All stories about "Philadelphia"
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Latest & Greatest
Atlanta•
Straits: Bay Area chef Chris Yeo teams up with Ludacris to open an East Coast branch of his sophisticated Asian fusion restaurant.
Boston
• Orinoco: South End Venezuelan restaurant opens a new location in Brookline Village.
Chicago
• Angels & Mariachis: A two-story taqueria and "rock cantina" opened on Monday in the East Village.
• Veerasway: New restaurant in the Warehouse District offers Indian small plates by chef Angela Lee.
• Zed 451: New River North restaurant served global fare made with seasonal market products.
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Philadelphia will be getting a
Philadelphia will be getting a new four-star by 2010. An Intercontinental "will be part of a larger mixed-used project called The Vine which will include a Whole Foods supermarket and a Best Buy." They'll all share the same 40 floor tower. [Hotel Chatter]
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Gay Bar Hopping in Philly
Chelsea Clinton hit Philly on a gay bar crawl Friday, causing quite a commotion. The potential two-time First Daughter was "mobbed by local gays and lesbians;" at least one woman claims to have "grabbed her ass." In total Clinton hit four Philadelphia spots (the first four on our list), joining director Rob Reiner and Governor Ed Rendell on a crawl to gain Democratic support during the primaries. But, enough about politics... where to rub shoulders with Philadelphia's same-sex-oriented finest? Chelsea Clinton's stops supplemented with a couple other picks after the jump. (photo) [MSNBC]
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Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Latest & Greatest
Atlanta
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Holeman & Finch Public House: Buckhead restaurant serves dressed-up comfort grub in a communal setting.
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White Elephant: New East Point restaurant combines genuine Thai cuisine with slick decor and sexy cocktails.
Boston
• Atelier: A new Back Bay salon has just three coveted seats for haircuts with stylist Dean Mellen.
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Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Latest & Greatest
Atlanta
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Bliss Spa: A 4,000 square foot spa, which includes a retail beauty boutique and the brand's famous brownie buffet, opens at the W Hotel in Midtown.
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Korean Catering House: With Korean signage, the English name of this new Duluth restaurant is actually yet-to-be determined.
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Tierra Salon: A new men's salon offers services for all budgets, from $15 haircuts to $140 hot stone massages.
Boston
• Aroa Fine Chocolate: This South End chocolate shop satisfies sweet teeth with bonbons, plated desserts and seven types of hot chocolate.
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Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Atlanta
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Spice Market: Jean Georges Vongerichten takes his high-end street food restaurant, with its exotic decor and pan-Asian menu, down south.
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The Social House: New restaurant is only open for breakfast and weekend brunch; menu features classic comfort food.
Dallas
• Ra Sushi: Sushi and Asian fusion restaurant chain opens a new location in Plano at The Shops at Legacy.
Las Vegas
• Starlight Tattoo: Celebrity tattoo artist Mario Barth, who has worked on Snoop Dogg and Nikki Sixx, opens a new, late-night tattoo parlor at Mandalay Bay.
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Friday, March 21, 2008
Philly-Area Breweries
Recently I praised Philadelphia for being America's new brewing capital. And despite flack from a few Portlanders, I stand by my claim. Portland's got more breweries, but at least in my experience, which I admit is probably limited, Philly's tend to be better. I really want to like Rogue for helping push American craft brewing forward and all that, and for naming a beer "Dead Guy", but that stuff's like carbonated sugar water compared to Weyerbacher, Stoudt's and Sly Fox. So while we sit back and watch the Democratic party eat itself alive campaigning for Pennsylvania, the only way to make it through this grueling nomination process is by drinking. Hence the following guide to craft breweries in and around Philly offering tours and/or pub service. And I know there's more out there, so let us know in the comments or via the tipline.
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Thursday, March 20, 2008
Philadelphia may soon be home
Philadelphia may soon be home to "the coolest hotel ever built." The Unknot Tower, slated to debut in Philly's Center City, will be managed by GHM Hotels, which is responsible for over a dozen luxury hotels, including the Setai. The 27-story building, designed by Winka Dubbeldamm, will hold 145 rooms as well as retail space and a L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon restaurant. [via]
Geno's Steaks, a Philadelphia cheesesteak
Geno's Steaks, a Philadelphia cheesesteak shop, was recently investigated by the Commission on Human Relations thanks to the display of two signs in its shop; each read, "This is America: WHEN ORDERING 'PLEASE SPEAK ENGLISH'." The commission came to the conclusion that the signs don't violate Philly's Fair Practice Ordinance. The signs have, however, offended a number of immigrants living in the area -- a traditionally Italian neighborhood that has seen an influx of Asian and Latin American immigrants in recent years. No average cheesesteak shop, Geno's Steaks showcases dozens of staff-with-celebrity photos on its website; it's served everyone from Jessica Simpson and Donna Summer, to Billy Blanks and Bobby Flay. [MSNBC]
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The Philadelphia Business Journal has
The Philadelphia Business Journal has it that beloved noodle and small dishes chain Wagamama may be looking to Philadelphia, with a possible location in University City. It'll make those who have experienced its spicy joys elsewhere will be very, very happy. [Menupages]
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Philly: America's Beer Capital?
So which US city has the best beer scene? According to Philadelphia, it does. In anticipation of the upcoming Philly Beer Week, the Philadelphia Enquirer reports that the so-called sixth borough is actually seeming closer to a neighborhood in Brussels. Due to greater Philly's abundance of Belgian pubs, trappist ales, breweries and mussels, Philly is laying claim to being our nation's new brewing capital. And they have a point, though I'm not sure how much the mussels have to do with it.
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Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Boston
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Hudson: Sophisticated home furnishings store opens a second location -- now in Wellesley. Its eclectic stock includes cowhide rugs, chandeliers, and vintage accessories.
Chicago
• GuiseChic: Part boutique, part salon, this new Lincoln Park shop caters to both men and women; the only prerequisite is good taste (stock includes Helmut Lang and Earnest Sewn).
Dallas
• Duncan Quinn: Stylish, handmade menswear from New York via London is now available in Victory Park.
London
• Few and Far: New girly-girl retail paradise by Priscilla Carluccio (Terence Conran's sister) stocks limited edition jewelry, clothing, gifts, and even chocolate cake by the slice.
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Friday, February 29, 2008
Survival Guide: The Philadelphia Flower Show
The flower show is upon us (March 2-9) and if you're anything like my old-school, born-and-raised-in-Philadelphia family, attendance is practically mandatory. (Yes, I know I crossed the line of no return by moving out of what some consider the next Williamsburg and into the welcoming arms of New York City. ) But the flower show is one of my favorite things about Philly besides the murals, and I attend the show willingly these days. But if you've never been before, you may need some help navigating the whole shebang. Here are some tips. Any others? Leave them in the comments.
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Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Latest & Greatest

