Supra Endura: Creative Conversations
Consider this podcast from designer Gabrielle Mandel, with guests ranging from Naomi Stein of Design Manifest to Colleen Wyse of Trunk Show, your secret pass to learning everything there is to know about Philly’s booming creative scene. supraendura.com.
Jove
Missed out on a house you wanted because you couldn’t find an agent to show you inside? Download this app, and someone will be at your next choice in 15 minutes or less. Currently works with agents in Philadelphia, Delaware and Camden counties and on the Main Line. joveapp.com.
AMDG Exterior Contracting
AMDG shows up when they say they will, communication is easy and clear, and if there is anything you’re unhappy with—which is highly unlikely—they’ll come back out and deal with it. For work one of our editors needed done, AMDG also offered the lowest estimate by far; the end result, our colleague gushes, is impeccable. 2377 Haverford Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, TRUSTAMDG.COM.
Exhumed Films
In 1997, a group of guys from South Jersey decided to show old horror flicks to as many people as they could. Two decades later, Exhumed’s festivals and screenings are all the rage among those in the know. The annual 24-hour horror movie marathon—yes, 24 straight hours of scary films—is always a sellout. International House, 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, exhumedfilms.wordpress.com.
Sarah Bloom
After a Daily Mail story ran in January, this 46-year-old suburban mom's stunning nude self-portraits set in abandoned buildings went viral -- and we haven't been able to divert our attention since. Invest now: Sales at her recent local shows have been brisk. Sarahrbloom.com.
Nomad Roman Pizza
Looking for an early bite and drink before the theater? The Midtown Village Nomad Roman has an amazing happy-hour deal: Get a glass of wine and an excellent 10-inch pizza for $10. If you prefer your snack post-show, the same deal applies Friday and Saturday nights after 10 p.m. 1305 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, nomadpizzaco.com/nomad-roman.html.
Petit Jardin en Ville
True to its name, Petit Jardin en Ville will both show you really cool ways to outfit your tiny backyard with French (and Belgian, and Scandinavian and Spanish) furniture and decor, and sell you the plants and flowers you need to turn it into a little green oasis. 134 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, petitjardinenville.com.
November Project
This Boston-birthed, social media-fueled fitness movement has taken Philly by storm. Evidence: the more than 100 people who show up each week for its morning boot-camp classes on Wednesdays at the Art Museum and Fridays at Penn's Franklin Field. Best part? It's totally free. november-project.com.
Forest and Main Brewing Company
At Forest & Main, drinking is (thankfully) more Truman Show than Old School: a big old wooden porch, near-perfect summer ales like the barrel-aged saison, -destination-worthy food, and a "Hey neighbor!" small-town vibe. 61 North Main Street, Ambler, PA 19002, forestandmain.com.
Ben Fileccia at Sbraga
Fileccia, a Vetri-group alum, gracefully, subtly, elegantly and always in a well-tailored suit choreographs the nightly dinner service at Sbraga like it's a long-running show. Even in today's casual restaurant atmosphere, his staff is tightly trained to keep guests thinking about everything but the service. 440 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, sbragadining.com.
Taqueria Los Taquitos de Puebla
Local gringos know Los Taquitos de Puebla from its farmers' market stands. But for the real thing, go to the 9th Street storefront any day of the week, show some guts, and try the tongue or beef-eye tacos. Yeah, we said beef-eye tacos. 1149 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, lostaquitosdepuebla.com.
Sycamore
Down with Cheez Whiz nachos and those crusty hot dogs! On Thursday nights, $25 gets you dinner at Delco fave Sycamore (bring wine!) and your choice of art-house films showing at Cinema 16:9 just down the street. 14 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA 19050, sycamorebyo.com.
Robbini Bespoke
Rob Fung of Robbini Bespoke. Photograph by Linette and Kyle Kielinski A month after he shows up at your home or office with his measuring tape and look books — plus a massive array of Italian fabric samples (the Super 180s are oh-so-divine) — 38-year-old Rob Fung will return with a blazer, suit or trousers that will make everything else in your closet look sloppy and sad. Just ask his regular customers — a whole bunch of Philadelphia Eagles. robbini.com.
Fergie’s Pub
Downstairs is the iconic Irish pub that’s been pouring Guinnesses for nearly 25 years. Upstairs is a lesser-known hideaway with all sorts of no-cover shows, like live-band karaoke, non-sucky comedy open mics and Fringe performances. You never know exactly what you’re going to get — and that’s part of the fun. 1214 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Fergies.com.
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.