East Passyunk Feast of 7 Fish Dinners, Christmas Eve and New Year's Hours for East Passyunk and South Street Bars and Restaurants

Restaurants along East Passyunk Avenue and South Street Headhouse District are celebrating Christmas Eve in Italian style with special menus, prix fix dinners and the traditional "Feast of the 7 Fish" dinner. 

Mamma Maria Ristorante (1637 East Passyunk Avenue) - Spend Christmas Eve with South Philly’s most famous “Mamma” and her long-standing Christmas Eve Seven Fish Dinner featuring: Antipasto di Pesce, Chestnut Soup, Fettuccine alle Vongole, Baccala Codfish salad, Calamari Stuffed squid, Sogliola Flounder, Salmone Salmon, Merluzzo Smelts, Conchiglia large stuffed clams, Capo Sante Scallops, salad, sides, coffee, dessert, complimentary wine and after-dinner cordials. Each guest is $65.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Seatings at 3:00pm, 6:00pm and 9:00pm. Call 215 463-6884 for reservations.

Noir Restaurant (1909 East Passyunk Avenue) - Noir celebrates the Feast of the 7 Fish with a three-course meal for only $40.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity), including choice of Seafood Bouillabaisse or Mediterranean Salad; Squid Ink Linguini Del Mare, Mosaic Trio or Seafood Risotto; Limoncello Mascarpone Cake, Crème Brulee Cheese Cake or Tira Misu. Call (267) 319-1678 for reservations. Reservations for 9:00pm seating are available.

Palladino’s (1934 East Passyunk Avenue) - East Passyunk’s newest restaurant opens just in time for the holidays (12/18) with steak, seafood, Italian, desserts and more. On Christmas Eve, dinner patrons will enjoy complimentary Punzone Poinsettia compliments of Chef Luke Palladino. The dining room and full-service bar will be open to celebrate the holiday. For reservations, call 267-928-4339 or book through OpenTable.

Paradiso (1627 East Passyunk Avenue) - Christmas Eve “La Vigilia Di Natale” Feast of the 7 Fish includes delicious offerings from Chef Lynn Rinaldi that include Baccala Mantecato, Fritto Misto, Black Bucatini with Rock Shrimp, Linguine with Clams, Penne with Lump Crabmeat, Whole Dover Sole, Stuffed Skate with Crabmeat and more. Antipasti di Pesce, sides for the table and dessert choice included for $75.00 per person. Call 215.271.2066 for reservations.

SliCE (1740 Sansom St. or 137 Egg Harbor Rd) - Celebrate Christmas Eve with the Pizza of the 7 Fishes, featuring mozzarella, clams, mussels, shrimp, tuna, crab meat, anchovies and sardine all sauteed with fresh olive oil and garlic, and topped with fresh lemon and basil. This unique pie is a twist on the Italian tradition of Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes Dinner. Rittenhouse and Washington Township locations are open through 6:00pm on Christmas Day. Rittenhouse will deliver anywhere in Philadelphia that day by calling (215) 557- 9299.

Spitalieri's (613 East Passyunk) - Celebrate Christmas Eve with a four-course prix fixe that includes choice of soup or salad, appetizer, entree and dessert. Highlights include Zuppa di pesce (Fish Soup),Shrimp Scampi Flatbread, Baby Neck Clams in Garlic Butter, Jeanie's Code and Shrimp, Salmon Cakes, Frutti di Mare, Jeanie’s Homemade Cheese Pie with Fig Sauce, Chocolate Bread Pudding and more. Glass of wine or soda included for $50.00 per person (not included gratuity). Reservation required by calling (267) 324-3144. Hours 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

Stogie Joe’s (1801 East Passyunk Avenue) - Place your order now for a Tavern Style Christmas Menu that you can pick-up for your family. Enjoy offerings like Clams Casino, Crab Sauce, Crab Cakes, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp Cocktail, Calamari, Salad and more. All orders must be placed by Friday, December 20, 2014, by calling 267-767-5701. Pick-up by December 24, 2014 by 5:00pm.

