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“Super Weekend”

posted by justin

posted by Justin // 4.30.10

I played Philly Tour Guide to my out-of-town friends, and it turned into the best weekend I’ve had in Philadelphia yet…

Night One:

Here’s the back story. Every six months or so, my best friends from high school get together. This was my weekend to host the festivities. After a few man hugs and high fives, we buckled in for a bumpy ride.

Ever see the Captain Morgan commercial where the guys make up a story about what they do? One’s a bullfighter, the other’s an ER doctor. This weekend ends up a little like that. So, to spice things up, we like to come up with a creative story to tell anyone we meet.  However, our stories always get a little more exaggerated. For instance, when we were at Mosaic in Baltimore, we told people we were the director, agent, and producer of Paranormal Activity. The movie has just come out and was making some serious bank.  Apparently, word spread around the club  fast about our “situation” and the female population in our area increased rapidly.  We kicked the girls out, thinking it would pay off in the end. We were wrong. The director, producer, and agent of the top selling indie film of all time went home woman-less and broke.

This time, be prepared for the Hangover, because we’re throwing a bachelor party…

The story was solid from a week long email chain discussing the background. To add to to the fun, we made a t-shirt for the bachelor to wear. We even bedazzled it, ironed some letters on, and for effect, added a checklist that the “bachelor” had to complete. After seeing all the action the shirt was getting at the bar, we decided to pass it around so everyone could join in on the fun.

Day Two:

Day two begins at 8am with a breakfast of Slim Jim’s and popcorn; basically anything that we had bought, but not eaten at Wawa the night before.  After a few episodes of The Office, and some breakfast shots of Wild Turkey, we decided to go grab some lunch. Then, it was back to Venice Lofts to prepare for a night out in the city.  My friends haven’t gotten a chance to go out in Philly, so I thought I would show them around.

Night Two:

Ryan Dorsey’s birthday party…One of the Top 10 nights of my life by far.

Recess  is my favorite clubs in the city.  Every weekend seems to be out done by the next.  This particular night, the owner of Recess, Ryan Dorsey, closed the club down for his extravagant, circus-themed birthday party. No expense or detail was spared. There were fire breathers, jugglers, people on stilts, and there might have even been an elephant in the back… not sure.  I even got to meet one of “Phillies” most popular pro athletes, Ryan Howard, which was pretty cool. This was one of those “you had to be there” evenings… The pictures and video don’t even do it justice.

Morning Three:

Day Three:

Sunday Funday! After a few gallons of water, and some mimosas on Main Street, I thought it would be a good idea to head over to the Piazza.  Chris, Kate and I, met up with some of our friends from Club Duber, and headed down to PYT.  No one should have let me outside that day, but stuff happens… and we Sunday Funday’d (Sunday Funday’d?? I’m just making up words at this point) around the Piazza court.  Great way to end a “super weekend”.

*No one was harmed in the making of this weekend.

 

Adventures in Bartending: PhillyIn Public

posted by kate

posted by Kate // 4.29.10

“So, are you looking for a summer job?” one of Public House’s hunky male bartenders asked me as I surveyed the situation. Hmm…he obviously hasn’t seen PhillyIn. “No, no, this is just for fun. I already have a job,” I laughed. “I could tell you were a rookie from the heels,” he smirked, and I wasn’t offended.

Justin and I had been instructed to wear black that night. Bummer, I had wanted to wear something slightly outrageous. Why? Defense! (My tactic – stand out, so as not to be mistaken for a “real” bartender.) So, I resolved to be a rebel! But, the hopelessly “goodie-two-shoe” in me wouldn’t allow it. A fashion summit with Amber-Joi, produced a black tank top, skirt (instead of the pants), knee socks and heels. Yes, heels!

Evidently, my new bartender friend considered it a daredevil move. When he smirked, he pointed to the “holey” rubber mats that my heels would be stuck in all night. (For the record, I knew about the mats.) But, who knew I was such a risk taker? Unfortunately, for all my forethought, my tactic didn’t work. People still assumed I knew what I was doing. Should have worn head-to-toe hot pink.

It was quickly apparent, I wasn’t in the “happy hour” minor leagues anymore. This was the real deal! Bartenders racing back and forth – customer, drinks, cash, register – customer, drinks, cash, register. These guys are so good, it looked choreographed. I, on the other hand, definitely felt “in the way”. Compared to me, even Justin (who had done this before) looked like a pro! Though let’s admit it, some of the time, he looked just as confused as me.

New tactic! Play up my strengths. Entertain crowd with sparkling wit and vivacious personality! Isn’t that why I’m here anyway?

“$200.00?!?!?!” I looked anxiously at the number glaring up at me from the register. How did that happen? “Umm….excuse me?” I looked for my new bartender friend. Where did he go? I meant to put in $20 and added an extra zero. Oooops! I’m thinking that’s probably an issue… sudden nightmares of screwed up money drawers and missing drink orders. It’s a lot of pressure for someone inexperienced, and there’s a lot that can go wrong. I’m still slightly surprised they let me do it at all!

