Christmas Village in Philadelphia Returns to LOVE Park for 2014 Holiday Season with Festive Sights, Sounds and Shopping

The Christmas Village will again transform Philadelphia’s LOVE Park (15th and JFK Boulevard) into a traditional, open-air German Christmas Market, open daily between Thanksgiving and Sunday, December 28, 2014. Shop for high-quality, international and local gifts and decorations. Enjoy holiday sights and sounds with thousand of twinkling lights, the LOVE Park Christmas Tree, live music, children’s activities and photos with Santa Claus. Warm up with a glass of warm mulled wine or hot cocoa while enjoying European and American food and drink. Admission is free, with food, drink and shopping pay as you go. Spread the cheer by following @philachristmas on Twitter, liking Christmas Village on Facebook and visiting www.philachristmas.com.

Now in its seventh year, Christmas Village in Philadelphia has grown into one of the region’s most unique and charming holiday attractions. It expects to attract more than 550,000 people in 2014. Sixty-five international and local merchants and artists are busy preparing high-quality gifts that will be sold in decorated tents and wooden houses that will pop-up throughout Center City’s famous LOVE Park. With toys, apparel, jewelry, decorations, homegoods, artwork and more, there will be something for everyone on Santa’s list.

For the second consecutive year, Christmas Village in Philadelphia is presented by an NRG company.

“NRG Home is once again proud to be the presenting sponsor of Christmas Village in Philadelphia, a growing tradition that brings the community together,” said Heather Farber, Managing Director, NRG Retail Northeast. “We look forward to connecting with consumers at Christmas Village, listening to what their energy needs are, and sharing how NRG Home can help power their holidays both at home and on the go.”

Follow the smell of gingerbread and waffles to a full menu of European food, sweets and drinks, including mouthwatering German bratwurst or schnitzel served on a warm roll (Brötchen). Look for new menu additions this year, including Döner Kebab (a German specialty featuring fresh meat shaved right off the rotisserie spit, placed in a warm pita pocket with tomato, onion, and our delicious homemade sauce). Wash it all down with a warm mug of traditional German Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) or rich hot chocolate.

On top of the great shopping and dining experiences, visitors will enjoy the glorious Christmas Tree in LOVE Park, a Wish Wall in conjunction with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, a new kid’s zone on the weekends, theme days and weekends, tasting tours with Chaddsford Winery, live music during evenings and weekends, and other surprises to be announced.

The Christmas Village previews for two days on Thanksgiving Day (9:00am to 5:00pm) and Black Friday (11:00am to 7:00pm). Stop over after Philadelphia’s annual Thanksgiving Parade on Thursday, November 27 and beat the mall crowds on Black Friday, November 28, 2014.

Daily market hours starting Black Friday through the last Sunday in December will be Friday through Saturday 11:00am to 8:00pm, and Sunday through Thursday 11:00am to 7:00pm. Christmas Eve hours are 11:00am to 5:00pm (closed on Christmas Day).

The market will have a Grand Opening Ceremony on Saturday, November 29, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Invite your family and friends to come sing-a-long to holiday selections by local choirs, marching bands and other entertainers. Meet the original Christkind from Nuremberg after she officially opens the market by reciting her traditional prologue and rings in the official lighting ceremony of the Chritmas Village Fountain (not the tree), presented by NRG Home. Take photos with her as she does her traditional walk of the market. In Germany, she is the person that brings the Christmas gifts to the kids, and she won’t be coming to Philadelphia empty handed!

Vendor lists, food and drink menus, theme weekends, special event details and special promotions will be released in mid-November. Follow @philachristmas on Twitter, follow Christmas Village on Facebook and visit www.philachristmas.com for more information.

ABOUT NRG HOME

NRG Home empowers residential energy customers with a new way to think about, buy and use energy. Innovative, exclusive energy products give customers unprecedented choice and control through customized electricity plans with unique rewards and access to emerging energy technology solutions. NRG Home is part of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 250 company that serves almost three million retail customers across the country. NRG Energy creates value through reliable and efficient conventional power generation, while driving innovation in solar and renewable power, electric vehicle ecosystems, carbon capture technology and customer-centric energy solutions.

