March 18, 2016

Philadelphia Artists' Collective and Philadelphia School of Circus Arts Bring Circus and Theater Together in He Who Gets Slapped

March 18, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Behind the curtain of the big top, no one is laughing harder than the saddest clown of them all. Philadelphia Artists’ Collective, in partnership with Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, presents the Philadelphia premiere of He Who Gets Slapped, from March 30 to April 16, 2016, at Broad Street Ministry (315 S. Broad Street). A cast of clowns, lion-tamers and ringmasters perform their routines under a striped awning and glowing lights. When a new clown arrives, his cheerful makeup conceals a dark secret from his past. PAC’s Co-Founding Artistic Director Damon Bonetti directs an ensemble cast of familiar faces, who will perform their own circus skills with training from PSCA’s Circus Art / Movement Choreographer Terry Brennan.

February 23, 2016

Nick's Roast Beef in Old City to Change Name, Menu and Dining Room, Adds BBQ Menu

February 23, 2016/ Kory Aversa

An Old City staple is sending their name up in flames. As of March 31, 2016, Nick’s Roast Beef at 16 S. 2nd Street will be known as Nick’s Bar and Grille. The new name will debut to coincide with the addition of a new barbecue menu using house-smoked meats. New cocktails and spirits will be added to the drink menu, and customers can look for drink tastings with local purveyors. Along with the new name and menu, customers can enjoy changes in the dining room with new custom-built tables, a group table, new high-tops, renovations to the walls and ceilings, and new decor.

February 18, 2016

South Street Hosts 85th Anniversary of Philadelphia Easter Promenade, Plus Top Restaurants for Easter Brunch

February 18, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Hop on down to South Street Headhouse District for some FREE, egg-citing family fun during the 85th annual Easter Promenade on Sunday, March 27, 2016. Come dressed in your Sunday Best and promenade down South Street in this grand and popular tradition that last year drew record crowds. Master of ceremonies Henri David returns to lead the parade from the corner of Passyunk Avenue/South Street down to Headhouse Square (2nd Street). Enjoy Easter treats, live music from the Philadelphia Freedom Band, the Bunny Hop, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cottontail and much more until 2:00pm. Bring your camera and stick around to meet the Easter Bunny himself, and see who wins the best dressed contests!

February 17, 2016

Society Hill Playhouse to Host Final Curtain Call with Liberty City Radio Theatre

February 17, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Society Hill Playhouse (507 S. 8th Street) will host its final curtain call with the world premiere of Liberty City Radio Theatre, on Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5, 2016. Crime noir, romance, screwball comedy and farce – all fuel-injected with laughs in an all-new original show. Ticket reservations are available at the Society Hill Box office by calling 215-923-0210. Ticket prices are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Doors open at 7:00pm for pre-show music and cocktails, and the show begins at 8:00pm.

February 15, 2016

South Street Spring Festival Returns to Philadelphia on Saturday May 7, 2016 with 12 Blocks of Food, Music and Fun

February 15, 2016/ Kory Aversa

South Street Headhouse District announces the return of South Street Spring Festival on Saturday, May 7, 2016, from 11:00AM to 8:00PM. Rock your way into the summer season with a giant, all-ages outdoor block party that will take over the street from South (between Front and 8th) and run along Headhouse Plaza (between South and Pine). Last year, over 58,000+ people came out to enjoy the music, food and fun in the sun. Mark your calendars as the city’s largest block party is back!

February 11, 2016

Palladino's on East Passyunk Launches Free Bar Bites During New Late Night Happy Hour

February 11, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Chef Luke Palladino puts his Northern Italian spin on bar snacks starting tomorrow at Palladino's during Late Night Happy Hour features complimentary bar bites, drink specials and half off his "Best of Philly" Focaccia di Recco. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 10:00pm to Midnight, look for complimentary bites from the kitchen, along with drink and other food specials for the late night East Passyunk crowd. Late Night at Palladino's will also cater to the industry crowd who spent all day working in neighboring kitchens and dining rooms.

February 10, 2016

Celebrate Valentine's Day and Weekend in Philadelphia with Heart-Shaped Pizza, Sunday Brunch, Special Cocktails and More

February 10, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Love is in the food in Philadelphia this Valentine's Weekend! Aversa PR clients present 11 unique menus, parties and events to celebrate Valentine's Day and Weekend for 2016.

