Philadelphia Top Restaurants Go Grill to Grill in Dog Days of Summer Cook-Off by South Street Headhouse District

Philadelphia Top Restaurants Go Grill to Grill in Dog Days of Summer Cook-Off by South Street Headhouse District

The region’s top restaurants and chefs will go grill-to-grill in the summer’s ultimate hot-dog competition. South Street Headhouse District will host the 4th Annual Dog Days of Summer Cook-Off on Saturday, July 18, 2015, from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, under the historic Headhouse Square Shambles (400 Block of South 2nd Street between Lombard and Pine).  Sample the most flavorful, unique and inventive hot dogs while enjoying craft beer, live music, and other summertime fun. VIP packages are $30 and include early access at Noon, a VIP gift and 20 food/drink tickets. General admission is free, with food/drink tickets costing 4/$10. Funds raised will support the preservation of the historic Headhouse Square Shambles. VIP passes are on sale at http://bit.ly/dogdays15tickets. For updates, follow #DogDays15 @officialsouthst on Twitter.  

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Philly AIDS Thrift Opens Philadelphia's Only Retail-Based Free, Drop-in HIV Testing Center Off of South Street

Philly AIDS Thrift Opens Philadelphia's Only Retail-Based Free, Drop-in HIV Testing Center Off of South Street

Philly AIDS Thrift celebrated AIDS Education Month with the opening of the Philly AIDS Thrift HIV Testing Center inside their retail store at 710 S. 5th Street, in South Street Headhouse District. Action AIDS, Bebashi, GALAEI, Mazzoni Center and Philadelphia FIGHT will provide free, drop-in, rapid testing and related counseling services. Opening day was on National HIV Testing Day, Saturday, June 27, 2015. Testing is now offered each month from Noon to 4:00pm on the first and third Saturday and Sunday, and the second and fourth Friday and Saturday. Hours for the fifth weekend will be announced. For more information and the week’s agency schedule, visit www.phillyaidsthrift.com or call 215-922-3186. The weekly agency schedule will also be posted on Facebook and outside the store.

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BRU Craft & Wurst to Open 9,000 Square Foot Uptown Beer Garden Outside the PNY Mellon Bank Building On Wednesday, July 1, 2015

BRU Craft & Wurst to Open 9,000 Square Foot Uptown Beer Garden Outside the PNY Mellon Bank Building On Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Outdoor sips and eats are coming to the heart of Philadelphia’s business district. BRU Craft & Wurst announces the opening of Uptown Beer Garden at 1735 JFK Boulevard in the courtyard of the PNY Mellon Bank Building on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at 4:00pm. The 9,000 square foot summer pop-up will run through September and feature picnic tables, granite benches, tree slab communal tables, outdoor lighting and rustic decor in the tree-lined courtyard. A 35-foot bar will feature a full selection of spirits, select wines, six craft drafts and nearly a dozen craft cans. Signature cocktails will include frozen margaritas, stone fruit and berry red sangria, and peach and apricot white sangria. The on-site kitchen will serve a selection of bar snacks, sliders, sandwiches and even dessert.

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Diner en Blanc Philadelphia Opens Wait List for Summer of 2015 and Announced Preview Party in Headhouse Shambles

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia Opens Wait List for Summer of 2015 and Announced Preview Party in Headhouse Shambles

Diner en Blanc returns to Philadelphia in the summer of 2015 for another unforgettable evening filled with elegance, food, art and music. For the fourth consecutive year, the secret picnic in white will take over an undisclosed public space whose location is revealed only minutes prior to arrival. The date, number of registrations and new phase three lottery system will be announced next week at the official Diner en Blanc preview party on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Headhouse Shambles (2nd Street between Pine and Lombard streets). During the preview, vote on tables themed around Philadelphia’s top neighborhoods, sample bites from the official caterers, reconnect with old friends, and meet organizers and volunteers. No RSVP is required for this free event.

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P'unk Burger on East Passyunk Celebrates 10,000 Burgers Served with New Burgers, Shakes and Menu Items

P'unk Burger, East Passyunk, Green Aisle, New Burger, Summer Burger, Summer Menu Changes

P’unk Burger celebrates the 10,000 organic hamburger served at 1823 East Passyunk will the debut of new menu items and announcement of new partnerships.

