The Editors’ Cut: What We’re Reading, Watching, Doing, and Liking This Week
Hot recs from the Philly Mag staff
Flamingo tree at LumiNature / Photograph courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo
In a moment in which the whole world is fighting for your time and attention (two rare and precious commodities these days), every day is an exercise in deciding what’s actually worth the read, the trek, the watch, the click, the deep dive, the effort.
We can help (at least a little) with that decision-making process, reader, via our Editors’ Cut — a weekly round-up of the best, can’t-miss bits of culture that we here at Philly Mag have been loving lately.
Want more? Here’s our weekly roundup of all the things to do in Philly this week.
The Recs: December 12th
To brighten up your holiday schedule: LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
“You’ve seen the Wanamaker lights. You’ve walked through the Miracle on South 13th Street. But have you experienced the splendor of a 40-foot-tall penguin all aglow to a playlist that combines Elton John’s ‘Philadelphia Freedom’ and Andy Williams’s ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’? Or gazed up at a Christmas tree made entirely of pink lawn-ornament flamingoes? Or been cheerfully accosted by a flashy birdman on stilts? LumiNature is back at the zoo, and this year they’ve stepped it up more than usual with a cozy lodge containing a bar and Santa visits — a pairing parents can truly appreciate. My family and I also could not resist a ride on the zoo’s brand-new Ferris wheel — sorry, Pherris Wheel — all lit up for the season, with views of the city unmatched since the days of the dearly departed ZooBalloon.” — Laura Swartz, deputy editor, digital
To warm up: Ukrainian Borscht at Southampton Spa
“I made the pilgrimage up to the Southampton Spa last weekend. The saunas, Turkish hammam, and the pool were nice — but I was really going for the Ukrainian borscht. Eastern Europeans know their way around root vegetables, and no dish puts them front and center like this beet-based soup. I love Ukrainian borscht. Whenever I see it on the menu, I order it. But I was not expecting that the best bowl that I’ve ever had would come from behind an unassuming counter next to a pool in a bathhouse. While the saunas warmed my body from the outside, the Ukrainian borscht warmed me from the inside with a harmonious earthy-sweet-tanginess that became heartier with every spoonful. It was just as restorative as the saunas. Pro tip: Get it after the hammam for maximum coziness.” — Kae Lani Palmisano, food editor
To remember the moms: American Delivery, a documentary
“I just wrote a story about the closing of Lifecycle Wellness and Birth Center, and in the process of reporting found the PBS documentary American Delivery. The doc offered a deep dive into the failures of the American system of giving birth — an issue with which the Philadelphia region is acutely familiar — and how we can do better. It’s also a valuable reminder about the importance of midwife-led care, and how it can help create better outcomes for people giving birth.” — Courtney DuChene, staff writer
Wreath at Weavers Way / Photograph by Olivia Kram
To get festive: Wreaths from Weavers Way and shopping on Fabric Row
“Weavers Way is selling these stunning handmade wreaths (see above!) made of fresh pine and flowers grown at their farm. (I got mine at Henry Got Crops in Roxborough.) Prettier than anything I’ve seen in big box stores in years and supports local agriculture. Win/win. Also! Last week I found myself on Fabric Row for the first time in a decade and was so pleasantly surprised with all the fabulous little brick-and-mortar gift shops that have popped up in recent years. I highly recommend doing some holiday shopping on that corridor. Especially Grand Souk, a great go-to for host/hostess gifts.” — Olivia Kram, digital marketing and community manager
To learn more about … arson (?): Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City
“I read fairly widely, something I consider both a personal love and professional responsibility. This is especially true for nonfiction: In my 35-ish years of reading, I have yet to meet a subject I deem too obscure or niche. (Over the past year, I’ve read books on Jewish organized crime, the Ghanian independence movement, Civil War pacifists, and Frank Rizzo, to name a few stars in the constellation of interests.) So I was excited to pick up Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City from the library the other day, about waves of arson as a mechanism for profit in the 1970s. It’s dense in the most appealing of ways, rich with detail, footnotes pushing me to the back of the book to see just how the author learned this or that tidbit. It’s mostly about the Bronx (the arson capital of the world), but since it was written by Temple history professor Bench Ansfield I’m going to allow it.” — Bradford Pearson, executive editor
The Recs: December 5th
Hadestown at the Forrest Theatre / Photograph by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made
To take in a great show: Hadestown at the Forrest Theatre
“I saw Hadestown this past week, and can’t recommend it enough. Despite its ancient source material, Anaïs Mitchell’s Tony-winning musical that combines Greek mythology with New Orleans jazz, feels especially relevant today, with themes of economic precarity, climate instability, and systems that can grind people down. But it’s not just bleak commentary: The show frames love, art, and collective imagination as forms of resistance. That makes it feel not only timely, but quietly radical — reminding us that in tough times, believing in something better is both difficult and necessary. ‘’Cause here’s the thing: To know how it ends, and still begin to sing it again, as if it might turn out this time.’” — Laura Swartz, deputy editor, digital
