The Holidate!

Around this time of year the city is jumping with fun Holiday-ish things to do.  Take advantage, and bring your date out to celebrate.




I Wanna Be So Jolly People Think I'm Freakin Santa!
So I dont know about you but nothing screams CHRISTMAS more then The Nutcracker.  That music, the ballet; it's beauty in its purest form.  The score just makes you feel happy, almost childlike.  


The Kimmel Center; one of the Philly's most incredible pieces of modern architecture, will be hosting The Nutcracker from December 4th to the 31st.  Show times range anywhere from 11am to 7pm.  My suggestion would be to go to a 7pm show!  The city at night, during the holidays is spectacular.






Ok I See Visions of Sugar Plums Dancin' In My Belly!
Don't go too far... because one of the best views of Broad Street, where the Kimmel Center is located, is from Upstares at Varralli on the corner of Broad and Locust.  There are actually two restaurants in this location - Upstares and Sotto Varralli.  If you want the view... you bes get yo butt Upstares.  If you haven't guessed it is Italian cuisine; a timeless classic genre.  


My suggestion is to do the Tasting Menu - you can pair it with their wine suggestions for just $60 per person.  I know you're thinking "that's a bit much!", it's really not though.  Check out the tasting menu and you'll instantly see the deal!  If you'd like the skip the wine, that is an option which brings the price to $45  per person.


One thing you will notice in this restaurant is the incredible Mosaic Art.  In June of 2003, the restaurants owner Joseph Varalli unveiled one of Americas largest glass fusion mosaic projects in HIS restaurant!  It really does make the atmosphere and view of Broad Street 100 times more breathtaking then ever imagined.  




That is all for today kids... go... be merry... eat food.... drink wine... stand under the mistletoe... give a kiss or two.... and laugh as loud as humanly possible.  

Guest Blogger from New York, New York!

Today's and the first ever guest blog comes from Charlotte.  Char currently lives in Brooklyn, NY and frequents areas all over New York City.  Her suggestion today - Italian food is the way to feel at home in the Big Apple.... 


Hey Tony, Lemme Get Some Of Dat Bisketti

"As a friend and I were wandering around Union Square last Saturday looking for a nice place to eat without breaking the bank, we came across a "hole in the wall" Italian joint.   The name of the place is Paul and Jimmy's, located on 18th and Irving.  

It doesn't look like much at first, but once we walked in, there was no where else we could even possibly think of going!  Being from Philadelphia/Philly Area, my friend and I were a far cry from home but places like this really put you in that Back At Home mindset.  We were immediately warmed by the homeyness of the establishment.  Kind of like walking into Mom's house with gravy cooking on the stove.

Right away we were greeted by two gorgeous and mannerly "right off the boat" Italian men.  We were seated, given water and complimentary bruscetta. We decided it was going to be one of those "... eh just get a bottle" kind of nights.  After ordering a bottle of wine, our server explained to us the importance of looking at the cork and how you can tell if the wine is bad or not just by doing so. 

As we drank our wine and took in the low-key, amorous ambiance we both discussed what a perfect date night place this would be.  We noticed a large Italian family in the back of the restaurant reminscing and saying things like "I am a very emotional man, I want to take care of my family".  They were passing around plates of food and gushing over the rich red wine. 

Our meals came and we couldn't have been more please if we tried.  The pasta and vegeatables in my friend's primavera were roasted to perfection.  My dish had an exquisite combination of penne, sun dried tomatoes, and artichokes in a thin red sauce. 

To finish the night, we indulged in coffee and a canoli-- aka, heaven on earth.  All in all, we each spent about $30 for an unbelievable meal. 

To Avoid A Food Coma.....

We ended the night with a few cocktails and some more friends at a bar uptown; Papillon. Four words that come to mind when I think of Papillon-- New York, New York. 


This restaurant/bar, with tall ceilings, and Inn-esque wood architecture was the perfect way to end a perfect new york evening.  The Christmas tree and life size elves helped as well...oh and so did the free champagne and appetizers bought for us by the wealthy business men sitting by the bar. 

All in all, it was a great New York night with great New Yorkers.... or so we say."

Bring a little heat to your Date!

I know when most people think of Latin cuisine, and tequila they automatically think Summer, Sand, and Sun.  But bringing that kind of feeling to a date in say November or December can really spice things up!


We Need Some Tacos....Rápidamente!
There are some really amazing places for all kinds of Latin cuisine around the city.  Anywhere from Cuban, to Mexican and some fusion menus as well.  But I love the small cantina kind of feeling when I think "Latin".  So for an intimate delish meal, I'd head over to Girard between 4th and 5th for Some Mole Poblano at Las Cazuelas!  The colorful building and interior will definitely make your winter depression say bye bye, if only just for a few hours!  It is a BYOB, so my suggestion to you is to do a bit of research on what wine goes BEST with Enchiladas!  Or better yet, grab a six pack of Pacifico!




Ok... Tacos were inhaled... now what?
What a better way to spice things up then SALSA!  To you guys who say - I could NEVER - I promise you this will score you big points!  Chicks LOVE to dance.  A man who can salsa with his lady will be one satisfied man, if you know what I mean!


After you're finished with Las Cazuelas, jump in a cab and head to BRASILS in Old City!  Not only do they teach salsa classes (which could also be a good thing to do PRIOR to the actual dancing date), but they spin Salsa, Merengue, Bachata!  Wednesdays they have $4 Margaritas... so take the day off on Thursday... even though I do NOT recommend getting sloshed if this is a First, Second or even THIRD date!


This was a short but sweet encounter, Philly... go get spicy in the city and report back!


**GA'HEAD BE MY GUEST:  I am looking for GUEST BLOGGERS!  If you live in Philly OR BETTER YET in another city, I'd love for you to put together a date in your hood for PhilaDate!**

Pubs and Festivals... It's Gettin Eclectic Up In This Piece....

We are lucky to live in a city filled with amazing art festivals and a new restaurant opening every weekend AND trying to both won't break the bank!  You've got the fancy dates, the cozy dates, the theme dates... how about just a date?  Pub fare and fun festivals for all!


Dinner First?  Ok then!
Check out Living Social Philadelphia! Ain't nothin but a Pub Thang... and The Bards has some of the best Pub Fare in the city!  Located on Walnut and 21st (right next to the Irish Pub) The Bards is a small intimate Irish Pub with a REAL feel of Ireland.  


If you pick up the Living Social deal today you'll get Two Apps, Two Entree's, Two Desserts and a bottle of wine for only $33.... and ya can't beat that wit a bat!  My suggestion is to definitely get an order of curry fries, Guinness BBQ Short Rib sammie, and clearly... the Guinness Bread Pudding!




Festivals??? What Festivals?
This week at the Painted Bride Art Center is the Frist Person Festival  - "Real life comes in all shapes and sizes at the 2010 First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art. You’ll find Sonia Sanchez, a CNN star, a man in a van, the Wienermobile, Mormon amore, a museum of the people, and the best storyteller in Philly. Debate red state versus blue. Dine on cocktails and kugel. Watch indie pop drama and prison musicals. But whatever you get at the First Person Festival, you’ll know it’s the real thing. No imitations."  


The First Person Museum is at the Painted Bride Art center, and all Events at the Museum Are Free ; however you might want to check out the actual Festival.  My suggestion would be to check the Life's a Stage - Live Performance art.  


Now... go be eclectic and report back.  P.S. More information to come about this past weeks research on new places in the city... and  maybe some just outside!