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Get some help “Funding the Hustle” with event for would-be entrepreneurs

July 8, 2019

If you are thinking of starting a small business, you need to get to this. A bunch of local non-profits aimed at helping West Philly-based entrepreneurs get going are hosting “Funding the Hustle,” which will include panels and lightening talks on everything from “Finance 101” to a design thinking workshop.

Funding the Hustle will highlight ways to get money to get your venture going, including traditional bank financing, crowd-funding and “impact investing.” It will also feature a workshop called “Hacking Your Hustle,” which will feature advice from entrepreneurs on balancing your family and/or day job obligations with your venture. 

Funding the Hustle comes on the heels of the recent announcement that the University of Pennsylvania is closing its small business incubator in West Philly. The Wharton Small Business Development Center, which helped a small West Philly-based shop called Free People (later Urban Outfitters) get off the ground, will close by the end of July after nearly 40 years.

Resolve Philadelphia, The Enterprise Center, University City Science Center, the Sustainable Business Network and the West Philadelphia Promise Zone are sponsoring the event. It runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 18 at Venture Cafe Philadelphia, 3675 Market St.

Source: http://www.westphillylocal.com/2019/07/08/get-some-help-funding-the-hustle-with-event-for-would-be-entrepreneurs/

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Phillies Throw Away 5-Run Lead, Lose To Nats 10-6 In 10 Innings

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Juan Soto hit a three-run homer in the 10th inning and the Washington Nationals rallied from a five-run deficit to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 10-6 on Tuesday night.

Bryce Harper crushed a three-run homer off former teammate Stephen Strasburg, but Victor Robles tied it at 6 on a solo shot off Edubray Ramos with two outs and two strikes in the ninth.

Ramos hadn’t pitched in six days and has one career save but Phillies manager Gabe Kapler brought him in to protect a one-run lead.

Aaron Nola took a four-run lead into the seventh before giving up a two-run homer to Yan Gomes and a solo shot to pinch-hitter Howie Kendrick.

Brian Dozier and Anthony Rendon hit consecutive singles off Jose Alvarez (0-1) to start the 10th and Soto followed with a towering shot over the right field foul pole. A video review upheld the fair call. Robles added an RBI double in the inning.

Sean Doolittle (3-0) got five outs for the win.

Nola, who finished third in NL Cy Young Award voting last year, gave up five runs — four earned — and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings. He has a 6.46 ERA after three starts.

Strasburg allowed six runs and six hits in four innings. He was 5-0 with a 1.58 ERA over 10 career starts in Philadelphia before getting roughed up.

Maikel Franco tied it at 1 in the third with his fourth homer, all batting out of the eighth spot in the lineup. He hit in the middle of the order most of his career until this season. Strasburg then lost control of the strike zone. He walked Nola and Jean Segura before throwing three straight changeups in the same spot to Harper. The slugger missed one, fouled one and then blasted his fourth homer to left-center.

Segura lined a two-run triple to right to extend the lead to 6-1 in the fourth.

Harper, who spent his first seven seasons in Washington before signing a $330 million, 13-year contract with the Phillies last month, hit a homer in his first game against his old team last week.

HELP ON THE WAY?

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said the team is considering signing veteran reliever Bud Norris. The righty was released by Toronto in spring training. He had 28 saves for the Cardinals last season.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Nationals: SS Trea Turner (broken right index finger) missed his sixth game. He’s on the 10-day injured list and it’s uncertain when he’ll return.

Phillies: OF Roman Quinn (right oblique strain) will continue his rehab work in the minors.

UP NEXT

RHP Jeremy Hellickson (0-0, 9.00 ERA) starts for the Nationals against his former team Wednesday night. RHP Nick Pivetta (1-0, 6.52) goes for the Phillies. Hellickson was Philadelphia’s opening day starter in 2016 and 2017 and was 18-15 in 52 starts with Philadelphia. Pivetta is 1-4 with a 9.93 ERA in seven appearances against Washington.

Source: https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2019/04/10/phillies-throw-away-5-run-lead-lose-to-nats-10-6-in-10-innings/

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Top floral designers from 23 countries will duke it out over several rounds of competition at this year's Philadelphia Flower Show

You know spring is close by when there’s talk of the Philadelphia Flower Show.

The annual show will transform 10 acres of floor space of the Pennsylvania Convention Center into a lush garden heaven. The colors will be vibrant and the displays imaginative, especially with a 60 feet meadow hanging over guests heads as they enter.

Running March 2 to 10, this year’s show is themed “Flower Power.”

“I think there are more flowers in this flower show than we’ve ever had,” said Sam Lemheney, chief of shows and events for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, which puts on the show.

In addition to the meadow, the entrance garden will also include vine sculptures and nearly 8,000 flowers -- all arranged in ways that pay homage to the styles of pop artists Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol.

The Philadelphia Flower Show also doubles as the home of the FTD World Cup, an international floral design competition. To compete, designers had to win a national competition. This year’s contestants include designers from Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Russia, Italy and more.

“These folks are artists that really are just spectacular, amazing, creative talents,” Lemheney said.

It’s the first time in 30 years that the competition has been held in the United States, and guests of the Flower Show will be able to watch as it unfolds before their eyes. During the first three days of the show, the competitors will be constructing their hopefully award-winning displays, which will subsequently be judged and left on display for the reminder of the show.

Photos from the 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show

In addition to being the host of a worldwide competition and a source of gorgeous floral displays, the Philadelphia Flower Show offers numerous workshops, demonstrations and lectures aimed at educating gardening enthusiasts. There’s also a live butterfly room, where you can see and touch the creatures, and garden teas. Tickets for the show range from $32-$42 during show week for adults, depending on the day you visit and when you buy.

Save money by visiting during the weekday and buying your tickets in advance online. Those aiming to save even more should buy their tickets now, while the prices range from $29.95 to $34 for adults. Several activities, such as the garden teas, have additional fees. You can buy tickets at theflowershow.com.

Funds raised from the Philadelphia Flower Show go towards the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, which is focused on using horticulture to help communities grow. It does so through street tree planting, community gardens and public beautification.

