Gender Inequality at Christmas

This little girl is wonderful. I wonder what she'll be when she grows up.

This is Why Tipping is Important

Be kind to your holiday drivers, or this may happen to you.




Let that be a lesson.

Champagne and Truffles in Fairmount, oh my!

The time for well thought out gifts and holiday meals is nigh, and McCrossen's Tavern has a great option for the foodie in the family. On Thursday, December 29, McCrossen's will be hosting a French Grower Champagne and Black Truffle event at 6:30pm.

The evening costs $100 per person and includes a four-course truffle dinner prepared by Chef Townsend Wentz (pictured), featuring black truffles from the Perigord, France and four grower champagne pairings by GM / Sommeiler Lauren Harris. Each growler served will come from the Champagne region of France and feature Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rose and Pinot Meunier grapes. View the entire menu below.

Seating is limited, so call ahead for a reservation for yourself, or someone you love.





McCrossen's Tavern 529 N. 20th St. Philadelphia, PA   215-854-0923

Roasted Sea Scallops with Roe
Bordier seaweed butter, truffles
Thierry Triolet Brut, Cote des Blancs

Coeur de Cochon Pithiviers
 creamed salsify, Perigueux sauce
Rene Goffrey Rose de Saignee Brut NV
Vallée de la Marne

 Sauteed Fois Gras
 pickled prunes, Sauce Foyot, truffles
Gaston Chiguet Traditional Brut NV
Vallée de la Marne

Wild Scottish Pheasant {demi-deuil}potato fondant, Salmis
H Billiot Brut Reserve NV
Montagne de Reims

Petite FoursCoffee/Tea

All You Can Drink Brunching at Valanni

2012 is literally just days away and while there's much to do between now and then (holidays, New Year's, and of course THE MUMMERS!!!) I'm really looking forward to the calm of January. So much so, that I'm already scheduling potential brunches.

First on the list is Valanni. The swanky cocktail lounge / restaurant which is known for its martinis and nightlife is now offering an all you can drink mimosa/ bloody Mary brunch for $25.

The menu sounds tasty and the thought of basking in a new year with good friends and a (near) never ending  glass of bubbly sounds wonderful, to me! Check out the menu here. 

Valanni 1229 Spruce St. Philadelphia, PA

Two Words - Butt Flap.

"Forever lazy has zippered flaps in front and back for great escapes, when duty calls..."

High-End Happenings: Own a Piece of Rittenhouse

In its latest fundraising initiative, The Friends of Rittenhouse Square are offering a piece of the park to take home. New to the park's many statues include bronze cast animals. The sculptures were made by Eric Berg, a resident of the Rittenhouse neighborhood. They were unveiled in November 2010, and adorn the Patty Hogan Gates around the Gardener's Cottage.

Fourteen individual bronze cast animals, are now available. The casts are detailed on one side, hollow on the other, and great for wall decor or garden art.

Buyers can choose from an owl, robin, woodpecker, pigeon, blue jay, little wren, praying mantis, toad, snail, salamander, chipmunk, two versions of a squirrel and a dog, ranging in price from $750 - $1,600 each.

No word on how much of the proceeds benefit the park, but I think my favorite is the snail.

Holiday Bucket List: Eat A Mimosa

The holiday season is always one of the toughest to grapple with. From buying and giving to returning and regifting, things tend to get a little confusing. Months of jingles on the radio is sure to turn even the sanest of us on our heads. Sitting on an old man's lap is condoned...up is down, down is up. It's not crazy. It's the spirit of the holiday season, and Davio's has joined in the fun,  offering a tasty twist on a favorite cocktail.

The Mimosa Dessert offered looks absolutely amazing. True to form, they're willing to share the recipe (below), but its much easier to let the kitchen prepare one for you instead. The Mimosa is made up of a prosecco sorbet, orange segments, champagne grapes, and candied brioche. It's finished with a scoop of vanilla custard and orange foam and sells for $11.

