Hello PCC readers. Sorry about last week, I took a little breather for a few days. Hope you had a great weekend. Recently I’ve discovered a cool thrift store in our area called2nd Ave Thrift Superstore. (They contacted me to work on a project, which wasn’t a good fit.) They have several stores in our area, including one in Pennsauken next to one of my favorite SNJ restaurants the Pub. I went to that store last week after talking to their marketing person, seeing their items as I needed a different new camera bag, I bought a few books as well.
This week I headed to their newest store in our area, located in Fairless Hills, Buck County. A 44,000 square foot flagship store, located at 330 Commerce Boulevard in the Court at Oxford Valley. They were having their end of the summer bash with 50% off clothing, shoes and accessories. The place was packed, but you’d never know it as these stores are very spacious.
At the opening of the store in May, 2nd Ave Thrift Superstores CEO Tony Peressini told the Bucks County Local “We are excited to open this flagship location which will meet a rapidly growing customer base of shoppers who have lacked a convenient opportunity to shop the premiere thrift experience that 2nd Ave offers,” said . “Used clothing is the eighth largest U.S. export and at 2nd Ave we recycle all unsold clothing and household items, freeing landfills from millions of pounds of waste annually. Our efforts benefit local and national economies through job creation and our mission to be an integral part of the community and serve as the go-to for high quality secondhand clothing and household items needed in the area.”
National Thrift Shop Day, is celebrated tomorrow on August 17; it’s all about supporting local thrift shops and raising awareness for charitable organizations. Thrift shops aim to help those most vulnerable in communities and give back to the needy. Head to 2nd Ave Thrift Superstoreto celebrate, today and tomorrow.
More than 10,000 pieces of merchandise will be added to its sales floor each day including: clothing, shoes, housewares, jewelry, games, books, vinyls and much more.
More than 10,000 pieces of merchandise will be added to its sales floor each day including: clothing, shoes, housewares, jewelry, games, books, vinyls and much more.
Their prices are really amazing. Clothes, jewelry, books, household items, better than reasonably priced, very affordable. Nice clothing as well. They have dressing rooms and rest rooms for those long shopping trips.
More than 10,000 pieces of merchandise will be added to its sales floor each day including: clothing, shoes, housewares, jewelry, games, books, vinyls and much more. Check out this link to visit a 2nd Ave Thrift Superstore near you, and you can be sure I’ll be bringing you more fun shopping excursions soon . I have a few more shopping items on my list, like dishes, books etc.
To help the community prepare for a successful return to full, in-person learning on August 31, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation (Foundation) jointly announced with the School District of Philadelphia the first-ever Back-to-School Bus Tour last Friday at the School District location on Broad Street.
The Tour, which is funded by the Foundation, will provide critical back-to-school information and services to students and families, including free required childhood immunizations.
Dr. William R. Hite, Jr., Ed.D. Superintendent, SDP and Lorina Marshall Blake, President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation standing inside The School District of Philadelphia Welcome Back Bus.
Stephen Fera is executive vice president of public affairs at Independence Blue Cross, Sheila Hess, City Rep and Mayor Jim Kenney
Kicking off on August 9 at the Jardel Recreation Center, the specially-wrapped buses will visit 31 neighborhoods through August 27.
At each stop, students and families will have an opportunity to meet with School District of Philadelphia Street Team Ambassadors who will share details for pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade registration and assist with signing up for the Parent Portal. Students will also be able to receive a free backpack and school supplies.
What’s in the bag, lip balm, a water bottle, hand sanitizer and info on school policies as well as vaccinations needed to attend school, which were being administered for free, plus physicals to play athletics. A complete list of the Back-to-School Bus Tour stops and the latest back-to-school updates can be found at philasd.org/ringthebell.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation (Foundation) is a private, corporate charitable foundation that was established in 2011 with a mission to lead sustainable solutions that improve the health and well-being of the community. The Foundation has awarded more than $48M in grants to nonprofits and academic institutions in the southeastern Pennsylvania region whose programs and services address access to care, the health care workforce, and nonprofit sustainability.
Owners of We Rock the SpectrumKelly McAllister has a degree in business and marketing that she earned from Penn State University. Her husband, Sean, was born and raised in the neighborhood and most of their extended family still resides here as well. Kelly and Sean are extremely passionate about family and have three sons of their own: Logan (4), Jackson aka Jack-Jack (2), and Cameron. We Rock The Spectrum is exactly the kind of place they’d want their kids to enjoy, if they weren’t the owners.
