Table of Contents: Philadelphia Magazine
December 2008
COVER STORY
When this magazine came into being in 1908, who could have predicted that masses of Philadelphians would perish in a flu epidemic? Or that a machine...
By Michael Callahan
Features
Philadelphia has long been derided for its overarching parochialism. But could it be that’s actually what makes us … great? JOE QUEENAN finds the answer in a lost baseball glove, a hidden cafe, and the joy of watching the Eagles with a dying man
Springsteen famously sang about the streets of Philadelphia, but our most stunning achievement lies a bit higher. Touring the city’s breathtaking, sadly unheralded architecture, CAMILLE PAGLIA offers a simple piece of advice: Look up, people
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Like an illicit affair, the city gets into your blood, and can still drive you crazy years after you’ve left it. In a love (hate) letter to the town that launched her career, LISA DePAULO proves that while you can take the girl out of Philly …
So just how much of a “local” are you, really?
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Chairman, "Philadelphia" magazine, and “Off the Cuff” columnist; Philadelphia; 79
Of all of the contributions Philadelphia has given the world (like, say, democracy), none has become more identified with our city than the tasty concoction
Pat Olivieri invented back in 1930. The cheesesteak has evolved into our signature icon, the most Philly of Philly symbols, recognized (and eaten) around the world. Here, an oral history of the sandwich we can’t live wit’out.
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He was the aristocrat who found his voice as a populist. The cerebral lawyer who fought in two World Wars. The cocktail-shaker dilettante who became the greatest reformer in the history of the city. Here’s why, more than ever, we need a mayor like Dick Dilworth
Departments
We hear dead people.
He’s the inventor of the crab fry, the (accidental) mastermind of the Chickie’s & Pete’s empire, and best friends with everyone from Ed Rendell to Jon Bon Jovi. No wonder Pete Ciarrocchi thinks life is bee-you-tee-ful.
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Fox 29 reporter Jeff Cole isn’t a racist (despite what a City Council staffer says). He’s just obsessed with busting liars, cheats and bad guys.
In a post-parade conversation, Phils pitcher Jamie Moyer and obsessive fan and Hollywood filmmaker ("Radio", "Coach Carter") Mike Tollin get misty comparing notes on the national pastime, fathers and sons, and the bond between player and fan. Who says there’s no crying in baseball?
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Dining, Food & Wine
No, really. People do eat fruitcake. McMillan’s Bakery in Westmont sells more than 700 pounds of the Christmas classic every year. Perhaps...
of Pumpkin, Pumpkin Cafe and Pumpkin Market
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The hot spots Philly Mag staffers are eating at this month
In search of margaritas and authentic Mexican flavors
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Philly's most avant-garde chef serves up burgers at Pub & Kitchen
Mulled wines and Irish coffees were our go-to drinks for soul-warming on snowy days, until we discovered a slew of local bartenders mixing up...
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Shopping & Style
Certain holiday decorations are classic: the tree, the wreath, the lights. Christmas and Hanukkah just wouldn’t be the same without ’em....
Wanamakers, Nan Duskin, KOP… fashion played a huge role in shaping Philly’s past 100 years. Check out some of the top shopping moments...
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Sure, the holiday season is all about carols and cocktails, warm fires and sparkly clothes, wonderful gifts … Oh, yeah. The gifts. Admit it:...
Pulse
Over lunch at La Veranda, president and COO of Comcast-Spectacor Peter Luukko lets Sam Katz in on the game plan for his teams — and their fans
On that historic Friday in October, as floats sailed through the city to celebrate Philly’s looong-awaited World Series win, all eyes were on a...
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Bonjour, dumplings! I’m feeling veddy French following the Samantha Pouls Park Hyatt bat mitzvah. The theme was “Juicy Couture Meets Marie...
Fight of the Century In which our icon kicks Milwaukee’s icon’s ass. Obviously
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Weeks before Election Day, Local 98 boss John Dougherty sent a message to union members, 80 percent of whom are white: Don’t let Obama’s...