Atlanta
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Stella: Attention pizza lovers with a macabre streak: new Grant Park trattoria features simple Italian fare and patio dining with views of Oakland cemetery.
Boston
• Citrio: Newton Highlands catering company opens a café and provisions shop for gourmands.
• Privus: The owner of Irish pub Kells branches out with a Japanese sushi restaurant in Allston.
Bhutan
• Taj Tashi: Now open in Timphu, the Taj features 66 suites with a Bhutanese restaurant, spa, golf course.
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Monday, February 18, 2008
Is Philadelphia the Next Williamsburg?
Last week, the NY Observer estimated that approximately 2.7 New Yorkers are moving to Philadelphia per day and that the majority of those transplants are Brooklynites. Philly-based blog, Philebrity, in turn claimed that the New York transplants were bringing with them 2.7 annoying cocaine habits, iPhones, and complaints about delivery services. With the city awash in rumors that paint Philly as the new Williamsburg, a veritable hipster promised land, it's hard not to wonder what the real deal is behind the mass exodus from the City That Never Sleeps to the City of Brotherly Love.
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Thursday, February 14, 2008
Beginning February 20, over 40
Beginning February 20, over 40 of Frida Kahlo's best-known works will be on show at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The exhibition also includes about 100 photos of the famously monobrowed Kahlo along with her friends and family. Local touristic authorities (and our proud sponsors) have created a Frida-themed touring plan to go along with the festivities. For something a little more lowbrow (nyuk), enjoy this invasion of Philly's Franklin Institute by a bunch of costumed Star Wars nerdlings.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Philly foodie and friend o'
Philly foodie and friend o' Gridskipper Neal Ungerleider rounded up this list of international takes on the famous Philadelphia cheesesteak. Neal found his hometown treat being served in some improbably far-flung locales, including Dubai, Saigon, Shanghai, and Beirut. None of the foreign sandwiches give the original a run for its money. The global cheesesteak menu includes versions made with salsa, chicken, Czech cheese, and a Lebanese "tomato-cream sauce" -- hardly authentic Philadelphia fare. [Philadelphia City Paper]
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
From the source (or platform)
From the source (or platform) of the much-maligned (and now discontinued) Philly-based Illadates (OK, we maligned them) comes a trifecta of three more local video series. Illanights focuses on nightlife; Studioscopic breaks the Illa-pattern with a look at art; and today sees the launch of the Philly Chefs: All Up in Their Grills. Yes ... the names. The names of these things! Anyway, the first installment of the chefly videos spotlights babyfaced James Burke of James on 8th. He seems like a nice young man with nothing much to say, though he can sling a rack of pork ribs with aplomb. Note that all this content comes courtesy of one of our lovely sponsors, who continue to do God's work in Philadelphia despite the disappointment of 2006's Rocky Balboa. [PC:AUITG]
Friday, January 25, 2008
We just came across this
We just came across this little public service gem: Bedbug Registry, a free public database of bedbug infestation reports from around the country. As expected, most of the red dots congregate around big cities like New York, LA, San Francisco, DC, and Philly. And while this is a great tool for finding out if your hotel has bedbugs (you can enter hotel names in the search fields), it covers residential addresses too -- including my former NYU dorm. Happy hunting! [via]
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Latest & Greatest