Starting today, burger lovers are invited to try two tasty new burgers that will stay on the menu through at least the end of June (if not longer):

  • BFGB/ Big Fat Greek Burger ($11.95) - P’unk Burger partners with Bitar’s for an organic lamb burger featuring a smashed falafel, tzatziki sauce, cucumber and red onion. Jason and Marlo Dilks collaborated with long-time colleague Amin Bitar on this Middle Eastern influenced burger. The three have always wanted to collaborate together, as SliCE (owned by the Dilks) is located across the street from Bitar’s at 9th and Federal.
  • Jalapeno Burger ($11.95) - For another collaboration with 1732 Meats, P’unk Burger tops an organic beef burger topped 1732’s jalapeño bacon, and adds jalapeño jack cheese, cilantro and house-made pico de gallo. The Jalapeno Burger debuted in mid-May and is extended through June as it is the number one selling burger on the specialty menu.
P'unk Burger, East Passyunk, Green Aisle, New Burger, Summer Burger, Summer Menu Changes

As summer hits East Passyunk, P’unk Burger has the perfect solution to keeping cool. Sip on a new milkshake created with help from two East Passyunk neighbors.

  • Blueberry Cardamom Pie Shake ($6.95) - P'unk Burger bakes up the perfect way to cool off with vanilla ice cream mixed with locally sourced blueberry cardamom preserves from Green Aisle Grocery, mixed and topped with fresh baked pie crust from neighbor Chhaya Cafe.

For those looking for a lighter option, P'unk Burger debuts the first monthly signature salad: 

  • Seared Ahi Tuna and Seaweed Salad ($11.95) - Seared Ahi Tuna with P'unk seasoning, on top of house-made seaweed salad, on top of bibb lettuce with fresh avocado and edamame, served with sesame ginger dressing
P'unk Burger, East Passyunk, Green Aisle, New Burger, Summer Burger, Summer Menu Changes

On top of the above monthly offerings, P'unk Burger officially debuts the following two items on the permanent daily menu: 

  • Vegan Pulled Portobello Sandwich ($9.95) - The city's newest and most unique vegetarian option includes pulled portobello with P'unk sauce, onion, tomato, sweet potato fries and veganaise slaw
  • Reanimator Red Eye Milkshake ($6.95) - Little Babies non-dairy ice cream made in partnership with Reanimator Coffee will give you a real jolt! Scoops and floats also available. 

Outside of the new offerings above, other changes at P'unk Burger since opening in February include: 

  • Charity partner for June for the arcade game is Theatre Exile
  • Hours are now extended until 3am on Fridays and Saturday for take-out, dine-in and now delivery 
  • Sidewalk seating is now open for the summer with 6 cafe tables
  • All seating (inside and out) is now table service
  • Reservations can now be made by calling (215) 468-7865

For more about P'unk Burger, visit www.punkburger.com, tweet @punk_burger, follow P'unk Burger and instagram @punk_burger. 

Chef Luke Palladino Debuts Late Spring and Early Summer Menu at Palladino's on Passyunk

Chef Luke Palladino announces the debut of late spring and early summer dishes at Palladino’s on Passyunk (1934 East Passyunk). Eighteen new offerings will place the spotlight on vegetables and meats at the prime of their season and freshness.

Highlights will include Sweet Pea Tortelli (filled with ricotta, peas and mint, brown butter, shaved parmigiano), Black Spaghetti (made with cuttlefish ink, sautéed ramps, shrimp, bottarga, toasted bread crumbs), Pollo in Porchetta (poussin chicken stuffed with pancetta, garlic, sage, rosemary, fennel pollen, served over cannellini bean puree, broccoli rabe pesto, slow roasted tomatoes and Mixed Grill Spiedino (skewered shrimp, fish, Barnegat scallops, oregano-scented breadcrumbs, salmoriglio sauce).

For a sweet ending, Chef will supplement Luke’s Cannoli and Affogato with three new dessert offerings, including Ricotta Zeppole, Cheesecake and Fallen Chocolate Torta.

