Celebrate the opening day of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts with a special flight on the trapeze. Fly School Circus Arts is back again for "Daringly High" flying trapeze lessons and performances. First up on the list of media and celeb roster is ABC's Adam Joseph. Come cheer him on TODAY, March 28, 2013 between 4:00pm and 6:00pm.
Flying trapeze lessons run seven days a week through April 27, 2013, at 9:00am, 11:30am, 4:30pm and 7:00pm. Lessons are located at the University of the Arts parking lot - right across from the Kimmel Center on Broad Street. If you are walking by make sure to look up!
Flavors of the Avenue is back and bigger than ever! East Passyunk
Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) welcomes a record-setting 25
restaurants to South Philadelphia’s largest outdoor food and drink festival on Saturday,
April 27, 2013, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Enjoy a true taste of East Passyunk as award-winning restaurants and
bars offer samples of their signature dishes and drinks under the cover of a
big top tent between Morris and Dickinson streets. Exciting debuts this year
include Noord, Sophia’s, Will BYOB, Pollyodd, Plenty and Ippolito’s. Outside
the Flavors tent, guests will enjoy a free street festival with vendors and
live music. At the Singing Fountain, Crafty Balboa presents the annual April
Showers craft market from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The event is rain or shine. VIP
tickets are $50 per person and include early access and special perks. General admission tickets at $30. Tickets are on sale today at
TICKET LINKor by calling (215) 336-1455. Save $5.00
off each ticket when purchased before April 8, 2013. On-line ticket sales end at 11:59 PM on April
8, 2013.
In 2013, Flavors of the Avenue will feature more food and drink then
ever before from an expanded roster of restaurants that include:
Belle Cakery
Birra
Cantina Los Caballitos
Chiarella's
Da Vinci Ristorante
El Zarape
Fond
Fuel
Ippolito’s (debut)
Izumi
Le Virtù
Lucky 13
Marra’s
Mamma Maria Ristorante
Ms. Goody Cupcake
Noir
Noord (debut)
Paradiso
Plenty (debut)
Sophia's (debut)
South Philly Bar &
Grill
Stateside
Stogie Joe's
Tre Scalini
Will BYOB (debut)
Five restaurants will make their Flavors debut, including the
yet-to-open Noord, as well as recently opened Sophia’s and Will BYOB. Other new
developments include an upgraded premium cocktail list with selections from the
recently opened limoncello shop Pollyodd as well as Lucky 13, Paradiso and
Stateside. Craft beer selections will expand with three craft brewers scheduled
to be on site. Free valet parking for VIP ticket holders will make the food fun
even easier, courtesy of ParkOps. The valet stand at East Passyunk Avenue at
Morris Street will also be open for general admission ticket holders for only
$8.00.
VIP tickets at $50 each include access from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, which
provides an exclusive hour in the Flavors tent with a limited 300 tickets sold
during this time. Other perks include free valet parking, wine, expanded craft
beer samples from Sixpoint and Weyerbacher, specialty cocktails from Lucky 13,
Paradiso, Pollyodd and Stateside and premium menu items. General admission tickets are $30 each and
include access from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. All tickets are $5.00 off when
purchased before 11:59 PM on April 8, 2013 at
www.visiteastpassyunk.com/flavors.htm. On-line ordering ends on April 24, 2013.
This event is rain or shine.
Flavors of the Avenue is an annual benefit to raise funds for EPABID’s
public safety programs. Special thanks
to premium sponsor Yelp, as well as Bai, Gold Medal Disposal, Origlio Beverage,
PARC, ParkOps, South Philly Review, Urban Jungle, Where Magazine and Zipcar.
For more information and directions, like East Passyunk Avenue on
Facebook, follow @epassyunkave on Twitter, pin East Passyunk Avenue on
Pinterest, visit www.visiteastpassyunk.com or call 215-336-1455.
* ABOUT EAST PASSYUNK AVENUE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT *
East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District is home to 150
independently owned shops and markets that perfectly balances the best of the
old and the new, mixing old world shopping, authentic Italian restaurants,
world famous cheese steaks, with trendy boutiques, handmade arts, world-class
cuisine and record-breaking events.