Fancy a more special visit to the Philadelphia Flower Show? Opt for the early morning tour tickets ($100-$110), which give you a tour led by a docent before the show opens to the public -- as well as access to the members lounge and gift bag.

For those who can’t wait until the show opens to see its glories, sign up for the Philadelphia Flower Show Preview Party, a black-tie gala that offers guests a chance to dance, drink and eat while explore the show the day before it opens to the public. Tickets range from $300 to $650 and can be purchased at theflowershow.com/experiences/preview-party.

Photos from the 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show Preview Party

It’s not the only Flower Show party, though. After opening day, there’s Flowers After Hours. This themed party is embracing the 1960s with music by The Beat-Tells (a Beatles tribute band). There will also be wine and spirit samplings and interactive games from various Philadelphia museums. Flowers After Hours is $75 in advance and $85 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at theflowershow.com/experiences/flowers-after-hours.

DETAILS: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. March 2, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. March 3 and 9, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. March 4-8 and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. March 10 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch streets, Philadelphia. Cost: $29.95-$34 in advance for adults, $32-$42 during show week for adults, $21-$26 for students, $17-$20 for children. Prices depend on whether they’re bought in advance, online or at the box office (with the last being the most expensive options). Learn more: theflowershow.com.

Want more Philadelphia stories? Click here for all our coverage on the City of Brotherly Love. You may also enjoy these videos from our Life and Culture Team.

Source: https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/01/2019-philadelphia-flower-show-set-to-wow-with-floating-meadow-world-class-competition-and-more-flowers-than-ever-before.html

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Where to camp near Philly

Philly in the summer has many things: fireworks (still, even after the Fourth of July, apparently), lots of live music, great food trucks, and a lively festival scene.

But we get it: sometimes you just need to get away for a night or two.

And luckily, Pennsylvania and New Jersey have plenty of options for some great camping in their state parks. There are spots to bring pets, do some great bird watching, hike and bike, fish, and kayak, all while ending the day around a campfire or lounging in a tent.

This summer we’ve put together the best camping sites the general Philly-area has to offer. If you’re not tent-inclined, fine! There are plenty of lean-tos, cabins, or otherwise. If you want to be around people or you want to be secluded, there are great options for you. Need to take 50 friends and family members on a camping trip? The Philly area has you covered.

Behold: the 9 best spots to camp, all within a one-hour drive of the city.

Did we miss your favorite? Drop us a line and let us know.

Read More Source: https://philly.curbed.com/maps/where-to-camp-philly

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Free ice cream! Power outage at Philly grocery leads to sweet sidewalk giveaway

Around the same time a system failure caused havoc at Targets around the nation, a local Philly retailer also suffered an outage. Mid-morning on Saturday, the power went down at Rittenhouse Market, the midsize corner grocery at 18th and Spruce.

But instead of meeting frustrated customers with pleas for patience, like the global retail giant scrambled to do, management at Rittenhouse Market had a sweeter answer for the disruption:

Free ice cream.

Between noon and 2 p.m. or so, neighbors who came out to shop and lucky pedestrians strolling the street were met with shopping carts loaded with frozen goodies — and encouraged to take as much as they could carry.

“We said to ourselves, ‘Hey, instead of filling up a dumpster with this ice cream, why not fill up people’s freezers?'” explained Phil Cantor, who’s been general manager at Rittenhouse Market for the past year and a half.

The bonanza caused a mini frenzy on the sidewalk, and plenty of smiles all around.

“Did I snag a carton? Well, let’s just say I wasn’t shy!” said Colette Alexandre, a Billy Penn reader who sent in pics of the impromptu goodie giveaway. “Some people made off with whole ice cream cakes. It was glorious.”

Colette Alexandre

Cantor made the call to host the handout after getting an fix-time estimate from PECO that was just a little too long for his liking. Staff immediately buttoned up all the coolers that held produce and other perishable goods, he said, keeping them at safe temperatures, but ice cream is a fickle product.

“It’s the first thing to go,” Cantor said. “And refrozen ice cream gets icy. So we were looking at the prospect we wouldn’t be able to salvage it.”

He conferred with store owner Jason Nusbaum, who agreed that the best course of action was a giveaway. Market workers cleared out 10 freezer doors worth of frozen treats — Turkey Hill, Bassetts, Dove Bars, you name it — and hauled them out front, to cheers from the neighborhood.

Meanwhile, Cantor was busy running checks on every section of his stock. “We evaluated everything in the store, and made determinations at an individual level,” he said.

With a decade or so experience in the industry, the veteran grocer was prepared to take triage to the next level. Working for other chains in the past, Cantor said, he’s rented whole refrigerated trailers to keep food safe during outages caused by storms or other natural disasters.

But in this case, he didn’t have to. Right as the last cartons were being scooped out of the wire baskets rolled onto the sidewalk, the power went back on.

The outage, which PECO said was likely caused by some construction digging, affected around 1,000 total customers. By Saturday evening, the number of customers without power was down to fewer than 80, a spokesperson told Billy Penn.

Will the ice cream shelves at Rittenhouse Market be totally empty today? Not quite. There’s a deep freezer in the basement that had some backup. Why not try to move the upstairs stock there during the emergency?

Cantor considered it, he said, but decided to take a different path. “Let’s make some people happy instead!”

Source: https://billypenn.com/2019/06/16/free-ice-cream-power-outage-at-rittenhouse-market-leads-to-sweet-sidewalk-giveaway/

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Retail Sales Agents needed for NRG Expansion into Springfield Best Buy (Springfield)

QR Code Link to This Post

Immediate full time (FT) retail sales positions for fun and energetic personalities willing to learn and sell a service that sells itself!