To explore a part of the human experience: Fence Sitter, the podcast
“I’m a first-time mom to an 18-month-old daughter, but for much of my life, parenthood wasn’t something I envisioned for myself. Earlier this week, I sat down with Amanda White, founder of Therapy for Women Center (flagship location is in Old City), for her podcast Fence Sitter, which features honest, nuanced conversations with people who were unsure about having kids and then finally made their decision, one way or another. In our episode, we touched on everything from navigating the tension between loving your partner and not wanting what they want to experiencing regret in those early newborn months to embracing the unexpected joys of motherhood.” — Laura Brzyski, health and wellness editor
To feel the music in your bones: McCoy Tyner’s Asante
“Recently, my six-year-old — out of the blue and without conversational precedent — asked if he could start listening to ‘more piano music.’ Weary of my role in our household’s growing audio battle (XPN doesn’t stand a chance against a nine-year-old girl’s sudden obsession with the Six cast recording), I agreed to find him some piano music, and turned to Philadelphia’s greatest jazz pianist, McCoy Tyner. I was familiar with Tyner’s role in John Coltrane’s quartet, but his own work was more of an unknown until I stumbled onto Asante, his African rhythm-flecked 1970 album. It’s stunning, a piece of work that feels both of the time and perfectly at home in 2025. My son has already forgotten his request, but I’m grateful that his curiosity allowed me to find this record. (P.S. Looking for something that’s not 55 years old? I’ve also been enjoying ‘So Sick,’ a jolt of a rocker from Philly trio Caring Less.)” — Bradford Pearson, executive editor
Now listening to: McCoy Tyner’s Asante / Photograph by Bradford Pearson
To make friends: Potlucks with strangers
“Over Thanksgiving weekend, my husband and I hosted a potluck for friends who were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. We planned for 10 people, but the number unexpectedly morphed to more than 30 — and I didn’t know half the delightful people who were milling about my house. Some brought guitars, and soon a jam session broke out in the living room, where someone else took over the piano. My home was filled with music and singing from people I’d met only an hour or so before. It was an absolute blast and made me recall this 2019 Inky story about local West Philly artist JJ Tiziou, who for a decade had hosted potluck house concerts for strangers, six times a year, because of the joy and community it created. I’m thinking I should start doing the same thing!” — Ronnie Polaneczky, senior editor
To cultivate happiness: A Little Free Library
“A few months ago, we installed a Little Free Library outside our South Philly home, and it has been an unadulterated joy — think spontaneous hugs, big smiles, conversation starters, book-loving children with their book-loving parents, neighbors, and strangers. One example: I was on my porch one morning when a woman came by, perused the selection and then gasped, ‘Can I take TWO books? I’m going through some things right now and these are exactly what I need.’ (You can get your own free library kit here.)” — Roxanne Patel Shepelavy, editorial director
To feel the holiday feels: Longwood Gardens
“There’s a point in your kid’s life when the concept of the holidays clicks for the first time. My daughter, Eureka, just hit that point at the tender age of two. We kicked off the festive season with a family trip to Longwood to see the holiday lights, and to say that she was excited is an understatement. She’d point to every twinkling light as if it were the first time my husband and I were witnessing Christmas, too, shouting, ‘It’s holiday! Right there!’ The rotating Christmas tree in the conservatory, the ornaments that looked like they were pulled straight out of 1950s Macy’s holiday display, the pipe organ, the outdoor light show, the holiday train set next to the booth where mom could get a Bailey’s hot chocolate: All of it was magical, as it always is. But to see it all again through a kid’s eyes was priceless.” — Kae Lani Palmisano, food editor
Rocky. The Complete Films, out in January / Image courtesy of Taschen
To celebrate Rocky … artfully: Rocky. The Complete Films
“Philly’s most famous underdog just got the Taschen treatment — and I got a little preview the famed publisher’s 320-page, $100 Rocky book this week. (It officially comes out in January.) It’s super engaging. Peppered between movie stills and behind-the-scenes shots from all five Rocky movies are old interviews and stories about Sylvester Stallone and his movies from the likes of George Plimpton, Peter Goldman, and Roger Ebert (who writes about watching Rocky with Muhammad Ali). The storytelling is compelling; the photography is saturated and gorgeous and violent; the Rocky poster gallery in the back is so fun that it could be its own coffee-table book; and the entire thing is so packed with shots, scenes and stories from our city that you can’t help but feel a sense of hometown pride. (‘Hey, I recognize that empty lot with the pile of trash in it!’) What a very cool gift for fans of the franchise and/or die-hard Philly types.” — Christine Speer Lejeune, editor
