Ardent animal lovers and upscale comfort food fans will enjoy a date night with their dogs.  The paw-licking lineup of human treats by Smokin’ Betty’s and Devil’s Alley will include Crab Cake Sliders, BBQ Chicken Salad Sliders, Mini Veggie Burgers and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Pita. At the bar, guests will raise a glass with Absolut, Jameson and Malibu cocktails, craft beer from Brooklyn Brewery, Yards Brewing Co. and Stoudts Brewery, and a selection of wine by the glass.  All food and drink is included in the low ticket price.  For a perfect end to the night, Ms Goody Cupcake (1838 East Passyunk Avenue) will tempt taste buds with Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes for humans and Banana Mutt Muffins for their four-legged friends.  Emmy winner, and host and contributor for “Out and About” on philly.com and soon to debut Pets with Papadakis,  Maria Papadakis will serve as master of ceremonies and hostess of the doggie red carpet.  For those without a date, the PSPCA will match guests with barkelors and barkelorettes looking for a forever home.  Not a dog lover?  Then flirt with a feline in the Kitty Korner. Finally, an animal behaviorist will provide consultations at a special “Dog House.”  You might call them bad dogs. We will just point and call them “creative!” 

Puppy Love Valentines Party returns in 2013 after taking a “cat nap” in 2012.  Since its inception in 2006, the event has attracted 1,000+ attendees and raised nearly $30,000 in ticket sales and in-kind donations.  Susan Schlisman, owner of Smokin’ Betty’s and Devil’s Alley, created the event to raise funds for local animal shelters.  Schlisman is a lifelong animal lover and advocate, and past PSPCA volunteer, who will attend this year with her Yorkie Sayde. Buster Brown is already chasing his tail in anticipation of meeting Sue and Sayde.

Tickets for Puppy Love are already on sale for $40 at Eventbrite.  Puppy Love is open to those 21 and up.  ALL funds raised will be donated to the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSCPA).   For more information, call (215) 922-6500, visit www.smokinbettys.com, and follow @smokinbettys and @devilsalley215 on Twitter.

After Puppy Love, stop back and check out our album and full report on the canine fun.

Disclaimer: No compensation was received in exchange for this blog post. Event is 21 and up. Event is not sponsored by Philly Loves Fun.  

• Wall Street Economist Bullish on Housing Market
• Housing Comeback has Wall Street Giddy

Why buy now?  As the economy improves, expect mortgage rates to go up. Just this week, Freddie Mac announced the 30-Year Fixed Rate bumped up slightly in response to December’s employment report:

Attributed to Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist, Freddie Mac;

“Fixed mortgage rates increased slightly following a positive employment report for December. The economy added 155,000 jobs, above the consensus market forecast, and November’s job growth was revised upward by another 24,000 workers. This helped keep the unemployment rate steady at 7.8 percent, the lowest since December 2008. For all of 2012, 1.86 million jobs were created and represented the largest annual gain since 2006.”

To learn more about today’s interest rates, what to expect with closing costs, and how to negotiate – please RSVP to our Home Buyer Lunch & Learn on Feb 6th. We’re hosting a series of seminars this year, let us know what you’d like to learn about!  $50 Home Depot Gift Cert drawing at each. Space is limited – so please RSVP today!

You can search ALL Philly listings at CenterCityPhillyRealEstate.com.

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A popular seasonal, outdoor craft market is moving indoors Sunday.

The Clover Market normally calls Ardmore home. They will set up shop at the 23rd Street Armory in Center City for the first ever Winter Market.

“I describe it as sort of a mash up of antiques, vintage and handmade items,” says founder Janet Long who handpicked 55 vendors to participate.

“Our goal is really to fit somewhere between a flea market and the Philadelphia Antique Show. It’s accessible, it’s affordable, but the quality level is definitely there,” explains Long.

Tickets are $5 and it runs from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 22 South 23rd Street. And come hungry because some of Philly’s best food trucks will be parked outside.