ABOUT THE JOB The Retail Sales Representative is responsible for direct consumer engagement of NRG services at retailers in your community. In partnership with NRG, 2020 will train you to uncover consumer needs and overcome objections with a client-focused approach. 2020 trains its teams to be flexible, engaging, and adept at solving problems and to succeed in any environment.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY With 2020's rapid growth comes an exciting career path and professional development opportunities. We represent companies throughout the US across multiple industries affording unlimited growth. 2020 trains its teams to succeed in any environment, and equips them with the best technology and training to be flexible, engaging, and adept at solving problems. The Sales Rep not only offers professional development but a career path that starts here, and progresses to Supervisor, District/Market Manager and Regional Manager supported by a leadership training program for those that qualify. Your course is limitless!

ABOUT NRG NRG is the leading integrated power company in the US, built on the strength of the nation's largest and most diverse competitive platform. A Fortune 200 company, NRG creates value through best in class operations, reliable and efficient electric generation, and a retail platform serving residential and commercial businesses.

ABOUT 2020 COMPANIES For nearly 25 years, 2020 Companies has been the premier outsourced sales and marketing agency in the US, launching and advocating new products and brands, penetrating new consumer segments, and executing sales and marketing strategies.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU? $13/HR Guaranteed Plus Commissions Paid Training Apparel and Equipment Provided Current Sales Reps Earn an Average of $1100+/Week! Full Time Position Benefits/401K

**For Immediate Consideration, please reply to this posting and include your name, email address, contact number and resume!!

Source: https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mar/d/retail-sales-agents-needed/6707845280.html

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Health Hero VIP Wendell Holland on Coming Back From an Injury

Health Hero Challenge

You can vote for Health Hero VIP Wendell Holland through November 15.

Get wellness tips, workout trends, healthy eating, and more delivered right to your inbox with our Be Well newsletter.

You can vote for Health Hero VIP Wendell Holland through November 15.

We’re still in full-swing of our 2018 Health Hero Challenge presented by Independence Blue Cross, folks. While the voting on our semi-finalists is now closed (but we’ll be announcing our top three finalists very soon!), we’re still seeking votes for our Health Hero VIPs.

Our Health Hero VIPs (which stands for Very Influential Philadelphians) are all probably names you’ve heard before — Christian Crosby, Tracy Davidson, and Wendell Holland — and they’re currently facing off for a $2,500 donation to the charities of their choices.

We’ve spent the past few days helping you get better acquainted with our VIPs — now we’d like to introduce you to Health Hero VIP Wendell Holland and the causes that matter most to him.

Read on for more information about Holland — then head right here to vote once a day, every day, through November 15!

Meet Health Hero VIP Wendell Holland

What I do: I do what I absolutely love. I create art, meet new people, and work with some of my closest friends on a daily basis. More specifically, I am a furniture designer and builder at Beve Unlimited. Beve Unlimited is a Philadelphia-based custom furniture company specializing in reclaimed wood.

My chosen charity: I support The PALM (Center for Positive Aging in Lower Merion) in Ardmore, which is the senior center in Ardmore, because I grew up in Ardmore and have always felt a need to give back to my community. My father, Wen Sr. instilled the important value of always going back, reaching back, and giving back to your community in me long ago. The PALM is a staple in Ardmore, and my grandmother, Nana, spent some wonderful years there as she was getting older. She’d go there for a day full of activities, and then she’d come home with stories of what her and her friends did that day. My family is so thankful that a place like that existed right in Ardmore, and, for that reason, I’ve chosen to support the PALM again and again. Two years ago, my furniture company Beve Unlimited donated three giant reclaimed wood planters to the PALM because they needed something to house their organic garden. Today I wish to do more, so I choose The PALM as the charity to which I will donate any winnings.

What motivates you to try to make Philadelphia a healthier place?  I’ve always tried to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Growing up, my father, Wendell Holland Sr., always stressed the importance of “faith and fitness,” and he always put me in competitive sports. At Harriton High School I captained our football, basketball, and track teams. As I’ve grown older, I’ve tried to consciously make healthier decisions, and that’s why I still work out regularly and I’m a pescatarian. I just want to live a healthy lifestyle, and live as long as I can. As such, the healthier my city is, the easier it is for me to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The more healthy restaurants, gyms of all sorts, and outdoor spaces conducive to working out (Fairmount Park, the Art Museum stairs, Kelly Drive, etc.), the easier it is for Philadelphians to maintain healthy lifestyles. Being healthy is sexy, being healthy is cool, and a healthy lifestyle allows you to live longer. I wish all those things on my beloved city.

Describe a health-related turning point in your life.  When I turned 30, I tore my ACL. I had just moved back to Philly from a very healthy year of living in LA. In LA, I was hiking Runyon Canyon, hooping at Venice Beach, and swimming, all on a daily basis. I came home in the best shape of my adult life, and, that same year I turned 30. Within months of my birthday, I tore my ACL in a basketball rec league, and my game was forever changed.  I didn’t know if I’d ever play basketball or do anything athletic again. But I was very determined. At that point in life, I was a law clerk for Judge Gregory Smith in City Hall. There I was just three blocks away from the Bellevue, where Bob Molluro was running the best rehab facility in the best gym in the city. I went there two to three times a week, and he had me vigorously rehabbing my knee, and quickly had me on the Bellevue basketball court doing slow, deliberate basketball drills as rehab. Within seven months I was playing again, but I was playing a different game. I no longer thought I was invincible. I didn’t slash to the hoop as much, and I began shooting a lot more three’s. It was when I tore my ACL at the age of 30 that I truly realized that I should listen to my body, and take care of my temple. From then on I continued to work out regularly, and I also became a pescatarian just to live a healthier lifestyle.

What “policy” would you institute to make Greater Philadelphia a healthier region? If I were in control, I’d further incentivize local farmers here inside Philadelphia to harvest healthy produce to sell at farmers markets and local restaurants. This will give more options to our citizens to eat healthy, as we’ll have more farm-to-table outlets.

What’s the most important part of your health or wellness regimen? I find it important to bring friends into my workout regimen. Whether I’m bringing my buddies to come play basketball with me, or if I’m going to a fit camp, I enjoy working out with friends. Bringing others into the fold also encourages accountability both ways. I hold friends accountable, and in turn, they keep me on my job because I feel an obligation to them to get out there with them.

