Safety in Numbers... GROUP DATE!!!!

It's nice to go out with that someone special BUT it's even better if you go out with FIVE someone specials.  At the end of a week when your boss has been non-stop on your case, or your kids have been out of control, or you just haven't had a free time to yourself... it's good to release the tension and hang out with some friends.

Group dates are always a good time, whether it be with other couples or just your group of friends.  A small dinner and maybe a little craziness after, is just what the doctor ordered on a Saturday night!

Where to go for dinner?

Some of Marc Vetri's restaurants have been named "Best Pasta on the East Coast", Philadelphia is lucky enough to have THREE of Iron Chef Vetri's establishments located in town!

Out of Amis (which Bon Apettit named One of the Top Ten places for Pasta in the U.S.), Osteria, and Vetri Ristorante... I'd have to say the very first of all of them, Vetri is my favorite.  

Having spent time in Italy cooking with the gods and perfecting his skills, Marc Vetri opened Vetri Ristorante in 1998.  For you foodies, Vetri is located at 1312 Spruce Street the former first spot of Georges Perrier's Le Bec-Fin back in the 70's.

The reason I picked this small, quaint place in Washington Square West is because on weekend nights Vetri ONLY does Chef's Tastings.  These sell out quick, but if you are lucky enough to reserve a spot for Chef's Tasting (largest party is of 6, they keep it intimate), you will NOT be disappointed.  

Vetri refers to the tasting as "Degustazione" (Day-Goo-Statz-EE-Oh-Neh), which literally means "tasting" in Italian.  The neat thing about Degustazione is the Chef's uses this as a chance to create new dishes.  They use what's in season at the Market and it is all locally grown/produced ingredients (I'm guessing he takes a trip down to 9th Street).  

The Pie de Resistance; Marc Vetri hand PAINTS a menu for each table involved in Degustazione!  Check These Out!

Damn that was good eatin... Where To Now?

After eating your weight in Italian cuisine, I'm sure you're going to want to rest.  THERE'S NO RESTING ON DATE NIGHT!  So before everyone passes out in a food coma, hop a cab!  Point the cabby to 2nd and Poplar aka NORTH BOWL and finish the night off with retro bowling! 

There ain't a hipster in town that hasn't been to this place.  Downstairs you have a bar, lanes, and probably some of the most amazing tatter tots you've ever had!  Not that you'd be hungry after Vetri, but if you want a little late night snack - North Bowl's tatter tot menu (that's right it gets a whole section of the menu) is extravagant!  My suggestion - The Mazel Tots.  YES!

If you're not in to bowling it's cool, man.  North Bowl has great drink specials.  There are also billiards and arcade games upstairs... oh yea and a few more lanes just incase you decide to bowl.  

Pasta and Bowling... Can't Go Wrong!

Sometimes you just gotta go Old School.....

Dinner and Drinks... it's a timeless classic.  There is nothing wrong with goin' old school.  Dates don't always have to be filled with an activity every second you're spending with each other.  It's nice to have a sit, relax and just be.  

Where To Go For Dinner?

My suggestion is go to a place where you can get a great gourmet pizza and a good glass of red wine.  There is just something about pizza and wine; it's a good Friday Night "I totally need this after the week I had" kind of meal.

My favorite place for a Pizza and Wine dinner is Pietro's Pizza on Walnut in Rittenhouse.  You can sit down, either by the window for people watching, or in the back for a more personal dining experience. 

If you want to order a bunch of appetizers to split, this is the place to do it!  They have fantastic Calamari (aka. Gah-La-Mod for you Philly Italian/Americans that make up words.  I got nothin but love for "yous"), Bruchetta and Mussels in White.  

Their entrees are amazing but I really go here for the Coal Oven Pizza.  The Pietro's Classic is possibly the most amazing thing I've ever put in my mouth (get your minds OUT of the gutter and ON to the curb).  This pizza consists of Smoked Mozzarella (Moozt-A-Rel), Prosciutto (Pra-Shoot), and baby arugala (they just say that).  It's heaven paired with a classic glass of Chianti... hold the Fava Beans.  

Ok, After Dinner Drinks.....Where To?

For me, this time of year screams FIRE PLACE.  Maybe that's because I grew up in a house that had a roaring fireplace October - March for the past 22 years.  