The dining room at Davio's looks wonderful year round, but during the holidays it really is beautiful. So stop in, pull up to the bar, admire the holiday handiwork, and order up one of the festive treats that Davio's is offering.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse 111 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

Mimosa

Orange Soda

1 1Ž2 oz  Fresh Lemon Juice

1 3Ž4 C Fresh Orange Juice

3 1Ž4 oz  Granulated Sugar

4 tspPowdered Gelatin

In a saucepan bring juices to a boil, dissolving sugar. Remove from heat and stir in gelatin.

Stir to combine, strain and refrigerate.  Pour mixture into soda siphon and charge.

Vanilla Custard

3 T Powdered Gelatin

5 C Crème Anglaise, Warm

7 oz Crème Fraîche or Sour Cream

Add Gelatin to warm Crème Anglaise, stir to combine and chill. 

Add crème Fraîche, stir to combine and refrigerate.

Prosecco Sorbet

10 oz Prosecco(Champagne)

7 oz Simple Syrup

14 oz Water

Pour contents into a 2-quart ice cream machine and turn until frozen.

Other ingredients:

One loaf of brioche

Simple syrup

Orange Segments

Champagne Grapes

Dice brioche, toss in small amount of simple syrup and lightly toast in oven.

Assembly:

In any glassware you choose, arrange orange segments and champagne grapes, then several pieces of candied brioche. Add a scoop of vanilla custard, some more oranges and grapes.  Follow with a scoop of Prosecco sorbet and finish with orange soda foam.

*Adapted from Art Culinaire Magazine

Inspiration vs. Motivation

Inspiration comes in many forms but ultimately, I believe it comes from within. A fleeting moment of greatness that you can recognize and grab ahold of, riding it until its wheels fall off, or until you find the next shooting glimpse of inspiration to keep you going.

Motivation on the other hand, comes from people like Tyler Morrison. Morrison is a local realtor who launched a "site" just days ago and would like to know if I'd be interested in working along side of him for KNOW PHILLY. A new website that will inform residents and tourists alike in the Philadelphia Region.

To this I say, suck it dude. 




Google his site, you find me. Google me, you find me. And while I've totally been slacking, that's over.

Bring it.

Veterans Weekend at South Philly Bar & Grill

Looking to land a Marine? Or maybe, you are one. Either way, it’s the Marine Corps Birthday today, and Veterans Day tomorrow. And in honor of American soldiers past and present, South Philly Bar & Grill will be offering specials and holding four days of fundraising events to help soldiers and veterans.

Beginning today, Thursday, Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 13, enjoy $2 Devil Dogs (Spicy Chili Dogs), $5 Jager Shots, and a “Power Hour” from 7pm-8pm with $2 Yuenglings.

A voluntary door charge of $2 will be donated to America 4R Marines, as well as a portion of every dollar spent on the items listed above.

So go: eat a chilidog, do a shot of Jager, and pound Yuenglings in honor of the Marines.

South Philly Bar & Grill will also be hosting events over the weekend, including a Marine Corps Birthday Party, from 12pm – 2am today. They’ll be cutting the cake at 10pm. On Friday, November 11, SPB&G will be throwing a Veterans Day Party, a Pancake & Beer Breakfast ($10) on Saturday, Nov. 12, and a Family Day / Mom’s Brunch ($10) on Sunday, Nov. 13.

South Philly Bar & Grill 1235 E. Passyunk Ave. Philadelphia PA

The Red Wedding at Franklin Mortgage & Investment: Do it.

One of the best drinks I've had in quite some time came in quite the unexpected place. While I've written about Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. on many an occasion in the past, I hadn't actually been there...

I know. It's terrible to admit. But in its non-vodka offerings, I felt nearly offended. Gin makes this girl rowdy. And I've stayed away from whiskeys and the like, since I was about 14, so there was no particular rush to head to the popular speakeasy.