What is your number one piece of health-related advice? Imagine that finish line, but set and accomplish intermediate goals. Sometimes after a few weeks of working out it becomes daunting not seeing results. But if you stay the course you’ll certainly see results. So instead of dreaming about losing 50 pounds, and being discouraged when it doesn’t happen overnight, give yourself a weekly goal of losing five pounds, and maybe walking an extra mile a day. This goal seems much more attainable than the 50-pound weight loss, and you’re adding a not-so-difficult walk into your workout.

Let’s get social! Join Be Well Philly at: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | NEWSLETTER | TWITTER

Source: https://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2018/10/24/health-hero-vip-wendell-holland/

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Tacos in Philly: The Ultimate Guide

From Kensington to deep South Philly, our list of the best places to sate your taco craving.

Devoted foodies and restaurant newbies love Foobooz. Sign up now for our twice weekly newsletter.

Mission Taqueria | Facebook

Look, I do not have to convince you to eat tacos. No one has to be convinced to eat tacos. Right now, at this moment in American culinary history (and for the past several years, really), the taco has been representative of all our chef-y yearnings toward the fusion of high- and low-brow eating. Casual, but thoughtful. Simple, but deep.

In Mexican culinary history? Well, the taco has been there forever. Indispensable. Cultural touchstone and sandwich analog all in one. Also, the best possible transportation vehicle for everything that’s excellent about Mexican food — protein and spice and heat and savor.

The taco is everything to all people. It is whatever you want it to be. It has been borrowed by a hundred different cooking traditions and used to carry everything from ice cream to Korean fried chicken. And here in Philly? Man, do we have some tacos. So, if you’re looking for a place to eat them, we are here to help — with this neighborhood-by-neighborhood list of all the best places to eat tacos in Philadelphia right now.

The Places You Must Try First

Blue Corn | Facebook

South Philly Barbacoa, Italian Market Yeah, we loved this place before all the national awards, nominations and TV shows.

Blue Corn, Italian Market The cochinata pibil tacos here — Yucatán-style pork marinated in citrus and wrapped in banana leaves before being cooked low and slow — are our favorite.

Philly Tacos, Point Breeze You’d think that with a handle like that, this joint would be slinging tortillas filled with chopped steak and Whiz. But don’t let the name fool you. The man behind this place is Juan Carlos Romero, Philly’s own master of al pastor. It’s perfect for those of you missing Los Taquitos de Puebla (Romero’s former restaurant), and an excellent place for tacos.

Mission Taqueria, Center City This light-filled upstairs joint from Oyster House owner Sam Mink puts a contemporary polish on favorite Mexican dishes. To go all out, try the tasting menu, which comes with three tacos, salsas, ceviche, empanadas, and tres leches cake, all for $35. 1516 Sansom Street

Lolita, Midtown Village They’ve got fancied-up regular tacos made with blue corn and plantain-crusted mahi mahi, smoked carrots or Cholula fried chicken, and street-style DIY tacos with chipotle shrimp, carnitas or carne asada with a spread of accoutrements like salsa molcajete, cumin black beans and guac.

Cafe Ynez, Graduate Hospital Their classic fish taco — made with pan-seared tilapia — gets dressed up with pineapple-habanero salsa, sliced avocado, lettuce, sour cream, and a crumble of cotija.

Best Tacos in the Italian Market and Bella Vista

Tacos California | Facebook

Tacos California Our 2017 Best of Philly winner is the only spot in the city serving up tacos de canasta — tacos that are pre-assembled in a basket, often with a layer of onion and sprinkling of chili oil in between — and allowed to steam, then served with salsas. 1030 South 8th Street

Prima Pizza Taqueria Mexicana This just-south-of-Washington spot serves up some of the Philly restaurant industry’s favorite tacos. No wonder — they’re perfect for a late-night pit stop, with service till 4 a.m. 1104 South 9th Street

Mole Poblano Yes, the place has a dedicated following based on the authentic mole and enchiladas (generally covered in mole). But if you’re looking for tacos, this simple beef-and-cheese option is kind of like a Mexican cheesesteak. 1144 South 9th Street

Taqueria La Veracruzana Simple, classic and exactly what you want in a neighborhood taqueria. Plus, it’s a South Philly Mexican BYOB with occasional wandering mariachis, so how can you beat that? 908 Washington Avenue

Tacos El Rodeo There’s always a line at this truck, which posts up near 10th Street and Washington Avenue. Be sure to ask for your taco classic style for the traditional toppings of cilantro and onions, unless the Americanized option with sour cream, cheese, lettuce, and tomato is more your thing). 1000 Washington Avenue

Quetzally Choose from a range of taco options here, from straightforward favorites like tilapia and shrimp to chicken bacon ranch. There’s even a Tex Mex section of the taco menu, serving up fillings in flour tortillas with gringo-friendly toppings like guac, lettuce, and cheese. 1225 Fitzwater Street

Best Tacos in South Philly

Los Gallos | Facebook

La Virgen de los Nieves La Virgen’s slate of masa-based delicacies is expansive, with sopas, huaraches, tlacoyos, and more on the menu. But the fried tacos are our favorite. And they will be yours, too. 1839 South 8th Street

Tamalex Yes, they do some very authentic Mexican food (a long list of tacos included). But the cool thing about Tamalex is that it also offers Honduran food, and a couple different versions of chilaquiles on their breakfast menu. 1163 South 7th Street

South Philly Tap Room SPTR does a lot of things really well. But one of those things is the kitchen’s wild boar tacos with green salsa, cotija cheese and red onions. 1509 Miflin Street

Los Gallos Typically, we’d avoid recommending the American-style tacos rancheros section of the menu, with its sour cream and cheese toppings, but their huitlacoche taco — a prized fungus that sometimes grows on ears of corn — is too good to pass up. 951 Wolf Street

Guisados Don Roman This is a two-person operation — just Raquel and Roman. But the two of them manage to supply everyone who comes with guisados del dia (stews of the day, a rarity in Philly). For a slight upcharge, they’ll make your tortillas fresh. 1629 South 7th Street

