When the moon hits your eye like a big PIZZA pie

There is always one complaint I hear consistently from people living in Philadelphia which is “Where can a find a good slice of pizza?” Today, I am here to tell you this is something you do not need to worry about anymore. In fact it is right here in our own back yard….

Illuminare located on 2321 Fairmount Ave features some of the best Chicago style pizzas in the city. Known for their brick oven pizza, you can purchase your own personal pie or just a slice on the go. They have a variety of toppings and styles to choose from such as Margarita, Shrimp & Scallops, Prosciutto, BBQ chicken, and my personal favorite the Five-cheese pizza.

Another plus about Illuminare is their pricing is very reasonable.  You are able to purchase your own personal small pan pizza for around ten dollars depending on which pizza you order. They even have a happy hour everyday which includes slices of pizza for a dollar and cheap drink specials.

Illuminare also has a wide variety of pasta dishes and other signature entrees. Seat is available outside in the summer time with Italian music, dim lighting, and a fountain, which captures the atmosphere of a real life restaurant in Italy.

Therefore, if you are in the mood for some quality brick oven style pizza and can stop eating cheese steaks every night in Philly then head to Illuminare and taste the experience.

Check out Illuminare on the web!

McCrossen's Tavern

One of my favorite places to pop in for great food and a beer is McCrossen’s Tavern. Located @ 529 N. 20^th Street, McCrossen’s offers the perfect combination of a neighborhood pub and a fine dining experience. They offer lunch, dinner, and brunch and everything on the menu is under $20. Also on the weekends they have a awesome brunch special from 10:30am-2:30 pm, $20 for one brunch item and UNLIMITED Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas! You can’t beat it.  One item you definitely have to try if you go there for lunch or dinner is the McCrossen’s Hot Wings. What makes them unique is they dip them in breading before frying which makes them fabulous and some of the best chicken wings I’ve ever had, trust me. If you’re looking for something to do on Sunday Funday, you can head on over around 7:30ish for weekly 8pm Quizzo and enjoy yourself a nice basket of McCrossen’s Hot Wings. J

http://www.mccrossens.com/

Coffee, Cakes, & Capogiro Gelato, Oh My!

Did you get your mug shot this weekend? Cause I did. No not that silly…. Anyone can go grab a coffee from one of the thousands of Starbucks but next time you’re down around Fairmount Ave. stop into Mugshots, an organic Coffee House & Café on 21^st & Fairmount Ave. for your cup of coffee or a blueberry muffin. I love going to Mugshots on the weekends, especially knowing the atomosphere is so great, the people are friendly, and I’ll walk out of there with a delish breakfast and an amazing cup of hot chocolate! Since Mugshots is organic, they make food and coffee from local, organic ingredients whenever possible. In addition to their espresso and tea menu, they feature a daily selection of soups, salads, wraps and sandwiches, as well as a variety of traditional and vegan desserts, healthy shakes, and Capogiro Gelato! Just a little heads up though if its your first time going to Mugshots you might want to check out the menu online first. The reason being is their entire menu is written on panels of chalkboards and it’s a little hard to find what you’re looking for so if you check it online before hand it’ll save you a few minutes. Not only is Mugshots a great place to grab a coffee or some dessert but catch some entertainment as well. Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday nights are always filled with some kind of entertainment, from open mic night to catching a movie. This Friday they’re featuring “The Princess Bride” from 7:00pm-9:00pm. On nights when you just want to chill and relax but still get some work done, Mugshots allows free Wi-Fi for an hour with purchase. 

For more additional specials or info be sure to check them out on the web at: http://www.mugshotscoffeehouse.com or follow them on twitter @MugshotsCoffee

Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon

Location: 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 

Near the Philadelphia Museum of Art

 Sunday, November 21st at 7:00am

Registration: http://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/

Philadelphia truly is a city of neighborhoods, and runners will experience many of them - - from the hip to the historic. The marathon runs through the Revolutionary heritage at Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House and the Liberty Bell, while showcasing Penn's Landing on the banks of the Delaware River and the Greek-inspired Fairmount Water Works on the Schuylkill River. 

The Half Marathon takes runners from the history-steeped streets of Old City, through one of the liveliest stretches of Center City, across the bridge through the campuses of University City, up through the picturesque routes of Fairmount Park, and back down along the Schuylkill River.

For those not interested in running you can still get involved in cheering on fellow runners or your friends. The Philadelphia Marathon will host a Drexel University cheer zone on Sunday, November 21, 2010 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at 31st and Chestnut Streets. Each year, thousands of Philadelphians and visitors gather along the Philadelphia Marathon route to show their support to the runners. More than 25 cheer zones will be set up along the course this year, fully equipped with noisemakers, entertainment and hot chocolate to encourage the runners as they pass and cheer them across the finish line. For more information or other cheer zone locations check out the link below:   

CHEER ZONES

“I be up in the gym just working on my fitness ...”