In the end, someone rescued me and I did learn how to make a few drinks! Long Island Iced Tea is now my specialty! It’s not too tasty, but it’s definitely strong! And I learned a few “secrets” of the trade. I won’t reveal them here. You can thank me later. Sometimes it’s better to just believe in Santa Claus.

By midnight, I was starting to get the hang of it. Who knows, next time you see me behind the bar, I might be tossing bottles behind my back.

Long story short, tip your bartenders well. Very well. They work much harder than you realize.

Need some practice? Head to Logan Square because Public House is turning 5 tonight!!!  And it’s going to be a great birthday!

Where: Public House, Logan Square

What: 5 Year Anniversary Party

When: TONIGHT! Thursday, April 29! The VIP party starts at 8pm with complimentary snacks and open bar!

Why: Because it’s gonna be a good, good night!

Who: Special guest DJ’S: Kissette, two hot sister DJ’s from the Big Apple.

Check out the evite: http://publichousephilly.com/evite/

Thanks to all my friends who came out to laugh at me behind the bar! Love you guys too!

Adventures In Bartending: Students Run Philly Happy Hour

 

From R2L to BAR2L

posted by kate

posted by Kate // 4.28.10

R2L is now offering a late night lounge scene, Thursday through Saturday. And why not? With seductive views, and inventive cocktails, it seems a natural spot for a swanky get together.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sample their late-night fare. Avid readers might remember my first visit to R2L for dinner. (Read my review here, R2L: Elevated Eats/Cozy Chic) This time, however, I was accompanied by fellow PhillyIn cast members, Chris, and Amber-Joi, and a few PhillyIn friends, including Miss Rachel Day.

We were delighted to find there was a “scene” as happening as the cuisine. We joined a party that included Philly’s most social of butterflies, Hacina Saadi, as well as her friend, Courtney Grant, and the fabulous chef of Lacroix, Jason Cichonski. You know what they say about the “more” and the “merry”.

The food arrived and everyone mingled, while Rachel and I looked longly at the many tasty morsels set before us. (How people can stand around ignoring such delicious looking food, I will never understand.) Finally, Rachel and I broke rank and dug right in.

Finally, everyone else joined in, and before the night was over, we got to sample the entire after hours menu:

SHRIMP COCKTAIL | the billy jordan with cocktail preserves
CRAB CAKES | chesapeake mousse


OLIVES | string cheese, marinated vegetables, za’atar flatbread, olive dip


CRISP CHEESE RISOTTO | truffle and soy sabayon


R2L SNACKBURGER PLATE | add bacon and cheese


TRUFFLE FLATBREAD | arugula, parmesan


FRIES |

My favorite? The Truffle Flatbread, or as Chris called it, “Baller Pizza” which was absolutely delicious! Also, the Crab Cakes with chesapeake mousse were to-die-for! “Chesapeake mousse”…whatever you are…I heart you. (I’m not even a big crab cake fan, but I was seriously impressed.) Chris, who also happens to be our resident “Burger Guy”, really enjoyed the ”R2L Snackburger Plate”. I even heard him say “these may be the most banging sliders I ever had!” From a guy who has taste-tested burgers all across this fair city, that’s really saying something!

“You gotta get this away from me!” I joked, looking desperately at the waiter. Thank god there was no dessert, or I may have overdosed. My least favorite item? The olives plate. Not bad, but I would recommend all the other choices before it.

Lounge menu item prices range from $12-$16. They also custom-make “tableside cocktails”, which is basically a cute way of saying you don’t have to order from the bar, a bartender will come to you (along with a a cart filled with fresh ingredients).

Bar2L is open from 10pm-2am Thursdays-Saturday. Food can be ordered until 1am.

For more info check on R2L’s official website: R2L

 

Tecmo Super Bowl Tournament

posted by chris

posted by Chris // 4.27.10

It felt a bit strange walking into Strongbox on a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon. Typically, when the front door opens, I am met with a contagious beat, and a crowd of people all out to party and have a good time in their finest threads. On this day, however, everyone is talking sports, football jerseys are worn proudly, and there is a faint scent of competition in the air.

Large high definition TV’s are working extra hard to display 8-bit graphics of football players running around on a two dimensional field. The archaic, but familiar sound of “hut-hut-hut-hut-hut” echoes through the room. Reggie B. walks up to me with a smile, shakes my hand, and welcomes me with a super-chill, “glad you could make it”. I was officially at my first Tecmo Super Bowl Tournament.

Kevin Maguire, Pete Salpeas and the Cool Kids (Jackiem Wright and Reggie Berry) organized and ran the Tecmo Super Bowl Tournament at Strongbox Lounge (2029 Walnut St) on Saturday April 24th.

There were 20 players in the tournament consisting mostly of serious players (there were guys in this tournament who traveled from Connecticut to play). But first, they had to set up, explain (and agree upon) the rules and determine the seeding of the teams for the actual single elimination tournament.

Four TV’s were set for the competition, while others were showing the all-important NFL draft. With all those games going on, there was always something interesting to watch with plenty of trash talking to go along with some stellar 8-bit accomplishments.