Chef-driven restaurants have pushed this once-faded community into the
national spotlight. East Passyunk Avenue boasts more than 30 eateries, from
authentic traditional Italian restaurants to gastropubs, including four of
Philadelphia magazine’s Top 50 Restaurants: Stateside, Le Virtu, Fond and
Will. Capogiro Gelato Artisans scoops up
National Geographic’s “best ice cream in the world” just down the block from
cheese steak global headquarters, where Pat’s and Geno’s still vie to be called
the best of this Philly staple.
Anchored by the beautifully restored Singing Fountain, a communal
gathering place on Tasker Street, this store-lined commercial corridor hosts
events of all shapes and sizes. Annual outdoor favorites include
foodie-festival Flavors of the Avenue, the Car Show & Street Festival,
Farmers’ Markets and East Passyunk Craft Beer Day.
Smokin’ Betty’s
(116
S. 11th Street) and Devil’s Alley (1907 Chestnut Street) present
sweet inspirations, spring flavors and comfort food classics during Easter
Brunch on Sunday, March 31, 2013. Brunch
service starts at 11:00 AM and runs until 3:00pm. Easter brunch specials compliment the standard
brunch menu at both restaurants. All items are available a la carte. Full details are listed below.
Devil’s Alley Easter Brunch Menu:
Rosemary
Roasted Leg of Lamb (with wild mushroom hash, sunny side eggs, hollandaise sauce)
Seared Duck
Breast Salad (with arugula, red onion marmalade, orange segments, roasted corn,
champagne citrus vinaigrette)
ABOUT SMOKIN'
BETTY'S
Smokin’ Betty’s offers upscale American comfort
food complimented by 16 rotating craft drafts, house crafted cocktails and daily menu additions
paired with weekend brunch and daily happy hour. One of Philly’s favorite spots
for burgers and BBQ ribs, Betty’s strives to push the envelope of “comfort
food” and preparing plates that would truly make your Mama proud.
Smokin' Betty's is located in the heart of
trendy Midtown Village and Center City District, located just three blocks from
the Pennsylvania Convention Center, across the street from Jefferson Hospital
and around the corner from two of Philadelphia's
most historic theater districts. With close proximity to public transportation,
major highways, rail lines, and parking it’s never been easier to visit!
For information
about Smokin’ Betty’s call (215) 922-6500, visit www.smokinbettys.com ,
follow @smokinbettys on Twitter or like “Smokin Betty’s” on Facebook.com.
About Devil’s Alley
Devil’s Alley, located just off Rittenhouse Square, bridges the gap between American comfort
cuisine and a backyard barbecue, allowing for a delicious lunch, fun dinner or
late night bite complimented by liquors from around the world, eight seasonal
local drafts and addictive signature cocktails. Flames from the open
kitchen sear classics from slow-smoked ribs to spice-rubbed ribeyes.
Ingredients are of the highest quality, with local produce and high end
meats. Service is prompt, knowledgeable
and fun with attention to every detail of the dining experience.
For a touch of mischief, contact the Devil at
(215) 751-0707, visit www.devilsalleybarandgrill.com ,
follow @devilsalley215 on Twitter or like “Devil’s Alley” on Facebook.com.
The Easter Bunny makes
an early appearance to help grant a special child’s wish. On Wednesday, March
20, 2013, at 11:00 AM, Alphabet Academypresents their annual Bunny Hop at the
East Passyunk Singing Fountain (Tasker Street and East Passyunk Avenue) to
benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Parents and children from Alphabet Academy
will join with Passyunk business owners, neighbors and civic groups to raise
$8,000 to help grant Gabe’s wish to go to Disneyland. The event is open to the public. Donations can
be made at any Alphabet Academy location (1506, 1510, 1631 and 1720 East Passyunk Avenue), or at http://friends.wish.org/051-000/page/Alphabet-Academy/Bunny-Hop.htm. For more information, call (215) 551-6410.
Alphabet Academy
will again partner with Make-a-Wish Foundation to fund a wish for a child with a
life-threatening illness. While a wish will not a cure, it can give them a
chance to forget, just for a little while, the sadness of being sick. Make-a-Wish
Foundation reports that a wish come true almost always has a positive effect on
a child by bringing hope back into his or her life and a reason to continue a
grown-up battle.