But I can happily report, that I have finally made it there; and low and behold, they have a destination worthy drink for a gal like myself.

Having gotten over my initial hesitation of entering the dark and kinda scary sub basement entrance of Franklin Mortgage & Investment, I opened the heavy door to find life; lights, people and the smell of fermentation, completely hidden from the street above.

I joined my friends and had a look at the new fall menu. Being a wine / vodka drinker, it took me a while. I almost wished I had a drink while I decided on what I should be drinking. But ultimately, I feel like the allure and mystery of the cocktails, so foreign to me, almost heightened that first sip.

I've decided that The Red Wedding is a sort of winter sangria. The mulled wine served over ice is dangerously delicious. It's offered in the House of Leaves portion of the menu and actually includes Applejack, El Dorado Rum, Lemon Juice, Mulled Wine Syrup, Orange, and some other fancy ingredients. But for a wine drinker like myself, it was perfection.

And while this may have been my first visit to this Rittenhouse speakeasy, it certainly won't be my last. Go try one for yourself, while it's still in season. Cheers!

Franklin Mortgage & Investment 112 South 18th Street  Philadelphia, PA 19103

Philly Needs More Political Ads Like This One

Philadelphia is apparently reporting less than 200,000 voters turned out to the polls yesterday. I have a feeling that if the East Coast had political campaign videos like this, the numbers would rise.





While I'm at it, this one's pretty priceless too.

Herman Cain’s Campaign Promises with Mike Tyson from Mike Tyson      

Finding Flea Markets: BREAKING NEWS ALERT

Finding flea markets will be so much easier this winter. When all of the other outdoor events are preparing to pack it in for the nastiest of months, the flea market circuit here in Philly is instead proudly announcing its new winter home.

Every Saturday from November 5 - April 28, 8am - 4pm, rotating vendors will be within the comforts of the walls, selling their antiques, collectables, wares and flat out junk, at the Spring Garden Indoor Antiques & Vintage Market, at 9th & Spring Garden.

This Saturday, October 22, from 9am - 5pm, the flea market will be setting up on Pine, from 9th - 12th Sts.

Beer and Doughnuts at Devils Den (Benefits PAWS!)

Ever since its opening, Federal Donuts, the new chicken and donuts spot in Pennsport has been overrun by diners who have successfully cleared out of its stocks every day so far. Now, Grub Street is reporting the Federal Donuts web site has crashed due to a volume overage.

The reality is, getting to try pretty much anything from Federal's new spot is definitely out of the question. At least for now. The rest of us, who weren't in line opening morning will have to wait for a hail storm to sneak in for a dozen.

But until then, there's at least one other upcoming doughnut-centric happening in the city, that could help to quench your hunger...and thirst.

This coming Tuesday, October 25, South Philadelphia's Devil's Den has teamed up with Krispy Kreme for a beer and donut pairing to benefit PAWS. Pairings are $10 each, $4 of which will go to charity. The pairing menu will be available all day, from 11am - 2am, but reservations are being recommended...just in case. You wouldn't them to run out of donuts, now would you??

On the beer and brews menu:

Original Glazed Doughnut & PBC's Joe Porter

Cinnamon Bun Doughnut & Yard's Thomas Jefferson Ale

Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut & Weyerbacher's Verboten

Devil's Den 1148 S. 11th Street, Philadelphia, 19147 215.339.0855 

Please note, the donut / doughnut spelling discrepancy...Federal Donuts / Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

Finding Flea Markets: Headhouse Square

Start this Saturday off with a little rummaging. It’s good for the soul, like chicken soup. This week’s Antique & Vintage Flea Market will be set up along Headhouse Square from 9am – 5pm, Saturday, October 15. As usual, early birds are welcome.

Vendors from all over the area will be set up selling antiques, collectables, vintage furniture, jewelry, glassware, pottery and more.

It’ll be a day of wandering South Street. Start at the Headhouse Flea Market and end at Blocktoberfest.  