If you’re not sure how much cash to bring, Long says many of the vendors accept credit card payments. For more information, visit www.theclovermarket.com.

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The heart of Center City is Park Central Square and tapers off North towards Chestnut Expressway, East toward National, South towards Pershing, and West toward Grant.

Because the heart of downtown is composed of businesses, there is a strong sense of comradery among storeowners. ItsAllDowntown, the official site of Springfield’s Urban Districts Alliance, states that the UDA assists the businesses of Center City by making downtown a clean, safe and inviting destination for its owners and guests.

The UDA and other downtown organizations, such as the Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District, Springfield Finance and Development Corporation and Historic Walnut Street Association, all work to help Center City by fulfilling their targeted objectives. Each organization has its own niche.

Interested in improving Center City as a shopping and recreational destination, the CID strives to visually improve downtown, strengthen the competitiveness of Center City economically and to support private-sector industry.

The SFDC mission in Center City is to “proactively assist in the continued revitalization of Springfield’s Center City by providing creative financing to stimulate small business growth.” The SFDC has funded 40 loans, totaling $2 million and creating 250 jobs in Center City according to the SFDC webpage on ItsAllDowntown.

The HWSA focuses its resources on the businesses and people of the historic Walnut Street neighborhood, located on the southernmost edge of Center City.

Although the Springfield downtown resurgence was aided by the strong backing of the community and commercial organizations in Center City, problems of homelessness and property and violent crimes still persist in Center City.

The Springfield chapter of the Salvation Army stated in their 2012 homeless count report that  more than 160 individuals were identified as homeless, 112 of which were unsheltered – they are currently not living in any form of family shelter, homeless shelter or halfway house. In the Park Central Square, some of these homeless end up congregating in the downtown area around the bus terminal, the public library, and Park Central Square.

Furthermore, according to Springfield Police Department data compiled by MyNeighborhoodUpdate, there were approximately 386 disorderly conducts, 157 violent crimes and 149 property crimes in the downtown area in the past year. The violent crimes alone in Center City account for approximately 12% of violent crimes annually in Springfield.

To assist police, combat crime and protect the community, UDA president-elect Jennifer Jackson said that the UDA has hired security to patrol Center City and to work with the Springfield Police Department.

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Police are investigating the murder of a pediatrician whose body was found tied up and set on fire inside her Center City home Monday.

Authorities say firefighters responded at 12:30 p.m. to a report of a fire at home in the 1700 block of Naudain Street.

When firefighters entered the home, they discovered the bound body of female in her 30s on fire in the basement. Investigators say the victim had her hands and feet duct-taped behind her and she was also strangled.

According to CBS 3 reporter Walt Hunter, the victim was fully clothed. Investigators said that there were no immediate signs that the victim was sexually assaulted.

Investigators say a man who was hired by the victim to walk her dog was the first to discover the body.

Police tell Eyewitness News that there were no signs of forced entry and they are investigating the possibility that the victim may have been followed.

The woman’s identity has not been released. Friends and neighbors told Eyewitness News that the victim worked at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The motive remains under investigation by Philadelphia police homicide detectives.

Anyone with information is urged to call 911.

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One of the best events of every year, HAIR O’ THE DOG  was celebrated at the LOWES HOTEL PHILADELPHIA last night.  All the Ballrooms were packed with over 2,000 + people, from all parts of town in “Black Tie” fashion; very exciting.

Millennium Hall and the Commonwealth Hall

To view the “Best Of The Best Images” from this event select philly.com’s new section on local events here’s the link: PHILLY.COM/OUT AND ABOUT  section.

Jewelz Entertainment

From the Second Floor & Mezzanine (both the Millennium Hall and the Commonwealth Hall) to the Thirty Third Floor ( The Howe, The Lescaza and The Terrace) it was packed with people dressed and ready to party.

