Jim Kenney
Kenney is bringing new meaning to the term “lame duck” as he comes up with increasingly lame and uninspired ways to duck any kind of public scrutiny. Refusing to meet with a Democratic state Senator, forcing that Senator to resort to a sit-in outside Kenney’s office? Check. Publicly stating he’s looking forward to the day he’s no longer mayor? Check. Who knows what new, magical disappearing acts Kenney will pull off in the 17 months between now and Inauguration Day 2024?
PHL Pride Collective
Just when you thought change couldn’t come any faster in the city’s ever-evolving LGBTQIA community, PHL Pride Collective told everyone to hold their beer. After last year’s dismantling of the original (and arguably antiquated) Philly Pride Presents, this diverse group of community activists organized one of the most intersectional, inclusive and overall-badass Pride celebrations ever. Those trying to reimagine their problematic programming (looking at you, Mummers) should take notes from them ASAP. phlpridecollective.org.
RAM Floral
Photograph by John DePasquale One of owner and founder Rebecca DePasquale’s favorite creations is a “floud” — a floral cloud that seems to hover on the ground, on tabletops, and on other surfaces. (She uses elements like pin frogs, shallow vases, and blooms in a cavalcade of colors, primarily sourced from local growers.) You can see the flower-filled feat come to life at your wedding — if you book her services. 660 West Washington Street, Norristown, PA 19401, ramfloral.com.
Boxbar
The newly renovated space from the Chick Invitations team is a bride-to-be’s dream come true: There’s a bright retail shop in the front and an assembly bar in the back, and you can rent out the entire thing for your shower. You’ll spend the morning with your BFFs, picking out chic pearl clutches and getting-ready attire (like satin robes and pom-pom slippers). Afterward, fill gift boxes with a personalized selection of monogrammed luggage tags, eye pillows, and other special somethings. 241 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, boxbarphilly.com.
Panna Gelateria & Bakery
Because everybody else will bring wine, come bearing gelato instead — specifically, the kind made from scratch by seasoned pastry chefs Sally and Jemil Gadea at their Yardley outpost. Opened a year ago, the cheery gelateria features a constantly changing menu that’s based on whatever local ingredients are freshest. (Past offerings have included strawberry rhubarb; new flavor drops are posted on Instagram.) A pint goes for $12; buy a few and be the life of the party. 25 South Main Street, Yardley, PA 19067, pannagelateria.com.
Note to Self
The vision behind Note to Self — the women-owned mini spa that opened in November? Slowing down with your wellness. That’s why there’s a menu of restorative services (relaxing massages, nurturing facials, acupuncture, an energy-healing experience) plus beauty services from waxing to makeup sessions. You’ll come in for one treatment, then add on another and another and another until before you know it, you’ve passed the whole day in pure bliss. 1401 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19122, notetoselfwellness.com.
Philadelphia Film Center
No, the building formerly known as the Prince Music Theater doesn’t have those reclining seats. But it does boast one of the largest screens in the area, 35mm film capabilities (a rarity these days), audiophile-worthy sound, and an impressive spread of repertory selections for all tastes. Coming up: classics like Psycho, Taxi Driver and The Night of the Hunter plus a retrospective of Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos. 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, filmadelphia.org.
Jim Thorpe
There aren’t many places that are just 90 minutes away and that offer exhilarating white-water rafting excursions, adventurous-sounding (but actually quite easy) mountain-bike journeys down a gorge (the key word being down), scenic rides on a historic train, and a cute Main-Street-America shopping district with bars, restaurants, and eclectic boutiques and indie bookstores. Come to think of it: There’s only one!
Plaza Garibaldi
All restaurant-inclined Philadelphians have an arsenal of Mexican spots they talk about with regularity. But, surprisingly, Plaza Garibaldi doesn’t come up in conversation that often. Since 2002, it’s been serving excellent cabeza and al pastor tacos in fresh corn tortillas, tomahawk steaks with grilled scallions and nopales, and house horchata. You’ll find yourself wondering how you’ve never been here before. 935 Washington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, plazagaribalditogo.com.
Arepa Grub Spot
This is exactly the place you want to keep in your back pocket for lunch or a late-night snack. If you can’t find something to love among its 20 different kinds of Venezuelan arepas, you got problems no restaurant is gonna fix. It’s fast, delicious and, most of all, generous. Everyone comes here hungry. But no one leaves that way. 1112 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, arepagrubspotpa.com.
Carolyn Clement
Yes, Carolyn is sweet and patient and comes with a bag of tricks for the kids, but no one would get into family photography who wasn’t and didn’t. It’s really her work that makes her so sought-after—photos that capture casual, authentic moments in cool city settings (historic alleys, old park steps). Worth every penny. Carolynclementphotography.com.
The Clam Tavern
If you show up at 7 p.m. without reservations, you’re most likely SOL. (The crowds have been coming since the 1960s for the cheap cocktails, small-town service and baked clams.) But we’ve got a secret: The Broadway Bar & Grille, across the street, has the same owner and serves the full Clam Tavern menu. 339 East Broadway Avenue, Clifton Heights, PA 19018, clamtavern.net.
Poi Dog
Fried chicken junkies, if you’re looking to get your fix from different latitudes, you won’t want to miss this Big Island version, where the bird is dipped in sweet rice flour, doused in furikake seasoning, and topped with togarashi-yuzu mayo. Psst: It comes on the lunch plate with two scoops of rice, macaroni salad and pickled red cabbage. Yum. 102 South 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, poidogphilly.com.
La Maison
There’s something about rustic French cooking that’s just so comforting. It could be the simplicity in a cuisine built on rigid rules and regulations. Or maybe it’s the sense of calm that comes from recipes perfected across generations. And in the hands of chef Martin Gagne, in this 300-year-old farmhouse/24-seat prix-fixe BYOB, you taste all of that and more. 1470 Old Ridge Road, Coventryville, PA 19465, martinskitchen.com/wp/cuisine-du-marche.
Assassin’s Handbook at Friday Saturday Sunday
These days, even your corner shot-and-a-beer bar can mix up a technically perfect manhattan. (In other words, we wonder if Philly has reached maximum craft-cocktail capacity.) And then along comes barman Paul MacDonald with his zinger of a list. The star: the Assassin’s Handbook, a mixture of Jamaican rum, cognac, averna, amaro and mulled wine, with a spark of habanero at the finish. Wow. 261 South 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, fridaysaturdaysunday.com.