Blocktoberfest: Saturday on South Street

While thousands will be in Philadelphia for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, there’s more than one event in the city this weekend. On the West Side of South Street, that’s South Street between Broad and 17^th streets, this Saturday, October 14, Blocktoberfest kicks off at 12noon.

The outdoor, all day event is free to attend. Food at Bloktoberfest is pay-as-you-go, and drinks are available via drink tickets and passes, which can be purchased for a discounted rate, online, ahead of time, or in cash, at the event.

Check out all the event details and ticket links below.

FOOD

Restaurants all along the festival’s three blocks will be selling their delicacies curbside, from venerable South Street institutions like Jamaican Jerk Hut to relatively new additions like Indian Restaurant, Sweet Freedom Bakery, and Quick Fixx. Food trucks will include The Dapper Dog and Nomad Pizza

Food at Bloktoberfest is pay-as-you-go.

BEER

Beer will be available at several different locations, provided by Bella Vista Beer Distributors. Beer passes are required. Passes are cheaper, if purchased in advance here. Additional tickets are $5 each and Cash ONLY. Beer pours will be 12 oz, so not tiny tastes here.

A Basic Beer Pass is $15 online/$20 day of, and comes with 3 drink tickets.

A Bonus Beer Pass is $25 online/$30 day of, and comes with 5 drink tickets.

1 drink ticket = 1 beer of any kind on tap at Bloktoberfest.

· 

MUSIC 

There will be two stages set up within the event, One at Jamacain Jerk Hut, and One at Tritone. Music runs from noon – 10pm. The lineup can be found here. 

ART

In addition to the beer, food and music, Blocktoberfest will also be hosting a pop-up art gallery open from noon – 8pm offering selected works of art and festival souvenirs. Paradigm Gallery & Studio, will be hosting a children’s arts and crafts area, as well as artists including The Studio’s Sean Montorana who will be onsite with original watercolor and ink paintings, STUDiO necklaces and a few hand-painted/hand-dyed tote bags for sale, as well as some give-aways like stickers and flyers.

KIDS

There will also be a Family friendly zone with face painters, balloon artists, and other all-ages entertainment planned throughout the afternoon.

De-escalation: Non-Violence in the Face of Opposition

Here in Philadelphia, the police and the occupiers at City Hall have had an uneventful relationship so far. At shift change yesterday, I witnessed the captain on duty introduce the night shift captain to one of the organizers. But all is not so tranquil in all of the cities being occupied.

In Boston and Seattle, police have set in motion plans for clearing parks, said an article in the New York Times.

Those actions resulted in over 100 arrests today in Boston. The protestors had crossed two lines, said an article on boston.com. First, by threatening to tie up traffic and, second, by expanding their campground to a newly renovated area that the city had asked them to stay off.

A statement from Occupy Boston claims that the Boston PD “brutally attacked” the protestors, said the article.

Violence has yet to affect the Occupy Philly movement, and if Jeanne Schmolze has anything to do with it, protestors will know how to handle themselves, non-violently, in the face of opposition.

Schmolze is a 66-year-old Philadelphia resident and Katrina survivor. She moved to New Orleans in 2003 and came back to Philadelphia after the storm in 2005, when she lost her home. She is currently retired, unable to survive on social security, and will be reentering the workforce. Until then, she’s decided to be of service however she can and is planning for a de-escalation seminar this week, in order to better educate those participating in the movement.

“I’ve found that a group of people can turn into a mob very quickly,” she said in a phone interview this afternoon.

In order to manage a situation and try and retain some level of respect on all sides, there are certain tactics that demonstrators can use to protect themselves, while still occupying in solidarity. Most revolve around body language, group dynamics and communication.

Schmolze has had years of experience with conflict during her many years dealing with volatile populations of severely mentally ill and drug-addicted people as a social worker and union negotiator in Philadelphia, she said.

