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Eat and Drink Your Face Off in San Antonio, Texas While Exploring the City
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler When the tourism board for Visit San Antonio, Texas invites you on a press trip, you go. Especially when it’s a culinary tour and the itinerary includes eating, exploring (hey, that sounds familiar), sleeping, wining and dining at some of the best spots that this massive city has to offer (its the 7th largest city in the U.S. while Philly is 5th). The night before the scheduled 4 a.m. flight from Philly by Southwest (hint: never agree to early flights while having spotty reception in the Poconos the previous week), I was bouncing around from back to back events and packed at 8 p.m. the night…
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Three Philly Restaurants Compete in James Beard Foundation’s Mushroom Blended Burger Project
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler The James Beard Foundation is challenging restaurants and diners nationwide to reach for a better burger this summer – a blended burger – which adds at least 25 percent earth-friendly mushrooms into the patty. The Blended Burger Project kicked off on May 29 with more than 350 restaurants participating across 45 states, from fine dining to chain operators. “A ‘Blended Burger’ is a much more sustainable and plant-forward opportunity for chefs to menu the iconic burger,” said James Beard Foundation vice president Kris Moon. “We are excited to see so many restaurants of all types take part in the Blended Burger Project.” We came, we…
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Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Plantation Restaurant on Long Beach Island, N.J.
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Enjoy coasting your car along Long Beach Boulevard to Plantation Restaurant in Long Beach Island, N.J. Then enjoy your car being parked valet style as you head inside for a delightful dinner. One of the only truly upscale options in LBI, Plantation Restaurant is open year round for lunch and dinner with a festive and fabulous happy hour. Featuring an adventuresome contemporary American menu inspired by the flavors of the islands, Chef Jeff Alberti uses nature’s finest ingredients available with creative specials. Tastefully decorated in a South Seas ambience, enjoy a delightful meal that is both relaxed yet elegant. Plantation has an energetic full service…
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Lobster Clambake at Red Owl Tavern is Back in Seafood Summer Action
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Red Owl Tavern is back with a deal steal of the summer, the Instagram worthy and picturesque New England-style Lobster Clambakes for $39 but even less at $25 every Monday starting at 5 p.m. and running through Labor Day. Plus new seasonal cocktails and Brewer of the Month never hurt anyone either! Mom’s black speckled pots come brimming with mussels, clams, shrimp and potatoes, as well as corn on the cob and that succulent one pound steamed lobster. And don’t worry, if seafood is not your thing they have some of the best steak in the city to boot!“After last year’s success, we are excited to…
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Hot Time in the City at Laurel Hill Cemetery’s ‘Soulstice’ Fundraiser
Photos, story by Sharon Kozden I couldn’t be at Stonehenge in England for Summer Solstice 2017. I could, however, celebrate in Druidical-style, spending several hours during a perfect summer evening on Saturday, June 24 at Laurel Hill Cemetery. The fundraiser, labeled a “Soulstice,” was presented by their Young Friends group, the “Antemortem Society” and was staged in the cemetery’s oldest section, the Medallion Garden. Surrounded by headstones, vaults and crypts at sunset, the atmosphere became predictably and preternaturally mystical. I could not have chosen a better venue for my Stonehenge-desired experience. The Young Friends group certainly knows how to throw a party! Pathways were lined with miniature candles, luring party-goers to…
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Walk to the Beach at Daddy O’s Boutique Hotel in Long Beach Island, NJ
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler At the Jersey Shore, everyone knows the best sand-like-flour beaches are in LBI, N.J. Better known as Long Beach Island, the scene is serene and you are literally on an island, far away from real life. For those who don’t want another kitschy Jersey motel and don’t have access to a beach house, Daddy O Hotel in Long Beach Island offers a unique, chic escape with amenities all in one place. It all began in 2006 when the first Daddy O hotel opened its doors in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Two respected arbiters of taste, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal,…
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Run, Walk or Bike Ride with Inaugural Philadelphia Flyers Charity Classic
Video by Whitney Ullman The Philadelphia Flyers announced a major summertime run, walk, and ride event this July, called the Philadelphia Flyers Charity Classic. Scheduled for Sunday, July 16, 2017, the Flyers Charity Classic encompasses a 5K walk or run, a 10-mile family bike ride, as well as 50K and 100K bike rides. The day will allow Flyers fans of all ages the opportunity to run, walk, or ride down Broad Street and beyond in a variety of ways. Fans can choose to participate in one of the following four categories: 5K Walk/Run – This year, runners and walkers will start at the Wells Fargo Center complex and run through…
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Wine Loving Tria Taproom Adds Cocktails to the Boozy Menu
Story by Tiffany DuBois, photos by Eric Morales On a beautiful and warm afternoon, local Philly favorite Tria Taproom launched a new series of cocktails that will leave you feeling really good. The trio of Tria restaurants have always been known for their incredible selection of wine and craft beers but now they have thrown their hat into the cocktail ring with four new cocktails and all four were delicious. Your hardest decision will be which one to try first. I recommend you try them all but make sure you have a safe way to get home afterwards! Tria has always been in the forefront of being environmentally conscience. There…
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Ricky Nelson Remembered Tour Stops at Borgata Atlantic City – Gunnar Talks Growing Up in the Business
The Ricky Nelson Remembered tour comes to Atlantic City July 14th, and will feature live music of Ricky Nelson’s hit songs such as – “Hello Mary Lou”, “Travelin’ Man”, “Garden Party” – performed by Ricky’s own twin sons Matthew & Gunnar. Plus, see never before seen big screen video footage of the NELSON family, with interviews from celebrities influenced by Ricky Nelson. WHAT: RICKY NELSON REMEMBERED – with Twin Sons Gunnar & Matthew Nelson WHERE: BORGATA HOTEL CASINO & SPA WHEN: FRIDAY JULY 14, 2017 The Nelson Twins, known as NELSON are triple platinum artists and the third generation of the only family in music history to have #1 hits…
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Ivan Kane’s Kiss Kiss Burlesque Nightclub is Back at Tropicana in Atlantic City
Famed nightlife innovator Ivan Kane is bringing burlesque back to Atlantic City! Kane launched his newest burlesque show at Ivan Kane’s Kiss Kiss Nightclub inside The Quarter at Tropicana boardwalk casino, yet again affirming Tropicana’s place as Atlantic City’s premiere nightlife destination. Burlesque lessons will be taught by the award-winning Kiss Kiss dancers every Saturday afternoon. “Every night at Kiss Kiss people walk up to me and ask when I’m going to do my burlesque show again. I hear it a hundred times a night. I’m excited to finally launch it at Tropicana,” said Kane, who introduced Atlantic City to burlesque at Ivan Kane’s Royal Jelly Burlesque Nightclub. “Ivan’s new…