Hosted By: Marisa Magnatta of WMMR’s Preston & Steve Show 
With Entertainment By: The World Famous DJ Enferno 
Split Decision Band, and Philly’s Top DJ’s Eddie Tully, Perry Angelozzi and Royale 

With Jewelz Entertainment.   A portion of the proceeds will benefit: Friends are by your side – Founded by Martino Cartier.

Jan 19, 2013  |  LOWES HOTEL PHILADELPHIA

Jan 18, 2013  |  The Black Tie Auto Show

For a complete view of the images or to order prints and digital downloads from this event please select this link or the “Jan 19, 2012  19th Annual Hair O’ The Dog” album in the right column of this photo weblog.
 



YOU WILL NEED A PASSWORD TO ACCESS. CLICK HERE FOR PASSWORD.

Why are owners waiting to sell? My best guess is that sellers believe recent positive news about the national real estate market, and the strength of the Center City Philadelphia market means that properties will bounce back to values we saw in 2006.

During the mortgage crisis when working with sellers, they often told me “I’m going to wait for the market to come back.”  I always ask “what does that mean to you?”

National and local economists have predicted since 2008 that there would be a recovery around 2012-2013 – BUT that recovery would be a return to normal market conditions – NOT a repeat of the inflated values during the mortgage crisis.

Real estate historically gains 6%-8% in value a year. That’s the normal market conditions we can expect.  NOW is a great time to sell!  Buyers are hungry for inventory.

The articles below will help you prepare to market your home for the best possible price.

• Top 10 Worst Home-Showing Offenses
• Showing Tips for Sellers

If you want to sell, but your mortgage is worth more than current market values – please give me a call.  I specialize in Short Sales and have helped many home owners out of what felt like an impossible situation.  You can learn more about how Short Sales work at PhiladelphiaShortSales.org.

For a complimentary consultation on the market value of your home, and how we can get you the best price in today’s market – please contact us at 267-238-2842.

You can search ALL active listings in your neighborhood at CenterCityPhillyRealEstate.com.

According to police, the victim was stabbed once in the right side of his torso around 1:21 a.m. on 7th and Arch Streets.

He was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital in critical condition.

The name of the victim has not been released. No arrests have been made.

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Several people have been questioned in connection to an alleged sexual assault at Center City hotel, including a player for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.

The alleged incident happened in a 6th floor suite of the Four Seasons hotel in on the Parkway in Center City around 3am Tuesday.

Among those questioned, Brooklyn Nets Center Andray Blatche, who was not held by police. Police commissioner Charles Ramsey says it’s too early in a complicated investigation to say who is and isn’t a suspect:

“We don’t know until we get DNA back and things of that nature, so right now, we have nothing to hold him on, so he was released, no one is in custody now that I’m aware of, and as far as I know it’s going to be awhile until we can bring this to some kind of conclusion.”

Around noon, yesterday, Blatche tweeted “Im ok and I didn’t do anything jus was n the area when it happened”. That tweet was deleted about an hour later, Blatche did play in last night’s game against the Sixers.

Blatche reportedly reserved the rooms for two of his friends.

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Police say that a member of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and two associates have been questioned in connection with a reported sexual assault that allegedly happened inside a Philadelphia hotel.

According to police, a 21-year-old female filed a complaint alleging that she was sexually assaulted inside the Four Seasons Hotel in Center City at about 4 a.m. Tuesday. The female complainant was taken to a hospital for an examination.

Police sources say Brooklyn Nets power forward/center Andray Blatche, along with two friends, was taken to the Special Victims Unit for questioning.

The Nets were in town to play the 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center Tuesday night. Blatche told reporters Tuesday that he did not know anything about the incident and was only in town to play basketball.

According to sources, Blatche reserved a room for two of his friends, which was separate from the room the Nets supply.

Sources say Blatche and one of friends entered a sixth floor hotel suite with two women they apparently knew.

When they entered the room, sources say the four saw the accuser having sex with the second of Blatche’s two friends in a bedroom. Sources say when the first friend walked out of the bedroom, Blatche’s second friend went into the bedroom and also had sex with the accuser.