“I’ve taken a lot of training to know when something’s turning aggressive how to nip it in the bud,” she continued.

It’s these skills that have helped her to learn how much space you need, when to touch someone, when not to, how to react to different looks and how to deescalate an impulsive situation.

An aggressive action against officers could result in an aggressive response. But calling an officer by their name, could help to defuse a situation, before it gets out of control.

Coordinated, passive, civil disobedience in the face of police implements like nets is also a way to diffuse a situation, she said. “Five rows of people should sit down; three rows, the police can stomp right over you, but 5 rows…it shows that we will not be moved. We’re sitting. The aggression will come from the other side. ”

If a situation gets out of control, safety should always come first, she said, and an exit route should be communicated to the group. But “if people start bolting and running, it sets it off. If you’re walking away, there’s an assumption that you didn’t do anything. If you start running as a pack, [police] will intervene there.

“By taking two or three breaths, when you’re afraid or in a panic, you’re able to make a better decision as to what’s best for you and the group,” she said.

Cheesesteak Challenge at the Hotel Palomar

Back for its second year, the High Steaks Cheesesteak Challenge will be going down, this Sunday, October 16, from 3pm – 5pm. Hosting the event again will be Square 1682 in the Hotel Palomar and its resident Chef, Guillermo Tallez.

Last year’s outdoor-event was a complete success, and this year’s block party is sure to be just as tasty. Ten of the city’s most popular chefs will compete with their own rendition of a Philly Cheesesteak.

Participating chefs include Chef Guillermo Tellez of Square 1682, Chef Peter Woolsey of BistroLa Minette, Chef Mike Stollenwerk of Fish, Chef Daniel Stern of R2L, Chef Marcie Turney of Barbuzzo, Chef Townsend Wentz of McCrossen’s Tavern, Chef Nick Farina of Verdad Restaurant & Tequila Bar, Chef David Boyle of Davio’s, Brian Turowski, Jackson 20 (Alexandria Va.) and Lynn Rinaldi from Paradiso.

Tickets to the event are $20 per person, and proceeds will go to benefit The Philadelphia Academies, a charity providing career-focused programming to Philadelphia’s public school students.

Square 1682 121 South 17th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103

Occupy Philly: Stone Soup, Protest Style

The main ingredient in protesting is the protestor. Next in the recipe is the message. Occupy Philly has many protestors bringing with them many messages, each with a level of validity all its own.

Some may not agree with every perspective, but all who occupy Philadelphia’s City Hall agree, that something needs to be done, about the status quo. Each message brings a little more spice to the mix, a little more flavor to the pot and a little more diversity to the cause. A cause, in itself, filled with diversity.

Occupy has nearly two dozen different grievances against the status quo and as the days go by, the “unofficial officials” are learning the ropes and possibly, the recipe for success.

Each day, Occupy Philly holds two sessions of its General Assembly: day and evening. And during each of those meetings, those who have joined the movement, on a full-time, part-time or just passing through with a cause basis, meet to discuss and decide upon the process of how decisions for the group will be made and the stances that will be taken. With each meeting, those who partake help to form the depth and breadth of the Occupy Movement’s voice.

Many working with Occupy Philly are holding classes to educate about the cause, the cure and the process of how to make this movement a positive and peaceful force. This information is available at the "Training Space" located at Dilworth Plaza.

Calendars of main events are also being posted on the Occupy Phillyweb page, and social media sites by the Tech Team. General assembly meetings are held twice a day, at noon, and again around 7-8pm.

The more ingredients, the more plentiful the pot and the stronger the flavor becomes. Those looking to add to the stew should head to one of the meetings and decide for themselves if this is a cause that they can believe in.  

Occupy Philly, My First Look

In Philadelphia, the sounds of honking car horns are usually accompanied by a four letter words and obscene gestures. But on this particular day, while standing outside of City Hall, the usual sounds of Philly commuters had a different tone.

