Wedge and Fig: One of Philadelphia’s Secret Treasures

This cute little bistro has become one of Philadelphia’s secret treasures, and one meal here will make you a fan. Opened by Kirk Nelson and Lisa Ruff with the assistance of chef Rebecca Torpie, the restaurant is beautifully designed, comfortable, and stylish. The menu, as you might expect, is heavily cheese-centric. Some of the prime dishes on the menu are the bacon lattice macaroni & cheese – it’s essentially a rich, decadent macaroni & cheese made with a house blend of cheeses and topped with a crispy, smoky lattice of bacon, kind of like a pie. The sandwiches are all excellent, with some favorites including the Betty Draper (truffled egg salad, cucumber, and lemon salt, served with a side of candy cigarettes) and the Blue Figs (fourme d’albert blue cheese, prosciutto, and sweet fig preserves). The Panini of the day is almost always worth ordering as well. Wedge and Fig's dessert menu is also exceptional.

Wedge and Fig
160 N. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 238-1716
http://www.yelp.com/biz/wedge-and-fig-philadelphia

Happy Thanksgiving!

We wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving filled with delicious food and warm memories!

The Belgian Café: Flemish Fantasia in the Heart of Philadelphia

This exceptional bar and restaurant has won raves from Philadelphia locals for its powerful dedication to the art of beer. The Belgian Café boasts a well-curated selection of a dozen drafts as well as over 200 bottled varieties. Located on a bright, tree-lined corner near Philadelphia's art museum district, The Belgian Café has both inside and outside seating. The food is just as much of a draw as the beer – regulars rave about the absolutely spectacular mussels, harvested off of Prince Edward Island and cooked in one of two different beer broths. Served with fresh-cut Belgian frites and bourbon aoli, both are worth trying. The rest of the menu is equally strong, with diners praising the moist, juicy burgers as well as the copious vegetarian and even vegan options. The brunch menu is also a lot of fun, with incredible French toast one of this place's most popular picks.

The Belgian Café
21st & Green Street
Philadelphia, PA 19176
(215) 235-3500
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-belgian-caf%C3%A9-philadelphia-2

August: A Culinary Delight in South Philadelphia

This awesome Italian restaurant is one of Philadelphia’s most popular eateries, and for good reason. The kitchen is absolutely top-notch. This is an intimate BYOB restaurant, with just 30 seats. Opening across from Columbus Square Park in South Philly, August developed a local following with incredible speed. The menu is Italian fusion, incorporating flavors and ingredients from all over the world, and there’s not a bad dish on the entire menu. Appetizers are well-constructed and lead you into the meal with ease – try the great beet salad or the sautéed artichoke hearts with sun-dried tomato, white beans, and spinach. Some of the favorites according to regular diners include the astounding farfalle pasta with lump crabmeat, porcini mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes in a light, refreshing cream sauce, as well as the awesome pan-roasted salmon with sweet chili sauce and risotto. Desserts are very good, with the banana bread pudding and the cheesecake both winning raves.

August
1247 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 468-5926
http://www.yelp.com/biz/august-philadelphia

Happy Veterans Day!

Today we honor and pay tribute to the men and women who have bravely fought for our country and say thank you for your service.

Rosenbach Museum and Library: An Amazing Collection

Located in two beautiful townhouses on Delancey Place, the Rosenbach Museum and Library is one of Philadelphia’s most impressive storehouses of knowledge. Chartered to bring the collections of Philip and A.S.W. Rosenbach to the public eye, the Museum opened its doors in 1954. The Rosenbach brothers were Philadelphia institutions, becoming one of the most respected rare book dealers in America during the early part of the 20th century. They sold a huge variety of pricey manuscripts, but the materials they held back for their private collection are far more interesting. The townhouses are primarily furnished in the decorative arts style of the time, with gorgeous 18th century English pieces. The library, of course, is the crown jewel of the Museum, with a staggering collection of rare books. Sign up for a guided tour to have the opportunity to learn more about those volumes and even read from some – it’s a connection with history that you won’t soon forget.

Rosenbach Museum and Library
2008-2010 Delancey Place
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 732-1600
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rosenbach-museum-and-library-philadelphia

Don’t Forget to Vote!

