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Paris, je t’aime! An American Reminisces on Her Love Affair with France
Story, photos by Jill Beckel Bonjour! It is hard to say where my obsession with Paris started, but I am honestly not sure. I know that I dreamed about going to Paris as child and something about it always fascinated me. I took French throughout middle school and three years of high school. However, I am by no means fluent. I can pick up phrases and written words here and there, but definitely could not hold my own in a full-on on conversation in French (I did try to brush up with the Duolingo app before this trip). Once I was in college, I knew that I wanted to travel…
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Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA Electrifies Audiences Under the Big Top in Oaks, PA
Vibrant background colors and name-zapped graphic create visually arresting poster. Story, photos by Sharon Kozden (event photography courtesy of Cirque du Soleil) Step right up! It’s showtime, folks. Over the summer, the circus came to town at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. The renowned Cirque du Soleil arrived with its Under the Big Top production of VOLTA, and Oaks was woke! For some time preceding Cirque’s descension at the Expo Center, the locals and passers could witness the construction progress of a large tent (one that seated 2,500). People were talking. Something grand-scale was in the offing. A big deal in little but mighty Oaks. Word of…
- Architecture, Culture, Dessert, Drink, Events, Explore with Cassie, Fashion, Food, Latest News, Restaurants, Style
A Night of Fashion Muses at French Bistro aMuse at Le Méridien Hotel in Philadelphia
Story, photos by Jeni Ferrell On one of the many cold days of the winter season, we ventured out decked out in my finest sweater dress and high boots to view the collection from Naveda Couture at Amuse restaurant in the elegant Le Meridien Hotel. I brought my gal pal date, Alana Jones, to enjoy the fine food and drink while listening to the DJ spin hyper hits. Against the soft periwinkle glow, the restaurant created an energetic yet calm vibe that served to be a perfect way to wind down on a chilly Friday. We nestled in a small dining room off of the main area where the show…
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Bryn Mawr’s Cerise BYOB Offers a Taste of Europe in the ‘Burbs
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Ben and Elena Thomas, the chef and co-owners of Restaurant Cerise in Bryn Mawr offer an upscale, French feel on an otherwise quiet Lancaster Avenue. Multi-course tasting menus and prix fixe are the key at this BYOB with a large, well-stocked and convenient Wine & Spirits right across the street. Main Line’s dining scene gets a little more love through this husband and wife pair and a little more fresh herbs too from various staff gardens. The feel of a French bistro minus the sidewalk patio culture, it offers the Main Line’s affluent and sometimes sophisticated audience a place to escape – and drink as many bottles as their bellies…
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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…
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Rooftop Gardens and Beehives: A Farming Trend That Never Grows Old
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Just because you live in the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection doesn’t mean that you are completely out of touch with your neanderthal roots. Sometimes you want to dig your fingers (and toes, c’mon don’t deny it) in some fluffy, scruffy dirt… or maybe some grass. And if that means you can eat the bounty of your fruit (and vegetables), even better! Many city dwellers go to the rooftop to build an urban jungle, a sort of high-as-the-sky garden and zen place to get away from the hustle and bustle below. Restaurants are savvy to organic and home-grown cooking as well as producing nature’s…