Angry drivers weren’t blaring horns to yell at cabbies or out-of-towners who have trouble passing busses. There were no middle fingers raised in anger(at least not while I was watching).

Instead drivers passed by City Hall beeping, and smiling; their fists were raised in a gesture of solidarity.

It was chilling to witness. 

Very few things can bring Philadelphians together: the mummers parade or a winning sports team, but that’s about it. Until this past week when Philadelphia residents joined in a growing movement of occupation, 118 across the country, at last count, I was told by one of the movement’s “unofficial, officials.”

Occupy Philly has taken hold and for those camped out in City Hall, this movement is as real as it gets. The occupiers really are living in tents, they really are getting donations, and they really have some valid arguments.

Official statements released by the members of New York City’s Occupy movement state clearly, the views and stances taken by the group. The most predominant of which is that “corporations, which place profit over people, self-interest over justice, and oppression over equality, run our governments.”

The Occupy movement also takes issue with the illegal foreclosure process, taxpayer bailouts, inequality and discrimination, the torture of animals, and the poisoning and monopolization of our food supply, the list goes on and on, naming nearly two dozen grievances in all.

Occupy Philly has allowed free speech, in a peaceful setting for residents to voice all kinds of grievances and beliefs. Its given a platform for people to speak on any subject, including the popular 99% stance, to the adoption of Marxism, to the career of Andy Reid, and his future here in Philadelphia.

While the possibility for the spirit of the movement to be muddled and lost amongst the rabble is a possibility, “unofficial, officials” have stated how they haven’t come up against any issues as of yet.

The movement is still in its earliest stages and with a successful weekend under its belt, Occupy Philly organizers plan to stay put as long as it takes. Donations have been coming in, and those who are occupying don’t seem to be going anywhere too soon, but a rainy Wednesday in this week’s forecast will gauge the short-term dedication of the movement’s participants.

While the feelings of dedication and good will permeate the growing, tented community, general organization is still in its infancy. On the other hand, the views expressed by the people occupying Dilworth Plaza are ripe for the picking.

As I continue to cover the events here in Philadelphia, and post my first piece on Occupy Philly, one question stands out in my mind:

Will the Occupy movement come out of its infant stages with the solidarity and organization that could attract the kind of attention that it needs, from lawyers, legislators, and unions, to be a real force in changing the status quo? 

View the slideshow for a look at the movement and messages from #OccupyPhilly

Slideshow photos by Know it All Philly, 2011

Summer 2011 Jeep Compass Testdrive

Over the summer, Jeep was kind enough to let Know it All Philly drive its brand new, 2011 Compass for a week. While the Cherry Red finish, sunroof and radio controls on the wheel were great, the Jeep had a few fatal flaws. For instance, a 2.4 Liter engine, a sync system that didn't quite work, and a 16 mpg fuel efficiency. Thanks for the memories Jeep! Check the slideshow below for some of the best features of the 2011 Jeep Compass!

Parking Wars: Rittenhouse

There are so many events going on in the city this weekend, but if there is one that will totally screw up parking and driving on Saturday, it’s the Rittenhouse Fine Arts Show and Outdoor Street Café that’s planned.

The Fine Arts Show will encompass the square on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 16 – 18, beginning each day at 11am. No biggie there. Stroll the park and take in the art! Even buy some if you’re inspired.

It’s the Outdoor Café that’s really going to cause a traffic jam. From 11am – 10pm, Rouge, Devon and Parc will be serving not just curbside, but street side as well with 18^th Street being blocked off for traffic.

The forecast? 68 and Sunny. Hop on the subway, ride a bike, or walk. But whatever you do, Rittenhouse is off limits for cars. It’s not worth the road rage!

Finding Flea Markets: FDR Park

The American Swedish Museum in FDR Park is holding its 2^nd Annual Flea Market and Open House this Saturday, September 17 from 9am – 2pm. There will be cheap wares of all kinds, hand-made crafts, and food and drinks for sale.

