Candis R. McLean
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Parks on Tap:
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Hey South Philly, we’re comin’ for ya! Join us at Columbus Square this week, Wednesday – Sunday.
Parks on Tap, the traveling beer garden that gives back, will visit 23 parks in 23 weeks, including four new locations: Historic Rittenhouse Town (Wissahickon), Fisher Park (Olney), McMichael Park (East Falls), and The Discovery Center (East Fairmount Park). This week the roaming beer garden will be at Columbus Square.
Bravo Top Chef Winner, Chef Nicholas Elmi of Laurel, ITV, and Royal Boucherie is excited to announce that he will host Philadelphia’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry on Thursday, May 9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Bok Bar. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger through effective programs that provide kids with the food they need. Guests are invited to mix and mingle with Philadelphia’s tastemakers and to enjoy bites and cocktails from the city’s top culinary talents and eateries. One-hundred-percent of the proceeds support the No Kid Hungry organization.
Tickets can be found here.
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This Week in Cocktails: Ocean Prime’s Weekend Happy Hour
Ocean Prime, the luxury steakhouse and seafood spot at 15th and Sansom, is offering a special Happy Hour every Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Guests can now enjoy Ocean Prime’s über-popular happy hour, including $10 small plates & sushi, make-your-own mini shellfish towers, $10 handcrafted cocktails, and $10 wines by the glass. Additionally, while guests snack on Beef Sliders and Lamb Lollipops, they can also watch the Sixers and Phillies go all the way (fingers crossed) on the mezzanine bar’s recently installed flat screen TV.
Ocean Prime’s second level bar overlooking one of Philadelphia’s most gorgeous dining rooms is one of the city’s best well-kept secrets, and now those looking for a bite and a beverage on Saturday evenings can pull up a seat at the stylish bar for discounted small plates and cocktails.
The Night Market will be at El Centro de Oro (“The Golden Block”) in North Philly tomorrow night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Food trucks will be lining the blocks in masses all night long. Barkley’s BBQ, Humpty’s Dumplings, Philly Cakery, and many more will have your taste buds jumping. Cocktails, brews, drinks, and more will be up for sale by many vendors. Live performances from Casa Brasilia, Mariachi Flores and others will provide the soundtrack to your savory night.
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This Sunday is Mother’s Day! Here’s are some great locations to celebrate this joyous day in the year.
Art in the Age: Art in the Age, Old City’s one-of-a-kind tasting room, home bar supply and bottle shop, is celebrating Mother’s Day with an exclusive “Not Your Mama’s Cocktails” workshop from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7th. Guests will learn how to perfect two mixtures any mom will love, a Not Your Mama’s Cosmo and DIY Dirty Martini, with demonstration and instruction by cocktail specialist Lee Noble. Tickets are $40 and include two cocktails, Q&A about the history and trends of the cocktail world, a mixology demonstration, and hands-on drink making workshop.
The Bourse: The Bourse, Old City’s new artisanal food hall, invites mothers to a floral centerpiece workshop with Alice’s Table on Sunday, May 12th from 2-4 pm. Guests will learn the tips and tricks of creating the perfect floral centerpiece while enjoying a complimentary mimosa. Alice’s Table will provide all the tools needed, including an apron, vase, etc. Flowers will be provided by The Bourse vendor, Bonatsos’ Flowers. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased here. Although aprons will be provided, guests are encouraged to wear something they don’t mind getting dirty!
CO-OP Restaurant and Lounge: CO-OP Restaurant and Lounge, University City’s lively bar and lounge located on the corner of 33rd and Chestnut, is inviting moms to bring their little ones in for brunch and craft time. With three craft kits to choose from, kids can create something special for their moms while the adults relax and sip on mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. The craft kits are complimentary and include a Spring Bug Craft Stick Ornament Craft Kit, a Color Your Own Mom Artist Mug, and a Flower Wreath for Mom Craft Kit.
Ocean Prime: Ocean Prime, one of Philly’s most gorgeous seafood and steakhouses, is celebrating mom with a special à la carte Mother’s Day Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 12th. Guests can toast to mom with a Blood Orange Mimosa ($9) and enjoy delicious dishes such as the French Toast ($15), Crab & Eggs ($19), Braised Short Rib Surf & Turf ($22), among the mix.
Red Owl Tavern: Red Owl Tavern, located across the street from Independence Mall, invites moms and their families in next Sunday for a special Mother’s Day brunch, including features such as Avocado Toast ($14) with tomato bruschetta, roasted mushrooms and marinated nectarines; Mixed Berry Baked French Toast ($17) and a Will Mushroom and Leek Quiche ($16), boasting goat cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomato, tarragon. In addition to the brunch features, gests can also enjoy dishes from Red Owl Tavern’s extensive brunch menu, including Crabby Arnold ($19), served with jumbo lump crab cakes, English muffin, poached eggs, hollandaise and herbed potatoes; Beef Cheek Benedict ($17); Egg White Omelet ($16), among the mix.