Our Gym Includes: Suspended equipment with swings – for balance and vestibular treatment Crash mats and crash pillows – for fun, motor planning, and strength Zip line – for stress release and joint and body relaxation Trampoline – for building leg and core strength Indoor play structure – for climbing and increasing playground skills Sensory-based toys – for improved auditory processing and fine motor skills Fine Motor and Arts and Crafts Area – for improved hand-eye coordination We Rock the Spectrum is a growing kids gym franchise of sensory-safe indoor playgrounds, classes, and birthday parties for ALL kids!
Thanks to PhillyChitChat Team Member Andre Flewellen for shooting this event. Check out more photos and story in Metro Philly today.
Independence Blue Cross (Independence) and vybe urgent care (vybe) announce the opening of a COVID-19 vaccination site at Independence LIVE (1919 Market Street in Philadelphia), on the Independence Blue Cross campus. The site is open to residents of Philadelphia who meet the City of Philadelphia’s eligibility guidelines – which now includes people 65 and older – and who have made an appointment. There is also focused outreach being done by Independence and vybe to reach priority populations defined by the City.
Appointments for the general public are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Independence and vybe will also be reaching out to eligible members/patients in Philadelphia to schedule them for appointments at Independence LIVE. “We hope that the site helps make it possible for the City to inoculate more eligible people in an efficient and equitable way.” – Gregory E. Deavens
“This is truly a time to be optimistic in the battle against COVID-19,” said Peter Hotz, president and CEO of vybe urgent care. “Every vaccine we give moves us to a safer and healthier city, and we know Philadelphians are ready to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated.”
Philadelphia residents who are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine can make an appointment at Independence LIVE by visiting vybe.care or by calling 215-999-3715.
Not on my diet, I wrote last week when I reposted this delicious looking Philly pretzel, a pretzel cut in twos like a sandwich cause it is, a delicious looking bacon, egg & cheese sandwich sold at the new Row Home Coffee shop in Rittenhouse Square. Obviously my readers have good taste as well by the likes on this photograph. For many years I would run over and try such a delight, especially after an invitation as I got from the Row Home Coffee folks. My response, polite but a no. I’m trying to lose weight.
I was once skinny, in fact downright anorexic. Here in 1994 with Mike, and the guy who “introduced” us Rich Liu (we both attended his graduation party and met there), I weighed 155lbs. It’s Mike’s fault, I fell in love, was happy and gained weight, isn’t that how it’s supposed to be? No idea who took this photo, but it cracks me up cause it’s as candid as can be, not one of my favorites, but I kept it.
In this post I won’t be doing my before, currently before photos, but maybe down the road a bit. OK it’s the New Year, and it’s going to be the New Hugh, again, because there is no shame in trying again, and again. With each passing year I attempt to return to healthy, I have made some in roads. It’s hard as you know, especially during the pandemic, cause food is so comforting, and exercise is work.
A few months ago my client GlobalFit, a leading workplace health and wellness technology company, told me about one of their companies the Charge Group virtual nutrition group, an innovative and rapidly growing provider of insurance-funded workplace health and nutrition program. I wasn’t ready to experience it. I wanted to eat freely, ignoring my ballooning weight and high blood sugar. I’m sure my readers were upset, since 2 years ago I announced I was at my wits end with my health. At the time I did get it under control, my numbers came down, I was happy, and then the pandemic occurred and everything went out the window.
Last week I took the first step in taking charge of my life, again. This time with a registered dietician, and the best part it’s virtual, I can do this, even when life returns to normal. I like talking to someone about food, the issues regarding food, I like having accountability, it’s like a therapist for food.
I signed up last week and was paired with dietician Catherine Perez. She went over the services with me, and explained how the insurance supported, one-on-one nutrition counseling services work (my insurance IBX covers 6 visits, a year, and if you want you can pay $75 a visit not covered. That is definitely worth it for me, they have reasonable package programs as well if it’s not covered by insurance as well.) CHARGE is an in-network provider for most major health plans. We were on the phone for more than an hour, and she knows more about my eating habits than anyone. You can trust them with your secrets, which they’ve heard before and will be able to provide you with guidance to reach your goals. BUT with everything, you are your biggest advocate. You need to be honest with yourself, or this won’t work.
