Farmhaus
Ben McBrien scours the streets of Philadelphia for wood and metal to salvage, then holds onto it until the right project comes along. The former pro surfer has forged a successful second career working closely with clients to turn all that reclaimed stuff into beautiful furniture that's a little rugged, a little modern and designed specifically to match your vision. 2137 North American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, farmhausmodern.com.
New Azaad
It may not look like much (and really, it doesnt), but after several meals consumed both in the restaurant and on the go, weve tried nearly every item on the menu and can confidently report that no other traditional Indian restaurant in the region even comes close. From the goat and chicken curries to the papdi chaat to the extensive sweets case (after all, theres a world beyond gulab jamun), you simply cant go wrong here. And its cheaper than Ti_ffin! Just get there now and thank us later. 6443 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19149, facebook.com/pages/New-Azaad-Food/226414474482?rf=117920948233669.
Artur Kirsch at the Studio CL
Don't be confused when the blowout comes before Artur has so much as touched his (electronic, hair-end-sealing) scissors: You wear your hair dry, and so he shall cut your hair dry. And when you exit and instinctively strut down 19th like Beyonc's wind machine is blowing on you, you'll find it's a very hard technique to argue with. 128 South 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, thestudiocl.com.
Geisha House
The store name conjures kimonos, but the racks here loaded with edgy, mostly Australian brands like Cameo, Maurie & Eve, Keepsake and Finders Keepers are more beachy than bento. There are boho maxi dresses and eclectic jewelry from Cali-based designers, too all feminine, with a splash of sex appeal. And those Japanese brands? Theyre coming soon. 149 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, hellogeisha.com.
Marigold Kitchen
Robert Halperns cooking is as American as the Cabot-clothbound-cheddar cracker he likes to send out before appetizers, and as New as the liquefaction process that makes that cheese spill over your tongue like a stream of not-quite-molten lava. The amuse-bouches are the coolest things going in this timeworn rowhouse popcorn sauced with liquid nitrogen, ice-cream-droplet tricolore salad, chocolate-dusted corn ravioli which is good, since dinner comes with about a dozen of them. 501 South 45th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, marigoldkitchenbyob.wordpress.com.
The Republican
Common sense will tell you to avoid this place: It's dark. It's grimy. There are two poles and a mirror, and they're used frequently and with varying degrees of skill. But come 2 a.m., this place fills up with an almost glorious assortment of humanity. It's South Philly, folks; embrace it until the wee hours. And if you get too skeeved/drunk/hungry, the Melrose is mere steps up the street. 1734 Snyder Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145, .
Paesano's Philly Style
Peter McAndrews's second Paesano's and his third eatery, counting Modo Mio opened at 9th and Christian back in February. And it's even more lovable than the first one, thanks to extra seating and his new lasagna-and-fried-egg sandwich, the Bolognese. But both outposts know no limit when it comes to total sandwich debauchery, with overly drippy, saucy, cheesy, meaty and sometimes, if you're lucky, yolk-y delicious gluttony on a roll. 1017 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, paesanosphillystyle.com.
Anyabwile Love of Bailey Street Books
Most people retire and relax, but this beloved CCP professor had other plans. After years of teaching history and Black studies, Love has taken his passion for the field and transformed it into a bookstore featuring a vintage collection of Black history and literature that’s more timely than ever. Bailey Street Books (1517 North Bailey Street in Brewerytown) will continue to educate Philadelphians for many years to come — making it ultimate retirement-plan goals.
Angela Monaco Jewelry
Okay, if you use a pair of pliers, you can remove the permanent bracelets — but why would you want to? They come in various price points, metals (sterling silver, rose gold) and links (hearts, paper clips), and charms can be added. Bring your bestie to your appointment for a modern kind of friendship bracelet — one that’s welded by a laser onto your wrist. 2001 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, angelamonacojewelry.com.
Note to Self
The vision behind Note to Self — the women-owned mini spa that opened in November? Slowing down with your wellness. That’s why there’s a menu of restorative services (relaxing massages, nurturing facials, acupuncture, an energy-healing experience) plus beauty services from waxing to makeup sessions. You’ll come in for one treatment, then add on another and another and another until before you know it, you’ve passed the whole day in pure bliss. 1401 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19122, notetoselfwellness.com.
Philadelphia Film Center
No, the building formerly known as the Prince Music Theater doesn’t have those reclining seats. But it does boast one of the largest screens in the area, 35mm film capabilities (a rarity these days), audiophile-worthy sound, and an impressive spread of repertory selections for all tastes. Coming up: classics like Psycho, Taxi Driver and The Night of the Hunter plus a retrospective of Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos. 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, filmadelphia.org.
Pet Nanny
Instead of Fido going to the doggie motel, the Pet Nanny comes to Fido. Pet-first-aid-certified “nannies” stay overnight with your fur baby when you’re outta town — and while they’re there, they can also vacuum your carpets, water your plants, and even pick up a few groceries. Services the Main Line. pet-nanny.net.
PHLove
We loved watching Philly (and formerly Philly) music greats Darryl Hall, Questlove, Amos Lee and Patti LaBelle come together for this telethon/variety show, which raised $1.5 million for the PHL COVID-19 Relief Fund. Miss Patti absolutely killed it, as did the gospel choir that followed her. Find the full concert on YouTube. philafound.org/covid-19/phlove.
Le Virtù
This Abruzzo-focused Italian restaurant takes the prize in a city full of Italian restaurants because weve never had a bad meal, a bad time or even a bad moment here. There's always just one more thing on the menu you have to try the next time you come in no matter how many times youve already been. Plus, the bowl of sausage and polenta is as good as tube-shaped meats get. 1927 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, levirtu.com.
Blossom
Blink and you'll miss this little shop, which from the sidewalk looks as though it vends orchids only, but then reveals itself to be unrivaled when it comes to imaginative and sophisticated arrangements incorporating all sorts of blooms. We've tried DIY here; it doesn't quite work. Let owner Kevin Kim do his thing. You'll be happy. 225 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, .