Proceeds raised
this year will help Gabe, a five year old boy battling cerebral palsy. His wish
is to visit Disneyland with his family. In
2012, Alphabet Academy helped a child like Gabe by raising $7,822.75. With help
from the public, Alphabet Academy hopes to beat last year’s total.
The general public is
invited to donate towards the campaign, as well as stop by the Bunny Hop
itself. Donations can be dropped at any Alphabet Academy Child Care location (1506,
1510, 1631 and 1720 East Passyunk
Avenue), on Tuesday, March 19 and
Wednesday, March 20, 2013. Donations can
be made at http://friends.wish.org/051-000/page/Alphabet-Academy/Bunny-Hop.htm
About Alphabet
Academy
Established in
1998, Alphabet Academy is a leader among Philadelphia preschools with learning
experiences that promote creativity and self-confidence. The Tree House builds
upon this tradition by adding environmental education to the curriculum. Other Alphabet Academy locations include
Alphabet Aquarium, Alphabet Station (and Infant Center) and Alphabet Garden.
Alphabet Academy believes in teaching children early about
giving back to the community, helping others, understanding of
themselves and how they can impact the world around them. Each
year children and families in the Alphabet Academy network host a food and toy drive around
the holidays, as well as the annual Bunny Hop for Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Hop on down to
East Passyunk Avenue for a day of ‘egg-citing’ Easter festivities! On Saturday,
March 23, 2013, East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) presents
its annual Easter Egg Hunt from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on the lawn of the South
Philadelphia Older Adult Center (1430 East Passyunk). Children are invited to
decorate egg collecting bags, hunt for prize-filled eggs and meet the Easter
Bunny. Every egg will be filled with
candy and Zitner’s
Fine Confections. Special golden ticket
eggs will feature certificates for Belle Cakery, Favors and Flavors, Ms Goody
Cupcake and prize-size Zitner's eggs. Egg Hunt times are staggered by age
group, with four and under at 11:00 AM, five to seven at 12:00 PM and eight to
ten at at 1:00 PM. After the
festivities, families are invited to enjoy special brunch menus and bakery
discounts at participating East Passyunk eateries. The Egg Hunt is free and open to the public. For more information,
go to www.visiteastpassyunk.com
or call 215-336-1455.
Brunch and bakery specials for the annual Egg Hunt
will include:
* Belle Cakery (1437 EPA) - Delicious selection of
muffins, cinnamon buns, granola bars, hot chocolate, coffee, and other
desserts, cookies and Easter treats. Special hours: Opens at 11:00 AM.
* Black N Brew (1523 EPA) - Zara's Breakfast (one
egg, one pancake bacon and sausage) for $5.00, Pigs in a Blanket (two pancakes
two sausages) $5.00, Kids Grilled Cheese $2.95 and Kids PBJ $2.95.
* Cantina (1651 EPA) - Fire Roasted Salsa Mac 'n'
Cheese, Hard Shell Tacos (with ground beef or vegan ground beef) and Blue Corn
Meal Chicken Tenders.
* Favors and Flavors (1827 EPA) – $1.00
off children’s ice cream cones.
* Fuel (1917 EPA) - $1.00 pancakes for the kids and
FREE Coffee with brunch for the adults.
* Ms Goody Cupcake (1838 EPA) - $2.00 spring +
Easter cupcakes including Gigi’s famous Peeps cupcakes, free samples of Mommy's
Rice Ricotta Cheese Pie, and cake truffles on sale for buy two get one free.
In
past years, the annual Egg Hunt attracted more than 350 children that searched
for 1,000+ Easter Eggs. In 2013, EPABID expects record turnout and is busy
preparing eggs to meet growing demand.
This
free event is held rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, bags of candy
will be handed out at 11:00 AM in front of the South Philadelphia Older Adult Center (1430 East Passyunk). For weather updates, visit East Passyunk Avenue on Facebook
or @epassyunkave on Twitter. For additional information, visit www.visiteastpassyunk.com
or call 215-336-1455.
