The Gables Bed & Breakfast: a Victorian Getaway in the Heart of University City
Posted by Samantha Lazar on February 1, 2010
To step into The Gables Bed and Breakfast is to step back in time. The meticulously restored Victorian is on the edge of Clark Park and a just a stone’s throw from Baltimore Avenue, but it feels a world away from the 21st century hustle and bustle.
The house was first built in the late 1800’s, and when innkeepers Don and Warren first took it over seventeen years ago they immediately set about transforming it to its former glory. It now boasts 10 guestrooms, all unique, and all of which appear to be plucked from the past. Some have claw-footed tubs in the bathrooms, others have carved armoires, wrought iron tables or Franklin stoves. Beds range from four-poster to canopied to brass, all piled high with antique quilts. Of course, they do (secretly!) have all the amenities of modern life as well, including TV’s – tucked away in wardrobes when possible – and wireless internet....
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Related Destination: The Gables Bed & Breakfast »
Related Tag: Accommodations
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Pecha Kucha Night at Studio 34!
Posted by Samantha Lazar on January 27, 2010
Ever heard of “Pecha Kucha” (pronounced peh-CHAK-cha)? From the Japanese word meaning “chit-chat,” Pechu Kucha has been dubbed “show-and-tell for the 21st century.” It’s essentially a Power Point presentation unlike all the boring ones that lulled you to sleep in dim lecture halls. Rather, it’s interesting, informative, and often very funny. What makes it special is that it’s rapid-fire: the presenters show 20 slides, each for only 20 seconds. The slides generally have very few words on them – you’re supposed to listen and look, not read info.
Baltimore Avenue’s Studio 34 has played host to several Philly Pecha Kucha presentations in the past, and this Saturday (Jan.30) will be the fourth installment. Studio 34 is a great venue...
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Related Destination: Studio 34 Yoga|Healing|Arts »
Related Tags: Entertainment, Culture
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Sang Kee: Noodles in the House!
Posted by Samantha Lazar on January 22, 2010
Every campus needs a noodle house. Lucky for Penn, Sang Kee has taken up residence next to the Sheraton at 36th and Chestnut Streets. The noodle house is the newest Sang Kee endeavor – you might know about the famous Sang Kee Peking Duck House in Chinatown. The menu at the noodle house offers many of the tried-and-true favorite dishes from the Peking Duck House, but the real focus is on (surprise, surprise) noodles!
“Focus” is a bit of an understatement, though. Rather, Sang Kee raises the humble noodle to a true art form. And it definitely caters to the college crowd, with its affordable, heaping portions and laid-back vibe. Noodle soup seemed to be what most of the diners were chowing down on, and for good reason. Filled with slippery thick noodles, vegetables, tasty broth and all sorts of meat, the massive bowls of soup make a great meal. Try the Tender Rib Noodle Soup for a hearty, soothing bowlful. If you’re not in a soup mood, no worries. Tuck into a plate of the crowd-pleasing Beef Chow Fun, the unique Needle Noodle, or (my favorite) the Roasted Duck with Stir Fried Udon Noodles. It gets a subtle kick from its special XO sauce. There are also tons of choices for health fiends and vegetarians. A platter of Baby Bok Choy is to die for, with a garlicky sweetness and gentle crunch. Since they’re currently still waiting on their liquor license (oh, Pennsylvania!), wash it all down with a delicious fruit smoothie or bubble tea....
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Related Destination: Sang Kee »
Related Tag: Dining + Food
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What’s All the Hubbub About? Delicious Coffee, That’s What.
Posted by Samantha Lazar on January 18, 2010
What’s big and red, rolls around, and serves up some of the best coffee in Philadelphia? If you live or work in University City, live a caffeinated lifestyle, and haven’t discovered it yet, you’re in for a treat. 26-year-old Penn grad Andrew Crockett first parked his big red HubBub Coffee truck on 38th Street in late October, and his brews have been steadily developing a loyal following.
Coffee from a truck may dredge up images of watered-down battery acid, but the stuff HubBub brings for sale is no ordinary cup o’ joe. The truck is outfitted with fancy coffeemakers and a La Marzocco espresso machine handmade in Italy. It gets its beans from the highly acclaimed Stumptown Coffee, and independent roaster based in Portland, Oregon. HubBub serves everything from your humble drip coffee to specialty fancy-pants drinks, as well as a few baked goodies (try the upscale rice crispy treats). ...