After the two were finished, the second friend joined the four others in the living room of the suite while the accuser remained in the bedroom. Moments later, officers knocked on the door and said they had a report of a rape.

All six at the hotel suite, including the accuser, were taken to the Special Victims Unit for questioning.

Sources say at no point during the sexual encounters did anyone hear cries to stop or screams.

Detectives were questioning the accuser Tuesday afternoon and interviewed Blatche’s two friends afterward. Sources say Blatche himself was cooperative with authorities.

Prior to the incident, sources say Blatche and at least one of his friends were at a gentlemen’s club and investigators were looking at the club’s surveillance tape as part of the investigation.

Investigators processed the suite and were checking the hotel’s cameras and phone records.

So far, no charges have been filed.

Blatche posted a tweet on his Twitter page at about 12:15 p.m. that read: “Im ok and I didn’t do anything jus was n the area when it happened”.

By 1:30 p.m., the tweet had been deleted from his account.

The following statement was issued from Brooklyn Nets General Manager Billy King:

“We are aware of the ongoing police investigation regarding a member of the Brooklyn Nets. We will have no further comment until the investigation has concluded. All of our players are available for tonight’s game.”

A representative from the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia released the following statement:

“The Philadelphia Police Department responded to a call to Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia early this morning (January 8). We are fully cooperating with the police investigation. We would advise all questions be directed to the Philadelphia Police Department at 215.686.3388.”

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January 20-25 & January 27- February 1, 2013

Everyone’s favorite time in Philadelphia is quickly approaching, Center City District Restaurant Week! For only $35 per person, enjoy a gourmet three-course meal at one of the The Bellevue’s fine dining restaurants from January 20-25 & January 27-February 1.

XIX (Nineteen)

For the first time this year XIX will be participating on Saturday!

The Palm

The Palm is also offering a special $20 lunch menu for Restaurant Week.

Bliss Restaurant 

Bliss Restaurant was named one of the top 20 new restaurants by Esquire Magazine, and was voted as one of the 50 best restaurants by Philadelphia Magazine.

To keep up with what is happening this year at the Bellevue and with Restaurant Week follow us on Twitter at @BellevueTweets and @PhilaRestWeek.  For menu information and other participating restaurants visit, http://centercityphila.org

The county got its name from Lake Chisago, which came from the Ojibwe word “Ki-chi-saga-igun,” meaning “big lake with an outlet.”

Summer at the beach in Chisago City

The adjacent towns of Chisago City, Lindstrom, and Center City are surrounded by lakes.

Center City is Minnesota’s second-smallest county seat, with a population of 628.

Center City in 1910

Lindstrom (pop. 4,442) is known as “America’s Little Sweden.”

Lindstrom water tower

The setting for Swedish author Vilhelm Moberg’s “The Emigrants” novels was Chisago County. Moberg published the four novels between 1949 and 1959.

The movie was made in 1971.

Lindstrom celebrates its Swedish heritage with Karl Oskar Days every July. Karl Oskar Nilsson was the main character in the “Emigrant” novels.

Statue of Karl Oskar and Kristina in Lindstrom

Taylors Falls (pop. 976), on the St. Croix River, has many historic buildings from the mid-19th century, including the oldest public school building in the state.

Built in 1852

Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours has excursions through the Dalles of the St. Croix River in Interstate State Park (in both Minnesota and Wisconsin).

St. Croix River near Taylors Falls

Seven miles north of Taylors Falls is Wild Mountain, which has skiing and snowboarding in the winter and waterslides and alpine slides in the summer.

Adult lift tickets are $43 a day.

NEXT: WASHINGTON COUNTY

 
BIRTHDAY.   Although a tough weekend for parties (people are saving for the big party NYE2013 on Monday) DJ Adrian Hardy brought out a nice crowd to celebrate his Birthday Bash at club Whisper near 18th & Walnut street.

Club Whisper

To view the “Best Of The Best Images” from this event select philly.com’s new section on local events here’s the link: PHILLY.COM/OUT AND ABOUT  section.