The Lounge at Ninteen in the Bellvue on Broad is the place to go for drinks by the fire.  Oh, did I mention its a room with a view?  Sitting on the 19th floor of the Bellvue, this lounge is filled with pearls hanging from the ceiling and a natural light you just can't fake.  It is especially beautiful at night, when you can see the city light up from a birds eye view.  My suggestion is to take in the view, but then grab a seat in one of the comfy chairs in the lounge by the fire.  There is something to be said about having drinks at a hotel.  It's their job to make you as comfortable as you'd be at home.  Win-win!

Pizza, Wine, and drinks by the fire... ahhh I can just hear the Foreigner playing in the background "I WANNA KNOW WHAT LOVE IIIIIIIIIIS".

Don't Be Afraid to Brunch Date!

Some hear "Brunch Date" and think.... I'M IN THE FRIEND ZONE!  Not always the truth - Brunch is definitely a good 3rd or 4th date option!  Since it's probably your first meal of the day, I'd Brunch It first.


Where Do We Brunch It?
So here is the nice thing about Brunch, you don't have to spend a ton of dough to get a decent meal!  I have found that Philly peeps are most relaxed on a Saturday or Sunday morning/early afternoon.  You see more jeans 'n' t-shirts walkin' around the streets.  So naturally you're going to want to dine in a more relaxed, yet still eclectic atmosphere.


Philly has some funky brunch spots - one of the best is Sam's Morning Glory Diner on 10th and Fitzwater - Philly's Bella Vista area.  This is one place I don't mind waiting, especially while sitting 0n their back pattio.  The cobble stones and vine flowers spun around the fenced in patio make for a fantastic outdoor day dining experience!  The inside is simple with counter/booth/high top/table seating.  You can't miss the open grill area, and my personal fave - the chrome coffee mugs (GENIUS!).  


Lots of homemade items INCLUDING the Ketchup... you heard me, homemade ketchup.  My recommendations would be The Breakfast Pizza or the Pecan Waffles with Whipped Peach Butter!



Brunched It... Now What?
For those of you who don't know, Philadelphia is known as the "City of Murals".  Since 1984, when the Mural Arts Program (or to save me time b/c I'm gonna type this a lot - MAP) began in Philly, there have been over 3,000 murals created all over town; my suggestion - take a tour and check them out!


There are several ways you can go about this.  The Mural Arts program provides Mural Tours.  You can view some of the Murals by Trolley Tour.  


There is the new Love Letter Tour beginning and ending at Love Park visitor center.  


You can also walk it!  The Mural Mile Walk takes you through a 2.5 mile tour of 17 different murals throughout the city.  You can burn off those Pecan Waffles AND take in these incredible murals too.  


Most of the Tours cost $17 per person.  All tours are guided by a member of MAP.  The Walking Tours usually sell out quickly and are first come first serve.  If the guided tours sell out you and your date can (for only $10) rent the MP3 Players with pre-recorded tours, and take the walk yourself.  MAP will give you the tour route! 


Life is too short not to enjoy Waffles and Wall Art... Philly is the perfect spot for both.  Soak it up, Kids.

It's Almost Comedy Month in Philly-Celebrate With Your Date!

A great way to break the ice with someone new is a good laugh!  November is Comedy Month in Philly... Show Your Date A Good Time!


The Main Attraction
The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater celebrates Comedy Month this November!


Philly Improv Festival November 1st-17th.  Tickets to each show are $10, but you can get a nightly pass to see all the shows for the night at $25 OR a Monthly Pass to the entire festival!  Usually I suggest the event first then dinner - but in this case it depends on the showtime.  Times range anywhere from 7:30pm to a 10pm start so be sure to check out http://www.phif.org/ for times and what groups will be performing!

Philly Sketchfest is November 8th-14th.  Tickets prices are TBD (probably around the $10 mark) as of now, so keep an eye out on http://www.philly-sketchfest.com/.  Again show times range from early to late so be sure to check out the website so you can plan for dinner accordingly.


Stay tuned for more information on the Philadelphia Joke Initiative's events coming up November 15th - 21st


If you've never been to an Improve, Sketch or Stand Up show... GET THERE!  Most audiences are left in stitches; the tears of laughter rolling down their faces.



Don't Wait Till November - Kick Off Comedy Month This Week!
Don't Miss out on Pat House and Headliner Joe DeRosa at Helium Comedy Club this Wednesday October 27th!  These two comedians will make you pee your pants... literally, so bring a change of pants.  I'm not joking, but they will be!


TICKETS ARE FREE If you bring a canned good or two for Philabundance to the door at Helium.




Ok Nooooow You Can Go To Dinner
If you're celebrating comedy month over at the Shakespeare Theater on Sansom, my suggestion is to walk a few blocks over to Village Whiskey.