* About East Passyunk Avenue
Business Improvement District *
East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District is home to 150
independently owned shops and markets that perfectly balances the best
of the old and the new, mixing old world shopping,
authentic Italian restaurants, world famous cheese steaks, with trendy
boutiques, handmade arts, world-class cuisine and record-breaking events.
Chef-driven restaurants have pushed this
once-faded community into the national spotlight. East Passyunk Avenue boasts more than 30 eateries,
from authentic traditional Italian restaurants to
gastropubs, including four of Philadelphia magazine’s Top 50 Restaurants:
Stateside, Le Virtu, Fond and Will. Capogiro Gelato Artisans scoops
up National Geographic’s “best ice cream in the world” just down the block
from cheese steak global headquarters, where Pat’s and Geno’s still vie
to be called the best of this Philly staple.
Anchored by the beautifully restored Singing
Fountain, a communal gathering place on Tasker Street, this store-lined
commercial corridor hosts events of all shapes and sizes. Annual outdoor
favorites include foodie-festival Flavors of the Avenue, the Car Show
& Street Festival, Farmers’ Markets and East Passyunk Craft Beer Day.
For more information and directions, like East Passyunk Avenue on Facebook, follow @epassyunkave on
Twitter, pin East Passyunk Avenue on Pinterest or visit www.visiteastpassyunk.com.
Smokin’ Betty’s
(116
S. 11th Street) and Devil’s Alley(1907 Chestnut Street) are giving upscale comfort food a twist of
the Irish. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Weekend with an Irish Stout Brunch and
weekend drink specials as Devil’s Alley, as well as a St. Patrick’s Day brunch,
giveaways and drink specials at Smokin’ Betty’s. Full details of the fun are listed below.
Smokin’ Betty’s St. Patricks Day Specials
Betty’s putting on her finest green apron, a four-leaf clover in her
hair and she’s ready to bring the St. Patrick’s Day party to Midtown Village
with drink specials and giveaways at Smokin’ Betty’s. On Sunday, March 17, 2013, enjoy free
Brooklyn and Jameson give-a-ways (while supplies last), $4
Brooklyn Brewery drafts (including Irish Dry Stout, $8 Guinness Car Bombs and $5 Jameson &
Paddy Shots.
Smokin’ Betty’s
brunch specials will include Irish Car Bomb Bread Pudding French Toast (with
Baileys whipped cream), Spinach & Ham Frittata (with goat cheese, roasted
cherry tomatoes), Corned Beef Hash (with sunny side up egg and rye toast),
Boxties (Irish potato cakes served with honey butter) and Shamrock Pretzels
(with Pale Ale mustard sauce). All day entrees will include a Corned Beef
Burger (Swiss, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing with fries), Shepherd’s
Pie (House ground lamb, cheddar mashed
potato topping), Corned Beef & Cabbage Eggrolls (with Guinness Mustard).
Devil’s Alley
St. Patrick’s Irish Stout Brunch + Specials
The Devil is
getting out his green horns for an entire weekend of mischief and Irish in
Rittenhouse at Devil’s Alley. Celebrate the luck of the Irish with two days of
fun on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17, 2013. Drink specials will
include $5 Jameson Shots, $6 Guinness Pounders and $8
Car Bombs. Irish Stout Brunch will be served daily from 11:00am to 3:00pm with Car
Bomb Bread Pudding French Toast (with Guinness ice cream and Jameson caramel sauce),
Stout Braised Sausage Hash (with two sunny eggs), Long Trail Coffee Stout
Coffee Cake, and Green Eggs and Ham.
ABOUT SMOKIN'
BETTY'S
Smokin’ Betty’s offers upscale American comfort
food complimented by 16 rotating craft drafts, house crafted cocktails and daily menu additions
paired with weekend brunch and daily happy hour. One of Philly’s favorite spots
for burgers and BBQ ribs, Betty’s strives to push the envelope of “comfort
food” and preparing plates that would truly make your Mama proud.
Smokin' Betty's is located in the heart of
trendy Midtown Village and Center City District, located just three blocks from
the Pennsylvania Convention Center, across the street from Jefferson Hospital
and around the corner from two of Philadelphia's
most historic theater districts. With close proximity to public transportation,
major highways, rail lines, and parking it’s never been easier to visit!
