fountain-restaurant-philadelphia-2

Barbuzzo: Jewel of the Mediterranean

Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney are the power couple responsible for transforming 13th Street into a Philadelphia destination – with a total of six restaurants and boutiques spread over a few blocks, they’ve put their stamp on this part of the city. One of the best is Barbuzzo, a stylish and comfortable wine bar and restaurant that draws flocks of delighted diners every night. The appetizers here are top-notch – get the “pig popcorn,” made from house-smoked pork rinds with apple cider vinegar powder, piment d’espelette, and horseradish aioli. The wood-fired pizzas are also splendid, cooked to crispy, chewy perfection and topped with market-fresh ingredients. Cheese boards are curated amazingly, with the goat cheese drawing special raves. The sheep’s milk ricotta is also a must. The menu is filled out with a number of pasta dishes and spectacular desserts. Sit at the bar by Barbuzzo's kitchen to watch the chefs work their magic.

Barbuzzo
110 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-9300
http://www.yelp.com/biz/barbuzzo-philadelphia

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Wishing you a day filled with love and happiness!

Tria Fermentation School: Learn About Wine

Want to learn more about the process of making and tasting beer, wine, and cheese? Tria Fermentation School is the place to do it. It hosts a variety of classes with experts on winemaking, brewing, and cheese-making from around the world. Whether you’re a culinary professional, a brewery wannabe, or simply want to enhance your knowledge and have a good time doing it, these classes are sure to sate your curiosity – plus you get to eat and drink the object of your studies. See the website for a list of classes and enrollment info. 

1601 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19176
(215) 972-7076

Arden Theatre Company: Take The Stage

The City of Brotherly Love has no shortage of world-class theatrical companies, but few have won as much acclaim as the Arden Theatre. This Old City institution has been presenting exceptional dramatic and comedic works since 1988. Since then, they have racked up a truly impressive slate of awards, including 250 Barrymore Award nominations and 53 wins. In 1995, they purchased their current building, which they renovated to house two auditoriums. The 360-seat F. Otto Haas is the main stage, while the smaller Arcadia Stage is used for more intimate productions. Both have exceptional sightlines and excellent acoustics. The Arden presents a very diverse collection of works every year, including all-ages performances and new works commissioned especially for the group. The company also supports the Arden Drama School and the Arden For All program, which provides theatre tickets and books to underserved children. It’s well worth a visit, no matter what is on stage.

Arden Theatre Company
40 N. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-1122
http://www.yelp.com/biz/arden-theatre-company-philadelphia

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