El Jarocho Simple and straightforward street-style tacos on a menu already full of sopes, huaraches and excellent spicy shrimp burritos. 1138 South 13th Street

Pistola’s Del Sur This Pistola’s brings its tweaked taco recipes to South Philly. Try the catfish po’boy taco served with crispy white cabbage, pico de gallo, chipotle aioli and cilantro, for a taste of Mexico via New Orleans. 1934 East Passyunk Avenue

Los Cuatro Soles When you’re west of Broad and craving tacos, this is the spot for classic tacos and variations like tacos gringas and tacos del sol — flour tortillas stuffed with melted cheese over slices of skirt steak. 1801 South Chadwick Street

Cantina Los Caballitos This place does great empanadas and big plates of nachos, but in terms of tacos, they’ve got a big list the covers everything from vegan beef to goat. 1651 East Passyunk Avenue

La Mula Terca High-end Latin-American food makes up the bulk of the menu, but the kitchen also does some fantastic tacos — lamb birria, cilantro pesto shrimp and spicy mango chicken with pickled jalapenos. 2053 South Beechwood Street

Cafe Y Chocolate A little corner restaurant that specializes in Oaxacan hot chocolate, churros and some excellent veggie tacos stuffed with chipotle potatoes, nopales and shredded carrots. The carnivore tacos are solid, too. 3411 South Norwood Street

Best Tacos in West Philly and University City

Dos Hermanos | Facebook

Distrito The first floor of this Garces mainstay has recently been remade as a taqueria, offering tacos in nine different varieties, from the traditional to the Americanized (like the Gringo, which is just plain old ground beef). 3945 Chestnut Street

Dos Hermanos Why decide between shrimp and fish? This food truck that posts up on the Drexel campus near 34th and Market Streets puts both on a tortilla, and it is bomb. 34th and Market

Tacos Don Memo The menu at Tacos Don Memo is so simple — steak, chicken pork, spicy pork, with a breakfast taco option for mornings — and yet the saucy, flavorful fillings need nothing but a garnish of onion, cilantro, and lime. Catch the cash-only truck weekday afternoons on 38th Street between Walnut and Spruce Streets or Saturdays at 43rd Street and Chester Avenue during the Clark Park Farmers’ Market.

Honest Tom’s Plant Based Taco Shop, University City Honest Tom’s went full-on veggie recently, and the menu is now full of roasted chickpea and plantain, carrot and lentil barbacoa and sweet potato tacos.

Cucina Zapata Okay, so one more food truck. And this one makes the list for the Thai/Mexican fusion menu, the Cap’n Crunch tilapia burrito and the chicken satay tacos. Lines are long. Stuff sells out. Just accept that going in and hope for the best (or show up early). Location varies, but 31st and Ludlow seems like the home base

Best Tacos in Rittenhouse Square

Revolution Taco | Facebook

El Rey Each tortilla-swaddled stack of rich, shredded duck meat gets topped with a perfectly poppable (and Instagrammable) fried egg. 2013 Chestnut Street

Revolution Taco Score a trio of Revolution’s uniquely flavored tacos at their brick and mortar spot near 20th and Walnut Streets or follow them on Twitter to find out where their truck is popping up across the city. 2015 Walnut Street

Rosy’s Taco Bar Open 7 days a week, with late-night weekend hours, brunch, happy hour and a portion of the proceeds going to help immigrant causes, Rosy’s is an ideal addition to the neighborhood. On top of all that, the tacos–both traditional and especial–are pretty good, too. 2220 Walnut Street

Dos Tacos Dos Tacos loves to experiment on their menu, with staples like al pastor tacos served alongside more adventurous dishes like yucca fries and Oaxaca mac ‘n’ cheese. Take as an excellent example, the New Yorker — filled with five chili-rubbed pastrami, Swiss cheese, and a chipotle cabbage slaw — which flies in the face of tradition in a delicious way. 120 South 15th Street

Tio Flores Fantastic guac, strong margs, fun tacos and dessert nachos. Yes, that’s right. Dessert. Nachos. With cinnamon-sugar fried tortillas, vanilla ice cream, dulce de leche, chocolate sauce, and cookies.

Best Tacos in Fishtown, Kensington, Port Richmond and NoLibs

Cantina Dos Segundos | Facebook

Sancho Pistola’s, Fishtown There are few places in Philly that take tacos more seriously than Sancho Pistola’s, and if you can’t find something you like at a place that offers both brussels sprout leaf tacos and lobster tacos with black bean puree and chile de arbol sauce, maybe tacos aren’t really what you’re looking for.

Loco Pez Come here any day for the awesome (and filling) chorizo and potato tacos. But the best possible use of Twitter in Philly remains following @locopeztacos to find out when the dollar taco nights are on. (And don’t forget the new West Philly location.) 2401 East Norris Street

Nemi A modern Mexican restaurant with a full bar and a good selection of tequilas and mezcals, right in the middle of Port Richmond is proof that the Fishtown Effect is spreading far beyond the traditional boundaries of that neighborhood. 2636 Ann Street

Heffe The star of this glorified Fishtown taco stand’s menu is the fried octopus taco, topped with tomato jam, chimichurri sauce, and queso fresco. But everything else on the menu is almost as good, just as messy and just as ideal for last-call taco bingeing. (And there’s now a second location in Fairmount, too.) 1431 Frankford Avenue

Que Chula es Puebla This spot on North 2nd Street serves up flavorful tacos for sure (particularly the shredded chicken), but the stellar ingredient here is definitely the salsa. 1356 North 2nd Street

Cantina Dos Segundos This northern outpost of the Cantina Los Cabalitos family has more than a hundred kinds of tequila behind the bar, Mexican poutine on the menu, a kale caesar (if that’s your jam) and a whole taqueria portion of their menu offering tacos, bowls and burritos. 931 North 2nd Street

Taco Riendo With five kinds of breakfast tacos and a list of regular tacos as long as your arm, this is THE place to check out when you’re looking for a taco in Fishtown. And maybe the only place if you’re looking for tacos de cabeza. 1301 North 5th Street