Slice, Valentine's Day, Heart Shaped Pizza, Heart Pizza, South Philadelphia, Aversa pR

1) SliCE
Rittenhouse (1740 Sansom Street, 215-557-9299)
South Philadelphia (1180 S. 10th Street, 215-463-0868)
Washington Township (137 Egg Harbor Road, 856-302-5099)

HEART-SHAPED PIZZA-GRAMS AND CONTEST

This Valentine’s Day, love is in the pizza! Say “be mine” with a specially delivered heart-shaped pizza-gram from SliCE. Customize your pie with his/her favorite toppings or select one of SliCE’s signature pie combinations. As a bonus, SliCE will surprise one lucky pizza-gram delivery recipient with a Passyunk-made silver LOVE necklace from Sermania Jewelry (1719 East Passyunk). Sermania’s made-on-Passyunk collection pays homage to Philadelphia’s famous LOVE statue. The winner will be drawn at random based on delivery orders on Sunday, February 14, 2016. Heart-shaped pies are the same price as a traditional pies and are available at all three SliCE locations. Heart-shaped pies are also available for dine-in and take-out, but the jewelry contest is valid on delivery only.

For more information about SliCE or to place an order, call the location directly, visit www.slicepa.com, follow @slicepa on Twitter and like “SliCE” on Facebook.

The Little Lion, Old City, Aversa PR, cocktails, valentine's day, coctail pairings, champagne

2) The Little Lion
243 Chestnut Street (3rd and Chestnut)
(267) 273-0688

3 COURSES AND CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL PAIRING

The Little Lion in Old City celebrates its first Valentine’s Weekend with a special three course, three champagne cocktail pairing for $45.00 per person. Selections include menu favorites as well as some special new dishes. The standard a la carte menu is also available.

1st Course: (Select one)
(Paired with Lemon Fizz: lemon shrub, mint, champagne)

Macaroni & Cheese: stewed tomato
Farmers Cheese: grilled bread, local honey
Oysters: raw, fried, or grilled: peach mignonette, house cocktail
Charred Brussels Sprouts: lardons, sherry vinegar
Kale Caesar: cornbread croutons, grana padano, baby kale, roasted garlic caesar

2nd Course: (Select one)
(Paired with Raspberry Crush: raspberry shrub, sparkling pinot noir, apricot brandy)

Prime Rib: truffle mash, whiskey jus, crispy onions
Kale Pesto Pasta: orecchiette, farmers cheese, cauliflower “steak”, crispy kale chips, roasted tomato
Shrimp & Grits: tasso ham gravy, sharp cheddar grits, gulf coast shrimp
Blackened Catfish: crawfish cream sauce, succotash, broken rice grits
Fried Chicken: jalapeno cheddar cream cheese hot cake, local honey, sour slaw

3rd Course: (Select one)
(Paired with Blood Orange: blood orange shrub, blood orange vodka, orange juice, champagne)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cornbread Pudding: Chantilly cream, powdered sugar, chocolate sauce
Chocolate Mud Jar: chocolate pudding, cookie crumble, Chantilly cream
Blueberry Cobbler: brown butter gelato
Lemon Custard Crème Brulee: burnt sugar crust

Palladino's, East Passyunk, Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, Luke Palladino, Valentine's Day, Aversa pR

3) Palladino’s on Passyunk
1934 East Passyunk
(267) 928-4339

VALENTINE'S WEEKEND ADDITIONS
(Friday, February 12, 2016 to Sunday, February 14, 2016)

Wine and Cocktails:
Segura Viudas Rose Cava. $11
12 Mile Limit - rye whiskey, brandy, white rum, house made grenadine, lemon juice. $12

Antipasti:
Scallop Crudo - fennel soubise, blood orange, golden caviar. $19

Pasta:
Capellini Lobster Bolognese "In Brodo" - chilies, garlic roasted tomatoes, tarragon, sunchoke gremolata. $32

Main Plate:
Filet Mignon & King Crab - grilled filet, butter poached king crab, red pepper marmellata zabaglione. $59

Dolci:
White Chocolate Mousse - passion fruit composta . $11
Chocolate-Caramel Torta - flaked sea salt, blood orange crema. $12

VALENTINE'S SUNDAY BRUNCH ADDITIONS

Main Plates:
Maine Lobster Poached Eggs - red pepper - prosecco hollandaise, sweet potato latkes. $32
Filet & King Crab Omelet - stracchino cheese, fine herbs, roasted tomato hollandaise. $35

Dolci:
White Chocolate Mousse - passion fruit composta . $11
Chocolate-Caramel Torta - flaked sea salt, blood orange crema. $12

The standard a la carte menu will also be available. For reservations, visit Open Table or call (267) 928-4339.

