New Resto: Bainbridge Street Barrel House
The Queen Village eatery brings inventive drinking and dining to the table.
November 16, 2012
Ever since its early November opening, foodies have been filing into Queen Village’s Bainbridge Street Barrel House for a taste of owner Jordan Fetfatzes' inventive offerings. As the name suggests, beer is a big draw for this spot. Beer aficionados will rejoice over on-tap brews aged in Maker's Mark whiskey barrels for nine months that tease the taste buds with undertones of whiskey, chocolate, and other flavors. In addition to the ever-changing, well-rounded barrel selection, the restaurant will keep other options like Sly Fox O’Reilly’s Stout and Boulder Obovoid Oatmeal Stout flowing.
Bar manager Scott Layne has crafted a noteworthy cocktail menu, too. Whether you pick the pear and vodka-infused Pear Cosmo or the No Name, But Delicious (a clever mixture of vodka, Chambord, amaretto, chocolate liqueur, and vanilla), your palate is sure to be satisfied.
Drinks aren't the only reason to visit the booming corner bistro—the seasonal menu from acclaimed chef Eric Paraskevas is also sure to turn you into a regular. Start off with the crispy Brussels sprouts topped with perfectly sautéed onions, apples, and almonds, or the four cheese mac, which is delicately topped with crumbled-up pretzels and Goldfish crackers. A well-curated selection of salads is also available, including quinoa with avocado, roasted beets, and charred carrots topped with a sumptuous horseradish dressing.
If you’re after lighter lunch fare, you’re in luck, too. Choose from sandwich options such as the falafel burger with cucumber-tahini sauce and pickled veggies, or the house-made BBQ pulled pork and cabbage slaw sandwich. But be sure to leave room for desserts like olive oil pound cake served with salted caramel ice cream and pistachios before you head home. 625-627 S. 6th Street, Queen Village, 267-324-3553
Thanksgiving Weekend Recommender
The Thanksgiving parade, a Turkey Day dining special, holiday shopping, and more....
November 16, 2012
Shop the Christmas Market at LOVE park, now through Christmas Eve.
Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thursday, November 22, 8:30 AM-12 PM
Take in a true Thanksgiving tradition with the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the nation. Expected big-names for the 1.4-mile, 6abc-hosted event include Justin Guarini, Ryan Howard, Miss America 2012, Cookie Monster, Frosty the Snowman, and of course, Santa. 20th and JFK Blvd.
Thanksgiving at Parc
Thursday, November 22, 7:30 AM-8 PM
Rittenhouse Square’s Parc won’t just be open for business on Thanksgiving Day—they’re also featuring special fare. In addition to the regular menu, offerings include a Thanksgiving carte du jour, comprised of turkey (both white and dark meat), Brussels sprouts, pommes puree, homemade pumpkin pie, and more ($28, from 11 AM on). Reservations highly encouraged by calling the restaurant. 227 S. 18th St., 215-545-2262
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Thursday, November 22–Monday, December 24
Philadelphia’s LOVE Park will transform yet again into an idyllic German Christmas Market for the holidays. Shoppers will enjoy traditional European cuisine, sweet treats, and beverages, in addition to over 60 vendors. 1500 Arch St.
Winter Beerfest
Saturday, November 24, 1-5 PM or 6-10 PM
Toast the season with craft beer at the Winter Beerfest at Union Transfer. For $40 per ticket, attendees can indulge in more than 100 beers from around the country, including spiced ales, double and triple IPAs, wheat beers, pale ales, ciders, and more. Food and shopping will also be available. Get tickets for the afternoon or evening sessions on winterbeerfest.com. 1026 Spring Garden St.
Q&A: Duke & Winston's Seun Olubodun
The inside scoop on the local clothing line from its founder and his furry business partner.
November 14, 2012
Standing out among the many up-and-coming clothing lines in Philadelphia is no small feat, but Duke & Winston founder Seun Olubodun accomplishes the task with quality, class, and a little help from his adorable bulldog, HRH the Duke. Olubodun recently chatted with Philadelphia Style about the brand’s inspiration, what’s next for the company, and his furry best friend and business partner. 633 N. 2nd St., 267-639-5594
When did you start Duke & Winston, and why, besides for the love of your adorable dog?
SEUN OLUBODUN: I started the business in 2009 because I noticed that Philadelphia didn't have its own hometown brand and noticed that there were a lot of potential customers here.
Do you have any upcoming new winter items to get excited about?
SO: Aside from the launch of our dog bed line, we have a full fall collection already in stores and online that’s bigger than any collection we've put out in the past.
What is your number one inspiration?
SO: My bulldog Duke, who is the face and name of the line. I am also inspired by a lot of British and historical imagery.
What neighborhood do you live in, and what do you love about it?
SO: I live in Northern Liberties, and I love that it has a very distinct feel to it. It feels like a small town outside of the city and you can find everything you need just over on 2nd Street.