** OTHER RESTAURANTS AND BARS OPEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE ** 

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 11:30am to 8:00pm with happy hour specials 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

Jim’s Steaks South Street (400 South Street) - Open until 9:00pm.

Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub (150 South Street) - Open 11:00am to 3:00pm for lunch and bar.

Pizzeria Stella (420 South 2nd Street) - Dining room and bar open 11:00am to 9:00pm.

Ela (627 S. 3rd Street) - Dining room and bar opens at 4:00pm regular a la carte menu.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk) - Open 7:00am to 2:00am - one of Philadelphia's earliest spots to put the jolly into your Christmas Eve. 

Redwood Bistro (340 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 2:00pm to 8:00pm.

** OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY **

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 5:00pm to 2:00am.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk) - The bar opens at 7:00am with a shot of Wild Turkey for only $3.00, open until 2am. Come in before the screaming kids and annoying aunt arrive, or escape the minute they leave. 

** NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENTS, DINNERS AND HOURS **

Brauhaus Schmitz (718 South Street) - Silvester Party from 9:00pm to 1:00am with four hour top shelf open bar, exclusive winter German import beers, live entertainment, grand buffet, champagne toast and party favors for $125.00 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.brauhausschmitz.com. Kitchen will also be open for regular menu from 11:30am to Midnight (with free champagne toast) and the bar will be open 11:30am to 2:00am.

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 11:30am to 2:00am.

Delicias (526 S. 4th Street) - New Year's Eve seating anytime 5:00pm to 7:00pm with three courses for $35.00, and seating anytime 7:00pm to 10:00pm with four courses for $55.00. Music and complimentary champagne will be offered. Make reservations by calling (267) 687-7631.

Ela (627 S. 3rd Street) - New Year’s Eve four course prix fixe menu for $75.00 with an optional $30 wine pairing, or a six course prix fixe menu for $100.00 with an optional $45.00 wine pairing. Hours 4:00pm to 10:30pm. Highlights include Hamachi Tartare (passion fruit, caviar, cucumber), Lobser Risotto (lobster ceviche, winter citruses, saffro), Foie Gras (warm cinnamon brioche, ginger, candied butternut squash), Wild Sturgeon (roasted spicy golden beets, smoked green apple, cipollini onions) and Crème “Brûlée” Cheesecake (meyer lemon, hazelnuts, anise). Call 267.687.8512 for reservations, or visit www.elaphilly.com/events.

Jim’s Steaks South Street (400 South Street) - Open until 3:00am.

Nick’s Roast Beef Bar and Grille (16 S. 2nd Street) - Stop by Nick’s annual New Year’s Party before and after the 6:00pm and Midnight fireworks in Old City. Enjoy champagne toast, noisemakers and more. Hours 11:00am to 2:00am.

Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub (150 South Street) - Open regular hours 11:00am to 2:00am.

Palladino’s (1934 East Passyunk Avenue) - Ring in the New Year with a complimentary glass of Prosecco with dinner.  The dining room and full-service bar will be open to celebrate the holiday. For reservations, call 267-928-4339 or book through OpenTable.

Pizzeria Stella (420 South 2nd Street) - Dining room and bar open 11:30am to 10:00pm. Enjoy sparkling cider toast at 6:00pm.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk Avenue) - Open 7:00am to 2:00am with a party featuring drinks, noisemakers, hats and much more in the evening counting down to Midnight. 

Redwood Bistro (340 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 4:00pm to 2:00am.

Spitalieri's (613 East Passyunk) - Open 5:00pm to 10:00pm with complimentary champagne toast while dining, reservations required (267) 324-3144.

The Good King Tavern (614 S. 7th Street) - Open 5:00pm to 2:00am with St. Sylvestre Prix Fixe and "No Corks Eve" Party. Space is limited and the prix fixe will be reservations only by calling (215) 625-3700.