Whisper  |  DJ Adrien B’Day Bash !

As usual the Whisper’s Dance Team really got everyone dancing and shaken’ on the dance floor.

Whisper  |  Whisper Dance Team

For a complete view of the images or to order prints and digital downloads from this event please select this link or the “Dec 29, 2012 DJ Adrian Hardy NYE Birthday Bash @ Whisper!” album in the right column of this photo weblog.

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Folks in Center City have one more day to get Krispy Kreme donuts.

Those who work here at the Philadelphia Krispy Kreme donut shop on 16th street, tell me they’ve been consoling their customers after it was announced that this store will be shutting down December 30th.

“Some ladies who come in here, they say ‘I need a hug!’ And we’re like, it’s gonna be okay, it’s gonna be okay!” said an employee.
Reporter: “People get really attached to their donuts.”

Employee: “Yes, they do!”

Customers told KYW Newsradio they’re sad to see it close.

“But it’s so good and in the city it’s really good! I was walking with my kids and it’s the first thing we saw that they like,” said one customer.

“It’s kind of sad; I wish they’d stay open a little longer. I mean, everybody loves Krispy Kreme,” said another customer.

Reporter: “Do you come here a lot?”

Customer: “Yeah, I do.”

So what will they do now for their Krispy Kreme fixes?

“I don’t know, they gave us a list of their different locations. Perhaps I’ll try to find one of those locations,” one customer explained.

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Founded in 1984, the program initially served as a graffiti deterrent. As part of the Anti-Graffiti Network, a Philadelphia governmental initiative headed by the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, muralists were hired to speak with “graffiti writers” and encourage them “to redirect their energies from destructive graffiti writing to constructive mural painting” (History).

With the mission to “unite artists and communities through a collaborative process, [which is] rooted in the traditions of mural-making, [in order] to create art that transforms public spaces and individual lives,” the Mural Arts Project has brought a vibrance and a beauty to Philadelphia that once was unseen (Mission). Since its establishment, the Mural Arts Program has allowed for the production of over 3000 murals; giving Philadelphia the title of “City of Murals” (History).

These beautiful projects have inspired the Mural Arts Walking Tour, which ranges from a 1mile to a 2.5 mile walking excursion throughout the Center City area of Philadelphia. There are also the options of Trolley Tours, a Train Tour, a Bike Tour, etc.  For further information on where to purchase tickets or which tour to choose, you can visit the Tour page on the Mural Arts Program website.

Murals such as “Mapping Courage: Honoring W.E.B. DuBois and Engine 11″ by Carl Willis Humphery, located on the wall of the Fire Engine 11 Station on South St and 6th St, are excellent examples of how mural art displays civil understanding.  For example, “Mapping Courage” was made in honor of W.E.B. DuBois sociological study of Philadelphia’s Seventh Ward in “The Philadelphia Negro”.  This mural is part of the larger project initiative, Mapping DuBois, sponsored by the University of Philadelphia and created by Artworks!, “which aims to educate Philadelphians about DuBois’s influential work” (Show Info).  Furthermore, the mural serves a an honor to the firefighters of the Fire Engine 11.

I encourage all who come to Philadelphia to not only explore the American Historical sites, but to also visit these mural projects, which demonstrate the beauty of the Philadelphia community. As soon as the sun is out, pictures of these murals will be posted.

Commentary is highly encouraged.

Please continue to enjoy The Intrepid Traveler !

Listing courtesy of RE/Max Prime Real Estate

Just Listed!! One bedroom luxurious foreclosure condo with deeded parking.

Previously the model unit of Arch Street Lofts condominiums.

Faces west with upgraded lighting and bath fixtures.

Enjoy 11′ ceilings, expansive views, high quality kitchen appliances and cabinets, and expansive views.  Add your personal touches to make this your new home!

Located close to Center City, easy access to Schuylkill River bike and running trails, dog parks, shopping. Convenient living with 24-hour doorman and fitness center.