What about Philadelphia inspires you and your clothing line the most?
SO: I am inspired by old Philadelphia history a lot. For instance, Benjamin Franklin is a large figure in the history of the city and I recently designed a series of four tees inspired by some of his quotes.
What is your five-year goal with Duke & Winston?
SO: To be able to open small stores similar to my showroom in cities around the country that my demographic lives in, such as New York, Boston, Chicago, and London.
2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport: Disciplined Advantage
The GranTurismo effectively combines sports car and style.
November 13, 2012
It was a sunny and breezy day in the Sonoma and Napa Valley region of Northern California for a drive in the shapely 2013 GranTurismo Sport by Maserati in Blu Sofisticato. The Italian purist provided highlight after highlight during my enlightened test drive through the vineyards—especially since the coupe speaks elegance and dominance simultaneously.
With uphill bending roads and open straightaways, I was able to truly understand Maserati’s new GT. And that’s just what the car is—a GranTurismo whose mission is not fixated on all-out acceleration or to become a full-fledged sports car, yet hones the ability to go fast intelligently. The GT Sport’s interior focuses on prestige and character rather than urgency, as demonstrated by its supple leathers, refined woods, interchangeable trims, and contrast stitching.
Detail is especially focused in a few key areas. The new steering wheel features deep thumb indentations that allow you to grip the wheel properly. Leather can be selected in any interior hue Maserati offers, while the ring material can be wood, Alcantara, or carbon fiber with Trofeo shift paddles that can be ordered in carbon fiber. The GT Sport’s new leather seats are designed in-house and feature integrated headrests for both front and rear passengers. A Bose audio system and a multi-media system with navigation and Bluetooth complete the technology package.
As for the body, it’s pretty much the same except for a few accent pieces. The rear tail lamps now have smoked lenses, new front parking sensors have been added to the aerodynamically enhanced front end, the headlamps have new LED daytime running lights, and the side grilles have been enlarged.
Under the hood, Maserati’s venerable 4.7-liter V8 remains, but with a slight power increase to 454 horsepower. And although it’s only 10 added horsepower, I certainly felt the difference from 2012’s GranTurismo S—lighter 20-inch Astro rims wrapped in staggered Pirelli P Zero tires offered amazing stability and grip, while specially-designed anodized blue Brembo six-piston calipers provided superb stopping power.
While thoughts of serenity urged me to drive more like a chauffeur, that notion played second fiddle to exploring the depths of the “sports” button while pushing all 454 horses to the limit. See, Maserati’s “sports” engagement alters the vehicle in five key areas simultaneously. They say this one optimal setting works for their customers. Others may beg to differ since drive style is so random from person to person. But whatever your preferred driving style may be, one thing is certain—the GranTurismo effectively combines sports car and style. Pricing starts at $129,500 after a destination and gas-guzzler tax.
Gingerbread House Display at The Shops at Liberty Place
Local chefs create masterpieces modeled after historic Philadelphia spots.
November 12, 2012
A gingerbread house from last year's Gingerbread House Display at The Shops at Liberty Place.
Starting Tuesday, November 13, Fairmount Park will officially kick off the holiday season with the Second Annual Fairmount Park Holiday Gingerbread House Display at The Shops at Liberty Place. Since the showcase serves as a preview for the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park Holiday Tours, renowned local chefs were called upon to create aesthetically pleasing, handcrafted gingerbread masterpieces modeled after the historic sites of Fairmount Park.
Peter Scarola of R2L, Thomas Heck of Davio’s, and Frederic Larre of STARR Events are among the talent slated to recreate local landmarks like the Smith Memorial Playground, the Woodford Mansion, and Mount Pleasant. But try not to salivate too much—these gingerbread creations are just for show. On display through December 9. 1625 Chestnut St., 215-851-9055
Bernie Robbins and CIRCA Event
Exchange old jewelry for brand-new pieces at the luxe jewelry destination.
November 08, 2012
Trade in your old jewelry for new pieces like this David Yurman watch.
Bernie Robbins, a high-end jeweler celebrating 50 years, has teamed up with CIRCA, a company that offers high prices for used fine jewelry, for the CIRCA Fine Jewelry Buying Event on Friday, November 9 (10 AM- 5:30 PM) and Saturday, November 10 (10 AM-5 PM) at the Radnor Hotel store. Just in time for the holiday season, guests will be able to bring any unwanted, outdated, unworn, and even broken pieces to the Bernie Robbins showroom and will, in return, receive an offer from a certified CIRCA agent.
