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
Il Pittore Dinner with La Spinetta Winery
A five-course dinner is complemented with limited-edition wines at a local Italian eatery.
October 29, 2012
Tonight at Il Pittore, a five-course menu of fresh, seasonal Italian dishes is paired with limited-edition wines.
Tonight, Sansom Street’s Il Pittore, in partnership with Italian winery La Spinetta, will present an exclusive five-course wine dinner. Joining Il Pittore chef Chris Painter is La Spinetta's acclaimed winemaker, Giorgio Rivetti, who will pair several of Painter’s seasonal Italian dishes with limited-edition wines.
Guests will start the evening with an introductory amuse course of chestnut soup plated with pancetta crisp, rosemary, and lardo oil, which will be complemented by a 2007 Contratto For England Pas Dosé. To kick off the first course, chef Painter has created a chilled lobster crudo and whipped robiola with hazelnut and caviar. Rivetti will pair the lobster crudo with a 2003 La Spinetta Langhe Bianco. But you’ll have to make it through the second, third, and fourth courses—comprised of stuffed agnolotti, tajarin with duck ragu, and 48-hour-Barlo beef cheeks and foie gras—before enjoying the mouthwatering moscato zabaglione dessert. Served alongside caramel apples and a truffle honey biscotti, this sweet ending will be partnered up with a 2005 La Spinetta Passito Oro.
Il Pittore’s general manager Caleb Gibson informed us that the resto is having fresh truffles imported in on Monday just for the event. “An event like this allows chef Painter to explore his creativity in the Northern Italian cuisine, while combining the fantastic wines that Giorgio and La Spinetta can provide,” Gisbon said.
Only 50 seats are available for this dinner, costing $250 per ticket. To reserve your ticket, call 215-391-4900. 2025 Sansom St.
Halloween Events: October 26-31
Five frighteningly fun Halloween parties.
October 26, 2012
Enjoy local apples and apple products at Whole Foods' Mural Arts Apple Fest this Sunday.
HQ Nightclub Celebrates Halloween
Friday, October 26; Saturday, October 27, Sunday, October 28, Wednesday, October 31
HQ Nightclub at Revel in Atlantic City will host a cant-miss four-day Halloween bash, featuring an all-star DJ line-up of the EC Twins, Sultan & Ned Shepard, Laidback Luke, and Dada Life. Dress in your scariest or sultriest costume to be entered to win cash prizes totaling $10,000! For set times, table service, and more information, visit revelnightlife.com. 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, 855-348-0500
Peter Sterling Halloween Ball
Friday, October 26, 9 PM-1 AM
Don't miss your chance to attend Delaware County’s largest Halloween ball at D'Ignazio's Towne House. Strut down the 30-foot dead carpet runway, hit up the massive dance floor, and see what prizes your costume could win. Multiple ticket options include an open bar, table service, and more. Get tickets on upcomingevents.com. 117 Veterans Sq., Media, 610-566-6141
Manayunk Brewery Ghosts and Goblins Halloween Party
Saturday, October 27, 8 PM-2 AM
Start toasting Halloween early at Manayunk’s 5th Annual Ghosts and Goblins Halloween Party at Manayunk Brewery. Choose from general admission or VIP tickets and enjoy great drink specials or the open bar. Donations will also be accepted to benefit the Morris Animal Refuge, a non-profit dedicated to protecting abused, neglected, or abandoned animals. Purchase tickets on Halloweenparties.com. 4120 Main St., Manayunk, 215-482-8220
Halloween at The Bellevue
Sunday, October 27, 11 AM-2 PM
The Bellevue is throwing a free Halloween fête that’s fun for all ages. Join Nicole Miller Philadelphia, Williams-Sonoma, Teuscher Chocolates, The Walking Company, and The Bellevue Food Court for trick or treating, pumpkin decorating, delicious food, and much more. RSVP by e-mailing scruz@mkdandassociates.com. 200 S. Broad St., 215-964-9223
Whole Foods Mural Arts Apple Fest
Sunday, October 27, 11 AM-2 PM
Whole Foods Market, in partnership with the City of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program, is hosting an event to celebrate the season’s favorite treat: apples. Aside from tastings of local apples and apple products, guests will also enjoy a live mural painting station. E-mail events@muralarts.org to RSVP. 20th & Callowhill Sts., 215-685-0753
Blogger Diary: Retool Summer Style for Fall
Streets and Stripes' Chaucee Stillman gives us tips on taking an outfit from summer to fall.
October 24, 2012
With fall fashion taking over, we wanted to give a gentle nod to the summer we left behind. This floral crop top with bodice studs goes great with a full maxi skirt. Put a purple blazer over the top to turn this look instantly autumn. Visit StreetsAndStripes.com for more visuals, starting at 2 PM today.
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
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