Taproom on 19th Hosts One Year Anniversary SpecTAPular with Pigheaded BBQ, Gin Canaries, Tap Takeover and Fatties

Taproom on 19th (2400 S. 19th, Philadelphia) celebrates its one year anniversary with a special night of brews, barbecue and live music. This Saturday, November 8, 2014, from 4:00pm to 2:00am, owners Michael Strauss and Pete Fry will host the “One Year Anniversary SpecTAPular” featuring a chef pop-up with Pigheaded BBQ, performance by the Gin Canaries, tap-takeover with Bella Vista Beer Distributor, and visits with representatives from Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company, DuClas and Clown Shoes Beer. A special version of Neshaminy Creek's brand new "JAWN" ale, made just for Taproom on 19th, will pour on the cask. Admission is free. All food and drink are pay-as-you-go. Guests must be 21 or older to drink. For more information, visit www.taproomon19th.com, call 267-687-7817 or follow @TaproomOn19th

One year ago, on November 8, 2013, current owners Michael Strauss and Pete Fry took over ownership of Taproom on 19th and revamped the South Philadelphia staple into a top destination for local and seasonal upscale pub fare, 14 rotating taps of craft beer (including a cask engine), a classic cocktail menu, a knowledgeable staff and a warm vibe.

“What a long and strange trip is has been,” said Strauss. “Pete and I are grateful for all the people that have supported us. We truly love South Philadelphia and our neighborhood. We are also honored to be part of the city’s thriving food and beer scene.”

Taproom’s Anniversary specials for the SpecTAPular will include:

• Anniversary Burger - Lafrieda beef patty with collard greens, black pepper bacon from 1732 Meats, barbecue fried chicken skin ($13.00)
• Mac and Cheese - Fontina and sharp cheddar, bacon bread crumbs and stewed tomato ($11.00)
• Collard Greens - Featuring black pepper bacon from 1732 Meats and pork jus ($6.00)
• Anniversary Chili - Chef’s family recipe with venison ($8.00)

The national barbecue competition team Pigheaded BBQ will pop-up in the kitchen with:

• BBQ Fatties - House-rolled sausage stuffed with bacon and mac-n-cheese, coated in barbecue rub and smoked with peach wood for 2.5 hours ($5 half Fattie $10 whole Fattie)
• Pulled Pork Nachos - Kettle cooked potato crisps smothered in slow-smoked barbecue pulled pork, topped with brisket and pork studded baked beans, slathered in cheese sauce and dressed with barbecue sauce, sour cream and jalapenos $8.00)
• Brisket - Full packer cut brisket, rubbed with salt and pepper, smoked low and slow using peach wood for 12 hours, sliced to order ($10 for half lb. and $20 for full lb.)

Taps during the anniversary event will be taken over by Bella Vista Beer Distributor’s Jason A Miller. The night’s selection will feature:

• Clown Shoes - Pecan Pie Porter
• DuClaw - Retribution (2013 Vintage!)
• Stillwater - Classique
• Evil Twin - Femme Fatale Kabuso
• Pizza Boy - Sunny Side Up
• Carton - Boat Beer
• Cigar City - Good Gourd
• Ballast Point - Sculpin
• Prairie - Cherry Funk
• Traunstein - Pils

Representatives from Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company, DuClas and Clown Shoes Beer will also be on hand to discuss their beers. A special version of Neshaminy Creek's brand new "JAWN" ale, made just for Taproom on 19th, will pour on the cask.