Afterwards, they will be able to trade in their jewelry for a check or a Bernie Robbins store credit equivalent to 120% of the quote. The money or store credit can then be put toward brand-new jewelry from luxe brands like Ippolita, David Yurman, Cartier, or Fendi—perfect as a holiday gift for yourself or a loved one. Contact 610-971-2446 or email rsvp@bernierobbins.com for an appointment (strongly recommended). 595 E. Lancaster Ave., St. David’s, PA
KNO Clothing Supports Sandy Relief
All proceeds from the charitable brand’s birthday party go to hurricane victims.
November 07, 2012
KNO Clothing outfits individuals experiencing homelessness, and this Saturday, puts its efforts toward Sandy victims.
On Saturday, November 10 (8:30-10 PM), KNO Clothing will toast their two-year birthday with an event at the The Rosenfeld Gallery in Philadelphia. The fête will focus on the company’s philanthropic work to end homelessness, and will include a display of their fall and winter collection with all proceeds going to Hurricane Sandy relief. A live fashion show and a performance by DJ Philosofox round out the evening.
“KNO Clothing has accomplished so much over the past year and we are ecstatic to celebrate with our neighbors and friends this Saturday,” says Caitlin Lyttle, KNO’s communications and public relations associate. “We know that a lot of people have been affected by the recent storm and we really hope we can all come together to provide support and relief to those who don’t have a home.”
KNO Clothing donates an item of clothing for every clothing item they sell, and also gives to charitable organizations such as the Bethesda Mission and the 100,000 Homes Campaign. KNO began as a small business with only three products, but has grown and transformed local communities through their innovative business model. Register for a ticket to Saturday's event here. 113 Arch St., 215-922-1376
James Oliver Gallery Exhibit to Honor Breast Cancer Awareness
Chaucee Stillman of Streets and Stripes shares images of a touching art exhibition.
November 06, 2012
This past First Friday in Philadelphia, I found myself at the James Oliver Gallery down in Center City, where an art exhibition was on display in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. The images were at times beautiful and at times brutally honest to depict the artists' experiences with breast cancer. Tasty treats and drinks, as well as fashion on display, rounded out the moving experience. Visit StreetsAndStripes.com for more visuals starting Wednesday at 11 AM.
Chaucee Stillman of StreetsAndStripes.com is a freelance photographer and blogger covering life and style in the city of Philadelphia. She writes for the culturally aware reader covering topics such as fashion events, lifestyle stories, and interviews with Philly's creatives. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @chaucee to stay updated on happenings in the city!
Photography by Chaucee Stillman
Le Castagne Celebrates the Truffle
A week-long special menu is featured to celebrate truffle season.
November 05, 2012
Starting tonight, Chestnut Street’s award-winning Le Castagne will feature a special weeklong menu to celebrate the arrival of truffle season. The truffle, Italy’s most exotic and expensive natural cooking ingredient, will be highlighted in two exclusive dining packages. Chef Michael DeLone, along with managing partner Anthony Masapollo, has crafted dishes that allow guests to enjoy as few or as many truffles as they desire.
So, what should patrons expect? "Le Castagne's truffle week showcases the exotic tuber in a wide array of dishes from savory to sweet and a variety of price points so everyone can experience the deep, rich flavor of the white Alba truffle,” says Masapollo. “Chef Michael DeLone has created a menu that is reflective of the region from which the white truffles hail, putting a creative spin on it."
For $125 per person, diners can indulge in the Deluxe Truffle Package. This option features a mouth-watering five-course dinner starting off with a black vs. white truffle tasting, referred to as the Tagliatelli con Tartufi Bianchie Neri, and ending with the Torta Lavica al Cioccolato, a chocolate lava cake sprinkled with honey and truffle ricotta gelato.
The experienced truffle connoisseur should opt for the Premium Truffle Package instead. For $350 per person, guests will take pleasure in many of the highlights from the Deluxe Truffle Package, along with truffle shaving add-ons and select wine pairings. Premium Package tasters enjoy a 2008 Antinori Estates’ La Braccesca Vino Nobile, a 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva, and a crisp Pian della Vigne Brunello, among others.
And for beginners, black truffle shavings ($35 per course) or white truffle shavings ($50 per course) can be added to any item from Le Castagne’s menu. Also available with this option are wine pairings at $125 per person for five glasses. 1920 Chestnut St., 215-751-9913
Skai Blue Media's The Style Off
The Streets and Stripes team takes us behind the scenes at a fashion event.
November 01, 2012
Philadelphia's stylish elite joined together last Friday at The Style Off hosted at the Skai Blue Media showroom. Beautiful jewelry and gorgeous displays brought the young and the talented out to support local vendors and the fashion economy. Visit StreetsAndStripes.com for more visuals.
Chaucee Stillman of StreetsAndStripes.com is a freelance photographer and blogger covering life and style in the city of Philadelphia. She writes for the culturally aware reader covering topics such as fashion events, lifestyle stories, and interviews with Philly's creatives. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @chaucee to stay updated on happenings in the city!
Photography by Lindsay Thomson