For information
about Smokin’ Betty’s call (215) 922-6500, visit www.smokinbettys.com ,
follow @smokinbettys on Twitter or like “Smokin Betty’s” on Facebook.com.
About Devil’s Alley
Devil’s Alley, located just off Rittenhouse Square, bridges the gap between American comfort
cuisine and a backyard barbecue, allowing for a delicious lunch, fun dinner or
late night bite complimented by liquors from around the world, eight seasonal
local drafts and addictive signature cocktails. Flames from the open
kitchen sear classics from slow-smoked ribs to spice-rubbed ribeyes.
Ingredients are of the highest quality, with local produce and high end
meats. Service is prompt, knowledgeable
and fun with attention to every detail of the dining experience.
For a touch of mischief, contact the Devil at
(215) 751-0707, visit www.devilsalleybarandgrill.com ,
follow @devilsalley215 on Twitter or like “Devil’s Alley” on Facebook.com.
Serrano's Executive Chef Gina Rodriguez will host a special tasting dinner in mid-March to sample selections from her new spring menu paired with wine's from Serrano's boutique list. Chef Rodriguez will also preview Serrano's first ever hand-crafted cocktail list. Members of the Philadelphia food press are invited. For inquiries, please call Kory Aversa at 215-840-9216 or email [email protected].
Spring Flavors + Signature Dishes
The first day of Spring is a fitting time to introduce the new menu from Serrano's Executive Chef Gina Rodriguez. After living in Philadelphia for nearly a year, Chef Rodriguez is excited to take inspiration from the feel of the four seasons. For her spring menu, she will bring together bountiful flavors, local purveyors and a twist of fun.
Meet the Chef
Hot off her appearance from COOK, Executive Chef Gina Rodriquez is excited to personally present her dishes, talk about her inspiration, discuss her time in Philadelphia and give some insight about other exciting updates to Old City's historic restaurant and bar.
Although always her life-long passion, cooking is the second career for Arizona native Chef Gina Rodriguez. Rodriguez earned a degree in psychology and worked for a Tucson behavioral health center before enrolling at Scottsdale Culinary Institute. After graduating SCI Le Cordon Bleu, an externship in New Orleans under noted chef John Besh, and mentoring by French Master Chefs, Rodriguez worked along the San Diego coast in luxurious resort restaurants such as DH&R’s beautiful Estancia LaJolla (Adobe El Restaurante) and KSL’s La Costa Resort and Spa (the 350 seat Bluefire restaurant). She has worked at major restaurants in New York, New Orleans, Arizona and California before arriving in Philadelphia. Chef Rodriguez' creative talents also led to her to consult for the Nestle Corporation in Ohio and Denver.
In Philadelphia, Rodriguez served as Executive Chef at Kokopelli and Max and David’s before joining Serrano Restaurant in Old City. Serrano has been a staple on 2nd street for over 25 years and was searching for a chef who could re-invent the menu. Rodriguez wasted no time marrying the restaurant’s Old world feel with her own dynamic creations such as her signature Jumbo Scallops with Mushroom, Sausage & Fingerling Potatoes In Arbol Chili Gastrique.
In a male-dominated profession, Rodriguez is proof that women are a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen. She served as the first female behind the stoves at the acclaimed Ventana Room at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona, earning the coveted AAA 5 Diamond award in 2008, the only female awarded in the US that year.
About Serrano
Serrano had been a staple on second street for over 25 years. You could say it was on the street prior to the neighborhood being "hip". Named after the pepper, not the ham, the food can be described as internationally influenced contemporary cooking. Recently, Chef Gina Rodriguez came on board to relaunch the menu and restaurant's reputation for producing exceptional dishes at neighborhood prices. The vibe of the restaurant is very laid back. On any given day you can find a doctor next to an artist sharing a drink.