Best Tacos in Spring Garden and Fairmount

La Calaca Feliz | Facebook

Buena Onda Sure, there are other items on the menu. But you can safely ignore everything but the fried Atlantic mahi mahi and fried Pacific shrimp tacos, which represent the best expression of this beach-inspired taco shack. Even better, their fish is sustainably sourced according to Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guidelines. 1901 Callowhill Street

La Calaca Feliz The tilapia in La Calaca’s fish tacos get their crisp thanks to a plantain crust and a hop in the fryer. Then they’re topped with cabbage, avocado and a lemon vinaigrette. 2321 Fairmount Avenue

El Purepecha An archetypal hole-in-the-wall taco shop that’s quickly become a favorite among locals. There’s not much in the way of seating, just a couple tables and some counter seats, but the takeout business is brisk. Come here for the fish tacos (and fish burritos), shrimp tacos and, after that, pretty much anything you’re in the mood for. 469 North 10th Street

Best Tacos on the Main Line and Beyond

Taqueria Feliz | Facebook

Taqueria Del Norte, Northeast Philly Kris Serviss’s original Blue Duck space is now home to Kris Serviss’s new taco spot. With new partners and a new inspiration, the one-time sandwich artist is now focusing on tacos (and tortas), doing chef-y versions like pastrami pork belly, General Tso’s and filet cheesesteak tacos alongside favorites like fried fish and carnitas.

Tired Hands Fermentaria Mondays at Tired Hands mean $2 off tacos and half off the delicious Hophands and Saisonhands beers. It’s the perfect time to take a chance on the brussels sprouts tacos (no, really), which come with apple kohlrabi slaw, bacon jam, and sriracha ranch. 35 Cricket Terrace, Ardmore

Jaco Juice & Taco Bar This juice bar and taco shop may be health-oriented, but their tacos still taste great: The cotija cheese, tomatillo salsa, and roasted poblano crema offered on each taco sets them apart. West Chester and Media locations

Pipeline Taco Looking for something a little more Hawaiian in your taco shop? Then Pipeline is the place for you. It’s got a surf theme, smoothies and tacos made of kalua pork, buffalo shrimp and mahi-mahi. 165 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne

Taqueria Feliz They’ve got two locations (in Manayunk and Horsham), taco ingredients that run from brussels sprouts and cauliflower to carnitas and Carolina BBQ shrimp, plus (if you’re feeling frisky) a couple of specials involving fried chicken skin drenched in hot sauce or grasshoppers with guacamole. Manayunk and Horsham locations

Sabrosa Taqueria Two words: Taco pints. Which are exactly what they sound like. You pick your ingredients, the kitchen layers them into something like a pint glass, and then you eat everything with a fork. 34 East State Street, Doylestown

El Primo Taqueria Authentic Puebla-style Mexican food in the heart of Norristown. The elote is awesome, and the list of tacos is impressive. 1719 Markley Street, Norristown

San Lucas This huge menu has something for everyone — including large entree plates full of everything good under the sun. But the taco list is impressive all on its own, offering relative rarities like lengua, tripe, birria, cecina and suadera (shredded, salted and steamed beef, respectively). 2600 Federal Street, Camden

Lumbrada Cocina Mexicana Mexican breakfast all day? Yes, please. And the simple, fresh, street-style tacos are excellent, too. Wayne and Norristown locations

Philly’s Best Taco Places, Mapped

Source: https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/tacos-philadelphia/

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Illness leaves Alshon Jeffery as game-time decision

Getty Images

The good news for Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is that his shoulder has finally been fully cleared after offseason surgery.

The bad news is that making his 2018 debut on Sunday still isn’t a sure thing. Jeffery came down with an illness that forced him to miss the last two days of practice for the week.

He was listed as questionable on Friday as a result of the illness and Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that he remains a game-time decision as the start of Sunday’s game against the Titans draws closer. The Eagles promoted wideout DeAndre Carter on Friday to go with Nelson Agholor, Kamar Aiken, Jordan Matthews and Shelton Gibson as other receiver options.

Running back Corey Clement was also listed as questionable due to a quad injury that limited him in practice on Thursday and Friday. Jay Ajayi is back for the Eagles after missing last Sunday’s win with a back injury.

UPDATE 9:58 a.m. ET: Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that Jeffery is set to play against Tennessee.

Source: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/09/30/illness-leaves-alshon-jeffery-as-game-time-decision/

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Left ankle sprain doesn't slow down Ben Simmons' two-way brilliance

Following the Sixers’ 103-95 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night (see observations), Ben Simmons sat back in his locker, left foot submerged in ice after his latest stellar performance — one that earned him the distinction of bell ringer for the second straight game.

A reporter asked Simmons if he'd just had his best shooting night of the season.

“What did I shoot?” Simmons wondered.

Eight for 10, he was told.

“The other day I was 5 for 5,” Simmons said, “so I’d say that was my best.” 

The excellent games are starting to blend together for Simmons, who has shot 62.4 percent from the floor over the last seven games. He had 19 points, 12 rebounds and six assists on Sunday.

He put up those numbers despite spraining his left ankle in the first quarter. Simmons said his ankle was sore, but it didn’t sound like there was a chance he would have exited the game.

“It’s just a sprain,” Simmons said.

Simmons’ improved play has coincided with the arrival of Jimmy Butler, and that’s no coincidence. The team is 8-2 with Butler, and it's playing its best basketball of the season. The Sixers have held opponents under 100 points six times this season. Over the past week, they’ve held the New York Knicks, Washington Wizards and Grizzlies under 100.

“I think having him here is stepping everybody’s game up,” Simmons said of Butler, his “headband brother.” “Everybody has to be at that level. It’s great having his veteran leadership there, in practices and on the floor. Very positive player and wants to see everybody do well. I think that’s a huge part of Jimmy that most people don’t know. I think he’s a great teammate.”

Head coach Brett Brown has stressed how Butler has helped Simmons’ “defensive accountability.” He harped on that same theme Sunday night after Simmons’ latest exemplary defensive effort, which included a pivotal steal on Marshon Brooks late in the fourth quarter. 