Once again my main man, Jose Garces has established a top notch eatery.  Having opened their doors in 2009, Village Whiskey is still new to the Rittenhouse area.  Owner and Chef Jose Garces is not so new... he's a household name around Philly now of days.  My recommendation is the Village Burger, you can NEVER go wrong with a good burger!  Maybe top that dinner off with one of the many Whiskey's on their menu - my personal favorite Johnny Walk Green Label.


If you stop in to Helium this Wednesday to see Pat House and Joe DeRosa I'd stay at Helium for dinner! They've got a great menu with some rather interesting selections - may I recommend the Crostini's and Margarita Pizza


LAUGH IT UP, PHILLY!

Weekends Are For The All-in-One Date!

There are 24 usable hours in a day.... so USE 'EM!  Show your date you're not affraid to spend some serious quality time.

The All-In-One Date
Today (Saturday Oct. 23rd) at the Market and Shops at the Comcast Center is the....
Blues, BBQ and Bourbon Festival!  
Admission is FREE and it goes from noon to 2pm, so what are you still doing reading this???? Head on down!

For more information on the festival, check out The Market & Shops at Comcast Center

I dont know about you, but after all that Bourbon and BBQ I'd need a coffee!  Walk a few blocks up to the Starbucks on 19th and Chestnut... and grab a Pumpkin Spiced Lattee or my personal fave, the Salted Carmel HoCho (another name for Hot Chocolate). 

It's gonna be a beautiful weekend out so, with coffee in hand, walk on over to Rittenhouse Park and just hang out!!! Soak up the sun, THIS city in the fall is perfection.  People watching on a beautiful day is probably one of the BEST activities for a Satruday afternoon.

And since you're already there... go get a spot at the Irish Pub On 20th across the street for Game 6 of the NLCS Phillies vs. Giants at 7:30!  Get a big booth, call a few friends and watch our boys bring it to SAN FRAN! 

There is NOTHING wrong with hanging out with friends after a long day date - as long as your date is ok with it!

My suggestion for this day date... take the train in to the city.  With all that is going on this weekend in the P.H.I, SEPTA is the way to go!  PPA will be out in full force and nothing ruins a great date then taking time out to feed the meter!

For more infomation on all the Fall inspired happenings in and around the city this weekend visit UWishUNu Online!

Chivalry Is NOT Dead!

Sometimes you need to pull out all the stops... let your date know you DO have a side of elegance.




Dinner First... Don't Worry, Change Is Good!
Show your date that putting your napkin on your lap, and using a salad fork properly is NOT a foreign concept to you.


Go for an early dinner at The Prime Rib - "The Civilized Steakhouse".  The black and gold themed interior, with leather chairs and exquisit floral arrangements all over, really brings an "omg I'm an adult" feeling to the date.  The service is impeccable, the menu is impressive (to see and to taste) as is the Wine List.  My personal favorite is the  Chateau du Trignon Cotes-Du-Rhone; a soft red with hints of thyme.  Pairs really well with the Restaurants Steak Au Poivre.  Always leave room for dessert... I'm a Creme Brulee freak, but all the desserts looked scrumptious.  


I'm sure you're drooling by now... so heres a great deal to ensure you get to enjoy The Prime Rib.  Go to Philadelphia's Open Table Online and check out the Spotlight Deal from the Prime Rib TODAY!  $25 for $50 worth of deliciousness!  You can treat your date to an incredible meal AND save a buck or two while you're at it!




The Main Attraction
After all that Filet and Creme Brulee, you're going to want to sit; understandable.  Here's how to do it with a bit of class...


The Philadelphia Orchestra Welcomes: Yannick Nézet-Séguin; Guest Conductor
YNS will be conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra in Haydn's Symphony No. 100 ("Military), as well as Mahler's Symphony No. 5.  


Born in Montreal, Nézet-Séguin is the winner of the  2009 Royal Philharmonic Society Young Artist of the Year Award.  His performance is set to be nothing short of breathtaking, as it was when he last visited Philadelphia.  


For information or to purchase tickets check out The Philadelphia Orchestra  




OR....


The Pennsylvania Ballet Presents: Carmen
Carmen is one of my favorite Ballets, if for nothing else but the music.  It's such a passionate story and the music follows along with it, "Inspired by the famous opera of the same name, Carmen follows the torrid and tragic affair between its temptress title character and her lover, Don José. Carmen's fiery movement and unbridled passion leave audiences breathless."


