Randy Rucker
There’s an ease about Rucker’s cooking, and a generosity, as if there’s nobody else eating at River Twice except you. His commitment to locality, to foraging, to pickling and fermenting everything so as not to waste anything — it all adds up to a singular experience. Every element of every dish, down to the house-made coffee vinegar in the beef tartare or the à la minute ricotta on the toast, is deeply considered, smartly placed, and creatively conceived, but in a way that still feels like food, not art. 1601 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, rivertwicerestaurant.com.
This Corner
This Corner’s curated shop and salon. Photograph by Nell Hoving A parent’s dream: You get to browse co-owner Lee Sawa-Frank’s functional but delightful goods (like a water bottle bearing art by local illustrator Ryan Evans) while lead stylist and co-owner Nozomi Sawa snips your kiddo’s mane. (Their mantra: Young folks have opinions about their strands and should express them.) No children? They do adult cuts, too. 1613 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, thiscorner.co.
Aldine
It's all about vegetables now, and Aldine is one of those restaurants fully invested in the center-plating of flora over fauna. Chef George Sabatino expertly plays with flavors and textures, and the best way to experience this is to order any preparation of beet on his menu. Swear to God, you'll never look at a tuber the same way again. 1901 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, aldinerestaurant.com.
La Peg
In a year when French restaurants seemed to be staging something of a comeback in Philly, what did Peter Woolsey, one of the city's best-known traditional French chefs, do? He napalmed the entire menu at his Fringe Arts French restaurant, La Peg, and rebuilt it from scratch as a straight regional American menu — one he executes with French techniques that launch pedestrian dishes (fried cheese, pot roast, clam chowder) to new, previously impossible heights. 140 North Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106, lapegbrasserie.com.
Cake Life Bake Shop
The story has an adorable beginning: Two besties quit their jobs to bake all day, together. In Chapter Two, they win Cupcake Wars on the Food Network. And the ending? This new cafe in Fishtown, where you can grab a cup of coffee and a sausage roll in the morning and a slice of cake (lemon-thyme with honey goat cheese frosting, maybe) any other time of day. 1306 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, cakelifebakeshop.com.
The Nesting House
If you subscribe to the idea that newer isn't always better, you'll love the well-organized racks of gently used, adorable dresses, onesies, swaddles and jeans (and shelves of shoes) at the Nesting House, which sells new and consignment kids' stuff at locations in Mount Airy and Collingswood. Best part: the upscale non-apparel resale baby items, like Bumbos, Bloom bouncers and jogging strollers. 606 Carpenter Lane, Mount Airy, 215-438-1600, and 710 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, 856-869-3048, thenestinghouse.net.
Events by Renee
Planning a big bash? You'll want to use party planning veteran Renee Patrone of Events by Renee. Equal parts creative spirit and Type-A organizer, she'll help you with any (or every) part of the process, from conception to execution. Her spin-off brand, Party Host Helpers, means she can also staff your shindig with pros she's trained herself -- people who'll greet guests, top off drinks and clear plates. 4347 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127, eventsbyrenee.net.
Massage Bella Vista
First you'll choose your scented oil and your music, and then you'll be ushered into a dark, quiet treatment room where you'll meet your therapist. With any luck, you'll get Blue Simmons, whose expert hands will home in on your sorest parts like a missile on its target. After your 75-minute rubdown, she'll walk you through an at-home regimen to keep you loose between visits. 750 Fitzwater Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, massagephilly.com/bella-vista.html.
Fat Albert's
If you want to play a little pool while you drink with your friends, go to Buffalo Billiards. But if you want to master the art of pool and compete with some of the best players in the region, head to this formidable hall in South Jersey. As for the beers, you can BYO and stash 'em in the house refrigerators. Bonus: Play is incredibly cheap just $5 an hour on Friday and Saturday nights. 600 North White House Pike, #1, Somerdale, NJ 08083, facebook.com/FatAlbertsBilliards.
The Pigeon Presents: The Philadelphia Poetry Slam
Here's why the Pigeon's slam is different: They welcome new voices. Their headlining poets-mostly New York names-run pre-slam workshops for those at any skill level. And their audiences know well-edited, high-quality lyricism when they hear it. You want to see where the Philly slam-poetry scene is heading? Just follow this self-proclaimed "audacious bird that is everywhere." Check their Facebook page for the latest event updates. See website for schedule, 00000, facebook.com/thephillypigeon.
SparkPark
Theres no karate or gymnastics at this Main Line newcomer, which focuses on the sciences, arts and languages. So while your kid wont master cartwheels here, she can learn Mandarin, make a birdhouse in woodshop (watch those fingers!), and design her own robot. Just dont blame us when your progeny wind up smarter than you. 950 Montgomery Avenue, Narberth, PA 19072, thesparkpark.com.
Egan Day
Staying focused is tough in Kate Egan and Cort Day's clean, relaxed jewelry boutique: You'll be admiring every last piece in Ted Muehling's case when something in Maria Beaulieu's catches your eye or the gorgeous work of any of the other four minimalist, nature-inspired designers exclusively featured here. It's where you'll find the perfect gift for your mom, sister or gal pal and a very long wish list for yourself. 260 South 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, eganday.com.
Gregory Augustine of August Interiors
It's not the pale moon that excites us, that thrills and delights us, oh no, it's just ... every darned idea this young designer has, and how each and every space feels after its clever owner lets Augustine and associate Jenice Pencek have their subtly arty, totally sophisticated way with it. No wonder everyone wants him. 122 West Gorgas Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19119, auginteriors.com.
Kheli French at Le Pink Champu
When a Vera Wang model needs an updo, a Victoria's Secret catwalker requires blowing-out, or Lil' Kim, Anita Baker, Selita Ebanks or Lauryn Hill needs natural-looking extensions, a splash of color or an amazing cut, they come to Kheli (or Kheli comes to them). No wonder: From her salon's two-year-old Manayunk location, she modestly works magic on any kind of hair that walks through the door. That is, when she's back from Fashion Week. 4205 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127, styleseat.com/lepinkchampusalon.
Jamie Hollander
Whether your kitchen skills rival those of Julia Child or a small child, the super-knowledgeable staff under the direction of the stores namesake (formerly the chef/owner of Doylestowns Knight House) will walk you through racks stuffed with top-drawer ingredients that will make any meal a culinary masterpiece. Bonuses: a staggering display of artisanal cheeses; a sumptuous salad bar and fresh, inventive gourmet sandwiches to go; and divine catering that will have guests clamoring for the phone number. Stuff here aint cheap but man, is it good. 415 South York Road, New Hope, PA 18938, jhollandergourmet.com.