Just like many of youse, I’ve tried many programs before, most are great, but they just didn’t fit my lifestyle, which is lazy and convenient, this feels like a good fit. At the end of the 90 minutes I had the foundation and tools to help me achieve my goals, this time. I love they have an online food diary, and a daily goal worksheet. Catherine can see it. This week wasn’t perfect, but I’m on a journey. Come with me, on a fantastic voyage. I’ll be posting here weekly on my progress, I’ll be honest, I honestly want to get healthier, feel better, fit in the chairs at Butcher & Singer, see a show at the Forrest Theater, or need help getting me up after crouching down for a photo at a concert etc.
Christmas is a week away and some of us are still undecided on what to serve , we have you covered from apps to desserts, for the holidays, and Christmas
Pick up here: The Olde Bar, 125 Walnut Street Order by: December 19 Pick-up by: December 23 and December 24, 12:00pm to 6:30pm
Enjoy a traditional Italian Christmas Eve feast cooked in the style of The Olde Bar! $67.50 per person, minimum 2 people, Ready-to-Heat, Instructions Included. Includes: Cured Hamachi Pastrami, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Curried Mussels, Crab and Corn Chowder, Bay Scallop Pappardelle, Lobster Pot Pie, and Tile Fish en Pappillote. Finished with a slice of 9-layer caramel chocolate cake with el Corazon curd and sea salt .
4) Garces Trading Company Christmas Family Dinner Order here: http://garcestradingcompany.com/ Pick up here: The Olde Bar, 125 Walnut Street Order by: December 19 Pick-up by: December 23 and December 24, 12:00pm to 6:30pm
Enjoy a traditional, Chef-cooked Christmas Day Supper from our family to yours. $50 per person, minimum 2 people, Ready-to-Heat with instructions. Includes: Choice of sliced Pineapple-Glazed Ham with Golden Raisins & Mustard or Turkey Breast & Gravy. Served with family-style portions of Cider-Glazed Carrots, Truffled Mashed Potatoes, Green Salad with Grapefruit, Artichoke Gratin, and Parker House Rolls. Includes Chef’s selection of holiday cookies.
Caffe Aldo Lamberti Christmas Eve Dinner – DINE IN OR TAKE-OUT/ PICK-UP 2011 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ, 08002 Caffelamberti.com (856) 663-1747 Open for Christmas Eve dining for take-out and dine-in Open for Indoor Dining and Take-Out Reservations are required and subject to availability All takeout orders must be in by 12/22/20 and picked up prior to 4:00pm. Pickup times subject to availability and may fill up Reservations for Christmas Eve dinner between 3:30 pm and 8:00 pm Reservations for Christmas Eve lunch (regular menu) between 11:30 and 3:00pm
The Lamberti family hosts their favorite tradition with Christmas Eve Dinner, for dine-in and take-out. Caffe Aldo Lamberti will be featuring their Chef’s special menu, with pairings chosen by our Sommelier. Call 856-663-1747 to reserve your socially-distanced table. Selections include: Jumbo Shrimp & Scallops Fra Diavolo $35 spicy tomato sauce, linguine, Veal Campagnola $28 Roasted peppers, broccoli rabe, garlic, white wine, cheese ravioli, Filet Mignon Gorgonzola $48 bacon, jumbo lump crabmeat, spinach, roasted potatoes, Grilled 16 Ounce Veal Rib Chop $48 mushrooms, brandy cream sauce, broccoli rabe, potatoes, 16 ounce New York Strip $48 broccoli rabe, potatoes, Zucchini Crabcake $19 jumbo lump crabmeat, herbs, roasted peppers, baby spinach, Yellowfin Tuna and Crab $17 avocado, cucumber, arugula, lime, EVOO, chipotle pepper sauce, and more.
