Happy Valentine’s Day

We hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day celebrating with the ones you love!

South Bowl Promises 26 Lanes And Happy Hour Bowling Every Week

No plans for the weekend? Lace up your bowling shoes and head to South Bowl! Located at Front Street and Oregon Avenue, this bi-level venue—the sibling facility of North Bowl in Northern Liberties—is home to 26 bowling lanes, two bars, arcade games, billiards tables, and a roofdeck. What's more, local music acts regularly take the stage to provide live music for guests of the bar and bowling lanes.

For the best deals, be sure to stop by South Bowl during happy hour, which is held 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight Mondays through Thursdays and 4 to 6 p.m. on Fridays. You'll score discounts on tater tots, select beers, and pizza! Note that South Bowl is only open to those over the age of 21 after 9 p.m.

In addition to being a great spot for a drop-in bowling game, South Bowl is a popular spot for private parties. Lanes and private bowling areas are available for corporate events, birthday parties, anniversaries, fundraisers, and more.

South Bowl
19 West Oregon Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 389-2695
www.southbowlphilly.com

Sweet Elizabeth’s Cakes: Sweet Cupcakes and More in Manayunk

Sweet Elizabeth's Cakes is the perfect spot in Manayunk to enjoy a cupcake, some coffee, and free WiFi. The red velvet cupcakes are amazing according to regulars. After just one bite you may start craving these sugary cakes. The cupcake flavors rotate monthly. If you're lucky you'll stop by when they have the Chocolate Bacon cupcake, a chocolate cupcake topped with bacon. For the current flavors stop by the store, give them a call, or visit the Facebook page. Don't be surprised to find Elizabeth behind the counter. Feel free to ask the friendly staff for recommendations. Custom cakes for parties and weddings can be ordered from Sweet Elizabeth's Cakes. The cupcakes are a little pricey but comparable to other bakeries in the area. Make sure you try the salted caramels. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Sweet Elizabeth's Cakes
4409 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(267) 331-8949

www.sweetelizabethscakes.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sweet-elizabeths-cakes-philadelphia-2

Zama: It’s Sushi Magic

Zama is a top-notch Japanese restaurant that has been wowing Philly diners since it opened for good reason: they truly get the beautiful simplicity of Japanese cuisine. Chef Hiroyuki Tanaka has been one of the leading lights in the food scene here for years, and when the news broke that he was opening his own restaurant, there was a predictable stampede for reservations. Things have calmed down a bit, but diners here always go away satisfied by the clever, perfectly-prepared food on offer. Some of the menu’s highlights include the market fresh nigiri plate, composed by the chef each day of the best of the fishmonger’s offerings – you’ll be presented with some new taste experiences here, but it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone. Zama's rolls are also excellent, with diners recommending the Bronzizzle – a cucumber and avocado inside-out roll with branzino and yuzu-soy sauce. It’s a unique creation that will wow your palate.

Zama
128 South 19th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 568-1027
www.zamaphilly.com
www.yelp.com/biz/zama-philadelphia

How to Design Your Own Floral Arrangement

Think that you have to visit a professional florist to find a magazine-worthy arrangement? Think again! With these simple tips for designing your own floral arrangements at home, you can fill your space at Lincoln Green with gorgeous flowers or even give them as affordable gifts to friends.

  1. Choose the perfect vase. Choose a vase that will fit the flowers that you have on hand, or if you don’t have a designated vase, use something like a mason jar, pitcher, or other household vessel.
  2. Using florist’s tape, create a grid across the top opening of the vase. Leave approximately one-inch squares in between the tape to keep the flowers separated and evenly spaced.
  3. Mix up textures by using a wide variety of different types of flowers. Contrast delicate baby’s breath with big, leafy blooms and eucalyptus branches.
  4. If you’re feeling a bit intimidated by the idea of mixing and matching, make a statement by using a large quantity of just one type of flower. Whether it’s classic red roses or purple hydrangeas, all flowers look beautiful when trimmed into layered lengths that eventually create a rounded arrangement in a short vase.

