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How to Make It All Worth It During Your Hawaiian Getaway at Hyatt’s Maui Regency
Story by Kelly Kusumoto, photos by Colleen Cahill & Kelly Kusumoto It’s all in your head. Every image you’ve ever seen of Hawaii, every story you’ve ever heard. There’s majesty, serenity, and in February, warmth that just appeals to you in the throngs of an East Coast winter. Well, the images and the stories can’t even do Hawaii any justice. There’s nothing like being there. But as I’ve learned the last four years on the right coast, getting there is a big reason Hawaii is such a mystery to those who’d rather fly south to the Caribbean. First off, you have to come to terms that any trip from the East…
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Cruising to Bermuda with Celebrity Cruise Line
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler This Spring and Summer have been really heating up in my world! Since getting back from Cabo and catching the traveling bug, I’ve been doing a lot more travel which alway makes my soul happy. I promised one of my besties to go on a cruise with her through Celebrity Cruise lines which was very nice… and old. Not so much the ship itself but the crowd. Our favorite couple at dinner asked us why we were on this ship with a bunch of old people and we immediately adopted them. Celebrity is known for the food and when you’re two foodies traveling to paradise…
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Oh, Ship! Get Boozing, Bites on Board a Shiny New Deck on the Moshulu at Penn’s Landing
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Get ready to see the nicest and biggest deck in Philly! The Deck at the Moshulu really stepped it up 10 notches. Philadelphia’s Moshulu is the only tall ship in the world with a landmark restaurant. Located on the Delaware River waterfront at Penn’s Landing, The Deck at the Moshulu offers amazing views of the river, the city skyline and the Ben Franklin Bridge. Food, fun and fitness will abound this season as The Deck offers an array of fitness classes to engage, enlighten and inspire with weekly fitness sessions from yoga, to CrossFit to boot camp. The full workout class schedule along with special events and…
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The ChopHouse Brings Back Lobsterfest Every Sunday Through Summer
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler One of our favorite go-to chop houses is… wait for it… The ChopHouse in Gibbsboro, N.J. The last time we were there, we had a delicious steak based dinner. This time we went toward the summer time favorite of seafood, greens and a medley of other surprising samples at one of South Jersey’s most acclaimed steak and seafood houses. The annual summer dining event “Lobsterfest!” is back. Every Sunday throughout the summer, lobster lovers are invited to feast on a menu of shellfish specials. Each Sunday until Labor Day, The ChopHouse serves up the following set menu: 1.5 pound steamed or broiled whole lobster, $35, Baked and stuffed…
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With Burgers, Wings AND Tacos, No One Left Hungry at This Year’s Burger Brawl
Photos, story by Jill Beckel On a hot and humid Sunday, the 7th Annual Philadelphia Burger Brawl took over the parking lot of Xfinity Live. Over 60 local Philly area restaurants competed for the title of best burger, best taco and (for the first time ever), best chicken wing! This year, Explore Philly was excited to be a part of the judging panel! When it comes to food, we are always more than eager to help out. We got to judge the first burger round. Each burger sample was judged on its taste, look, bun, meat and originality. All restaurants were kept anonymous so that the burger tasting would be fair.…
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DoubleTree by Hilton Celebrates Opening 500th Hotel in Times Square West, NYC
Photos by Deja Cromartie/Hilton, story by Explore NJ Start spreading the news! DoubleTree by Hilton, one of Hilton’s 14 market-leading brands, is celebrating the launch of their 500th hotel with the grand opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West, located in the heart of bustling Manhattan. “We are beyond thrilled to celebrate the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square West,” said Michael George, President and CEO of Crescent Hotels & Resorts, the management company for the hotel. “This event marks the 500th DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, and we are extremely proud to be a part of this incredible milestone.” The newly-built high-rise hotel officially…
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Bertucci’s is Not Just a Chain Restaurant, It’s Italy on the East Coast
Photos, story by Tyra Gardner Bertucci’s is not a chain restaurant. Bertucci’s is a family owned restaurant founded in Boston, Mass. in 1981. Bertucci’s is known for their Brick & Wood Ovens. Chef Chris Snyder, the head chef, explained that the wood ovens in some of their locations had to be replaced with brick due to them being outlawed, however there meals are the same amazing quality and great taste. The temperature of the oven is over 600 degrees. Chef Chris is the remarkable Head Chef in the Philadelphia Region & Nikki S. Is the Powerhouse District Manager for the Eastern Region that keeps the restaurants a float. The service…
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Eat All the Farm Fresh Food at White Dog Cafe in Haverford
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler What if we told you a supernatural story? Once upon a time there was a woman who broke her leg. A white dog lay on it for a week while it was healing and all of the sudden it was healed. This is the tale of why there are multiple locations all named White Dog Cafe, according to our excellent server for the evening, Sara with no H. Known for award-winning contemporary American Cuisine and friendly service with three neighborhood locations in Philadelphia and the Main Line, Judy Wicks, social activist and original founder, opened White Dog Cafe in January of 1983. Located in three…
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Garces Foundation Gala Urges to Think Local, Give Local at Lowes Hotel
Story by Jennifer Ferrell, photos by Renee DiPietro “America is immigrants.”- Chef Jose Garces The Think Local, Give Local Gala hosted by Philadelphia’s very own restauranteur and Iron Chef, Jose Garces, gave patrons an opportunity to aid in the Garces Foundation created to benefit Philadelphia’s immigrant community. As a child of immigrants hailing from Ecuador, Garces’ created a foundation that provides health and education services to the underserved immigrant population under his employment. To celebrate this worthy cause, the gala, held at the Loews Hotel in Center City, boasted delicious tastings from numerous Philadelphia restaurants while attendees bid silently on food themed items whilst sipping Tito’s Homemade Vodka and tasty wine.…
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Celebrating the Kentucky Derby, West Laurel Hill Style
Story by Tiffany C. DuBois, Photos by Eric Morales When one thinks of the Kentucky Derby, you think of mint juleps, good food, bowties, women’s fashion and hats. Especially the hats. West Laurel Hill’s derby day had all this and so much more. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. West Laurel Hill is a well know cemetery located in Bala Cynwyd. It is the site of many notable burials and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. It also has an arboretum and an outdoor sculpture garden. So, how do you throw a derby party in the middle of a cemetery? Not to worry,…