There are many areas around the Art Museum to work on your fitness, however, with the temperature dropping some of you might be wanting to bring your outside workouts inside. Two places that came to mind which are in prime location are LifeSport Fitness (located  @2112 Fairmount Ave.) and Philadelphia Sports Club (located @2000 Hamilton St.).  Both gyms have completely different atmospheres but each can still serve as great places to put in a killer workout!

LifeSport Fitness Resource Center is a family owned and operated full service fitness facility. Owners Dick and Flossie Snyder purchased the building in 1985; they have created a relaxed, comfortable setting for a health club and have been serving the community from this location for the past 19 years. LifeSport offers a stylish space that invites you to work out using a wide assortment of free weights, Nautilus equipment, and exciting, personal, and friendly group exercise classes. One great feature that LifeSport offers is their facility is suited to fitting to your needs; they’re also suited to fitting your wallet as well. Prices are moderate with many a la carte options depending on the individual and what you want which is great because now you don’t have to commit to buying a gym package that includes options you don’t ever plan on partaking in.

Now compared to the family owned gym, Philadelphia Sports Club (Rodin Place) is your typical franchise sports gym. Some of the plus sides are it’s opened 24hrs Monday-Saturday, a larger facility which in turn equals more equipment, they offer numerous group exercise classes, and lots of other special features; like massage therapy and steam room. The downside however, they require a year commitment and a sign up fee or a month-to-month start up with an even greater sign up fee.  Its not your cheapest gym, so the prices aren’t really economy friendly right now.  But if you wanted to try it out before committing, PSC always offers trial memberships for a reasonable price.

When it comes down to it you really have to figure out what your looking for in a gym and what kind of options you will need to help meet your personal goals. Either way whichever gym you prefer, now is the perfect time to sign up with many gyms currently offering specials right before the holidays and get a great jump-start on that New Year’s Resolution. 

2nd Annual Lemon Run!

Looking for something to do this weekend?? Want to enjoy the nice fall weather AND help out a good cause AND throw in some exercise?? Well on Saturday, November 14, you and your family can be helping out, Alex's Lemonade Stand. Last year's run in Ridley Creek State Park had over 1,000 runners and walkers in attendance. So this year's Lemon Run is moving to beautiful Fairmount Park to accommodate all of the enthusiastic supporters. The new location will now be able to accommodate everyone and your family can now look forward to an inspiring day of running, walking, music, prizes and more! In addition to the actual event, those who wish to participate, but are not in the area can run or walk where they live. By registering as a virtual runner or walker on TheLemonRun.com, and completing a 5K run or walk on November 14, 2010, runners and walkers across the country and world can participate too. Virtual participants are not eligible for timed race prizes, but do qualify for the fundraising contest and t-shirt if they are within the first 1,000 to register. Prizes will be awarded to the top individual and team fundraisers.

Admissions Info & Check In

$30 (Per Individual, on Race Day)

$25 (if pre-registered by 11/10/10)

$15 (Kids’ Race (12 and under), on Race Day)

$10 (Kids’ Race (12 and under), if pre-registered)

~ ~

Check In, 6:30-8 am
4231 North Concourse Drive West Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Kids’ Race @ 8 am

5K @ 8:30 am

This is a really great cause and it's nice that you can include everyone. No excuses! Plus the weather for this weekend is currently looking to be like a gorgeous fall day, so enjoy it and get outside!

"Yo Adrian!" - Rocky Balboa

One of the greatest underdog stories of our time is the “Rocky” movies. Rocky’s ability to defy all odds and never surrender even when the going gets touch reflects the culture of Philadelphia. People of Philadelphia are able to relate to the character of Rocky as everyone has struggled at times to achieve their goals in life. Rocky came from nothing and displayed how hard work really does pay off in the end.

This brings me to my next must-see in the Fairmount/Art Museum Area, the Rocky Balboa Statue. Located at the base of the steps of the Art Museum stands the statue of Rocky raising his hands in the air celebrating his victory. Everyday tourists come to take their picture posing as Rocky and run up the steps of the Art Museum just as Rocky did to train for his fights.

We are fortunate to still be able to see the statue as many art critics did not want it to be at the Art Museum. They felt it was a movie prop and should be taken down since it is not real art work. However, a compromise was reached to put it at the base of the Art Museum steps.

Therefore, if you have some time, a working camera, and the stamina to run up the steps of the Art Museum without giving yourself a heart attack, definitely check out the Rocky Balboa Statue and experience some of the Philly culture.

Reminder!

Hey everyone! Just a little reminder that this weekend is your last chance to be terrorized an experience Terror Behind the Walls. Friday and Saturday night are the only two days left available. Tickets can still be purchased online AND they're are offering student rates so be sure to whip out those college IDs for a nice discount!