Atlanta•
Addiction: Paul & Joe frocks, Taschen art books, and Badgley Mischka eyewear are among the hard-to-find treasures stocked at this new boutique.
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Runway: New Pharr Plaza boutique stocks clothes and accessories by LaRok, Eugenia Kim, and Jeffrey Campbell.
Chicago•
Candyality: New Lakeview candy shop sells new and old school treats for those seeking a sugar rush.
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Risque Cafe: Smokehouse featuring an extensive barbecue menu and 220+ American beers to match now open in Lakeview.
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Monday, January 21, 2008
If you enjoyed our graph
If you enjoyed our graph of historical subway fare hikes, check out this more scientific and extremely thorough analysis of the fare structure for all the major public transit systems in the US. Nerd Alert: It's really pretty fascinating if you care about stats and/or transit in any way. [Goodspeed Update]
Monday, January 14, 2008
The New York Times has
The New York Times has a nice little writeup this week about Fishtown, the once dangerous and now trendy district of Philadelphia. As is the case in many cities around the country, gentrifying artists have displaced the hardworking heroin dealers and brought with them luxury condos, cute bistros, and all manner of nonthreatening and overpriced businesses. Cute tapas joints can't be far behind. [NYT]
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Latest & Greatest

Atlanta•
Grey Parrot Books: A treasure trove of rare books and art, including Truman Capote-signed literature, is available at this new shop in Buckhead.
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Le Creatif: New interior design gallery features custom made work by local artisans and craftsmen.
Boston•
Therapy: Sister to designer denim shop Jean Therapy, this new shop carries dressier labels, including Ted Baker and John Varvatos.
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Thursday, January 3, 2008
A Modern Chronicle of the Worldwide Urban Smoking Ban
On January 2, Paris, one of the world's smoking capitals (besides Moscow and Havana of course), implemented a smoking ban that includes all cafes, restaurants, clubs, and bars. The ban caused quite an uproar with the skinny, tobacco-lovin' cafe set, but it looks like this whole nonsmoking movement has reached a tipping point as cities from Dublin to Berlin to Atlantic City to Flagstaff have forced their smokers to take it outside. Every city that passes a ban encounters the usual opposition from a) smokers who don't want to be forced into the cold for a cig, b) libertarians who are sick and tired of nanny states interfering in their personal lives, and c) bar and club owners who fear decreased smoking = decreased business. The proponents (who tend to win these battles) argue that smokers hurt the general public by producing secondhand smoke and stinking up everyone's hair and clothes.
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Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Latest & Greatest

Fort Lauderdale•
Il Lugano: Luxury hotel with 105 suites is scheduled to open today; rates start at $199.
Las Vegas•
Prive: Miami nightclub, touting an A-List clientele, debuts its newest location inside the new Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.
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Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Latest & Greatest

Boston•
Sophia's Cafe: South Boston gets a cozy café featuring an organic-when-possible menu served on recycled, renewable dishware.
Dallas
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The Chef's Room: This 20 seat room at the five star Mansion on Turtle Creek serves set menus of chef John Tesar's haute cuisine.
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