Initial offering price of $344, 520. Click here for full listing details – 2200-28 Arch Street, #816

For more details on how to make an offer, contact Susanna Kunkel at 267-238-2842.

Visited: September 12, 2012
Spent: ~$49 per person, including tip & tax

* * * * * * * * * *

This is an extremely long overdue post, but in celebration of Rachel’s 22nd birthday several months ago, we decided to try Audrey Claire for dinner. It’s a fairly small-ish BYOB right by Rittenhouse Square, but since it was still warm out, they had their sidewalk dining area all set up outside (hooray for al fresco dining!)

Unfortunately we were seated inside, but we were right by the open door and windows so we could still feel the nice summer breeze (which I wish I was feeling right now instead of sitting in my icebox of a house).

Green apples as outdoor decor!

First appetizer: flatbreads. SO YUMMY. We ordered two different ones for the five of us to try – the goat cheese & fig, which wasn’t listed on the menu, and the braised short rib, portobello, melted fontina cheese, & truffle oil ($14). These were definitely my favorites of the night.

Goat cheese & fig

Braised short rib, portobello, melted fontina cheese, & truffle oil

Second appetizer: two orders of Prince Edward Island mussels ($14). I think we legit spent about an hour eating just these, since we kept asking for more bread to go with the broth.

My entree: maple brine pork chop ($22). The toppings – wild boar bacon, candied dates, and gorgonzola granny smith apple butter – added the perfect amount of sweetness. The bacon bits went really well with the flavor (and I don’t even like bacon much, so that’s saying a lot!)

Of course, since there was free corkage PLUS we were celebrating Rachel’s newfound wisdom upon turning 22, we had to get some drinks. Luckily Food & Friends, a small grocery store with an ample beer selection, was right across the street, so we picked up two bottles of fruit lambic.

Bottom line: Great restaurant to go to with a small group of friends, especially in the summer!

Visited: Thursday, December 6, 2012
Spent: ~$102 including tax and tip
Pros: Top-notch food and service (basically everything!)
Cons: A massive hole in your wallet afterwards

* * * * * * * * * *

It’s been a lonnggg time since either of us have written here, but now that classes and finals are done, here we are! (Or rather, here I am, since Rachel is currently adventuring in Peru.) As a much needed end-of-the-semester celebration, we decided to have a fancy night out at Lacroix. We don’t go off campus as a group for dinner as often as we used to, and since Fred (one of our beloved Tall Friends) is graduating this semester, we dug our suits and dresses out of the closet and indulged ourselves at one of the classiest restaurants in Philadelphia.

Since there were seven of us, we were seated in our own semi-private dining room! Unfortunately I stupidly didn’t think to take pictures of the room itself, but you can see the beautiful winter-themed decor and place settings.

We ordered from the four course dinner menu ($75), where you pick one dish from each of three categories and then from the dessert menu at the end. Our waiter told us that you can actually order three things from the same category, so you could theoretically get three meats (though whether or not that’s a good idea is debatable.)

Before our dishes were brought out, we were served these amuse-bouches. From top to bottom: pumpkin mousse with praline, crab and butternut squash wrapped in Swiss chard, and kabocha croquettes. The slab on the right had two types of butter: normal and goat (to go with our bread basket that is not pictured here). The goat butter was something new to us – we actually spent a while debating whether or not it was actually cheese or butter, and were leaning towards the impression that it was a very mild cheese, until our waiter clarified for us that it was, in fact, goat butter.

Amuse-bouches and butter plate

For my first course, I ordered the Barnegat Light scallops (apple, matsutake, and pine), which came served raw. I loved the scallops themselves, but I wasn’t particularly fond of the other ingredients in the dish.

Barnegat Light scallops

My second course was the sweet potato gnocchi (guanciale, broccoli rabe, truffle pecorino). This was was definitely my favorite dish of the night! The sweeter, buttery gnocchi was complemented well by the saltier guanciale (bacon bits) and broccoli rabe. And while I was at first dismayed by the small amount of gnocchi, the carbs hit me soon after and I felt the food coma setting in… too bad I was only halfway through dinner.