Smokin Betty’s (215) 922-6500 116 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Devil’s Alley 1907 Chestnut St Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 751-0707 Available for hot pick-up on Dec 24 and Dec 25 12 Noon to 5:00pm. $45 Per Person, which includes: Every person gets: -Southwest Corn Chowder (Included with ALL ORDERS)-Garden Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette (Included with ALL ORDERS)
El Camino (215) 925-1110 1040 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123 Holiday Dinner Packages 2-$80 4-$140 8-10-$260 Entrees – Pick One: Ribeye Roast Beef Braised Brisket Pot Roast Fried Turkey
Sides: Spinach & Roasted Squash Salad- Pumpkin Seeds, Bacon, Dried Cranberries, Red Onions, Lemon Sesame Dressing String Beans with Almonds & Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes Orange Honey Glazed Carrots Rice Pilaf with Dried Cranberries & Pecans Parker House Rolls
Desserts – Pick One: Chocolate Yule Log Red Velvet Roll
Ala Carte Offerings – Turkey and Gravy – $85.00 6lb Ribeye Roast – $100.00 6lb Braised Brisket Pot Roast – $85.00 Sting Beans with Almonds & Brown Butter – $25.00 Mashed Potatoes – $25.00 Orange Honey Glazed Carrots – $25.00 Rice Pilaf with Dried Cranberries & Pecans – $25.00 Chocolate Yule Log – $25.00 Red Velvet Roll – $25.00
Dim Sum House Rittenhouse, 1930 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 University City, 3939 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Christmas Eve and Day, 12:00pm to 8:00pm Open for take-out, delivery and pick-up from regular menu as usual Also open for special new Feast for 2 or 4 For Feast order by December 23 for December 24 pick-up For Feast order by December 24 for December 25 pick-up Feast for 2 – $80 Half Peking Duck & Ginger Scallion Lobster 2 Dim Sum of choice – see below for selections. 1 Rice/Noodle of choice – see below for selections.
Shanghai options for Dim Sum: Pork Soup Dumpling, Spicy Pork Soup Dumpling, Crab & Pork Soup Dumpling, Pan Fried Soup Dumpling, Scallion Pancake, Beef Stuffed Scallion Pancake Pork & Leek Dumpling, Pumpkin Tart, Veg Spring Rolls, Pickled Garlic Cucumber, Chili oil Wontons, Sesame Soy Brussel Sprouts
Cantonese options for Dim Sum: Crystal Shrimp Dumplings, Spicy Shrimp Dumplings, Pork & Shrimp Siu Mai, Shrimp Siu Mai, Shrimp Cheung Fun, Fried Shrimp Balls, Chicken Feet, Shrimp & Chive Dumplings, Shrimp Stuffed Eggplant, Tofu Black Bean Sauce, Vegetable Tofu Skin Roll, Turnip Cake, Durian Cake, Roast Pork Bao, Egg Tart, Egg Custard Bao
Rice/Noodle options: Authentic Fried Rice, Lo Mein, Pad Thai, Ho Fun, Mei Fun
Supper for All (feeds 4-6 ppl) – $150 Half Peking Duck & Ginger Scallion Lobster 2 Dim Sum of choice – see below for options 2 Vegetables of choice – see below for options 2 Rice/Noodle of choice – see below for options 2 Familiar of choice withprotein – see below for options
Stove and Tap Prime Rib Christmas Dinner Stove and Co. presents Christmas Eve-Day menu for pick-up on Christmas Eve at all four restaurants Stove and Tap Malvern, Stove and Tap Lansdale, The Bercy in Ardmore and Al Pastor in Exton!
Al Pastor in Exton 484-341-8888, 560 Wellington Square, Exton, PA 19341
The Bercy in Ardmore 609-870-3027, 7E Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003
Stove and Tap in Landsdale 215-393-8277, 329 W. Main Street, Lansdale
Stove and Tap in Malvern 484-450-8890, 245 Lancaster Ave, Malvern/ Frasier Order by December 20th by calling restaurant number Pick-up by December 24th
Di Bruno Bros. a traditional holiday stop, has now opened a pop-up, outdoor holiday market near its bottle shop in the heart of the Italian Market which is opened through the end of the year. Don’t delay, visitors can shop for their for cheese, charcuterie, antipasti, snacks, sweets, gourmet gift boxes and wine.The pop-up is open daily through the holiday season.
In between shopping guests can grab a seat and enjoy a drink and delicious Di Bruno Bros. fare
For this special delivery, there is extra meaning as Singer recently underwent open heart surgery at the Hospital and wanted to bring some thanks to the employees working so hard and putting their own lives at risk. While he was in the hospital several times, he left the ICU and is recovering, but many COVID and other patients won’t this holiday.
The meals, prepared by Manny’s Restaurant and Delicatessen in Southampton, Bucks County, were sent over by jeweler Steven Singer. He was unable to be there in-person after undergoing open-heart surgery at Pennsylvania, where he says he received top-notch care.