For more information or to purchase tickets, Visit The Kimmel Center Online




Either way you go, you can't go wrong.  Whether you're going on a first date, or you've been together for years this is an evening that will leave you feeling refreshed.  Stay Classy Philadelphia. 

Find Comfort In Your Date.....

With the Cold Weather Upon Us... Warm Up, and Get Comfy On Your Date....

What To Do Before Dinner?

What do you want to do when it's chilly out, the wind is is whipping and Autumn is in full affect?  Most of us want to throw on a big sweater, cuddle up with someone and something hot and watch a movie!  

Well this time.... GET OUT THE HOUSE!  You can get comfy and paint the town red at the same time!

The Philadelphia Film Festival is closing this Sunday, October 24th!!! Don't Miss Out!

This event features 216 screenings of close to 100 films (some are foreign... but chicks LOVE subtitles, trust me!), as well as a few short films.  This is all happening at 6 different locations (Prince Music Theater, Ritz 5, The Rave... just to name a few)! 

For More information on the films being shown and show times....

Check out the Philly Fun Guide!

Ok Nooooooow You Can Go To Dinner

The best way to any Man or Woman's heart is, you guessed it... FOOD!  So go comfort!

Restauranteur Steve Starr has taken comfort food to another level at JONES, located on Chestnut between 7th and 8th.  

Jones' menu has all the comfort food that has ever given you the reason to say "ahhhh that's what I'm TALKIN 'bout".  From Baked Mac & Cheese, to Perogies, Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese (which is what I had for dinner last night), to Fried Chicken or a Thanksgiving Dinner.  The atmosphere is very Mod, Shag, Old School comfort with a big fireplace roaring right in the middle of the restaurant.  You can enjoy good food while cuddling up in one of the corner booths.

But, We Kinda Want to Stay In!

If all this sounds great, movie, friend chicken, and your someone special.... but you'd rather be on your couch - Jones delivers using Diningin.Com!  Check out the Jones Dining In Menu at  www.diningin.com.

Pop in a good movie and you're set!  Make sure you go online to www.netflix.com - sign up for their One Month Free Trial and test it out! You get some of your favorite movies or those you've been dying to see delivered right to your door or GET IT INSTANTLY and watch on your computer!

A little Blood Sucking never hurt anyone......

Dates that embrace the Upcoming Holiday.... Halloween!  Don't be afraid to GET CREATIVE! 


Ok So I know Vampires have been all the rave for the last year or two.... but Halloween is coming up and this is the perfect time of year to actually embrace the Vampires Craze!!!!


What To Do Before Dinner?
The Penn Museum's new Exhibit GRAND OPENING October 21st...


"Vampires, Demons, and Mystical Creatures in the Ancient World

Ever wonder where all the vampire hype started? Long before Twilight and True Blood, even before Dracula, there were myths of fanged creatures and fiendish monsters circling the ancient worlds. Explore ancient Egyptian and Mediterranean legends of vampires and demons with Penn Museum scholars Dr. Jennifer Wegner, Associate Curator of the Egyptian Section, and Dr. Peter Struck, Associate Professor in Classical Studies. Leave your wooden stakes and silver bullets at home and venture out into the night with more ancient monsters. Enjoy cocktails and mingling with other young friends after the program. Cash Bar."

And don't forget....

"Sink your teeth into FANG! The Killing Tooth, a display on exhibit at the Penn Museum this October featuring objects and video exploring the biology of the "killing" canine and the history of vampire myth.

Admission: which is actually a donation to the museum!

$10 general admission; $5 Penn Museum

members.

For More information go check out the link below at Penn Museum Online!

Vampires, Demons, and Mystical Creatures in the Ancient World

What ELSE To Do Before Dinner?

Well if you're still in the mood to be artsy... but not quite so anthropological.... check this Art Show out!

The Monster Show!
Opening Saturday October 23rd!  For more information go to http://mastheadprintstudio.com/

Ok NOOOOW You Can Go To Dinner

If you check out the Penn Museum and stay in University City for some eats after seeing REAL DEAD Vamps... Walk a few blocks up to Jose Garces' new Distrito... a Modern Mexican eatery!  My Suggestion:  You can never go wrong with ANY of Jose's Ceviche's and a Sopas!

If you head down to No.Libs for the Monster Art Show on Brown, take a cab a few blocks over to the Fairmount area on Callowhill St. and chow down at the Rose Tattoo Cafe... it's a beautiful, hidden spot for dinning in the city.  Small on the outside but a big surprise of a garden like atmosphere with twinkle lights and tiffany lamps on the inside... and the food is out of this world!

Try it out and Happy Halloween!