If bowling alleys make you think of sallow plastic seating and greasy old men, head over to North Bowl, a “strikingly different” twist on the traditional facility. Billing itself as a combination of lounge and lanes, the 21,000-square-foot converted mechanics garage boasts nightlife highlights and entertainment options in a lush, welcoming setting. From retro décor (think, benches from ‘50s-era bowling alleys) to arcade games and an overlooking lounge that peeks out onto the lanes, North Bowl combines sophistication with atmospheric fun. Menu items feature familiar fried favorites (eggplant parmesan bites, six varieties of tater-tots, cheesesteak skins), lighter options (blackened tofu sandwich, tomato soup), and all-American classics like corn dogs, sliders, and mac ’n’ cheese, while any drink of your choice is available at the sculptural, fully stocked bar. Come by with friends or a date for a classy take on a classic experience.

North Bowl
909 N. Second Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-BOWL
www.northbowlphilly.com

Philadelphia isn’t as famous for seafood as some of its East Coast neighbors, but this restaurant shows that talented chefs do have a flair for the fruit of the ocean. Opened in 2009, Fish has been winning raves from the press since with their exciting menu and excellent service. Chef Mike Stollenwirk has been awarded the opportunity to present his cuisine at the exclusive James Beard House, one of the greatest honors that can be given to any kitchen jockey. Sit at one of the stools around the open kitchen and order from the extensive raw bar, featuring oysters from both coasts, clams and a variety of crudo, or go deeper into the menu. The “snacks” are spectacular takes on seafood prepared unconventionally – try the addictive skate chips with Parmesan powder. Try the char-grilled octopus with a breaded and fried egg yolk for an appetizer. Entrees are uniformly great, but the one standout has to be the skate wing in Parmesan broth.

Fish
1234 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-9600
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fish-philadelphia

Crepes are a nice change from regular pancakes, and they're often just as simple to make. These thin treats of French cuisine make a delicious meal for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. Talented chefs the world over fill them with an array of delectable ingredients, for tastes both savory and sweet. Never made crepes? Here are some top tips.

Crepes require to you be precise in measurements, but they're remarkably simple once you've learned how. Whisk together a cup of flower and two large eggs in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of water gradually as you mix, along with a pinch of salt and two tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until smooth.

After preparing the batter, lightly oil a frying pan over medium heat. Pouring a quarter-cup of batter will make a single crepe. Fry on each side for two minutes, flipping it with a wide, thin spatula. Crepes should be served hot.

Looking for ideas on how to stuff crepes? There are some excellent sweet and savory options. Sweet crepes are incredibly popular and commonly filled with fruit, yogurt, or even Nutella! Cooking berries with just a bit of sugar will make a delicious syrup. Savory crepes are great for lunch or dinner: fill them with prosciutto, Gorgonzola cheese, and fig preserves or diced ham, scrambled eggs, and Hollandaise sauce.