The Gin Canaries will perform from 7:00pm to 11:00pm with a full set of jazz age and American songbook. The concert is free. Food and drink are pay as you go. Guests must be 21 or older to drink (with identification). For more information, visit www.taproomon19th.com, call 267-687-7817 or follow @TaproomOn19th

ABOUT PIGHEADED BBQ

Pigheaded BBQ is an award-winning KCBS Competition BBQ Team based in Middletown, DE. Retired Philly Police Diver turned pitmaster Ron Templeman co-founded Pigheaded BBQ in 2006 with his son Ron Templeman, son-in-law Mike Sadgwar and nephew Brian Milito. Other team members include Norma Templeman (Ron Ron's wife), Trina Sadgwar (Ron's daughter & Mike's wife) and Stephanie Sadgwar (Mike's sister). Pigheaded also provides catering services and collaborates with restaurants in the tri-state area for pop-up barbecue events.

THE STORY BEHIND TAPROOM ON 19TH

What happens when two longtime friends from Central Jersey become disillusioned with their respective careers, and decide to follow their shared passion for good food and drink?

In 2012, after 25+ years in the printing business, Pete Fry decided he had had enough and needed to do something that he actually loved as opposed to just paying the bills. A quick call to good friend Michael Strauss consisting mainly of “hey, so I hate my job, want to open a bar?” and they were on their way, with Strauss leaving behind his career in commercial real estate.

With no specific locale in mind, and after checking out several locations, they homed in on the current 19th the solid neighborhood, and the good bones of the tavern that was there at the time. With Strauss being the driving force behind the overall food style and Fry putting his extensive

knowledge of craft beer into play, they brought on some of Philadelphia’s best young talent in Chef Christina De Silva, Sous Chris Myers, and Bar Manager Brian Padgett to complete the team. Taproom on 19th opened in its current format on November 8th, 2013.

South Street Headhouse District Resurrects Philadelphia's Day of the Dead Festival and Parade

South Street Headhouse District announces the resurrection of the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival and Parade, on Sunday, November 2, 2014.  After a twelve year hiatus, this popular celebration returns to honor departed loved ones while celebrating the circle of life. The unique procession will feature spectacular giant puppets, dancing skeletons, traditional Mexican music, strolling costumed spirits, Frida Kahlo look-alikes and a funeral hearse.  The parade route begins at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (1020 South Street) starting at 1:45pm and ends on the 400 block with food, drink, art and family fun from 2:00pm to 7:00pm. The parade and street festival are free, with food and drink pay-as-you-go. For more information, visit www.southstreet.com, follow @officialsouthst on Twitter or call (215) 413-3713.

“After all these years, we are proud to bring this beloved festival and parade back to Philadelphia,” said Executive Director Michael Harris. “It will be a day to celebrate those we have lost, contemplate our existence and reaffirm our ties with our ancestors.”

Children and adults are encouraged to come in costume and share food, art, music and fun with their extended community, both living and dead.  Starting at 1:30pm, participants can gather at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. While waiting pay homage to deceased family members and friends by writing a chalk message in front of the specially created “ofrenda,” or altar offering up gifts to the dead. The parade kicks off at 1:45pm and feature spectacular giant puppets, dancing skeletons, traditional Mexican music, strolling costumed spirits, Frida Kahlo look-alikes and a funeral hearse (provided courtesy of McGuinness Funeral Home).

Once the procession hits the 400 block, the festival comes to life with music, song and performances from the following:

• * Mariachi Pedro Villaseñor (1:45pm to 2:30pm)
• * Los Straitjackets (2:45pm to 3:30pm)
• * Fuego Nuevo (3:30pm)
• * Tonantzin Coatlicue (3:45pm to 4:15pm)
• * Grupo de Danza Nuevo Mexico (4:30pm to 5:00pm)
• * Grupo Cenzontle (5:15pm to 5:45pm)
• * Ensemble de Folklore de la Escuela de Música del Estado de Hidalgo (6:00pm to 7:00pm)

The world’s number one instrumental combo, Los Straitjackets, will perform a special preview prior to their show at World Café Live that night where they will perform with the legendary Deke Dickerson in promotion of their new album Los Straitjackets: Deke Dickerson Sings the Instrumental Hits. For tickets and more information, visit tickets.worldcafelive.com

Additionally, participants can enjoy face painting, art demonstrations with Joel Garcia from the Eyes Gallery, Frido Kahlo look-alike contest hosted by the Eyes Gallery, skull tile making, and food and drink from Baron Von Schwein, Copabanana, Farm Truck, Las Bugambilias,Tuk Tuk Real and Woolly Mammoth.  All festival activities will take place on the 400 block, which will be closed to traffic.

