Food & Beverage
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Tempting Tastes at 19 Bella Tapas Restaurant in Skippack Village, PA
Readers, get thee to Cedars, Pa. “Go out and see your friends and eat tapas and drink red wine and be in a beautiful place.” – Anthony Bourdain Story, photos by Sharon Kozden One doesn’t have to head to Spain for a first-rate, authentic tapas experience. Cedars, PA – just outside quaint Skippack Village – will do just fine. Grant Langdon Brown, owner and head chef at 19 Bella, has a top tapas spot worth the travel involved to enjoy extraordinary meals. I envy the locals’ proximity. I arrived one chilly evening to discover an understated, functional exterior with patio I imagine bustles with activity during more temperate climes. The contrast between outward appearance and color-blazing interior was a fun surprise.…
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Philly’s Landmark Americana Tap and Grill Delivers Good Grub
Façade of Landmark Americana Tap & Grill’s City Line locale in the heart of St. Joseph’s University campus. Story, photos by Sharon Kozden When life gives you lemons, add drinks, wings and ribs! – In part, me. Just sayin’ before you read on … with apologies to Clement C. Moore ‘Twas the week before Super Bowl LII, when all through Landmark Americana Tap & Grill’s City Line location, all the sports’ fans were stoked and rocking the house. The wings were outstanding, all chicken, little bone, and my ten were divided between sauces mild with spice bite and honey barbeque sweet. The wings were all nestled, snug in their sauce, while not overly so…
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It’s a Wrap: Philly Fireworks Ends Wawa Welcome America 2018
Story, photos by Sharon Kozden There are many definitions for “lit” … as in “getting lit.” Not all have to do with a booze buzz. One alcohol-unrelated definition is “something that’s amazing in any sense.” Certainly, the spectacular July 4th fireworks’ display on the Ben Franklin Parkway, which concluded the weeklong celebration of the 4th annual Wawa Welcome America Festival, definitely was lit-worthy. Alcoholic beverages were discouraged; participants were asked to remain compliant in this regard. In Phoenixville, the borough in which I reside, I could almost hear the Philly crowds’ collective oohs and aahs as the sky was lighted up. The appreciative fawning seemed to travel down river…
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Size Matters at Era Contemporary’s ‘Small Beauties’ Art Exhibit
The Cynwyd Club hosted “Small Beauties” art exhibit, providing a spacious setting and ample room for guests to mingle and study displayed works. “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh Story, photos by Sharon Kozden It really is about the little things, isn’t it? I used to wish that one – just one – gentleman caller would know me well enough to gift me with a blade of grass, a pine cone or even a dandelion – you get the idea. Don’t get me wrong: I’d never turn up my nose at any offered gemstones, swanky vacations or the like. It’s…
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Connect to Conquer: Philadelphia’s Union League Hosts YBConnected’s Charity Event
Let’s get this (benefit) party started! “The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water and food.” – Dean Ornish Story, photos by Sharon Kozden YBConnected – why be connected, indeed? It’s a timely and provocative question, particularly in these often (in so many ways) “trying” times. It saddens me a bit that, when I initially think of connection, what first comes to mind is social media – connected with others in virtual reality. Then again, I’m probably not alone with this sign of the times, which is precisely why I’m enamored with YBConnected‘s philosophy. To wit: “We believe the efforts you spend…
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Philly’s First Just Salad Joins Healthy Movement for a Leaner City
Story by Tiffany DuBois, photos by Eric Morales Fresh, crisp, delicious! Just Salad is not just a salad bar similar to Sweetgreen or any other vegetarian-friendly spot in Philadelphia. It is a fresh, vibrant, eco-friendly salad restaurant that just opened on 1729 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19103. It is their first location in Pennsylvania. They already have locations in New York City, Chicago, Kansas, Dubai and Hong Kong! Team Leader Michael Oliva is a transplant from the New York City Just Salad restaurant who exudes warmth and a genuine interest in knowing your opinion on the food. And it’s not just Michael that really cares about the customer’s opinion. Everyone…
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Tasty Wings, Burgers and Beer at P.J. Whelihan’s Pub & Restaurant in Oaks, PA
Story, photos by Jill Beckel The newest member of the P.J. Whelihan’s brand, P.J. Oaks, will be your new go-to spot for happy hour, game nights and meeting up with friends. P.J. Oaks opened its doors in Montgomery County, PA in 2016. P.J. Whelihan’s Pub + Restaurant is part of the well-loved P.J.W. Restaurant group. Now with 14 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and an additional 3 arena locations, P.J. Whelihan’s is quickly becoming a Philadelphia area staple. Known for a massive craft beer selection, an incomparable game-day experience, and of course, The Official Wing of Wing Bowl, P.J.’s demonstrates every day just how much #PJsDoesItBetter. We stopped by the…
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Barrel’s Fine Food: A South Philly Family Food Tradition
Story by: Maureen Cunningham / Photos: Provided by Barrel’s Most Delaware Valley natives alive long enough to remember life before not only smartphones, but also cell and/or car phones, knows that South Philadelphia was always renowned for delicious, authentic Italian cuisine. Long before the hipsters invaded the diverse neighborhoods that border Center City below South Street (Washington Avenue or Tasker Street, depending on who you ask), appetites have been whetted just walking down the street on any given Sunday by the aroma of gravy (yes, I said it) wafting out of homes. Ensconced in this tradition on the corner of a tiny street of row homes on 1725 Wolf Street is…
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Escape to Foodie Paradise at Bucks County Restaurant Week in Washington House Hotel
The Washington House Restaurant’s prix fixe menu tantalizes in its choices. Story, photos by Sharon Kozden “Going to a restaurant is one of my keenest pleasures. Meeting someplace with old and new friends, ordering wine, eating food, surrounded by strangers, I think is the core of what it means to live a civilized life.” –Adam Gopnik I’m not sure why it took so long for Bucks County to establish a restaurant week comprising all of its towns. I’m just glad that 2018 was its inaugural year and that I was a part of it. Hopefully (and judging by what I tasted and witnessed), it’ll become a tradition for the ages.…
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iPic Theaters Mixes Movies, Chefs and Crafted Cocktails for a Luxury Escape in Scottsdale, AZ
Story by Cassie Hepler, photos courtesy of iPic Theaters Imagine going to the movies in your own first class VIP pod for two. Now imagine pressing a button to have ninja waiters dressed in all black suddenly appear at your beck and call to deliver you chef created menu items (like steak!) and crafted from scratch cocktails. This place does exist and it exists in Arizona only in Scottsdale at iPic Theaters… a perfect luxury escape from those sweaty summer days or nights! You know how all the theaters are finally catching on to lounge chair style movie chairs instead of the stiff-as-a-board old school style? Well, iPic was the…