The Philly Food Scene Goes Bicoastal
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Politics on top of politics at the Inky
It’s Christmastime in the city. And for a surprising number of Philadelphians — about 6,000 — that means it’s time to down...
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Other
Act fast to save big — and lose big — with these local gyms' current specials — some only are good until the clock strikes 12 on the 31st, so get movin'!
If spicy food makes you want to salsa, you’re in luck. Paxia, the new Mexican BYOB in the old Molcajete Mixto space, kicked off a new event...
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Every so often while reading Food & Wine magazine’s New York City-based blog Mouthing Off, I am overcome by my envy for the foodies who live...
Last-minute holiday shopping needs? Well, if you have foodies on your list, check out Ingredient Specialty Foods in Manayunk. The shelves are stocked...
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What Philadelphia is wearing this week.
This Indian cuisine restaurant gets a second shot.
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The Business Journal this week reported on a study released by Wharton School of Business that says malls might not bounce back from the recession for...
So what brings you to the Philadelphia area this weekend?Probably a car. Funny. Let's try this again. You're performing, of course, at the Lenape...
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Nonalcoholic beverages are often so cloying and sweet that they don’t make a fit partner for food. Usually, if I’m not drinking wine but...
This year, presents ought to be affordable and memorable. It’s all about the thought… which is why I think I should receive this softly...
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Art in the form of a note card — that's the simplest way to describe the stationery offerings by South Jersey-based Spruce Avenue. The team...
Veteran Philadelphia reporter Carol Saline on her pick for the holidays ...If you’re looking for holiday entertainment, don't miss Judy...
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Avgolemono may sound like a fancy and intimidating dish, but it’s really just a Greek version of chicken soup. Kanella’s version — a...
Ten perfect presents for your favorite fit (or want-to-be fit!) loved ones
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Happy Friday! Weird weather this week, huh? 67? Rain? Sun? In the 30s this weekend? Really looking forward to the raging colds we'll all have by the...
Okay, we all have those ornaments — those been-in-the-family-forever cotton-ball snowmen and popsicle-stick elves you made when you were in...
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It’s the most fattening time of the year — we all know it. For me, one way to keep indulgences in check is to embrace my vegetarian side....
Nothing kills holiday cheer like a canceled office party. If your workplace has put the kibosh on this year’s festivities, there’s another...
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At its regular price, this prosecco is a steal, so when it’s on sale — as it is this month — snap it up. Prosecco, a sparkling wine...
We were psyched to receive the news that Francesca Sloan, designer of local line Babooshka, has returned to Philly after some time in Pittsburgh. See...
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Today marks the start of East Passyunk Avenue’s holiday bar crawls, happening weekly through December 17th. This recently revitalized shopping...
Forget the extra shot of espresso this holiday and ask for protein instead
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Thankfully, “socially conscious” and “style” are no longer mutually exclusive — and Philly-native Ahyana King’s...
I was recently compelled to take a short culinary vacation to Manhattan. New Yorkers may argue that their city is superior to ours in terms of...
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You can update what’s already in your closet with simple, non-budget-breaking accessories.
I was an early fan of Swallow in Northern Liberties. I loved this BYOB bistro for its low-fuss approach to cooking. (I was particularly smitten with...
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Who doesn’t crave hot chocolate this time of year? It’s sweet and soothing and just one mug can make the winter chill and holiday stress...
Happy Friday!So, we had a few Street Style firsts on this week’s street-walking outing: two of our victims — er, chosen ones — were...
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QVC in West Chester (yes, the shop-at-home HQ) is having an in-studio sale all weekend that will benefit a few charities. Get clothing, accessories,...
To avoid scalpers and Craigslist scams, consult this handy guide to the shows soon to go on sale ...Judging by the shows going on sale this weekend,...
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Philadelphia native Tom Wilson — you know him as Biff from Back to the Future — brings his clean standup act to Helium Comedy Club this...
Chile may be better known for its robust reds, but the cool, coastal Chilean vineyards shine in the realm of white wines, too. With exceptional...
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What I miss most about living in South Philly? Easy: Sarcone’s bread. So you can imagine how happy I was to happen on A Cut Above in Newtown...


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