If overstuffing yourself with family-style portions of italianate fare is your thing, you’ll be pleased as paunch with Carmine’s. With generously spaced tables, old-fashioned framed portraits, and strawberry shortcake that could double as a seat cushion, the Quarter’s chain trattoria heaps its shrimp scampi atop miles of angel hair, ladles swaths of sweet mushrooms over its chicken marsala, and builds skyscrapers out of its antipasti. Not surprisingly, it’s best to come here en masse—large reservations are welcome, and birthday and bachelor parties abound—or at least with a partner who shares your craving for manicotti the size of bedroom slippers.
The Philadelphia Wine Festival is back for its 9th year! This premier tasting event boasts nearly 200 fine wineries from around the world. May 8. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown.