South Helm is a Philly farm-to-table restaurant specializing in unique and creative dishes, all made from scratch using seasonal, local ingredients. The talented chefs at South Helm have artfully created a simple menu with ingredients and flavors as the stars of the show.

On the menu, you'll find various small plates so that you can try a little bit of everything, from the Bucatini pasta, served with soft shell crab and pepperoncini, to the seafood fra diavolo, served with fava beans and basil. Other local favorites include the fried oysters and the quail made with wild mushrooms and hakueri.

You’ll find a laid-back vibe when you arrive, providing a comfortable atmosphere in which to enjoy your upscale meal, and South Helm is a BYOB, so grab your favorite wine or beer and some friends, and enjoy a memorable meal at this local Philly gem!

South Helm
100 Morris St
Philadelphia, PA 19148
www.yelp.com/biz/south-helm-philadelphia

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr kurmanstaff

The Little Lion is a one-of-a-kind modern dining experience in a historical setting. Located in Old City, The Little Lion features a stunning open space with Revolutionary decor. This is a great place for dinner or, better yet, happy hour. From 5-7 p.m., you can take advantage of discounts on food and drinks. Burgers are $10 and oysters are $1 apiece. Drafts are only going to run you $3, so make sure you stop in before the dinner rush. And be sure to order the poutine!

If you don't make it in time, don't worry. Burgers, ribs, fish, and other coastal delicacies pack the dinner menu. You won't leave hungry, but you will leave happy you came. In fact, chances are you'll want to come back time and time again like so many already have.

The Little Lion
243 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(267) 273-0688
www.thelittlelionphilly.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr jeffreyw

The only thing that can spoil a picnic more than rain is spoilage in another area: the food! You might be so concerned about mastering your mom’s potato salad recipe that you forget to properly protect it from the hot sun, and that will put quite a damper on your fun day outdoors. Follow these safety tips for properly storing and serving picnic food:

• Keep cold foods cold. This may seem obvious, but you’ll need to thoroughly line a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs to ensure that your food stays cold even as the temperatures rise. This includes things like creamy salads, meats, and cheeses.
• Use a thermometer. Perishable foods should be stored at a temperature of 40°F or below, so use a thermometer to make sure that you maintain that temperature all day long.
• Keep the cooler closed. Store water and soft drinks in a separate cooler from the perishable food to minimize the how often the cooler is opened throughout the day.
• Prevent cross-contamination. If you’re grilling meats at your picnic, be sure to thoroughly wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in plastic containers. Always wash your hands after handling raw meat, and don’t let meats touch fruit, veggies, or other foods.

Eating Outdoors, Handling Food Safely [FDA]
Perfect Food Safe Picnics! [FoodSafety.gov]
Picnic Food Kids Will Love: Pack A Safe & Healthy Basket [Parents]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Golf Resort Achental