Simmons came up from behind Brooks and tipped the ball out, then raced after it and saved it from going out of bounds, leading to two free throws for Butler and a 95-89 Sixers lead. 

“His defensive mindfulness, his commitment to playing defense for way more possessions a game than we’ve seen lately,” Brown said. “He’s moving in a really clear, positive direction. For me, I feel it — I see it as well, but I feel it.”

Offensively, Simmons came out with an attacking mindset, driving hard to the rim and looking to score in the post against the Grizzlies’ Kyle Anderson. Simmons helped the Sixers build an early lead with nine first-quarter points.

Simmons said he saw Anderson after Saturday’s Travis Scott concert at the Wells Fargo Center. 

“I told Kyle Anderson — I saw him last night after the concert — I told him I was going to go at him,” Simmons said.

When Simmons is playing at this level, the Sixers don’t need all three stars to be their best. Joel Embiid shot just 4 for 13 from the floor on Sunday, but thanks to Simmons, the Sixers didn’t require Embiid to be his usual, special self.  

“I’m telling you, when he’s playing like that, he’s a hell of a player on both ends of the floor,” Butler said. “When he’s being aggressive like that — not even on the offensive end but on the defensive end — he’s changing games for us.”

Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.

More on the Sixers

Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/76ers/left-ankle-sprain-doesnt-slow-down-ben-simmons-two-way-brilliance

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A new City Council bill would make it illegal for a business to go cashless — which Sweetgreens have been doing since Jan. 2017

You’re all set!

Billy Penn will land in your inbox every morning around 7:00 a.m.

You can add news@billypenn.com to your contacts to stop overzealous spam filters from eating our messages.

Source: https://billypenn.com/2018/10/26/a-new-city-council-bill-would-make-it-illegal-for-a-business-to-go-cashless-which-sweetgreens-have-been-doing-since-jan-2017/

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Living in Hawthorne: A Neighborhood Guide

Neighborhood Guide

Dominated for years by a high-rise housing project, the neighborhood took off after a rowhouse-style mixed-income development with a great town square at its heart took its place.

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Hawthorne Park is the biggest asset Hawthorne gained after the Martin Luther King Plaza housing project’s demise. Designed to be the “town square” not only for the new houses that surround it but for the entire neighborhood, it has lived up to the promise of its design by hosting outdoor movies, live concerts and free Shakespeare performances (more on those below). | Photo: Payton Chung via Wikimedia Commons, used under CC-BY-2.0

Nobody knows for certain how Hawthorne came to be called Hawthorne. The earliest use of that name in the territory bounded by Washington Avenue and 11th, Broad and South streets appears on the Nathaniel Hawthorne Public School at 12th and Fitzwater streets. Built in 1907, the school was converted into condominiums in 2011. The neighborhood presumably takes its name from the school, but it could also have been transferred from the housing project that rose in its center in 1963 or thereabouts.

The three high-rise towers were originally called Hawthorne Square, after the school. The project was renamed to honor Martin Luther King after his death. For decades, it served as a haven for crime and a drag on the neighborhood. Just how big a drag became clear after they were imploded in 1999 and replaced by a mixed-income rowhouse development. Since that replacement opened, the neighborhood has taken off.

Hawthorne may be the most thoroughly residential of all the neighborhoods of Greater Center City. One rarely hears “We’re going to hang out in Hawthorne!” when someone says what their plans for the day or evening are. That’s because this neighborhood doesn’t have a whole lot in the way of attractions, though several big ones, including South Street, the Italian Market and the Avenue of the Arts, lie just outside it. What this means, though, is that Hawthorne can be the place you get away to when you’ve had your fill of those bustling city districts.

Hawthorne Housing Prices at a Glance

Median single-family home value: $429,900

Median condominium value: $427,900

Median monthly rent: $1,926

What You Can Buy in Hawthorne

Bright MLS image via BHHS Fox & Roach Realtors

Ultra-Modern, Ultra-Luxurious Model Unit in Sold-Out Townhouse Development

1237 Kater St. | 4 beds, 4 full, 3 half baths, 4,200 square feet, $1,800,000

Bright MLS image via Houwzer

Handsome Neotraditional Rowhouse Where the Projects Once Stood

1201 Clymer St. | 4 beds, 2 baths, 1,533 square feet, $559,000

Bright MLS image via Houwzer

Stylish, Efficient Starter Condo in Former Hawthorne School

1201-15 Fitzwater St. #106 | Studio, 1 bath, 546 square feet, $210,000

Public Transportation in Hawthorne

SEPTA Broad Street Line: Lombard-South and Ellsworth-Federal stations

SEPTA Bus Routes: 4, on Broad Street; 23, on 11th and 12th streets; 40, on Lombard and South streets; 64, on Washington Avenue

Food Shopping in Hawthorne

Supermarkets: Acme, 10th and South streets, one block outside neighborhood; Acme, 10th Street and East Passyunk Avenue, four blocks outside neighborhood

Public markets: Italian Market, 9th Street from Catharine Street to East Passyunk Avenue, two blocks outside neighborhood (see Bella Vista Neighborhood Guide for description)

Specialty grocers: Hung Vuong Supermarket (Asian specialty supermarket), 12th Street and Washington Avenue; Sprouts Farmers Market, 1000 S. Broad St.; Whole Foods Market, 929 South Street, 1.5 blocks outside neighborhood

What a Real Estate Agent Says About Hawthorne

“I am a big fan of Hawthorne.  First off, it is home to one of my favorite brunch spots in the city, Hawthorne’s.  Good brunch, cool vibe, if you haven’t been, go check it out, or go grab a beer by the fire on a fall night.  If you want a cool coffee shop, though, go check out Function Coffee.

“It is also home to beautiful Hawthorne Park, which has movie nights, yoga, and Shakespeare in the park.  It is also a few blocks from the Broad Street Line at both Federal and Lombard, and all of the new stores coming to Broad and Washington.  The neighborhood has been growing steadily throughout the last couple of years, and has been fueled by its close proximity to the Graduate Hospital area, Washington Square and Bella Vista.