Fly School Circus
Artsreturns tothe Philadelphia
International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) with “Daringly High” outdoor flying
trapeze lessons and performances. Adults and children (ages 6 and up) are
invited to celebrate the empowerment, confidence and freedom found in doing the
unexpected. Flying trapeze lessons run
daily from Thursday, March 28 through Saturday, April 27, 2013, at 9:00am,
11:30am, 4:30pm and 7:00pm. Outdoor rigging, reaching 25 feet in the air, will
be set up in the University of the Arts empty parking lot between Spruce and
Pine streets. Each two hour class is geared to the individual, the first time student or
the seasoned returning flyer. Fly School will end the festival on a high
note with performances on Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26, 2013, at
8:00pm. For “Daringly High” inspiration, Fly School time travelled to 1965 when
model Jean Shrimpton
helped change the face of women’s fashion and challenged female roles in
society. Class reservations are on
sale now for $55 each at the Kimmel Center Box
Office, by calling (215) 546-PIFA or by visiting www.pifa.org.
Performance tickets and pricing will be
announced in April at www.flyschoolcircusarts.com
and on Twitter at @flyschoolcircus.
Fly School celebrates
the “If You Had a Time Machine…” theme by jetting back to October 30th, 1965, when
model Jean Shrimpton shocked the Australian establishment by attending Derby
Day, a significant horse racing event in Melbourne, wearing a mini dress with a
considerably higher hemline than was acceptable in Australian society. In doing
so, she brought global attention to the fashion revolution already underway in
Europe, one that was changing the landscape of women's fashion from one of
maternal imitation to one of individuality, empowerment, and youthful
domination.
“Daringly High encourages you to
overcome challenges, fly in the face of limitations and try something you never thought possible,”
said Fly School Circus Arts Executive Director Mary Kelly Rayel. “In our classes we
constantly strive to give our students the feeling that they are rising above
their own perceived limitations and others expectations. Our trained
instructors provide a motivating and inspirational atmosphere where you can tap
into your inner courage, sense of trust and attention to detail.”
During lessons, students of various ages
and abilities will soar through the air on a full-scale flying rig. Students will learn all the techniques of
this art form – including take-off from the platform, the swing, the transfer
to the catcher, and the drop to the net.
Classes are open to students six years old and up. The weight limit is
250 lbs. All participants will be fully harnessed in the air. Some weather
conditions may be a cause for rescheduling by the instructors. Cancellation is
at the discretion of the instructors. Rescheduling,
ticket exchanges and refunds will be handled by the Kimmel Center box office.
Flying trapeze lessons are $55 for a
two-hour lesson. Reservations are available at the Kimmel Center Box Office, by calling
(215) 546-PIFA or by visiting www.pifa.org.
Pricing and details for
flying trapeze performances will be announced in early April at www.flyschoolcircusarts.com and
on Twitter by following @flyschoolcircus.
About
Fly School Circus Arts
Fly
School Circus Arts provides outdoor flying trapeze lessons in beautiful
Northern Bucks County, May through June and August through October of each
year. Since its founding in 2008, Fly
School Circus Arts has trained more than 500 students from Pennsylvania, New
York, Delaware and New Jersey. In 2008, Fly School worked with Cirque Du Jour
to bring flying trapeze lessons to Camp Quality, a nationally recognized
Oncology camp in Arkansas. Since 2009,
Fly School has participated in intensive aerial week at Circus Arts Camp in
Westchester, NY. In 2011, Fly School
partnered with the Kimmel Center to bring flying trapeze lessons to Center City
Philadelphia during the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA).
Fly School Circus Arts will return to the 2013 PIFA with flying trapeze lessons
and first-ever flying trapeze performances.
Fly
School Circus Arts was founded by Executive Director Mary Kelly Rayel, who
graduated from Ithaca College with a B.A. in Theater.
Rayel is also an alumna of the former Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Clown
College. In her 20+ years of experience,
she has taught and performed for Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus, Club
Med and Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, among others. Performing
opportunities have taken her to Puerto Rico, Mexico and all over the southern
United States. In 1998, Rayel moved back
to her native Bucks County, where she began teaching gymnastics, from
pre-school to coaching competitive teams. In addition to her work with Fly
School Circus Arts, Rayel performs through several professional entertainment
companies.
