Cam Anthony
Jubilation over the Philly phenom winning season 20 of The Voice was tempered by the show’s confounding inability to convert winners into stars. But Anthony — a 19-year-old with the smooth tenor of someone decades older, the boyish good looks of the Jackson 5, and the style of vintage Al Green — had even jaded Voice coach Blake Shelton predicting he’ll reverse that trend.
Bánh Bèo Chén at Gabriella’s
Imagine an open-face dumpling — a rice cake topped with minced shrimp, crispy pork skin, mung beans and scallions. Imagine it nestled and steamed inside its own small, shallow bowl. Now imagine 10 of them being paraded out of Gabriella’s kitchen on a giant platter for you and all your friends. The dream, right? Yeah, that’s the dream. 1837 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, gabriellasasian.com.
The Ivory Concept
For those having their own modern Regency Era romances, this appointment-only boutique from Ali Campbell is filled with all the puffed sleeves and squared necks you could desire. Most of the designers are local exclusives (this is one of only two Marquise Bridal stockists in the whole country), and you’ll have the space to yourself when you visit. 2 East King Street, Malvern, PA 19355, instagram.com/ticbridal.
The Breakfast Den
Ditch your usual BEC for one with house-made pickles, herbs and eggplant pâté on a baguette, a.k.a. a banh mi op la. Come back again and again to this homey spot showcasing American Vietnamese breakfast comfort food, for the chao ga (a rice porridge dish with a poached egg, bits of crispy chicken skin and fresh herbs), Momma’s egg rolls, and Caphe Roasters Vietnamese coffees. 1500 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, thebreakfastden.com.
Pinnacle Overlook
Up yonder in Berks County (not to be confused with the Pinnacle in Lancaster County), you’ll find a nine-mile Appalachian Trail hike that offers a big payoff via this scenic (and we do mean scenic) overlook. Don’t forget to pack water. Lots of water. lancasterconservancy.org/preserves/pinnacle-scenic-overlook.
Paradigm Salon
Donna Visco is the stylist other stylists seek out to learn how to transform plain ol’ hair into fabulously colorful shades. One look at her rainbow work and you’ll never go back to blond or brunette again. 18 Summit Square Center, Langhorne, PA 19047, paradigmsalon.com.
Lash Extensions at David J. Witchell
Book an appointment, and they’ll expertly apply falsies that will last for up to two days. Cheaper than a full lash-extension application (it’s only $25), better-looking than drugstore DIY strips, and, at about 10 minutes, (almost) quicker than swiping on mascara. Additional location in Peddler’s Village, Lahaska. 25 South State Street, Newtown, PA 18940, davidjwitchell.com.
Rocky’s Crystals & Minerals
Photograph by Ian Shiver Both neophyte mystics and New Age pros can find something to soothe their souls here. Handy information cards explain — as best as it can be explained — how bumble bee jasper activates chakras and rose quartz promotes self-confidence. Multiple locations. rockyscrystalsonline.com.
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
Mirroring memories of his uncle’s house, owner/writer Marc Lamont Hill offers comfortable seating, strong coffee, author talks, and the books that he deems worthy. (Think: thought-provoking political reads, black lit, and only the good best-sellers.) 5445 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144, unclebobbies.com.
Hefty Hounds
If your labradoodle, mastiff or greyhound is jealous of all those tiny teacup Yorkies wearing precious outfits, she’ll freak over clear raincoats, fleecy jackets and Eagles jerseys at this local e-shop. heftyhounds.com.
Addison Bay
Ready to look beyond Lulu? Local gal Marguerite Adzick’s e-comm shop carries cheery sweats, capris, sports bras and travel apparel from brands like Spiritual Gangster, Sundry and Michi, and her own line of AB leggings, too. addisonbay.com.
Houwzer
By putting its employees on salary, Houwzer — a Philly start-up — can replace a seller’s agent’s commission with a flat $5,000 fee and reduce a buyer’s agent’s commission to 2.5 percent. The result: more money in your pocket at the end of the process. Houwzer.com.
Jumpstart
Want to live in tomorrow’s next hot neighborhood? Jumpstart’s four-week neighborhood-based training programs will teach you how to rehab a house, and they’ll finance your first project if it’s in one of the city neighborhoods in which they operate. Scouting a location outside their established zones? Download Jumpstart’s free workbook and train yourself — or make the case that your block should be next. gojumpstart.org/jumpstart-for-individuals.
O’Neill Masonry
Specialist Jimmy O’Neill knows that masonry is both an art and a science. He’ll cure what ails your crumbling mortar and can handle brick, stucco and concrete, too. Services Philadelphia and its Pennsylvania suburbs. oneillmasons.com.
J. Brite Cleaners
All the convenience of a suburban spot — one-day turnaround, friendly workers, on-site cleaning, after-hours drop-off, a drive-through, parking! — but in the thick of the concrete jungle. 617 South 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, .