LP Steak, Valentine's Day, Palladino, Luke Palladino, Valley Forge Casino Resort

4) LP Steak
1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia
Valley Forge Casino Resort
610-768-5003

THREE COURSE WITH PROSECCO MENU

Enjoy a romantic experience designed by Chef Luke Palladino with three-courses and a complimentary glass of prosecco for $85.00 per person. Available Friday, February 12 to Sunday, February 14, 2016. The standard a la carte menu will also be available.

Appetizer Course: (Select one)

KOBE BEEF TARTARE -
parmesan potato skins • black truffle hollandaise

SMOKED SCALLOPS
fine herb crème fraiche & caviar

SEARED FOIE GRAS
amarena cherries • brioche toast

Main: (Select one)
STRIPED BASS BOUILLABAISSE
with shrimp • clams fennel • & saffron in papillote

VEAL TENDERLOIN
white puree • maitake mushroom bordelaise sauce

FILET MIGNON
truffle madeira sauce

8OZ. KOBE RIBEYE
supplement $45

Dessert: (Select one)
CHOCOLATE CHAMBORD CAKE
raspberry glaze, raspberry infused dark chocolate mousse • devil’s food cake

GRAND MARNIER & DARK CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Special Cocktails:

“ROSE MALLOW”
absolut hibiscus | cherry liqueur
orange & lime juice

“TRUTH SERUM”
glenfiddich | luxardo maraschino
patron café incendio | lime
orange & jerry thomas bitters

5) Valley Tavern
1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia
Valley Forge Casino Resort
610-768-5004

Valley Tavern offers a casual, last-minute and tasty option for couples with three-courses (with a complimentary glass of champagne) for $70 per couple on Saturday, February 13, 2016 and Sunday, February 14, 2016.

Course 1: (Select one)
Caprese Salad
Classic Caesar

Course 2: (Select one)
Grilled Filet Mignon with Roast Portobello Sauce Béarnaise
Stuffed Flounder with Crab Imperial Limoncello Sauce

Course 3:
Impossible Flan

6) The Vault
1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia
Valley Forge Casino Resort
610-768-5004 - is this right?

STEEL CITY STUDS REVUE
Friday, February 12, 2016
8:00pm to 9:30pm

This action packed Magic Mike style male strip show consists of six gorgeous male strippers in a 90-minute choreographed male revue. Tickets are $25.00 on Ticketmaster or www.vfcasino.com.

CUPID IS STUPID ANTI-VALENTINE'S PARTY
Friday, February 12, 2016
Starts 9:30pm

Who needs a Valentine when you can boycott Valentine's Day at The Vault. On Friday, February 12th, from 9:30pm to 2:00am, celebrate the single life at the best anti-Valentine's Day party of the season. The party is free when you RSVP ahead of time at upcomingevents.com. RSVP includes one complimentary drink or beer, a light food buffet, Fireball and JD McGillicuddy’s drink specials from 11:00pm to 1:00am, beats from DJ Reed Streets, prizes and giveaways, and tons of singles to mix and mingle with.

P'unk Burger, SliCE, Marlo and Jason Dilks, Rittenhouse, Philadelphia, Aversa PR, Valentine's Day

7) P’unk Burger
1823 East Passyunk Avenue
(215) 468-7865

FREE SHAKE GIVEAWAY PLUS ADDITIONS

Last year, on Valentine's Weekend, Marlo and Jason Dilks (also owners of SliCE) opened East Passyunk's organic burger, fries and shake BYO. One year later, the couple celebrate their first year in business by partnering with Sweet Box Cupcakes (339 S. 13th Street) for a free shake giveaway! Kick-off the weekend from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, February 12, 2016 with a free boozy Red Velvet Raspberry Spodee cake shake, or a birthday cake shake. On Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14, 2016, enjoy special shake features (like Little Baby’s Box of Chocolate), the new Alpine burger and other surprises for young couples and families.

Me N Mo South Street, South Street, Meatballs and More, Aversa PR, valentine's Day

8) Me N Mo Meatballs and More
214 South Street
267-928-3262

FOUR COURSE DINNER

South Street’s romantic Me N Mo will feature a four-course dinner for two for $75 per couple, or $85 per couple with glass of champagne. Tax and gratuity not included. Valid February 9, 2016 through February 14, 2016.