Square 1682: Square 1682, located at the bustling corner of 17th and Sansom Sts, is celebrating moms with $2 Bellinis and $2 Mimosas during brunch on Sunday, May 12th. Moms can pair their breakfast beverages with one of Chef Mack’s delicious brunch entrées, including Huevos Rancheros ($16), Sweet Potato Hash ($16) or the Rittenhouse Omelet ($15). Guests should be sure to snag a seat at one of Square 1682’s many umbrella filled outdoor tables flanking Sansom Street.
The Twisted Tail: The Twisted Tail, Headhouse Square’s lively Southern-influenced restaurant and bar, is serving a decadent Easter Brunch Buffet with a cornucopia of seasonal brunch items, including multiple chef carving stations with porchetta, spring leg of lamb, omelets and waffles. Guests can also enjoy pastries, bagels, smoked salmon, shrimp cocktail, fresh fruit and more. The buffet is available on April 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $48 per person and $25 for kids (3 to 10 years of age).
Urban Farmer: Urban Farmer, Philly’s “rural chic” modern steakhouse, is treating moms to a deluxe Mother’s Day Brunch from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 12th including Deviled Eggs ($14), Brioche French Toast ($14), Crab Avocado Toast ($20), Croque Madame Sandwich ($17), Spring Lamb Hash ($20), and more. For those looking to indulge, dinner steaks, such as the Ribeye, and New York Strip, are available upon request. Moms can pair their brunch with Urban Farmer’s unique build-your-own Bloody Mary Cart ($16) for the ultimate Mother’s Day treat.
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Weekly Events
Each week, Philly Influencer picks the best parties, events, and social gatherings the area has to offer.
Spruce Street Harbor Park: Sustained by UNIVEST, Spruce Street Harbor Park opens this Friday. The beautiful summer gathering hotspot has hammocks, floating gardens, stellar and colorful lights, craft beer stands, and plenty of food from the area’s top restaurants. This weekend, look out for UNIVESTal. The festival will be full of live music performances, crafts, art displays, and more.
Blue Cross River Rink: The Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest kicks into full swing this Friday. There will be roller skating, the return of the carnival game area The Midway, minigolf, Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabshack, and the Franklin Fountain Cabin. Come out for the drinks, the waterfront splendor, and more.
DJ Deejay Moshulu Boat Party Season Opener: Moshulu opens its outdoor deck for the spring and summer season with DJ Deejay playing top 40 and ’90s and 2000s throwbacks. There will be live music, drinks, and more will keep you entertained all night as you sail the Delaware River.
PTW Signature Event: Philly Influencer has already run down the highlights of Philly Tech Week. The annual event culminates with a combo cocktail party/interactive this Friday. There will be demonstrations, music, drinks, food, and more.
Philadelphia Credit Union Kensington Derby &Arts Festival: Kensington will be the place to be this Saturday for their annual sculpture derby. The all-day street fair will have art vendors, food trucks, and brews. Come see the local race their man-made sculpture down the street.
The Philadelphia All-Star Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Festival: This Saturday don’t miss your opportunity food drinks, food, amazing atmosphere, and an amazing ballpark experience at Citizens Bank Park. Over 100 craft beer, wineries, breweries, and other vendors will be warming up the bases of the park this weekend.
IPA, Champagne, and Rosé Block Party: Hawthornes Beer Cafe will be hosting their 9th annual IPA, Champagne, and Rosé Block Party this Saturday. The event is free to enter, will have live music, food trucks, and is kid and pet-friendly. There will be tremendous drink specials all night.
The Cure vs. The Smashing Pumpkins: DJs Mike Shaffer and Elijah Vrms go head-to-head on Smashing Pumpkins and The Cure at Ruba Club this Saturday night. The Cure vs. The Smashing Pumpkins will have you belting out “Team Billy or Team Robert” all night long.
Drop it Like it’s Hot: Drop it Like it’s Hot is a 2000’s party with the best hots from that era being spun by DJ Kaz. Come out to Punch Line Philly this Saturday night at 10 p.m. for a packed dancefloor and some nostalgia jams from Nelly to Christina Milian.
Mother’s Day Drag Diva Brunch: Come to Punch Line Philly this Sunday for the Mother’s Day Drag Diva Brunch. This stellar, entertaining, and charismatic group of performers will be rocking the house with impersonations, performances, and more. Don’t miss a chance to sip Mother’s Day away with a few laughs.
You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
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