The Belgian Cafe

The Belgian Café (located at the corner of 21st & Green) is one of my favorite places to go around my neighborhood. It’s a cute and quaint place that is always filled with every type of people. My friends and I always pop in and grab a bite to eat in between class or when we just need to get away and catch up.  I have also brought my family in numerous times when they’re in the area. First of all, the food is absolutely amazing. When I first ate at BC I thought the menu was a little strange, not in a bad way though. They just offer many different items from your typical restaurant but do also have some classics, like a burger and fries. Another great thing, the BC has many vegan items on their menu so if you’re worrying about finding something that fits your style of eating you’ll be able to find it here. I have eaten at BC for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch and the service is always amazing. Everyone that works at BC is so welcoming and I give them two snaps for always having a smile on their faces and being friendly even when the place is packed. J

One of the things that the Belgian Café is noted for is its wide selection of brews. When you first are placed with the menu in your hands you’ll be thinking, “wow this place must have a lot of food”.  Well you’re wrong my friend, the BC just has a lot of brews. More than half of their menu consists of over 200 Bottled Brews, a long list of wines, and a rotating selection of 12 drafts but who ever said that was a bad thing.

Overall, the Belgian Café is a great place to dine and have a bottle of your favorite brew.  Here is their website http://www.thebelgiancafe.com/ for a complete list of their menu and their current list of beer on draft now.  If you have a Twitter account also be sure to follow them for their latest tweets @thebelgiancafe

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Food. Sports. Fun. Beer.

Looking to cheer on your favorite Philadelphia sports team or just want to watch Sunday football, then head to Urban Saloon. Located at 2120 Fairmount Avenue.  When you walk inside on game day or night you’ll be greeted with multiple televisions, a great atmosphere, and a giant projector screen featuring the big game. You’ll never be able to miss what could be the most talked about sports play in this place.

They offer daily Happy Hour specials seven days/week and have such delicious food! I personally have to recommend the Fried Mac and Cheese that is served with a warm tomato soup for dipping, yummy! J However, everything on their menu is and looks so good!  I personally have never had a problem with the service even on packed nights, though I have heard in the past the service can be up and down. Urban Saloon can also serve as a cheap and fun night out if you’re looking for one. The price range is great and nothing on the menu is over $10. Brunch is also offered on Saturday and Sunday so if you looking for a nice walk around the neighborhood and want to fill your tummies stop on by. If the weather outside isn’t too chilly yet they do accommodate outside seating. Great place to people watch given that you are right in the middle of Fairmount Ave.

When a game isn’t playing, Urban Saloon still holds a great atmosphere. Its better nights are Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays. On the weekends, they always have a DJ playing some awesome dancing music and great bartenders serving you up on the full length wrap around bar. Urban Saloon is always packed with tons of people around the area or young professionals so it’s a good place to meet new guys and girls and have a fabulous night out!

Terror Behind the Walls

If you’re looking to be scared out of your mind this Halloween then be sure to check out Terror Behind the Walls. A massive haunted house located in America’s Most Historic Prison, the Eastern State Penitentiary is sure to serve as the perfect Halloween setting.  Tours run starting end of September and always run until the 1^st weekend of November so those individuals who have yet to be terrorized still have time to go.  It’s been showcased on various television programs such as Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures and Syfy’s Ghost Hunt. For those of you into “Dinner and a Movie” Eastern State also offers the “Fright and a Bite” dinner package in which you can visit one of the local restaurants for a deliciously Halloween-themed meal along with your ticket to Terror Behind the Walls.  

I do have a confession though; I have never experienced the terror because quite frankly it scares the bejeezus out of me. Hopefully, one year I’ll muster up enough courage to finally take a walk threw horror halls. However, for those who are like me, but still want to experience the Eastern State Penitentiary they do offer day tours. Every day from 10am-5pm you can get the experience without the fright for as low as $8 (students) or $10 (adults).  It’s still slightly scary but at least you don’t have to worry about one of their scream characters jumping out at you.

Something interesting that Eastern State does every year is before Terror Behind the Walls opens; they hold an Open Casting Call for individuals interested in joining their Scream Team. Maybe next year I’ll audition and hopefully by scaring everyone else it’ll help me finally be able to get frightened and take a walk through the halls. I heard it’s a blast to be apart of the scream team so it would be a great experience to be a part of this amazing haunted prison!

Quick tidbits:

• Coupon for $3.00 off any adult ticket! 
• On certain nights they also offer group and student rates, family nights, and a free daytime prison tour ticket with purchase
• Parking is a pain, especially around the 19130 so if you must drive you can park your vehicle at The Philadelphia Zoo for as low as $12 (if purchased online) and be shuttled to the Penitentiary