Course 1: (Select one)
Lobster bisque
Shrimp cocktail
Beef Carpaccio

Course 2: (Select one)
Lobster ravioli in a blush sauce
Pappardella in a wild boar ragu
Bowtie pasta w broccoli rabe and four cheese

Course 3: (Select one)
Branzino, served with old fashioned mashed potatoes and sautéed escarole
Rack of lamb in a Barolo red wine reduction, hints of rosemary, served with Yukon gold potatoes, broccoli rabe
Pork osso buco oven baked, served over carrots and potatoes in a tantalizing broth

Course 4: (Select one)
Dark chocolate covered strawberries
Tiramisu
Limoncello, mascarpone cake

9) Taproom on 19th
2400 S. 19th Street (19th and Ritner)
(267) 687-7817

MENU ADDITIONS

Taproom on 19th is the perfect spot for those who want to celebrate but don’t want the hassle of reservations. In addition to the regular menu, enjoy special features including Filet Medallions with Sauteed Mushrooms and Port Wine Reduction for $18.00, Sauteed Striped Bass with Crispy Potatoes and Asparagus Puree for $16.00. Look for other specials over the weekend, and don’t forget to pair with the extensive selection of craft beers. No reservations required.

10) ELA
627 S 3rd Street
(267) 687-8512

Ela offers three great options to celebrate Valentine’s Weekend - Prix Fixe Dinners, Valentine’s To-Go and Valentine’s Sunday Brunch.

Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Menu will be offered from Friday, February 12 to Sunday, February 14, 2016. Four courses for $65 per person with optional wine pairing, or six courses for $100 per per person with bottle of sparkling wine included.

A special Valentine’s to-go option is also available - three courses for two for $100 with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine. Chef will prepare your meal and all you have to do is reheat and hide the evidence!

Enjoy a special two-course prix fixe brunch menu for $25.00 per person (with a Mimosa or Bloody Mary included) from 10:30am to 2:30pm on Valentine’s Sunday.

All menus are available at elaphilly.com.

11) Society Hill Dance Academy
409 S. 2nd Street
(215) 574-3574

DANCES OF LOVE

Society Hill Dance Academy presents their 12th year of “Dances of Love.” Pair your Valentine’s Day dinner on Sunday, February 14, 2016 in South Street Headhouse District with a special one-hour lesson in Rumba or Tango. Times are 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm, 8:00pm and 9:00pm. Cost is $40.00 per person. Space is limited, call (215) 574-3574 to reserve.

February 09, 2016

The Little Lion Launches Happy Hour in Old City Philadelphia

February 09, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Newly opened The Little Lion (243 Chestnut Street) debuts happy hour starting this Thursday, February 11, 2016 with dollar oysters, new Southern Poutine, discounted cocktails and other food/drink specials running Monday through Friday, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, at the bars and chef's counter, as well as in the dining room. Enjoy your favorite drink and bites as you take in the people watching in Old City District.

February 09, 2016

P'unk Burger on East Passyunk Gives Away Free Milkshakes to Celebrate 1st Birthday

February 09, 2016/ Kory Aversa

P'unk Burger, at 1823 East Passyunk in Philadelphia, will celebrate their first birthday by giving away FREE cake milkshakes on Friday, February 12, 2016, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Customers will enjoy a free limited edition P'unk and Sweet Box collaboration - a Raspberry Red Velvet Spodee shake made with Sweet Box's signature cupcakes. The shake will be free Friday, but you can also purchase this decadent option during the rest of Valentine's Weekend.

February 01, 2016

Theatre Exile Presents Philadelphia Premiere of Erotic Thriller Smoke by Kim Davies

February 01, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Following five Barrymore wins, and the sold-out and critically acclaimed production of Rizzo, Theatre Exile continues their 19th season with the Philadelphia premiere of Smoke by Kim Davies. Studio X (1340 S. 13th Street) is the intimate setting for this disquieting erotic thriller that carves away the layers of the human condition to expose our deepest self-deceptions. A playful game of cat and mouse turns a coincidental encounter between two strangers into a dangerous struggle for power. Previews begin on Thursday, February 18, 2016 and press opening night is Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 8:00pm. The show runs for a total of 21 performances through Sunday, March 13, 2016. Tickets are on sale now for $10.00 to $40.00 at www.theatreexile.org or by phone (215) 218-4022.