Christine Tierney, Chief Human Resources Officer – Pennsylvania Hospital thanks Steven Singer representative for the delicious gesture, as Frank Anastasi, MBA, Chief Financial Officer at Pennsylvania Hospital University of Pennsylvania Health System and staff look on. This special feast for hospital workers is Singers’ way of giving back and part of his pledge to donate a portion from every gold dipped rose to help feed front line workers – while supporting local restaurants in crisis from the global pandemic. For this feast, Singer purchased each and every dinner from Manny’s Catering in Bucks County/ Southampton.
“My heart breaks for the world! It breaks for those who have lost loved ones, those who are ill, small businesses and independent restaurants and everyone effected by this ugly virus, and that is everyone.” – Steven Singer. “We want to be there to support our local community now and long-term. These hospital workers put themselves at risk each and every day, and have to deal with things that are unimaginable to the rest of us. On this unique holiday with numbers soaring, we wanted to support them and say thanks – and let them know we are all with them.”
Singer and his team provided 650+ meals to employees giving up their holiday to serve patients with COVID 19, those in the ICU and other areas of the hospital. They enjoyed individually wrapped, free catered turkey dinners with all the trimmings and pumpkin pie.
Steven Singer Jewelers Steven Singer is a first-generation jeweler and small business owner on Jeweler’s Row. With 40 years on Philadelphia’s historic Jewelers Row, Steven has been an innovator of the jewelry industry with his maverick marketing efforts including the I Hate Steven Singer Campaign. More information at www.IHateStevenSinger.com
Northern Liberties Business Improvement District kicked off the holiday season with the debut of Northern Liberties Holiday Pop-up, last week, on Black Friday for two weekends, November 27th-29th and December 3rd-6th, from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. This brand-new socially-distanced holiday shopping event features 15+ small local businesses and makers from around the Philadelphia region popping up with gifts, decor, fashions, treats and more in eight retail locations along N. 2nd Street. From French Toast Bites, to Christmas trees and ornaments, bridal wear to baguettes, there will be something for everyone on Santa’s holiday shopping list.
The District’s existing favorite retail shops will also be ready with gifts for all ages like Trunc and Madison’s Cookies. .
Additionally, while visiting the District, shoppers are invited to make a day of it in Northern Liberties by enjoying a meal, hot beverage, baked good or Christmas cocktail at one of the District’s dozens of restaurants, bakeries and cafes
For participating Holiday Pop-up Shop locations, look for the festive framed signs and posters. Social distancing and masks are required. Many merchants will also offer additional safety protocols and contactless forms of payments. For a full list of vendors, dates and locations, visit explorenorthernliberties.org.
InBox: Be our guest, be our guest! You and your family are invited to be the belle of the ball at the first-ever Christmas Belle Brunch: The Beauty Princess at the Igloos. This socially-distanced dining experience is perfect for kids of all ages who love Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Northern Liberties’ based A Dash of Magic Events partners with Germantown Garden Grill (1029 Germantown Ave) and Glu Hospitality after the success of the Enchanted in Northern Liberties: Snow Queen Brunch series.
This socially-distanced positive and magical dining experience will include 90 minutes at a private, exclusive and heated igloo just for you and your immediate family members. Get ready to enjoy a safe and socially-distanced photo opportunity, songs from the princesses story and a grand entrance. Each reservation will also receive a private The Beauty Princess visit per each Igloo, a souvenir, and princess themed activity sheets – and a special holiday dessert that would make even Chef Bouche hungry! Leave room for brunch and lunch, plus hot beverages for kids and adults. Food and drink is pay-as-you-go.Tickets are $15.00 per person for Igloo seating and $10.00 per person for outdoor seating without the Igloo. A portion of each ticket will go to charity, and provide a free princess appearance for children in need through the Salvation Army.
This event is open to a very limited number of tickets to make this dining experience very safe and intimate. Capacity for this event will be at less 10% of the entire capacity for the venue, to ensure safety and health protocols. All children and adults above the age of two must wear a mask to and from their dining table. The Beauty Princess already has her special princess themed matching mask. She can’t wait to see your costumes and masks too! Costumes for the little ones are encouraged but not required. All families attending must follow the local and health guidelines at the time of the event. If the event is postponed due to weather, all parties will be able to transfer their ticket to a new date and time. Tickets are on sale now at www.germantowngarden.com.