Sweet potato gnocchi

For the third course, about half of us ordered the veal cheek (huckleberry, turnip, Brussels sprout), as recommended by our waiter. It was served with vegetables and a red wine reduction sauce, and was incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth creamy.

Veal cheek

Now onto my favorite part of every meal – dessert! Each of the three girls got a different one so we could try each other’s.

I ordered the maple bread pudding (orange, yogurt fruit parfait), which came with pomegranate seeds, mandarin orange slices, frozen yogurt, and granola. The bread pudding wasn’t as mushy as bread pudding I’m used to, and tasted very much like solidified maple syrup.

Maple bread pudding

Rachel ordered the chocolate (salted caramel, pine nuts, cocoa krispies, and vanilla ice cream).

Chocolate

And Jane ordered the huckleberry tart (almond, apple buttermilk ice cream). It tasted like a blueberry tart – yummy!

Huckleberry tart

As if we all weren’t already on the verge of major food coma , our waiter brought some complimentary desserts at the end. We also got free biscotti – girls only, though (hehe). Fred jokingly asked if they’d give the guys complimentary glasses of wine, and our awesome waiter played along with it and said he’d try, but sadly to no avail.

Complimentary desserts

Bottom line: Obviously a *MAJOR SPLURGE* but so very worth it for the fabulous food, service, and experience.

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Anyone who visits Manhattan around the holidays knows the smell: food carts roasting chestnuts. It’s a tradition of sorts in the Big Apple, but not so in Philadelphia.

An unscientific survey of food carts and food trucks around City Hall found not a single vendor selling roasted chestnuts.

Newsradio did find one food truck owner who was familiar with the New York tradition.

Matthew Feldman owns the Lucky Old Souls food truck that stops a few times a week at Love Park.

“I’m actually from the New York area originally, so I know exactly what you’re talking about. It’s not something I ever thought to do, but it’s not a bad idea. It’s one of those smells that means Christmas in New York. And I guess it could mean Christmas in Philly, too,” Feldman says.

A Health Department spokesman says there’s nothing on the books that stops vendors from roasting chestnuts, so perhaps Feldman or another owner can start a new Philadelphia tradition.

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Our friends at Kembrel and 2B Groomed Barbering Studio had the answer! They got together with Avenue Swank, Philly Loves Fun, Smokin’ Betty’s, Uber and Art in the Age for a one-stop-shopping event that left participants feeling neat, trim, smart AND stylish.  Check out the party photos below.  You’ll see our favorite bloggers from Culture Vulture, Philly PR Girl, Phillyism, Glamorosi and many others.

Don’t forget to swing by Kembrel and 2B Groomed today for holiday gifts, gift cards and a last-minute spruce up!

Disclaimer: No compensation was received in exchange for this blog post, with the exception of access to the event.  Facebook, Twitter and Google are not affiliated with this post or any giveaway. Data collected will not be shared.

According to investigators, the fire began around 10:26 a.m. in an elevator shaft of a building on the 1300 block of Lombard Street.

Firefighters say the fire was put under control by 11:31 a.m.

No injuries have been reported. The incident caused traffic delays near Broad and Lombard Streets.

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The sounds of the holiday season are filling the air.

Performers are giving it their all, no matter if they’re hitting the notes or not. They’re playing Christmas tunes on the streets in Center City and train stations.

Summer and Sean, instrumental majors at The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, were seen playing violins.

“I just do it for the simple enjoyment of pleasing others through music and to come out and be embraced by the community is a great feeling, especially around the holidays,” says Summer.

(Mega Rock Credit: John McDevitt)

And some people stopped for a few minutes to take it all in some giving dollars to show their appreciation.

“Oh they’re excellent,” one man says.

And nearby performer “Mega Rock” was making some money by strumming some holiday cheer for passersby.

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