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.

GRUB STREET Philly Highlights

Here's a link roundup of all the stories you missed. (my bad)
They're all still upcoming, so you didn't miss too much.

• FEASTIVAL is coming up. $250 per ticket...

• I've created a new hobby: Foodicrafting. Here's the first project. The Snackadium.

• The Great Imperial Pumpkin Ale from Iron Hill Brewery will be added to the list of seasonal brews to try this year.

• Eulogy owner, Michael Naessens has his conceptual hands full with the coming-soon-to-Old-City, German / Asian spot, Tsingtau Lokal. Read more about that here.

• Fairmount's London Grill has a 20th b-day to celebrate on Monday, September 19.

• The Franklin's Extra Credit Menu is back for the fall.

• Davio's is keeping the summer flavors around longer with infused ice cubes and frozen cucumber wheels in its gin martini.

• Live in Conshy? The 401 Diner re-opens today.

• Coming up on September 20, DiBruno Bros. and Stoudts Brewery are having an all things goat, beer and cheese tasting. 

Goings On on Grub Street

Sorry for my recent lapse in coverage. Somewhere between turing 30 midway through August and then actually being paid to write for other sites, I got tied up. But I'm still here, and in case you've missed it, here's a link to the week of Grub Street posts that I wrote.

Still some relevant stuff in there, and I'll repost the really good stuff here too.