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Hugo’s Frog Bar Serves Killer Steak, Seafood and Service
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Once you wind your way through all the blinking lights, video game noises and faint smoke smell of the SugarHouse Casino, you will find Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House a welcome and tastebud transporting respite from the bling and gambling hustle and bustle outside. However, if you sign up your first time after you nosh, you get at least $25 free play which is pretty fun after a good wine buzz. Gibsons Restaurant Group came to Philly to dip their toes in the waterfront location as its first and only Philadelphia restaurant. Gibsons’ lucky number 13th location, they are the only restaurant group in the country…
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Golden Nugget’s International Winefest Gave 65 Ways to Wine with Kathie Lee Gifford
Photos, story by Lou Perri The Golden Nugget International Winefest held over the last weekend in August was a feast “under the stars” just as the press release stated. The event on Friday evening featured Kathie Lee Gifford who boasted about her wine called GIFFT, in partner with a Monterey estate vineyards. The name stands for Gifford’s last name and inspired by her belief that love and friendship are gifts. Four wines that make up the GIFFT label were on display – rose, red blend, pinot grigio and chardonnay. The two-day celebration of the grape featured wines of more than 65 vintners from around the world. Golden Nugget‘s Scott Tarwater, corporate…
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NINObrand: Philly’s Only True DIY Couture Fashion Design House
Story by Tori Radday In 2011, Bela Shehu gave Philadelphia its first ever true design house: NINObrand. Five years later and NINObrand is still the only fashion brand that exists like it in Philadelphia. Shehu explains “the brand is a true design house in the city. We do everything A-Z in house. From marketing, promoting, photography, sales, development to production.” NINObrand is a refreshing change from the fast fashion retailers that are becoming increasingly more overwhelming. Shehu, founder and designer for NINObrand, has spent much of her life making clothing for herself and explains that the development of her brand came naturally. She launched her first collection when she was…
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Back in Almost Full Action from Scoliosis Fusion Surgery
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler I would say at this point, 6 months from scoliosis fusion surgery I am about 90 percent healed. The numbness above my right butt cheek has shrunk down even more and it is not numb anymore on the right front of my pelvis. Dr. Heller said it will continue to go away until I forget about it altogether. I can’t imagine ever forgetting it completely. However, I’m sure there will be vacation days of travel and wonder ahead that will keep my mind occupied on the beauty of the world. I am also officially allowed to twist 25 percent now which certainly makes driving and…
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Fake Steak, Imitation Leather, Real Beer: Vegan Paradise at S.E.E.D. at Sugarhouse
Photos, story by Clare Shepherd Cheesesteak jokes aside, Philly is one of the best cities in the country to be vegan. There are so many here that former Mayor Michael Nutter named Nov. 1st Philly Vegan Day. But Philly’s extensive food festival scene has never reflected that. Enter S.E.E.D., the Sustainable Everyday Edibles and Drinkables Festival. Vendors from across the area set up booths at Sugarhouse Casino to show off all the options Philadelphia vegans had for food, drink, and clothing. And, if you can’t stomach vittles without tipples, rest assured it’s never a Philly food festival without at least 40 percent of booths devoted to beer with a little help…
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Capofitto: Pizzaria and Galeteria, A Philadelphian’s Summer Nights Dream
Story, photos by Brittany Harlow Located on the 200 block of Chestnut Street, in the heart of Old City, among majestic and historical architecture, cobblestone pathways and a cornucopia of nightlife you may come across the small but mighty Capofitto, Pizzeria and Gelataria. Should you for whatever reason, not come across it naturally in your stroll, seek it out. Philadelphia popularly boasts one of the oldest and largest Italian neighborhoods in the country, so it may feel easy to dismiss each Italian restaurant as one of the same. This of course is a severe injustice and grave dining mistake. Capofitto is unique itself, for its incredibly light alternative fair. At the…
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No Libs 8th Annual Street Festival Keeping Philly Cool
Story, photos by Jae Rich The 8th Annual No Libs Street Festival was filled with everything you can imagine a festival could have on Sunday, August 7, 2016. Bass booming musicians, street performances, games, food and curb to curb people aligned 6 blocks of the northern liberty section of Philadelphia. The annual block party celebrated the community and amazing culture in Northern Liberties. The all day free festival included over 150 vendors from restaurants, beer gardens, authors, art galleries, and a variety of local business owners and entrepreneurs. With an eclectic and explosive musical lineup from local favorites the 2nd street festival was truly a party filled with libations, locals,…
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59-year-old Combat Veteran Rides Bicycle 2,500 Miles Along East Coast to Honor Fallen and Disabled Warriors
The Patriot Honor Ride will take Col. Gary West from Lubec, Maine to Key West, Fla., on a 60-day journey to raise funds for Veterans. Raising money for Folds of Honor, a charity providing educational scholarships to children and spouses of our fallen and disabled service men and women, Col Gary West will engage the public along the 2,500-mile journey to fold and fly 16 US flags dedicated to 16 Folds of Honor recipient families from each of the states he is traveling through, as a way to show gratitude for their sacrifice. “I am raising funds and awareness for Folds of Honor, a non-profit changing lives and supporting the legacies…
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Cats and Coffee Are the Purrfect Pair at Japanese Inspired Kawaii Cat Cafe
Photos, story by Jill Beckel Cats, freshly brewed coffee and sweet treats – what more could one want? The Kawaii Kitty Café is the perfect place to stop in for a quick cup of joe or relax and play with a cute cat. Located on 759 South 4th Street in Philadelphia, it just opened at the end of June. Explore Philly stopped in just a week after the opening and got to meet the proud owners, Kristin Eissler and her boyfriend, Joe Ronca. How did they come up with such a unique name? According to their website, “In Japanese, the adjective Kawaii translates to ‘Cute, Pretty, Charming, Dear, and Pet’…
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The Cat’s Out of the Bag: Le Cat Cafe Saves Cats for Loving Homes
Photos, story by Jill Beckel To say that the talent of Explore Philly are cat lovers is an extreme understatement. We love cats, sharing cat videos and memes, and pretty much anything cat-related. When we got a chance to check out Le Cat Café, we practically purred with joy. Le Cat Café opened March 9, 2016 on 2713 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia. The owner, Kathy Jordan, has been doing animal rescue work since 2002. She loves cats and has 12 of her own at home! Le Cat Cafe is a non-profit organization that hopes to find homes for lots of deserving cats in addition to offering a unique cafe experience to its cat-loving visitors. In…