April 13, 2016

Inis Nua Theatre Presents American Premiere of The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning

April 13, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Inis Nua Theatre Company moves to The Proscenium Theatre at its new home The Drake (at 203 South Hicks Street) to present The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning by Tim Price. The American premiere of this Welsh play revives some not-so-long-ago American history to tell the story of the young Army intelligence analyst who leaked the largest amount of classified documents in U.S. history.
The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning opens on Friday, April 29 at 8:00 pm, with previews on Wednesday, April 27 and Thursday, April 28 at 7:00 pm. The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning runs for a total of 16 performances, through May 15, 2016. All shows are at the Proscenium Theatre at The Drake, 203 South Hicks Street. South Hicks Street is right next to The Drake apartment building at 1512 Spruce Street.

April 09, 2016

40 Bands to Rock South Street Spring Festival on Saturday, May 7, 2016

April 09, 2016/ Kory Aversa

South Street Headhouse District announces that 40+ bands will rock the city on Saturday, May 7, 2016 during the 4th Annual South Street Spring Festival. The all-day, all-ages, free outdoor festival and concert will feature a mix of rock, funk, soul, hip hop, indie rock, reggae, R&B and country acts that will entertain an estimated 58,000+ people on three main stages and seven other performance areas on South Street and in Headhouse Square. Headhouse Square will also roll out the green for a special lawn concert with real grass for lounging and dancing in the sun! Festivities are free, with food and drink pay-as-you-go.

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 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 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.

January 26, 2016

Inis Nua Theatre Partners with Free Library on American Premiere of Spine by Clara Brennan at New Drake Theater

January 26, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Inis Nua Theatre Company turns a new page at The Drake with the American premiere of Spine, by English playwright Clara Brennan. Spine is a heart-warming, funny and defiant love-song to libraries, an increasingly endangered species under Britain's austerity government. A fiery and wise-cracking teenager forges an unlikely friendship with an elderly widow living in a house of stolen books. Together, the two discover they may be each other’s last resort in life. Spine opens on Friday, February 19 at 8:00pm, with previews on Wednesday, February 17 and Thursday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Spine runs for a total of 16 performances, through March 6, 2016, at the Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake (1512 Spruce Street). Tickets are on sale for $25-$30 by calling (215) 454-9776 or visiting inisnuatheatre.org. Patrons will have their choice of $5.00 off tickets at the door for Spine (or off upcoming The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning) by donating a new children’s book to the Free Library of Philadelphia. Collection bins will be available at all performances.

January 26, 2016

Philly AIDS Thrift Announces $147,000 in Grants for 17 Local Organizations Fighting HIV/AIDS

January 26, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Philly AIDS Thrift, in South Street Headhouse District, is pleased to award 17 local organizations with $147,000 in grant funding for their work in fighting HIV/AIDS in the Delaware Valley. Funds announced this week will bring PAT’s total contributions to the community to $1,470,000. Monies for the awards comes from two retail operations that turn gently used thrift items into retail sales that fund AIDS Fund and 19 other AIDS service organizations in the five-county region. The new semi-annual grant program started in 2014 as another way to serve the local community and give back. The next request for grant proposals will take place in fall for winter 2016-2017. For more information about grant awards, donations or how to get involved, please visit www.phillyaidsthrift.com or call 215-922-3186.

September 30, 2015

Old City Fest Celebrates Art and Design, Fashion and Food, Creativity and Culture on Sunday, October 11, 2015

September 30, 2015/ Kory Aversa

Old City District presents Old City Fest on Sunday, October 11, 2015, from 12:00pm to 6:00pm, along N. 3rd Street (from Market to Race) and Arch Street (from 2nd to 4th). Activities will include a festival stage with live music, runway fashion show, design showcase installation, family fun zone, pop-up street performances and a wide array of food, beverages, art, craft and retail shopping, with 100+ Old City vendors participating. Admission is free, with food and drink pay-as-you-go. For more info, visit oldcitydistrict.org, tweet @oldcitydistrict or call (215) 592-7929. Old City Fest is produced by Old City District with support from major sponsors Xfinity, Mighty Engine, Kaiserman Company, Colonial Penn Life Insurance, More FM and Where Magazine, plus other sponsors and contributors.

September 10, 2015

50+ Food Trucks and Restaurants Return to Mt. Airy for Street Fare: Sip, Savor, Stroll (Formerly Mt. Airy Night Market)

September 10, 2015/ Kory Aversa

Mt. Airy USA announces the return of Street Fare: Sip, Savor, Stroll on Thursday, September 17, 2015, from 6:00pm to 10:30pm. Fifty of the region’s top food trucks and local restaurants will present sweet, salty and savory plates, plus cold sips, on Germantown Avenue (between Sedgwick Street and W. Mt. Airy Avenue). Children and adults of all ages will enjoy free activities and entertainment, artisanal crafts, and live music from School of Rock, ReLive, Hennessey Bonfire, Bethlehem & Sad Patrick, Philly Bloco and The Band Sheep. Last year the event attracted 15,000+ hungry attendees, the largest audience ever. For event updates, visit gomtairy.com, call 215-844-6021, follow @gomtairy on Twitter and like “Go Mt. Airy” on Facebook.

August 26, 2015

Philadelphia Artists' Collective Presents Philadelphia Premiere of The Captive During Fringe Festival

August 26, 2015/ Kory Aversa

Fresh off of four Barrymore Award nominations, Philadelphia Artists’ Collective returns with The Captive by Edouard Bourdet, from September 1 through 20, 2015, during the 2015 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. This well-mannered tragedy will tackle issues of sex, domesticity and class manners. Deeply controversial in its time, productions of this 1926 play were censored, and its producers and actors jailed.The Captive will be produced inside Society Hill’s Physick House at 321 S. 4th Street. The historic townhouse in fact will be the perfect co-conspirator as the secrets and heated private moments unfold. The PAC co-founder Dan Hodge directs the talented cast led by well-known Rachel Brodeur and newcomer Chase Byrd.

The Captive starts previews on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 and opens on Thursday, September 3, 2015. The show runs for a total of 14 performances through Sunday, September 20, 2015. All shows are at 8:00pm. Tickets are on sale for $25 (or $20 with student identification or under 25) by calling (215) 413-1318 or visiting www.fringearts.com/event/the-captive.