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Related Tags: Dining + Food, Coffee Shops
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The Penn Ice Rink: Skating Central for University City
Posted by Samantha Lazar on January 14, 2010
There's no doubt that winter has hit hard this year. What with the freezing temperatures, that massive blizzard, and ice choking the Schuylkill, Philly has certainly taken on the feel of an arctic city. You could complain about the cold. Or, instead, why not embrace the season with one of winter's most time-honored activities? Go ice skating!
A lot of people know about the ice rink at Penn's Landing on the Delaware River, but for those of us on the western side of the city there is a rink much closer to home, The Penn Ice Rink at the Class of 1923 Arena, on 31st and Walnut, which is celebrating its 40th season this winter. The rink is home to hockey teams from local universities and high schools, and it also hosts Open Hockey for anyone who wants to practice their skills and have some fun. They offer skating lessons (private and group) as well....
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Related Tags: Entertainment, Family Fun, Sports
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Council for Relationships: U City’s Most Accessible and Versatile Mental Health Resource
Posted by Samantha Lazar on December 17, 2009
The Council for Relationships might be one of Philly’s best kept secrets. Most West Philadelphia residents have never even heard of it, but the headquarters and largest office of this world-renowned mental health colossus sits right on 40th and Chestnut Streets (there are also four Center City offices and fourteen total locations throughout the Delaware Valley). The name “Council for Relationships” is a bit of a misnomer – while the organization does offer therapy, classes, and all sorts of resources for people dealing with partnership issues, it also caters to the widest possible swath of demographics and needs, offering therapy for single people, children, veterans (completely confidential and not affiliated with the military), families, and even companies. The Council has 140 of the country’s best and brightest mental health clinicians in its sprawling network, including approximately 50 who practice at the University City location, meaning that every possible specialty is covered and anyone can find a therapist who is a perfect fit. Oh, and did I mention it’s also a world-class research center offering masters and post-graduate training programs?...
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Related Tag: Goods + Services
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Taglio: A True Italian Pizza Experience
Posted by Samantha Lazar on December 15, 2009
We all know American pizza – that perfect midnight snack and college student staple that you can get at Allegro, New Style, College Pizza, and plenty of other places around Penn’s campus. What you may be less familiar with is real authentic Italian pizza – backed in a rectangular deep-dish pan, slathered with a smorgasbord of toppings, and sold by weight. Step into Taglio, and with a little imagination you’ll think Spruce Street was a small cobblestone alley in the heart of Rome or Naples.
“Al Taglio” means “by the cut,” which is how this kind of pizza is served in Italy. You simply decide what kind (or kinds) or pizza you want and how big a slice you can handle. It’ll then be cut right in front of you with a pair of sheers and tossed into the 2,500 pound Verona-imported oven. After a minute or so the gooey and piping hot pizza will be slid onto a scale, and you pay by weight ($8.50 or $11.50 per pound, depending on the toppings). The newest creation by Penn alum Marco Lentini (also the owner of Gia Pronto next door), Taglio is already a huge hit, to which the bustling lunchtime crown can attest. People love the ability to customize their lunch to their hearts’ content – a big slice of plain Pizza Margherita, perhaps? Or how about five different small slices, each topped with an array of exotic ingredients? Since you’re paying by the weight of your lunch, anything goes....
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Related Destination: Taglio »
Related Tag: Dining + Food
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Get Fit On Lancaster Avenue!
Posted by Samantha Lazar on December 7, 2009
We’ve all heard that Philadelphia is one of the fattest cities in America. Looking around University City, though, you’d never know it. I have a theory that if it weren’t for U City pulling down the average per capita poundage, Philly would consistently rank as number one. Why is this? It could have something to do with West Philly’s plethora of parks and trails, the bustling farmers’ market in Clark Park, the health-conscious shops and hipsters lining Baltimore Avenue (I think being skinny is a prerequisite for hipsterdom), all the university athletic facilities, or maybe the many varied fitness opportunities along Lancaster Avenue. Since I’ve already profiled most of the others, let’s put the spotlight on Lancaster Ave.
First up is the Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center at 3611 Lancaster. The studio offers classes for adults and children (including a summer camp) in a whole range of styles, including Ballet, Modern, Eclectic Funk, and African. You can stop by for just one session, or take a whole bunch. For those who love to boogie but hate the gym, dancing is a great way to actually enjoy exercising. The center is also home to Dancefusion, a modern dance repertory company, and their junior company for aspiring professional dancers, Fusion2. ...
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Related Tag: Sports
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