G Mel Anti-Aging Hair Care at Giovanni & Pileggi Salon
When your hair is fried within an inch of its life, Philly hair guru Giovanni Mele can rehab itand then somewith his protein-and-vitamin-loaded shampoo, conditioner and leave-in prep spray, designed to turn back the clock on your locks. Beach bums rejoice: The products also protect against UV damage. Available at Giovanni & Pileggi Salon. 258 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, giovannipileggi.com.
Yoshi
Because ice cream won't help you a bit in the bikini department, the Good Lord invented fro-yo. We love the stuff at this Suburban Station cafe for two reasons: 1) There are several flavors to choose from, all with calories posted; and 2) The buffet line of toppings includes fresh fruit, if you're feeling angelic, plus cookies, candy and Froot Loops, if you're feeling a tad sinful. (We won't tell.) 1617 JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103, yogurtsushi.com.
Le Viet
Dont hold its upscale looks against it its herbs are the best tended, its menu is the deepest, and its ground shrimp balls are the most succulent in town. 1019 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, levietrestaurant.com.
Classic Game Junkie
Whether its the dreaded Playstation 3 red light of death, a scrambled screen image or a console that overheats, the experts here will fix up your childs gaming system before he starts exhibiting symptoms of serious withdrawal. Theyll also give you hope that maybe, just maybe, your kid can build an actual successful moneymaking enterprise out of that Halo addiction. 111 South Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038, classicgamejunkie.com.
Fergie's Pub
Its fair to say that when longtime Fergie's Quizo host Pat Hines moved to Belfast last December, there were more than a few Guinness-fueled tears shed since 1995, he'd been one of the first and finest quizmasters in the region. But then his close pal, the lovely Patti Piascik, stepped up and offered to take over, with one catch: Hines had to commit to writing the questions weekly and e-mailing them from Ireland. The arrangement has worked swimmingly, with Piascik actually building clientele instead of losing it. And best of all, she Quizos twice each week: Tuesday and Thursday. Time to buzz in. 1214 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, fergies.com.
Duck Duck Goose
Theres a smart collection of owner-approved playthings the kind of well-designed, safe, decidedly non-obnoxious games, trikes, dolls and art kits that kids and parents love. But thats only half the story. DDG also sells handmade Etsy-like goods from locals; has an indoor drop-in play space that costs $9 a day; offers group activities like Build-It Fridays and Itch to Stitch Thursdays; and maintains a partnership with the Eilandarts Center, which gives you access to cool classes. 702 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108, duckduckgooseplayroom.com.
The Barnes Foundation
Dont like crowds? Seventy-five bucks gets you an intimate insiders tour of the Barnes Foundations world-renowned collection at a time when the museum is otherwise closed to the public. These exclusive tours are available Tuesday afternoons from 4 to 6 p.m., by appointment only. 2025 Ben Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130, barnesfoundation.org.
Independence Helicopters
You haven't seen Boathouse Row, the stadiums or the Ben Franklin Bridge until you've seen them from 1,000 feet in the sky. But our favorite part is that you can provide your own soundtrack if you bring an iPod. Cue the Wagner! From $129 per person for 20 minutes. 9800 Ashton Road (near Academy and Grant), Philadelphia, PA 19114, independenceheli.com.
Padma's Beauty Salon
No bouts with hot wax. No protracted plucking with pointy tweezers. Just a fast-flying string, less than 10 minutes of your time, and only $5 of your money. 215 South Burnt Mill Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043, style.padmasbeauty.com.
1812 Productions
Its hard to be funny all the time, but Philadelphia's all-comedy theater company, stationed at Plays and Players, does just that. Last season,Cherry Bomb was, well, the bomb. Their annualThis Is the Week That Is show is always a (smart) hoot. And they changed it up a bit by throwing in a musical cabaret about marriage, to critical acclaim (masters of comic timing, raved theInquirer). Next season, were looking forward toThe First Day of School: A Soccermom Sex Farce (opens 10/1) and April'sAn Evening With(out) Woody Allen. Independence Studio on 3, Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, 1812productions.org.
Club La Maison
Your little video-gamer may abhor soccer practice and dread gym class, but that doesn't mean she won't find her stride in Spinning, yoga or Zumba. Introduce your couch potato to all three for free at Club La Maison's afternoon teen fitness program. 215 Sugartown Road, Wayne, PA 19087, clublamaison.com.
Los Taquitos de Puebla
The al pastor darling of the Headhouse Farmers Market has more to offer-from beef cheeks to birria-in its Italian Market nook. 1149 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, lostaquitosdepuebla.com.
Taqueria Los Taquitos de Puebla
Local gringos know Los Taquitos de Puebla from its farmers' market stands. But for the real thing, go to the 9th Street storefront any day of the week, show some guts, and try the tongue or beef-eye tacos. Yeah, we said beef-eye tacos. 1149 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, lostaquitosdepuebla.com.
El Zarape
It's ironic to watch people waiting in line outside Cantina Los Caballitos while you're inside eating excellent authentic Mexican fare right across the street at El Zarape. Order the al pastor, with crispy pork and tasty pineapple, or don't make a decision at all and get the combo-beef and chorizo together on a single taco. 1848 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, .
Shirley and Co.
Don't be fooled by its not-so-luxurious appearance; start picking through the racks, and you'll find suits by Trina Turk, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Nanette Lepore and Ralph Lauren. You'll find sizes up to 22 with F cups. And you'll find the sunhats, beach bags and flip-flops those suits would like to be paired with. See website for locations, 00000, shirleyandco.com.