 Tournament Results:

Going into the tournament, Kevin Maguire and Marshall Harris were the local favorites. I was in over my head and got knocked out first round. Reggie B. made a valiant effort to rep the Cool Kids by making it to the Elite 8. In the final game Joseph “Joey Gats” Chiltotowsky beat Marshall Harris by a field goal to clinch the Tournament.
tecmo tournament bracket

Upcoming Tecmo Super Bowl Tournaments:

If you missed this event, there is talk about a second tournament in the near future (possibly early June, the Saturday after Memorial Day). Stay tuned and follow Reggie (@TheRealReggieB) and Jackiem (@JackiemW) on Twitter for updates.

 

Adventures in Bartending: Students Run Philly Happy Hour

posted by kate

posted by Kate // 4.26.10

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about it. I had just been invited to do not ONE, but TWO celebrity bartending gigs in one weekend. The only “bartending” I’d ever done before consisted of an impromptu, but epic, night behind the bar at McFadden’s Ballpark in 2008. Good cheer flowed freely, the crowd was easy to please, and no one yelled at the little girl behind the bar. (Did I mention the Phillies had just won the World Series?)

Nevertheless, I was honored to be asked by Students Run Philly Style to celebrity bartend their Happy Hour at the Field House. This program is successfully mentoring kids through marathon training, combining guidance, inspiration, and an enthusiasm for exercise. How could I say no? Besides, they promised to let me wear one of their really cool shirts! You can purchase them at Students Run events!

Not until my 5 minute bartending cram session, did it dawn on me that I haven’t really “poured” a beer since college. (“How about some beer with that foam?”) After all, it’s not like I have a tap at home. (Although my brother did in college, and still managed to graduate. Way to go Geoff!) Looks like those skills I learned waitressing in high school were finally going to pay off.

Luckily, the only real pressure I felt was to raise enough extra dollars for the kids to make a difference. And you’d be surprised at how generous and forgiving a Philly crowd can be, when they know all of your tips are headed to a worthy cause.

Inside info: The key to success for an inexperienced guest bartender – pour heavily! And remember, you don’t work there, so you can’t truly get fired.  :)

Missed the event but would like to help out? You can donate to Students Run Philly Style here: http://www.studentsrunphilly.org/donate.html

For details of my second night of survival, stay tuned for more “Adventures in Bartending” featuring photos of yours truly and PhillyIn’s own Justin, guest-bartending at Public House, “PhillyIn Public”.

See photos from the Students Run event below!

More photos in the gallery below!

 

Ask AJ – He Has Kids!!!

posted by amber

posted by Amber-Joi // 4.23.10

Hey AJ, I recently met a really cool guy that wants to take me out on a date… the catch is he has 2 kids! Do you have any advice? Should I go?

Hey! Thanks for your question! Let me start by asking, are you allergic to kids!?!  Just kidding!!!  

But seriously, if you think this guy is “really cool”, I say go for it! You’re going out on a date with him, not his kids. More importantly, I think what we tend to forget these days, is that dating is supposed to be fun! Dating (in its most early stages) is simply a way to get out, experience a new perspective, try something different, and get to know a new person. You’re not jumping into a relationship, or marriage with this guy. This is just a date! So relax, you’re not signing up to be step-mommy, yet. Go! See if you have any chemistry… but proceed with caution.

Now, if already know you’re grossly opposed to ever having a serious relationship with someone who has kids, then you shouldn’t go. You may end up making things complicated for yourself and for him. Even if he doesn’t have full custody, those kids aren’t going anywhere until they’re at least 18. You need to be realistic. If he has a baby and you can’t stand diapers, chances are there’s going to be a problem. At the end of the day, you’re replaceable, the kids are not.

On the other hand, the odds of you running into a single parent in Philadelphia are pretty high. According to a recent study, there are almost 155,000 single-parent households in this city. That’s about 22,000 men and 133,000 women. So, you’re bound to meet someone in this situation! If you think you may be able to deal with this in the future, go on your date with an open mind. If you find that you start liking this guy, you definitely want to be very conscious of his “situation”. You may want to keep the following things in mind.

How old are the kids?

What’s his relationship with the children’s mother?

How long have they been apart?

Are they really even apart? (This should really be your first question)

Is he trying to introduce you to his kids right away? (Children are sensitive and shouldn’t be meeting every date daddy has. Out of respect for his children, he shouldn’t be trying to build a relationship between yourself and his kids until there is a relationship between you and him.)

Can you handle being number 2 in his life? (A man with kid’s SHOULD make them number 1 in his life. You can’t be jealous when he needs to spend time with them.)

And here’s a big one!

Who has the kids for the majority of the time? (This is important to take into account. If he has full custody, you run the risk of turning into mommy a week later. Lol! )

The answer to the “should you go” question really comes down to what you are looking for, and what you can handle. If you’re the type of person who can go on a date with little expectation just to have fun… Go! Or, if you can see yourself eventually getting along with the kids and accepting them if the relationship gets serious … Go! However, if the “kids” situation is something you will never be able to adjust to, don’t waste your time, or his!  DON’T GO! There are MANY fish in the sea. (They are just EXTREMELY difficult to fish for sometimes).