** OPEN ON NEW YEAR'S DAY ** 

Brauhaus Schmitz (718 South Street) - Kitchen open 11:30am to Midnight, and bar open 11:30am to 2:00am. All-day special Roast Pork with Sauerkraut and Mashed Potatoes for $15.

Bru Craft & Wurst (1318 Chestnut Street) - Spend New Year's Day in Midtown Village with the bar opening at 9:00am and lunch, brunch and dinner service. 

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 11:30am to 2:00am, with $4.00 Bloody Mary's 11:30am to 3:00pm.

Jim’s Steaks South Street (400 South Street) - Open until 1:00am.

Nick’s Roast Beef Bar and Grille (16 S. 2nd Street) - Enjoy Nick’s annual New Year’s Day party with Joey Dog’s family recipe pork and sauerkraut for only $8.50, plus Mimosa, Bloody Mary and cocktail Specials. Warm-up on your way to Two Street with special Italian and Irish coffees. Open 11:00am to 2:00am.

Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub (150 South Street) - Open regular hours 11:00am to 2:00am.

Palladino’s (1934 East Passyunk Avenue) - Kick off the New Year inside East Passyunk’s newest restaurant with steak, seafood, Italian, desserts and more. The dining room and full-service bar will be open to celebrate the holiday. For reservations, call 267-928-4339 or book through OpenTable.

Pizzeria Stella (420 South 2nd Street) - Dining room and bar open 12:00pm to 9:00pm.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk Avenue) - Open bright and early to start the new year from 7:00am to 2:00am with all-day party and great spot to celebrate with Mummers. 

Redwood Bistro (340 South Street) - Brunch served 11:30am to 4:00pm, happy hour 4:00pm to 8:00pm, and closes early at 8:00pm.

Taproom on 19th (19th and Ritner) - Brunch served starting at 11am and bar and dining room open until 2:00am.  Great spot to hit after the Mummers' Parade!

The Good King Tavern (614 S. 7th Street) - Enjoy either St. Sylvestre Prix Fixe or No Corks Eve Party. No Corks Eve Party will feature sparkling cocktails, champagne by the glass and free pour at Midnight, and is open to all. St. Sylvestre Prix Fixe will feature seatings at 5:30pm, 7:30pm and 9:30pm for $65.00 per person that includes amuse bouche, appetizers, from the garden, entree and dessert. A la carte seating available at the bar. Space is limited and the prix fixe will be reservations only by calling (215) 625-3700. Open 5:00pm to 1:00am for the kitchen and 2:00am for the bar.

** OTHER FOODIE CELEBRATIONS THIS HOLIDAY ** 

Monday, December 22, 2014

The Good King Tavern (614 S. 7th Street) - Glenfiddich Holiday Event. Enjoy a flight of scotch (15 year, 18 year, retro), a lesson with brand ambassador Bradford Lawrence and house made charcuterie and cheeses to accompany. Two seatings at 8:00pm and 10:00pm at the community table.  Limited to ten people per seating for $30.00 each. Call (215) 625-3700 to reserve now.

December 12-23, and December 26-30, 2014

Bistrot La Minette (623 South 6th Street) - A Traditional French Christmas Dinner: Dîner de Noël. Enjoy five courses for $65 or $100 with wine pairings. Though the French tend to eat rather modestly most of the year, at Christmas dinner, traditionally served from 8:00pm until well after midnight on Christmas Eve, they pull out all the stops and feast on luxurious food and lots of it. Chef Peter Woolsey’s dinner would be at home in any neighborhood bistro in France, or in a French home. In his wife’s family they actually expect us to eat 2–3 dozen oysters, a couple dozen escargot and two types of foie gras (duck and goose) and that is just the appetizers. Highlights include: Velouté de Cèpes et Châtaigne (Porcini and chestnut soup, seared foie gras, crispy leeks, parsley oil), Huîtres au Citron (Five Little Shemogue oysters, Meyer lemon, chives, cracked pepper), Tournedos de Chevreuil Sauce Périgueux (Bacon-wrapped venison loin, pommes purée, seared Brussels sprouts, black truffle Perigueux sauce) and Bûche de Noël Traditionnelle (Pistachio jaconde yule log, chocolate butter cream pistachio ice cream, meringue). Call 215-925-8000 for reservations or visit ww.BistrotLaMinette.com. Regular menu is also available on these days.