Leading up to the Day of the Dead, stop by the Headhouse Square Fountain this week to visit an ofrenda hosted by Brujo de la Mancha (artist, musician, and traditional Aztec dancer). This altar will serve as a place for the community to place objects to honor their loved ones and will include a set of pre-Columbian sculptures provided by Nazbalam, Cascada del Jaguar.

The Day of the Dead Festival and Parade is presented by South Street Headhouse District with support from the Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia, the Mexican Cultural Center, and in part by grant funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, as part of its Knight Art Challenge.  Guidance is being provided by original organizers, Isaiah and Julia Zagar of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and Eyes Galley, and Bill Curry of Copabanana.  

All activities are free and open to the public. Food and drink are pay-as-you-go. Beer and cocktails are available for those 21 and up, with valid identification.

For schedule updates and additional activities, visit www.southstreet.com, follow @officialsouthst on Twitter or call (215) 413-3713.

BRU Craft & Wurst Hosts Pig Roast, Live Bands, Brews and More During Midtown Village Fall Festival

BRU Craft & Wurst (1318 Chestnut Street) presents BRU FALL FEST this Saturday, October 4, 2014 in conjunction with Midtown Village Fall Festival. Between 12:00pm and 8:00pm, BRU will present eight hours of food, drink and music outside on the 1300 block of Chestnut Street. Look for Bratwurst and Knackwurst on the grill, plus pulled pork sandwiches from a whole pig roast.  Bartenders will pour our favorite local brews, including Troegs Dreamweaver and Hop Knife, Stoudt's Pilsner and Oktoberfest, ShawneeCraft Raspberry Blanche and IPA, and Yards Philly Pale Ale and Brawler.  Inside the bar, BRU will be "gravity pouring" a super rare firkin of Troegs Hop Knife.

On the Oktoberfest stage, get ready for eight hours of music from five live bands and DJS, including:

12:00pm to 1:00pm
Matt Lipshitz (Acoustic guitar solo performing covers and originals)

1:30pm to 2:30pm
No Good Sister (All female trio performing honky tonk, Western, swing, blues and Americana)

3:00pm to 4:00pm
Cultureal (Love-based roots, jazz, reggae)

4:30pm to 5:30pm
Thee Idea Men (Blues, rock)

6:00pm to 7:00pm
The Levee Drivers (Sounds of old country souls being reborn into tomorrow's rock)

7:00pm to 8:00pm
Various DJs (Popular, funk, rock)

In between sets, DJ JAY will spin popular trip hip and down tempo lounge music.  Oktoberfest is free to the public, and 21 and older to drink (with identification). BRU will serve an abbreviated version of the regular daily menu inside, plus pouring from 39 taps. Skip Midtown Village’s beer lines by dropping in for self-serve taps using our Ipad pouring system. 

For more information about BRÜ and a list of other upcoming events, call (215) 800-1079, visit www.bruphilly.com, like www.facebook.com/BRUPhilly and follow @bruphilly on Twitter.  

ABOUT BRÜ

BRÜ Craft & Wurst is a German-style bier hall and wursthaus nestled in the heart of Midtown Village. The bar is bustling with German draughts and Philadelphia’s most aggressive list of American craft beers.  A self-serving station lets customers pour their own beers using special iPads. Other modern twists include ample outlets wired near bar seating for customers who need to be plugged in 24/7.

Executive Chef Andrew Gaspar serves up Bavarian and American cuisine for those who enjoy hearty dishes with big flavors. The menu showcases his experience in classic German cuisine and pub food that he developed from working in kitchens at the Belgian Café, Brauhaus Schmidts, Stateside and Monks Café. The dining room, outdoor seating area and bar are open daily for lunch and dinner.