The Museum is offering free admission throughout the day. 

There are still availabilities for vendors – spots cost $20, or $25, if you need a table. For more information on vending call (215) 729-3432 or (215) 677-2046.

The American Swedish Museum 1900 Pattison Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19145

Wiffle Ball Tourney in B-Town

Brewerytown’s been hosting a lot of events over the summer, and now, to finish up the season, they will be hosting the Connie Mack Classic Wiffle Ball Tournament this Saturday, September 17, at 1pm at 27^th & Master.

Organized by Philly Sport and Social Club, the event is $15 per player and $45 per team. There are still spots left.

The tourney will consist of 16 teams with three players on each. Rules can be found on Brewerytown Living’s site along with some more details.

Each player gets a tee shirt and beers for the day - Yards to be exact. The winning team will receive a $100 gift card to a local bar and second place gets one for $50.

uwishunu About the Puerto Rican Day Parade…

Apparently, it's gone mainstream.

Each year for nearly three decades, Philadelphia’s Latino community has come together to celebrate its rich history and culture and on Sunday, September 18, from noon–5:30 p.m., the celebration returns during the 27th Annual Feria del Barrio.

Happening in one of Philadelphia’s thriving Latino neighborhoods, along 5th Street from Cambria to Lehigh, this free, family-friendly event will feature crafts, activities, games, music, food and performances throughout the afternoon.

There will be more than 100 local merchants selling crafts and wares, and 50 different artists who will sing, dance and perform throughout the event.

There will be traditional Latino cooking, an appearance by Miss Puerto Rico, hours of performances and a grand finale by salsa singer Adriel Gonzalez.

Read the entire article on uwishunu.com.

Sweet as Apple Pie: Fall Cocktails at Davio's

I have yet to drink my first pumpkin spice latte of the season. Not that it’s too early, but home offices don’t have baristas. At least not mine.

This recipe for an Apple Pie Martini at Davio's, however, makes me want to shower, and leave the house just to try one. This sounds delicious, and I promise, I’m going to give one a go ($12). You probably should too. They also have an Autumn Rum Runner…sounds great.

Or, skip the shower, boycott restaurant week, and make one at home.
Davio’s was nice enough to share the recipe.

Apple Pie Martini

2 oz Absolut Orient Apple
1 oz Absolut Vanilla Vodka
Splash of Apple Cide
Garnish Cinnamon Sugar Rim

Combine ingredients in shaker full of ice, shake, strain into martini glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar & serve.

Volunteer & Be Green While Doing It

The Manayunk Eco Arts Festival, set for September 24 & 25, is looking for volunteers. And when attempting to stack up brownie points, volunteering for a green event gets a double dose. It’s like triple coupons for doing good.

Volunteers will receive a complimentary coffee and bagel and/or lunch, depending on the shift, a complimentary beverage, complimentary snacks throughout the day, a free MNYK Staff T-Shirt and a free Manayunk EcoArts Festival Poster.

Those interested in volunteering should email Martha Vidauri at mvidauri@manayunk.org.

Square 1682 is Giving Away 200 Free Lunches To-Go

This story deserves a post of its own, because I love the "F" word. 

There are few things in this city that evoke a response like free food. Free drinks will usually draw a crowd, but give away a Krispy Kreme and there’s people camped out on the street. Go figure. Next week, it’s a free lunch to-go at Square 1682, said the restaurant’s pr rep.

To celebrate the seventh season premier of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” Guillermo Tellez of Square 1682 will be passing out 200 free “It’s Always Sunny Chicken Sandwich,” lunches on the corner of 17th & Sansom, on Thursday, September 15, at 11am.

Each crispy chicken breast sandwich is topped with a sunny side up egg, frisee and a bacon-soy vinigrette, and comes with a house baked chocolate-cherry blondie. And a bag of chips.

Mark your calendars. 

Here's the link to the original post on Grub Street.