Today is Election Day!  Don't forget to visit your local polling place to cast your vote and make your voice heard.

Don’t Wait Until 2013 – Get Fit Now!

The holiday season is drawing near, which means countless celebrations overflowing with fattening food, caloric drinks . . . and more food. Often we give ourselves total permission this time of year to indulge only to step on the scale in January to find that a few unwanted pounds have crept on. Instead of blaming the scale, or buying new clothes, why not start a pre-holiday routine that will keep you healthy and happy all season long. Here’s how to begin:

1. Check out that new class at your gym that you’ve been interested in trying. Don’t be afraid to shake things up in Zumba, move your feet in Hip Hop, stretch it out in Yoga, or pedal it out in Spin class. Invigorating your routine with something new is a great way to kick start your tired, old fitness routine.

2. If you’re not a gym member, try one out — the often offer promotions for potential new members like a week free or complimentary classes. Or, visit a studio that allows you to pay by the class. Once you find something you enjoy, make a commitment to stick with it!

3. DVD Training. If you prefer to exercise in the privacy of your own home, try out one of Fitness magazine’s 10 Best Workout DVDs, or flip through your cable’s exercise options on demand.

4. Set goals and surpass them. If you tend to run on the treadmill for 20 minutes at a time, kick it up to 30 minutes. Do you usually run at 5 mph on the treadmill? Why not push yourself up to 5.5 or 6.0 mph! If you continue to work in your comfort zone, you won't see the results that you're hoping for. Challenge yourself — do sprints, increase the incline, and push your endurance. Plus, surpassing your expectations will build confidence!

5. Take it outdoors. If the idea of being cooped up in a gym turns you off and keeps you from working out, head outside, instead! Enjoy a run or hike, pedal your bike or put on some roller blades and head to the streets. Or, you could even sign up for a boot camp class at your local park that utilizes the great outdoors for a workout that will make you shape up in no time.

For extra motivation, exercise with a friend—workout together first, and then you can party like its 2013!

What Are Your Favorite Movies Set In Philadelphia?

The City of Brotherly Love has been the setting for a huge variety of films. Here are some of the best films set in or around Philadelphia:

Rocky
Rocky is the reason you’ll always see someone running up and down the Philadelphia Museum of Art's steps. Writer and star Sylvester Stallone is a Philadelphia native, and this is a Philly story through and through.

Blow Out
This remake of Antononi's Blow-up stars John Travolta as an audio producer searching for the perfect sound who accidentally stumbles upon crime and conspiracy.

The Sixth Sense
Most of M. Night Shymalan’s films are set in his hometown of Philly, and his first and best is no exception. This film features numerous Philadelphia street scenes, and a notable scene is shot at St. Augustine church at 4th and Vine.

Trading Places
This classic comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd as two very different men who exchange lives takes place entirely in Philadelphia. From social clubs on Rittenhouse Square to the underbelly of the city, this movie covers it all.

12 Monkeys
The protagonist of 12 Monkeys spends much of the film jolting back and forth between a postapocalyptic Philadelphia and a 1990s version of the city just pre-apocalypse. It's interesting to see both in this surreal sci fi film.

 

Salt & Pepper: Always In Season

Located in Philadelphia's booming Passyunk Square neighborhood, Salt & Pepper has built a reputation for simple, flavorful dishes made with fresh ingredients. The menu is extremely varied, drawing inspiration from all over the globe. Some of the more popular appetizers include the awesome fried plantains with a chilled sardine and onion salad and habanero peppers, as well as the roasted beet and pineapple salad. For entrees, the pan-seared salmon with horseradish mash has plenty of fans. If you’re in the mood for a spectacular burger, the 10 ounce beef with cave-aged Gruyere cheese is not to be missed. There are usually a number of specials on the menu that change daily, all of which are excellent. The bar is also worthwhile, mixing strong, innovative cocktails to order. Desserts aren’t anything to write home about, with the possible exception of the crème brulee. Service Salt & Pepper is good and prices are fairly reasonable.

Salt & Pepper
1623 E. Passyunk Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 238-1920
http://www.yelp.com/biz/salt-and-pepper-philadelphia

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