Main Line School Night
Because isn't it time you took up tai chi? Or finally got around to studying Russian literature? Or added some heirloom vegetable recipes to your kitchen repertoire? Here, you can do any of the above for as little as $15 a class. 60 Gulph Creek Road, Radnor, PA 19087, mainlineschoolnight.org.
Blackfish
Chef Chip Roman has done more than just open a couple of restaurants Blackfish is extraordinary, and Mica shows great promise. What's more: he and Mica partner Jason Cichonski have brought culinary hope to the many diners living in areas overlooked by Starr, Garces, Vetri and Billy Penn. 119 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428, blackfishrestaurant.com.
Settlement Music School
Sure, some of the schools grads go on to Juilliard and Curtis, but for instructors like Soviet-born Dolly Krasnopolsky, it doesnt matter if youre better at practicing Chopsticks than Chopin. The 24-year Settlement vet takes (and loves) all kinds. See website for locations, 00000, smsmusic.org.
Shuffleboard at the Ivy Inn
Yeah, we know what you're thinking: Philly Mag's endorsing shuffleboard?! But hey, it's harder than it looks. And you meet some of the nicest neighborhood people playing it. Get in a game at Ivy Inn, where the best players including the state champ hang out. 37 Brookline Boulevard, Havertown, PA 19083, ivyinn.org.
Exhumed Films
Bloodcurdling screams! Satanic slashers! Cellar-dwelling one-eyed torture beasts! It could only mean one thing: Exhumed Films' monthly double (sometimes triple) feature of some of the best and worst -horror films ever made. International House, 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, exhumedfilms.com.
Art Star Gallery and Boutique
Go because you love the non-brand-name charm, because shopping here gives you instant street-style cred, and because you want your friends to come here when it's time to buy gifts for you. 623 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, artstarphilly.com.
Morgan's Pier
Finally, someone has taken the guido out of Delaware Avenue. Grab a few drinks in the beer garden, and then open-air-dance the night away with some of the city's best DJs. This place is the best thing to happen to Philadelphia's waterfront since ? well ? since IKEA? 221 North Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19123, morganspier.com.
Menagerie
Much of the outfit-making jewelry at this year-old shop is of owner Kate Lawson's own design; some of it is from boutique names like Coralia Leets; all of it will end up either in your shopping bag or on your wish list. Eagle Village Shops, 503 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087, ajeweledmenagerie.com.
La Cucina at the Market
Anna Maria Florio's intimate classes on basics like yummy from-scratch pasta and flawless fish dishes mean you'll have more than just Hot Pockets in your repertoire next time the in-laws come to dinner. Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107, lacucinaatthemarket.com.
Wonderspaces
Head to Wonderspaces for a night full of interactive art that will spark discussion, imagination, and some unique Instagram snaps. Bonus: A stroll through the thousands of lights of Squidsoup’s Submergence puts candlelight to shame. Another bonus: There’s an on-site bar so you can tote cocktails on your gallery jaunt. 27 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, philadelphia.wonderspaces.com.
Bar Poulet
Some people were surprised to learn that this new Center City spot is pairing pressure-fried chicken and champagne, but it’s been a thing, and one taste of the sharp bubbles cutting through the rich bird will convince you we’ve long deserved this brilliant concept. 2005 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, barpoulet.com.
Vernick Fish
Chef Greg Vernick’s menu is inspired by his summers at the Jersey Shore. It’s why his seafood is fresh as hell, it’s why James’ saltwater taffy comes at the end of the meal, and it’s why his ice cream, made with seasonal fresh fruit, instantly transports you to the boardwalk. One North 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, vernickfish.com.
Wardrobe Clinic
Ron Wilch, designer by trade, is a fit genius: Everything that goes into his two-year-old tailor shop—bridesmaids’ dresses, old suits, new suits, slacks, sundresses, you name it—looks custom by the time it comes out. Fast turnaround times, too. By appointment only. 1500 Walnut Street, Suite 408, Philadelphia, PA 19102, wardrobeclinic.com.
Caviar service at ITV
At Nicholas Elmi’s wine and cocktail bar, traditional caviar accoutrements come in a non-traditional concoction. Behold the seven-layer caviar dip: layers of fish roe, avocado, crème fraîche, capers, shallots, vodka gelée, herbs—and not a single gram of pretense. 1615 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, itvphilly.com.
Tom's Dim Sum
The new Tom's Dim Sum squats under a bridge on 11th Street like some kind of troll's shack in a culinary fairy tale. The treasure here? Soup dumplings as big as toads, thin-skinned, juicy and perfect in their tin basket steamers. 59 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, tomsdimsum.com.