Media Alert, Philadelphia: East Passyunk Hosts Tree Lighting Tonight at Singing Fountain

MEDIA ALERT FOR EAST PASSYUNK AND SOUTH PHILLY

EAST PASSYUNK TREE LIGHTING PARTY IS TONIGHT AT FAMOUS SINGING FOUNTAIN AT 5PM

PLUS 
WHEN:

TODAY, Thursday, December 4, 2014
Program starts 5:00pm
Lighting to take place approximately 5:25-35pm
Photos with Santa and free goodies 5-6:30pm 
Deck the Ave campaign continues down the Avenue 7-9:00pm

WHERE:
Singing Fountain, East Passyunk and Tasker Ave

WHO:
· Pennsylvania State Senator Larry Farnese
· Philadelphia Councilman Mark Squilla
· EPABID Executive Director Renee Gilinger
· PARC Executive Director Sam Sherman
· Kate Bilo, Meteorologist CBS Philly 
· Bob Marino, President, Delaware Valley Region, Valley Green Bank
· Carolers from Alphabet Academy
· Music by students from Andrew Jackson School
· Santa Claus

WHAT:
East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) and Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation (PARC) kick off the holiday’s with the annual Tree Lighting Party at the Singing Fountain (Tasker and EPA) on Thursday, December 4, 2014, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The free celebration will include carolers from Alphabet Academy, music by students from Andrew Jackson School, a visit from Santa Claus,and holiday treats from local restaurants and eateries. 

From 6:00pm to 8:00pm, the History of Italian Immigration Museum at 1834 E Passyunk Ave will host opening reception for a new East Passyunk exhibit. 

At 7:00pm, revelers are invited to the Deck the Ave kick-off with extended shopping hours, specials and sales, giveaways and other festive surprises. The Joe King Trio will stroll down the Avenue, leading shoppers to seasonal fun. Select restaurants will offer food and drink specials. 
 
PLEASE CONFIRM AND FOR MORE INFO CALL 215-840-9216. 

Philadelphia Neighborhoods Light Up with 2014 Tree Lighting Celebrations by South Street, East Passyunk, Mt. Airy, Glen Foerd

Starting tonight, Philadelphia neighborhoods will light up for the 2014 holidays with festive celebrations, parties, parades and tree lightings by South Street Headhouse District, East Passyunk Business Improvement District, Go Mt. Airy, Glen Foerd on the Delaware and Christmas Village.  All events listed below are free (unless otherwise noted) and open to the public. Make sure to bring your family to one or all of them. Don't forget to bring an unwrapped toy to the events on South Street and East Passyunk as part of the Joy of Sharing Campaign by CBS Philly. 
 

Photo credit: Visit Philly

Wednesday, December 3, 2014
City Hall and Christmas Village

Head to Philadelphia City Hall for the Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Spectacular with a 35-foot-tall Norway spruce from Linvilla Orchards. Entertainment starts at 6:00pm, with the ceremony at 7:00pm. Tonight is also the first night the Christmas Village Christmas Tree in LOVE Park will be lit. Stop by after today for photos with the twinkling tree and the iconic LOVE Statue.

Thursday, December 4, 2014
East Passyunk's Tree Lighting Party

Kick off the holidays with the annual Tree Lighting Party at the Singing Fountain (Tasker Street and East Passyunk Avenue) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The free celebration will include live music, carolers, holiday sweets, shopping and other surprises. Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped gift for a toy drive to benefit local youth. After the party, stay until 9:00pm for extended shopping hours as the Deck the Ave campaign kicks off with shopping, sales and other festivities during December. 