Chef’s spring menu changes mark the the first major transition of the menu since the restaurant opened in December of 2014. Going forward, Chef will debut new seasonal dishes two to three times each season. All mentioned new dishes are available starting this week. Let's eat! 

BONUS (updated June 1st)  - FREE SQUASH BLOSSOM HAPPY HOUR! 

Starting today, through June 5, 2015, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, enjoy complimentary samples of Fiori di Zucca when you join chef for happy hour. As a special pairing, chef will also offer a complimentary taste of Limonata. 
 

squash blossoms, luke palladino's, luke palladino, palladino's, east passyunk

NEW DISHES:

ANTIPASTI COLD

Vignarola - Baby artichokes, fava beans, peas, spring onions, mint, oilve oil. $10.00

ANTIPASTI HOT

NJ Asparagus Two Ways - Photo by Aversa PR & Events

NJ Asparagus Two Ways - Photo by Aversa PR & Events

NJ Asparagus Two Ways - Savory asparagus flan, truffled egg salad,    shaved asparagus, lemon, Ligurian oil, shaved parmigiano. $11.00

Wood Grilled Octopus - Ramp salsa verde, potatoes, olivada. $13.00

FRITTI

Spring Vegetable Fritto Misto - Swiss chard ribs, artichokes, asparagus, spring onions. $11.00

ZUPPA & INSALATA

Zuppa Di Carciofi - Purée of artichoke soup, fava bean pesto, Tuscan oil. $9.00

Spring Greens - Assorted greens, shaved Ubriaco cheese, spring vegetables, rhubarb vinaigrette. $10.00

The Anti-Wedge - Bibb lettuce, gorgonzola cheese, shaved bermuda onion, candied pecans, smoked chili ranch dressing, crisp pancetta. $11.00

FOCACCIA/ FLATBREADS

Carciofi - Stuffed with stracchino cheese, topped with baby artichokes, shaved bottarga, parsley. $17.00

Mortadella Focaccia - Photo by Aversa PR & Events

Mortadella Focaccia - Photo by Aversa PR & Events

Mortadella - Stuffed with stracchino cheese, topped with sliced mortadella, pistachio pesto. $18.00

HAND-CRAFTED PASTAS

Sweet Pea Tortelli - Photo by Aversa PR & Events


Sweet Pea Tortelli - Photo by Aversa PR & Events


Sweet Pea Tortelli - Filled with ricotta, peas and mint, brown butter, shaved parmigiano. $21.00

Black Spaghetti - Pasta made with cuttlefish ink, sautéed ramps, shrimp, bottarga, toasted bread crumbs. $26.00

Maccheroni - Beef ragu, pea tendril pesto. $24.00

WOOD-FIRED GRILL

Pollo in Porchetta - Photo by Aversa PR & Events

Pollo in Porchetta - Photo by Aversa PR & Events

Pollo in Porchetta - Poussin chicken stuffed with pancetta, garlic, sage, rosemary, fennel pollen, served over cannellini bean puree, broccoli rabe pesto, slow roasted tomatoes. $24.00

Kobe Strip Steak 8 ounces. $48.00

Mixed Grill Spiedino - Skewered shrimp, fish, Barnegat scallops, oregano-scented breadcrumbs, salmoriglio sauce. $30.00

DESSERTS

Ricotta Zeppole - Moscato zabaglione. $9.00

Cheesecake - Photo by Aversa PR & Events

Cheesecake - Photo by Aversa PR & Events

Cheesecake - Amaretti cookie crust, berry-basil composta, Florentine crisp, aged balsamic. $9.00

Fallen Chocolate Torta - Flourless Valrhona chocolate cake, Strega zabaglione, seasonal berries. $10.00

For more information, please visit www.lukepalladino.com/Palladinos, visit Open Table, follow @palladinosepx, like Palladino's on Facebook or call (267) 928-4339.