To DVR: Craft in America on PBS
“A friend of mine who works for the arts organization Craft in America in L.A. mentioned that their PBS series of the same name will be featuring two Philly artists, Roberto Lugo (one of Philly Mag’s 150 Most Influential Philadelphians) and Colette Fu, in an episode premiering December 19th. Can’t wait.” — Ticia Albano, art director
The Recs: November 21st
The Philadelphia Marathon / Photograph by JPG Photography
To feel the Philly love: The Philadelphia Marathon
“So it hasn’t happened yet, but I’m counting down the hours to the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday. It’s such a fun day for us runners as we traverse the 26.2 miles through Philly’s neighborhoods and past landmarks to the finish line. One of the best parts is the spectators who show UP for the runners with their signs — some cute, some heartwarming, some hilarious — and cheers. I love everyone pounding the pavement and everyone spectating!” — Kristen Schott, deputy editor, lifestyle and weddings
To carbo-load: Manayunk Timber
“I have been living for starting my Saturdays at Manayunk’s Timber Yard. The unassuming lumber yard — yes, lumber yard — houses a bustling community of artists and features an indie bookstore, coffee stand, and, best of all, Dead King Bakery, a sourdough bakery that operates Thursdays and Saturdays with some of the best pastries I’ve had in Philly. It’s so very random (and Philly!) and makes me feel cool when I go there.” — Olivia Kram, digital marketing and community manager
To carbo-load, part II: Beignets from Brown Street Coffee in Fairmount
“The beignets sold at Fairmount’s Brown Street Coffee are always the first item to sell out, staffers tell me, and no wonder: These babies are a textural transcendence — silken, not-too-sweet custard (I like the vanilla best) cuddled by a wee pillow of sugar-dusted perfection. Locally sourced from family-owned Au Fournil, the Havertown-based French bakery founded and run by Stephane Wojtowicz (with his wife Nayla and son Clement), they’re a now my preferred way to say oui to life.” — Ronnie Polaneczky, senior editor
Bi Jean Ngo and Brandon J. Pierce in The Snow Queen at the Wilma Theater / Photograph by Johanna Austin
To earn our good-parent points: The Snow Queen at the Wilma Theater
“It’s the theater’s first foray into putting on a children’s play, but in true Wilma fashion, it does so smartly, without being childish. The modern take on the Hans Christian Andersen classic serves up enough laughs and magic to keep a young audience entertained, while also challenging them with some nontraditional choices. (The retelling is based on a script from Soviet era Russia so themes of tyranny and wealth disparity are more prevalent than, say, the magical aspects you’d expect in a fairy tale.) There are also some timely political allusions for the grownups — a child’s loved one being snatched away by an icy villain; the less subtle ‘Melt ICE’ shirts in the lobby benefiting the Latine immigrant organization Juntos.” — Laura Swartz, deputy editor, digital
To momentarily escape our harsh, harsh reality: The Creation of the Birds inside the “Dreamworld: Surrealism at 100” exhibition at the Philadelphia Art Museum
“I went to the PMA’s new surrealism exhibit, where in the very last room of the show, I was introduced to a Spanish surrealist, Remedios Varo and this particular piece, which I think makes the whole show worth it.” — Roxanne Patel Shepelavy, editorial director
The Creation of the Birds by Remedios Varo
To bond with mom: Jo Piazza’s Everyone Is Lying to You
I’ve been loving this book from Philly’s own Piazza, and what it says about social media and our time. Might be a good gift for holiday season: It’s a book that I like and think my mom would like too.” — Courtney DuChene, staff writer
To wrench ourselves free from Netflix for a night: Job at Theater Exile
“If you love a psychological thriller, you can’t beat Job at Theatre Exile in South Philly — a show that was just extended through Sunday. Philly theater veteran Scott Green and Juilliard-trained Arianna Gayle give powerhouse performances. (Everyone in the theater scene is talking about them right now.) Well worth getting off your couch for this one.” — Victor Fiorillo, senior reporter/arts and entertainment editor
To laugh (and also worry about what we’re actually going to do with all these useless pennies): The stellar piece on America’s penny problem, by Caity Weaver for The Atlantic.
“I will drop anything to read a Weaver story (including, recently, this gem of a story about what it’s like to be a Revolutionary War reenactor, also from The Atlantic), and, as expected, this short piece about what America plans to do with all of our dying pennies was fascinating and funny. (The answer: Nothing!?!?) Ever since the news broke that the last penny ever had been minted — right here in Philly — I’d wondered about this. Weaver brings the issue to life with her inimitable voice, but also with facts like this:
Mint officials told federal auditors in 2019 that, if even a fraction of the nation’s never-spent pennies were simultaneously spent or cashed in, the deluge of change would be “logistically unmanageable” for the federal government. For one thing, there would likely not be enough space to store them in our nation’s bank vaults.
Anyway: a great read and good cocktail-party fodder.” — Christine Speer Lejeune, editor