Friday, December 5, 2014
Go Mt Airy Tree Lighting

Mt. Airy rings in the Holiday Season with events all weekend, kicked off by a tree lighting at the Lutheran Seminary at 4:45pm, with music from the Salvation Army Brass Band, followed by a community run Caroling session down the Avenue. That same evening, take pictures with Santa at Rothe Florists from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  The event is free and includes warm cider, cookies and candy canes for all.  There will be a store-wide sale on all holiday trimmings.

Saturday, December 6, 2014
Gilded Age Christmas at the Mansion

Glen Foerd will partner with Settlement Music School’s Kardon Northeast Branch to bring musical and ballet performances to the family friendly event Christmas at the Mansion. From 1:00pm to 6:00pm the public is invited to experience the mansion in full holiday décor, enjoy performances and children’s crafts. The Dining Car will be selling holiday sweets and cookies. Join Santa at 5:00pm as he makes an appearance at our outdoor holiday tree lighting and joins guests in singing holiday carols, followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 5:30pm.

Sunday, December 7, 2014
Winter Wonderland, Tree Lighting and Headhouse Holiday Market

South Street Headhouse District presents their annual extravaganza Winter Wonderland from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Historic Headhouse Square Shambles on 200 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147.  Free family fun will include the annual holiday tree lighting, Santa Claus arriving on a firetruck, free horse-drawn carriage rides, performances by Philadelphia Dance Academy and Society Hill Dance Academy, and the Headhouse Holiday Market in conjunction with PHAIR. Brauhaus Schmitz will serve mulled wine and other treats. Before or after the festivities, stroll the district and check out holiday displays at 30+ businesses competing in the Window Wonderland Storefront Challenge. 

UPDATE: EVENT IS POSTPONED UNTIL 2015 
Lantern Parade and FREE Concert

The Christmas fun continues after the trees are lit! Help us light up the city with the Lantern Parade at Christmas Village in Philadelphia: Presented by NRG Home. This German-style Lantern Parade starts at 5:00pm. Bring your homemade lantern and meet at the iconic LOVE Statue. The Snow Queen, along with Gerda and Kai fromEnchantment Theatre Company’s The Snow Queen, will lead the parade of lights around LOVE Park and Center City. The parade will end at the Christmas Village stage with a sing-a-long led by children from East Passyunk’s Alphabet Academy Daycare and a free concert by the The Philly POPS Festival Brass.  Join the parade with your family, or simply come to watch! All lanterns should contain battery-operated candles or lights, no flames.

Aversa PR Seeks a Philadelphia PR and Social Media Assistant for East Passyunk Office

Aversa PR & Events seeks an ultra organized, creative and driven multi-tasker to assist with 10+ client accounts that cover arts, neighborhoods, restaurants, theater, entertainment and events. Position is approximately 25-35 hours a week, with potential for growth in hours and rate. 

We work with small business owners, entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders that expect the best from us - including smart and creative results, on a budget, in a timely manner, with measurable results. We're seeking a proven professional with some or all off the following skills: Event administrative experience, day of event staffing and coordination (25% of position) Social media account management and strategy (25% of position) Public relations research, writing, pitching (25% of position) Office assistance, intern management, photo shoots, meetings and planning (25% of position).