Top Artists and Makers Present Handmade-in-America Wares at CRAFT PHILA Liberty Bell Fair

Top Artists and Makers Present Handmade-in-America Wares at CRAFT PHILA Liberty Bell Fair

Philly’s CRAFT PHILA-Liberty Bell Fair celebrates the region’s top independent artists with a juried, open-air festival at 6th and Market Streets. On Saturday, May 16 (10:00am to 7:00pm) and Sunday, May 17 (10:00am to 5:00pm) dozens of jewelers, fiber, glass and leather craftspeople, photographers, painters and printmakers will showcase handmade-in-the-USA wares.

Fair shoppers can also enjoy food and drink from the City’s best food trucks and carts. Entertainment and family fun will include live music, circus performances, art lessons for the kids, games and prizes, sidewalk chalk drawing, a selfie station, patriotic decor and other surprises. Admission is free, with food and drink pay-as-you-go. Rain or shine. For more information, please visit www.craftphila.orgwww.facebook.com, call (267) 679-3121 or twee

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Philadelphia Artists' Collective Presents Sweeping Adventure Tale The Fair Maid of the West April 1-18, 2015

Philadelphia Artists' Collective Presents Sweeping Adventure Tale The Fair Maid of the West April 1-18, 2015

Guts and glory storm the stage in full leather boots as The Philadelphia Artists’ Collective (PAC) embarks on a sweeping adventure tale with Thomas Heywood’s The Fair Maid of the West at Broad Street Ministries (315 S. Broad Street).  This long-submerged theatrical treasure rides the waves with dashing heroes, treacherous villains, plucky heroines and love on the high seas. Charlotte Northeast directs a well-known cast lead by Barrymore Award winner Rachel Camp as Bess, the Fair Maid of the West who will stop at nothing to be with Adam Altman's Spencer.  There's love, danger and enough buffoonery to warm any heart.

The Fair Maid of the West opens Friday, April 3, 2015 at 8:00pm, with previews on Wednesday, April 1 and Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 8:00pm. The show runs for a total of 12 performances through Saturday, April 18, 2015. Tickets are on sale for $20 (or $15 with student identification) by calling 215-551-1543 or visiting www.philartistscollective.org.

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Save the Date: South Street Spring Festival Kicks Off Philadelphia Festival Season with All-Day, All Ages, Free Party on Sat, May 2, 2015

South Street kicks off Philly's summer festival season with a free, all-day, all ages block party on Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 11:00am to 8:00pm. Festivities will take over South Street between Front and 8th, plus continue onto 2nd Street Plaza.

Over 30 restaurants and bars will serve food and drink outside on the street.  The district will come alive with music and entertainment from three stages and eight additional street locations. Children of all ages will enjoy free family fun in the Kids Zone. Over forty artists and retailers will cater to your shopping needs. In conjunction with the Festival, Brauhaus Schmitz will host the 3rd annual German Maifest with German beers, dancers, music, food and the city’s largest Maypole.

South Street Spring Festival is FREE and open to the public. Food and drink are pay-as-you-go. 21 and up with identification to drink. Rain or shine. For the full schedule, visit www.southstreet.com, call 215-413-3713 and follow @officialsouthst #SouthStFest on Twitter.

New Restaurant: Me N Mo Meatballs and More Now Open on South Street with Meatballs, Pasta, Desserts, Bar and Catering

New Restaurant: Me N Mo Meatballs and More Now Open on South Street with Meatballs, Pasta, Desserts, Bar and Catering

Me N Mo Meatballs and More is now open at 214 South Street with hand-rolled meatballs, house-made pasta and tasty sauces made with high-quality, fresh and local ingredients. Enjoy up to eight meatball and sauce varieties daily that include beef and spicy meat sauce, vegetarian and pesto, lamb and rosemary red wine reduction, and chicken with sauce a la vodka. Pick your own meatball and sauce combination, or let chef suggest his favorite pairing.  At the bar, enjoy a selection of wine by the glass and bottle, plus sangria, bottled beer and a selection of spirits. Me N Mo is open for lunch and dinner, from 11:30am to 11:00pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Take-out and catering are available, with delivery to be added soon. For more information, visit www.menmophilly.com, follow @menmophilly, like Me N Mo Meatballs and More on Facebook and call (267) 928-3262.

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