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Philly Burlesque Dancers Wow Crowds at Rasputin’s Room at Franky Bradley’s
Photos, video and story by Michael Antonio Castaneda One of the finest qualities about Philadelphia is its lust for entertainment from great artists. Every Third Friday of the month at Franky Bradley’s, located at 1320 Chancellor St., you can find yourself having a very fine dinner and an even more amazing show. Lil’ Steph, a burlesque dancer in Philly, hosts one of the finest in the city. Having never been to an event like this, being there for the Rasputin’s Room third year anniversary was a true treat. The show featured Alyson Rodriguez Orenstein, Sophie Sucre, Ruby Von Vanity, Minx Arcana and Lil’ Steph. Lil’ Steph began performing burlesque in…
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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…
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The Great Chefs Event Combines Food, Fashion and Charity Deliciously
Photos, story by Deja Cromartie The Vetri Family restaurants and Vetri Community Partnership brought together more than 40 chefs from around the world to the city of Philadelphia for an amazing dining experience that benefited Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and Vetri Community Partnership. There were also a few surprises such as the burger king, chef Bobby Flay serving his delicious burgers to guests and a custom gin drinking station that provided a show to guests that waited for their beverage. The food was amazing and there was something to try for everyone. There were so many options it was hard to make it around to each table. However, it was…
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Square 1682’s Kickoff Party gets Philly in the Mood for Summer Lovin’
Photos, story by Deja Cromartie Restaurant Square 1682 located in the Rittenhouse section of the city, kicked off Summer the right way with its “Summer in The City” event. Guests enjoyed delicious bites prepared by Chef Caitlin Mateo and summer inspired cocktails in the restaurant’s patio. Square 1682’s is a tribute to William Penn, Pennsylvania’s founding father, who created Rittenhouse Square and four other similar plazas in order to establish urban open spaces in the heart of the city. Like Penn, the restaurant has a vision for the future as well by implementing sustainability measures throughout the restaurant which include the in-house herb garden, locally sourced produce, and energy conscious engineering of the building design.…
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Navigate Towards the Moshulu Ship to Discover Martin Miller’s Gin
Photos, story by Dana Prophet Make some room, high-shelf gin. There is new and major contender in town. Martin Miller’s Gin is here to change your preconception of how gin should taste. Held at Moshulu at Penn’s Landing, the Martin Miller’s Gin Launch made believers out of the doubters and gin fans like myself discover this amazing elixir made into enticing cocktails. Like most amazing things in life, Martin Miller’s Gin was created out of necessity. The gin’s namesake and inventor, Martin Miller weary of lackadaisical gins wanted to show the world how it was done. Martin and his two friends gave themselves a challenge to produce the finest gin in the…
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PRUM Philly Pimps the Prom Theme with Crossfit University City and Helps Veterans, Travis Manion Foundation
Story, photos by Deja Cromartie The 2nd Annual PRUM got much more fancy than your high school prom and also benefited the Travis Manion Foundation for veterans at the Arts Ballroom. The black-tie optional event included a 3-hour open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres, items for raffle, and an awesome DJ. Attendees were dressed to impress and had an awesome time raising money for a great cause. The Travis Manion Foundation was founded shortly after the death of 1st Lt. Travis Manion in Iraq on April 29, 2007 and Crossfit University City is a huge supporter, sparking the idea for a more lively “prom” fundraiser. The organization “engages with veterans and families of the…
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YB Connected Gets Green with Grow Your Own – Cultivating a Leadership Ecosystem at Philadelphia Union League
Story, photos by Deja Cromartie YB Connected hosted an amazing networking soiree at the Philadelphia Union League in March. The event supported the Germination Project, which is an organization that has “a mission to create a self-sustaining, and perpetuating ecosystem for Philadelphia’s next generation of leadership.” Utilizing the region’s current leaders, the Germination Project seeks to catalyze and energize the crème de la crème of ambitious young men and women. This group is brought together by the following : their talent, drive and commitment to putting their gifts into service for the benefit of our city. Philadelphia’s best and brightest are invited, regardless of circumstance, into a committed and empowered fellowship–bestowing…
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Philly’s Oldest Tavern Continues Tasty Tradition of Nosh, Drink at McGillin’s Old Ale House
Photos, story by Jill Beckel Explore Philly stopped into McGillin’s Old Ale House on a chilly Thursday evening in February. Known as the “oldest continuously operating tavern” in Philadelphia, it was established in 1860 on 1310 Drury Street. According to their website, “McGillin’s Olde Ale House threw open its doors the year Lincoln was elected president. That’s shortly after the Liberty Bell cracked and long before ground was broken for Philadelphia City Hall. The beer taps have been flowing since 1860 — making it one of the oldest taverns in the country.” With such a rich history, McGillin’s Old Ale House is a must-stop for locals and tourists alike. The bar is filled with history…
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Three Cheers for CHOP With Headliner Philly’s Own DJ Jazzy Jeff
Story and Photos by Dana J. Prophet Every good idea needs an extra push – this is what attendees for Cheers for CHOP so generously accomplished not only with ticket sales, but also a live and silent auction. This year’s event was once again held at the lavish Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia. Who needs to go to Atlantic City for casino excitement? Hosted by The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, this annual event encouraged guests to dance to amazing music of Saved by the 90s and Go Go Gadjet. It wasn’t just a magical dance party. There were also wonderful appetizers, a section of gourmet tastings from…