Successful candidates will exhibit attention to detail, be excellent communicators, work well under pressure, have a sense of humor, be a team player, pitch in for overall agency activities and be able to generate award-winning messaging on the fly. Experience in managing social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) preferred.  This is a position ideal for someone with 1-3 years experience in PR and social media management. Dependable transportation at all times is a must as clients require store visits, photo shoots, meetings and event support. Office-based position in South Philadelphia. Please submit a formal cover letter, resume and list of social media samples/handles to hr@aversapr.com. Applications will be considered incomplete without all three elements. No phone calls please. If you have applied in the past feel free to apply again for this new position. For more information about us and our company, visit www.aversapr.com or follow us on Twitter at @koryaversa @aversapr @phillylovesfun

Grand Opening Photos: Brunch Hot Spot Chhaya Cafe Opens New East Passyunk Location

chhaya café opened its doors to new larger home at 1819 East Passyunk Avenue on Thursday, August 21, 2014. Chef and owner Varnana “V” Beuria brings her passion for delicious coffee and simple flavorful food to a new kitchen doors away from her original restaurant in the heart of Philadelphia’s restaurant row.

chhaya, which means shelter and tranquility, will now offer nearly double the seating but continue to offer an intimate, warm and cozy atmosphere. The breakfast, lunch and brunch menu still focuses on unique waffle preparations, playful twists on classic dishes, rotating entrees and a selection of seasonal weekend brunch specials. The new location will be open seven days a week, operating Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00am to 6:00pm. The kitchen will close daily at 3:30pm.

chhaya’s new space is nearly double in size (1,100 square feet) and features seating for 50 inside and 10 outside. Despite the expansion, the floorplan was designed to provide guests with the same intimate, quiet and tranquil feel of the former space. Beuria wanted the new chhaya to feel more modern, but preserve a warm and cozy feeling. “I used a lot of wood to bring the warmth in, to make it feel intimate even though the dining room will be much larger,” said Beuria.  

Beauria collaborated with Toner Architects on the unique floor plan that provides for dedicated areas for dining, relaxing, laptop use, working, socializing and more.  The final layout was designed to be set up like a bar, not a traditional coffee shop.  Beuria wants guests to communicate and interact with the baristas like a customer does at a bar.  “The centerpiece of the new location will feature a coffee bar with seating in the front for baristas and customers to interact with each other, not just place to order and run,” said Beuria. “Our employees have always had an intimate relationship with customers, and will continue to in the larger space.”

 Other notable features include:

• Floor to ceiling windows have been installed along the storefront, that open out to East Passyunk, framed in Mahogany with tempered glass, seating will feature comfy chairs with a low table, new outlets spaced between seating for customers that wish to plug in
• Laptop area with live edge wood slab with bark, featuring ample electrical outlets for customers to plug in
• Ambrosia Maple tables and chairs handmade by a family friend; other chairs made from dark Walnut
• New floors made from a combination of White Oak from Lancaster county, plus ceramic tile and concrete
• Coffee bar that will feature seating for up to six people, with no outlets to encourage old fashioned conversations, a dessert and food case, and a striking finished wood top
• Pillars covered with creamy off-white plaster inlaid with a lace pattern to add another layer of texture and warmth
• “Windows seats have always been a favorite to customers,” said Beuria. “I expect the new nook with shelves and books and sofas will become a favorite.”

Expanded space also means additional room for chhaya’s art program. Local and regional artists will be able to hang more pieces on the walls, and chhaya will have space host three dimensional pieces.  The art program will be led in-house, with two long-time baristas taking over the program. Details for the opening show are in development.

chhaya’s opening menu is very similar to the current location, with the possibility of small changes. The breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch menu still focus on unique waffle preparations, playful twists on classic dishes, rotating entrees and a selection of seasonal weekend brunch specials. chhaya’s food and drink menus are simple but carefully crafted with a focus on quality ingredients and heartfelt preparation. chhaya pours organic, fair trade coffee that is locally hand-roasted in small batches and delivered to the café weekly.  Now that the new spot is open, chhaya will announce the arrival of late summer and early fall seasonal dishes in the near future.

Down the road, the menu at chhaya may evolve and grow. Beuria will also explore adding later hours, ramping up baked goods, additional vegan and vegetarian offerings, increasing our popular pie of the day program, and some other surprises in the kitchen.

For more information, visit the new www.chhayacafe.com (coming soon), call (215) 465-1000, follow @chhayacafe and like chhaya café on Facebook.