About PIFA
Philadelphia
International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) is a month-long, city-wide arts festival that is presented by the Kimmel
Center between Thursday, March 28 and April
27, 2013. Fifty arts and cultural organizations will present
multi-disciplinary artistic interpretations of new works, classical
performances and exhibits. Each project
is designed to showcase innovation, collaboration and creativity. The 2013
thematic focus, “If You Had a Time
Machine…” takes audiences
on a journey through time to experience the convergence of art, culture and
history in artistic interpretations of great, defining moments that continue to
influence society today. The
inaugural 2011 PIFA, which paid homage to the artistic energy of Paris
1910-1920, attracted over 404,600 visitors to the festival’s core 135 events
and 196,000 visitors to the closing Street Fair. For information, please visit www.pifa.org.
Chef Varnana Beuria announces the official grand opening of Toast in Midtown Village and Center City at 1201 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. After a soft opening, Toast invites the community to meet the staff and enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee on Friday, March 8, 2013 from 7:00am to 9:00am and Saturday, March 9, 2013 from 9:00am to 11:00am. Toast, named after the simple and homey breakfast staple, specializes in locally brewed coffee, breakfast egg toasts and weekend brunch. For more information, hours and full menus, like Toast Philly on Facebook, follow @Toastphilly on Twitter or call (215) 821-1080. A new website is coming soon at www.toastphilly.com.
Toast is named after the breakfast staple that exudes simplicity, comfort and a taste of home. In keeping with these values, Toast will focus on great locally roasted coffee, tasty yet simple food and friendly and efficient staff. “We wanted to keep things simple with a focus on the quality of the coffee and the food,” said Beuria. “We also want to create a warm atmosphere that caters to the diversity of our neighborhood. Toast welcomes neighbors, business people, telecommuters, suburbanites, tourists, students and everyone in between.”
Toast offers coffee prepared by French press, pour-over and electric brewer. A dark, medium and light roast will be available daily, with beans from South America, Africa and South Asia. Coffee service will feature single-blends from established and up-and-coming local roasters. The initial roster of roasters includes One Village, Philly Fair Trade Roasters and Green Street. Other beverage offerings include espresso, café au lait, americano, macchiato, cappuccino, latte, mocha, tea, homemade chai and fresh squeezed orange juice.
Food service includes signature ‘egg toasts’ made with homemade English muffins, plus breakfast and lunch sandwiches, homemade soup, salads, bagels and pastries.
Menu highlights are as follows:
Egg Toasts (Poached eggs on top of homemade English muffin served with side salad)
Salads & Sandwiches
• House Salad with baby greens, red onion, cherry tomato, $8.00 (Add scoop of hummus, tuna or chicken salad, $4.00)
• Spinach Salad with roasted asparagus, tomato, apple, goat cheese, capers, $10.00 (Add bacon or smoked salmon, $3.00)
• Tuna Melt with homemade tuna salad, cheddar cheese, tomato, $9.00
• Chicken Salad with homemade chicken salad, apples, celery, baby greens, $9.00
• ABLT with bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, dijonnaise, $10.00
• Indian Summer with curried Tofutti cream cheese, mango chutney, sprouts, $7.50
• Hummus Wrap with homemade hummus, roasted tomato, spinach, asparagus, avocado, $8.50
Patrons are invited to enjoy their coffee and meal in the 35 seat dining room that features dark matte finished tables, coffee counter with stools and an intimate lounge. The simple décor is designed be welcoming and attractive, while keeping the spotlight on the coffee and the food. “My inspiration for the color palette came from French macaroons,” said Beuria. “Pistachio, almond and lavender warm up the room, while the mismatched pillows add some pops of color.”
Weekly hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Counter service is available seven days a week. Informal table service is available during peak hours for brunch on weekends. Food service stops daily at 3:00pm. Complimentary WiFi is available at all times.
Based on early customer feedback, Toast plans to formalize table service in early spring, as well as extend hours of operation. Down the road, weekend brunch will see the addition of changing seasonal specials. Beuria will also add her homemade muffins and scones to the pastry list. For more information, hours and full menus, like Toast Philly on Facebook, follow @Toastphilly on Twitter, call (215) 821-1080. A new website is coming soon at www.toastphilly.com.
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