Flower Arranging 101 [Martha Stewart]
Elegant, Exquisite, Easy Flower Arrangements [Real Simple]
How to create perfect floral arrangements [Sunset]

North Bowl: Bowling and Beers With Retro Style

If you’re tired of visiting outdated, smoke-filled bowling alleys that haven’t been updated since the ‘80s, you’ll love the chic, retro style of Philadelphia’s North Bowl. This hip and upscale bowling alley is just as fun and relaxed as the older options, but it features 21,000 square feet of lounge spaces, bowling lanes, and dining areas that you just won’t find at your typical bowling alley.

In the downstairs level of the bi-level building, you’ll find the colorful bowling lanes, a dining area, and a sleek bar. If all of that bowling makes you hungry, you can grab gourmet food items like braised beef wonton tacos and crunchy Asian ramen noodle salads. You can even order food laneside! Upstairs, North Bowl has four more private bowling lanes, pool tables, arcade games, and a cocktail lounge.

If you’re really serious about bowling, North Bowl hosts bowling leagues for various skill levels where you can engage in a little friendly competition.

North Bowl
909 N. Second Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-BOWL
www.northbowlphilly.com
www.yelp.com/biz/north-bowl-philadelphia

New American Fare Shines at Vernick Food and Drink

The menu at Vernick Food and Drink may not be massive, but accolades from the likes of Zagat, Bon Appetit, and Food & Wine speak to the strength of the carefully curated list of dishes. Vernick Food and Drink makes it easy to piece together a meal from tapas, starting with ingredients "on toast" such as Maryland crab, broccoli and bacon jam, or the popular beef tartare with fresh horseradish.

You can also dive into your meal with a few plates from the raw menu, such as Island Creek oysters in a ginger-citrus dressing, tuna poke with sweet soy sauce, or sea urchin with a side of scrambled eggs. Then there are a few veggie-based apps, as well as a list of bonafide small plates that includes everything from veal sweetbreads to grilled heart of romaine with figs and aged cheddar. But if you're feeling extra hungry, opt for a full-sized entree such as grilled black sea bass or lamb rack and belly.

Vernick Food and Drink
2031 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 639-6644
www.vernickphilly.com
www.yelp.com/biz/vernick-food-and-drink-philadelphia

Treat Yourself After a Hard Work Week at Vernick Food & Drink

You don’t have to be celebrating a special occasion to treat yourself to something truly special, and Vernick Food & Drink is just the place to go when you want to really indulge. While a meal doesn’t come particularly cheap at his Philadelphia favorite eatery, some say it's worth every penny to experience the taste of the skilled chef’s premium quality ingredients and creative yet classic combinations.

Dishes like whole Bronzino baked in a wood oven, Ahi tuna poke, and black pepper octopus with sweet potato and persimmon are just a few of the delicious offerings, and to get the full experience, you’ll certainly want to pair them with a glass of wine or a decadent dessert cocktail.

Choose a table inside the airy, light filled dining room and observe the chefs working in the open kitchen before your meal arrives. On warm days, the second floor patio is also a great spot for a relaxing lunch.

Vernick Food & Drink
2031 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 639-6644
www.vernickphilly.com

How to Host a Great Football Party at Lincoln Green

It's football season! If you're a fan, most of your Sundays will be spent gathered around the TV, cheering on your favorite team, and relaxing before the start of another work week. If you'd like to share your passion with friends and family, why not host a football viewing party? Here are a few tips to ensure your party wins big with your guests:

1) Reposition the TV.
A football viewing party is the one type of party where the television takes center stage. Be sure that the TV is easily viewed from different areas around the room so that all of your guests can get in on the action. Similarly, you might need to rearrange your furniture to provide the best vantage points.

2) Decorate for the occasion.
Head to a discount party supply store to pick up football-themed wares for your event. Paper cups, plates, a tablecloth, and inexpensive football decor will add a festive flair to your party, and they shouldn't cost you too much money.

3) Serve food buffet-style.
The only thing better than the game itself is the excuse to indulge in finger foods! Provide your guests with handheld treats and eats so they can keep their eyes glued to the game. If you prefer, position your buffet table away from the TV area so guests can mingle during commercial breaks.

How to Host a Football Party [eHow]
Host a Super Bowl Party [BHG]
5 Foolproof Football Parties [MyRecipes]

Happy Winter!

As sweater weather approaches we hope you all stay warm and cozy this season! What are some of your favorite winter activities?

Pin It on Pinterest