Talking Headz
The stylists at this edgy Cedar Park salon cut hair while it's dry, which allows them to follow your mane's natural shape, lets you check out the new 'do in real time, and gets you in and out in 30 minutes. These knockout styles also come at a remarkably affordable price: about $25 per cut. 4922 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143, talkingheadzhairsalon.com/main.html.
Zeppoli
Chef Joey Baldinos love letter to jumped-up classic Italian is a wonder on many levels. The food is brilliant (particularly the antipasti, with flavors so vivid it should come with a passport stamp). The service is smooth; the Sicilian focus is smart. But whats most amazing is that in a city so dedicated to Italian food, you occasionally have to go across the bridge to find it done this well. 618 Collings Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08107, zeppolirestaurant.com.
Whipped Bakeshop
We were so busy admiring Whipped Bakeshop's pretty little cupcakes in luscious flavors like lemon curd and banana chocolate chip peanut butter that we almost didn't notice the Fishtown bakery's younger, more modern child, the cakecup. It's confectionery genius, really, and thrifty, too: Leftover cake trimmings (mmm, burnt edges) come naked or blasted with icing, ganache or whipped cream, in a grande-size plastic cup. Retail hours on Saturdays only. 636 Belgrade Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, whippedbakeshop.com.
The Little Bakery
Biscotti with just the right texture, crunch and flavor are hard to come by. Demand that they be gluten-free, and the task seemed nigh impossible—until we found the assortment here, which were so good that even the gluten lovers in the office couldn't stop eating. Our other favorite: the delicious mint-iced chocolate brownies, which are moist and rich and left us licking our lips. 921 Penllyn-Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, thelittlebakeryinbluebell.com.
PHL Pride Collective
Just when you thought change couldn’t come any faster in the city’s ever-evolving LGBTQIA community, PHL Pride Collective told everyone to hold their beer. After last year’s dismantling of the original (and arguably antiquated) Philly Pride Presents, this diverse group of community activists organized one of the most intersectional, inclusive and overall-badass Pride celebrations ever. Those trying to reimagine their problematic programming (looking at you, Mummers) should take notes from them ASAP. phlpridecollective.org.
RAM Floral
One of owner and founder Rebecca DePasquale’s favorite creations is a “floud” — a floral cloud that seems to hover on the ground, on tabletops, and on other surfaces. (She uses elements like pin frogs, shallow vases, and blooms in a cavalcade of colors, primarily sourced from local growers.) You can see the flower-filled feat come to life at your wedding — if you book her services. 660 West Washington Street, Norristown, PA 19401, ramfloral.com.
Arepa Grub Spot
This is exactly the place you want to keep in your back pocket for lunch or a late-night snack. If you can’t find something to love among its 20 different kinds of Venezuelan arepas, you got problems no restaurant is gonna fix. It’s fast, delicious and, most of all, generous. Everyone comes here hungry. But no one leaves that way. 1112 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, arepagrubspotpa.com.
Plaza Garibaldi
All restaurant-inclined Philadelphians have an arsenal of Mexican spots they talk about with regularity. But, surprisingly, Plaza Garibaldi doesn’t come up in conversation that often. Since 2002, it’s been serving excellent cabeza and al pastor tacos in fresh corn tortillas, tomahawk steaks with grilled scallions and nopales, and house horchata. You’ll find yourself wondering how you’ve never been here before. 935 Washington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, plazagaribalditogo.com.
Lamb neck gravy at the Industry
Pat Szoke first experimented with pork on the way to developing this memorable dish, but his pivot over to lamb necks which are even richer than the shoulder landed him an instant classic. Its simple: lamb necks braised in red wine and rosemary-accentedtomatoes, topped with creamy house-made ricotta and then served with grilled baguette rounds. Warning: When the bread is gone, you might find yourself licking the cast iron skillet the gravy comes in. 1401 East Moyamensing Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, theindustrybar.com.
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
You've never been to the 17th-century-style Japanese house and garden in Fairmount Park? What kind of Philadelphian are you? Come for the monthly traditional chado tea ceremonies, to see the just-restored Sakura Pavilion from the 1876 Centennial Exhibition, or simply to stroll the grounds and feed the koi. Psst: The summer camps for kids-taiko drumming, origami, calligraphy, kimono-dressing-are the chicest in town. Horticultural and Lansdowne Drives, Philadelphia, PA 19131, shofuso.com.
Bistrot La Minette
Vive la charming private back room big enough for you and 19 of your closest friends! The $45-per-person family-style French meal is perfect for those who've finally come to appreciate the classy charms of wine over Jager, leather over vinyl and gteau l'opra over Fudgie the Whale. 623 South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, bistrotlaminette.com.
Fork
When you see the private room so prettily set, when your guests get to make their choices from the three-course menu you handpicked, when the servers keep the wine a-flowing, when the Madagascar chocolate cake (with peanut nougatina) comes, and when you finally get the bill (just $20 a head?), you'll be so glad you threw that luncheon here. 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, forkrestaurant.com.
Lisa Korn, Saks Fifth Avenue
Sixteen years at Saks and eight before that at Nan Duskin and Lisa Korn is still as fashion-obsessed as ever. The secret to her coveted status as one of the 5th Avenue Club's top sellers? Could be her elite buying access to every designer out there (even ones the Bala Cynwyd Saks doesn't carry). Could be that when it comes to that Oscar ball gown you just have to have, she'll be absolutely relentless until you're in it. 2 Bala Plaza, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, saksfifthavenue.com.
Ps and Qs
Guys can like candles when they come in Ps & Qss woodsy scents, with notes of oak moss and birch tar. Also on tap at this distinctly modern hip-dude outlet are Herschel Supply Co. bags, manly Juniper Ridge pine-scented soap, Penfield caps, and art and photography books. Bonus: Gift-wrapping is free. 820 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, psandqs.com.
Anthony Guerrera at 02 Skincare Lounge
Fellas, here's the thing: The days when your gender was exempt from skin care are looong gone. Visit aesthetician Anthony Guerrera, who understands where you're coming from microdermabrasion sounds scary, but it doesn't hurt; extractions are a must; quality product is essential and will soothe and refresh your skin without breaking your bank. (Seriously, his almost constant discounts make a facial cheaper than a fill-up.) 1735 Chestnut St, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102, skincareloungespa.com.