“One of the things that is so cool about the real estate in the area is that there is such a wide range of options for people, that range from $1 million houses to condos converted from schools — that even still have the chalkboards!”

—Ryan Kanofsky, Team Lead, Kanofsky Group, Keller Williams Philly

Revolution Shakespeare’s production of “Cymbeline” in Hawthorne Park, September 2017. | Photo: Revolution Shakespeare

Local Color

Lovers of outdoor Shakespeare no longer have to trek to West Philly for their fill. The Revolution Shakespeare company made its official public debut with a staged reading of “Henry VI, Part III” at Hawthorne Park in the fall of 2013, and every fall since then, it has returned to the park to stage readings and productions of Shakespeare plays created to be “accessible, stimulating theatrical experiences for the here and now.” Unfortunately, you just missed this year’s new production of “Troilus and Cressida,” but keep your eyes on the Revolution Shakespeare and Friends of Hawthorne Park websites for news about next year’s production. Between plays, you can catch all kinds of entertainment in the park in good weather, all of it free.

Photo: Beyond My Ken via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Did You Know?

Since 1984, Hawthorne has been home to one of the city’s oldest and best-known citywide magnet high schools. The High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, established in 1978, moved from Broad Street to the former Palumbo Elementary School in 1984. In 1997, it took over the Ridgway Library building, built in the 1870s to house the Library Company of Philadelphia and vacant since 1965. Notable CAPA alumni include Boyz II Men, jazz bassist Christian McBride, actor Leslie Odom Jr., actor and sandwich-shop scion Tony Luke Jr. and Black Thought and Questlove, founders of the influential hip-hop group The Roots.

Source: https://www.phillymag.com/property/2018/10/04/living-in-hawthorne-a-neighborhood-guide/

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Whether you can hear the sound or not, 'Mosquito' sonic devices shouldn’t be in our parks

Markward Playground is a small park near the Schuylkill River. I often go there for a walk or to look at the view, so I was upset to learn that this park has planted “Mosquitos” — the sonic device that targets young people my age, those 25 and under.

I went to the park after-hours, around 10 p.m. to hear this sound for myself. I expected to hear a piercing sound, like what I heard on NPR, but I didn’t hear anything — just the casual buzzing from the lights.

Since my ears didn’t pick up any sound from these devices at Markward Playground, I decided to go to two more parks that have been reported to have the Mosquitos: Hancock Playground and East Poplar Playground. I was also there in the evening, around 10:30 to 11 p.m. but again, I heard nothing in either park.

Maybe I was too early and the devices were actually on yet or maybe my 19-year-old ears weren’t picking up the sound. I don’t know. What I do know is that these devices shouldn’t be in our parks.

As a young photographer, I enjoy walking around the city and going to parks to take pictures or hang out with my friends. Knowing that these devices are in parks all over Philly truly makes me feel discriminated against and not valid as a person. These Mosquitos are a discriminatory device against young people and they do not belong in our public parks.

Why do older generations think the worst about my generation and the young people of Philadelphia? They overlook everything we have done to work on a better future. We have protested against gun violence, organized around climate change, embraced and supported the LGBTQ+ community. But they don’t see any of that and it’s infuriating. We want to hang out at parks, not destroy them. The idea that these devices will prevent vandalism, loitering, and other small, pretty crimes is insulting, because it assumes that only young people commit crimes and that it’s all we want to do if we’re at a park at night. As if people over 25 are never do anything wrong. It’s absurd.

The design of this device is discriminatory and the way it’s used is just as bad. They are set up to go off “after hours.” Why does a public park even have hours? Public parks are meant to be enjoyed by everyone, especially young people. They are free places to hang out and they should not be treated as private property, even after hours. Where are we to hang out after school? Where can we go during the summer months when we’re off school? We don’t have jobs and if we do, we have little money. These public places are meant to be accessible, but this device makes them beyond inaccessible — it makes them unbearable. Literally, our ears cannot endure the sound.

We young Philadelphians need to be treated with respect and understanding, like any adult would be.

It is discouraging to have our city treat us as potential threats, rather than the leaders of tomorrow. It shows us that they don’t believe in us and that they’d rather spend money on kicking us out of parks instead of our schools, creating jobs for us and opportunities. They’d rather force us to follow the rules than teach us the importance of following the rules. They’d rather bring negative judgement into our lives, than something positive, like programs to engage us and community activities.

The city’s actions are being heard louder than any mosquito device.

These devices should be removed immediately from parks and not allowed to be installed anywhere else. The city should take those funds and put them towards enriching the lives of young people instead of treating them like criminals.

  Source: http://planphilly.com/eyesonthestreet/2019/07/10/whether-you-can-hear-the-sound-or-not-mosquito-sonic-devices-shouldn-t-be-in-our-parks

[fatlier1-blog]

Art of Aging: Woman heads Temple's fencing team for decades

PHILADELPHIA --

Temple University's women fencing coach has been leading the team for nearly half a century.

Nikki Franke is an All American, an Olympian and two-time national champion.

Forty-six-years ago, she was studying for her Masters at Temple when she was asked to lead the women's fencing program.

"Not many schools would let a kid just out of college start a program," she said.

As a coach, Franke didn't just start it, she built a top 10 program with a national championship and 4 coach of the year awards.

"I would describe her as an athlete's coach, a coach that athlete's respect, that athlete's want to work with," Josh Henry, assistant coach.

Coach Franke is a New Yorker by birth but a Philadelphian by choice.

She's had offers from many other schools but has always chosen to stay at Temple.

"I love coming to practice. I love working with the women we have here," said Franke.

She continued, "I set a very high bar, and I have very high standards."

"Coach is an amazing mentor. I always know I can come and talk to her about anything, whether it's fencing, my school work, or even my personal life," said sophomore Marielle Luke of the Temple fencing team.

"I think she truly cares about us as people and not just as athletes," added senior Jessica Rockford of the Temple fencing team.

Franke adds, "I mother them, yes, I keep my eyes on them all the time, and they know it."

Franke's fencing knowledge is legendary, but she knows there are deeper lessons her team needs to absorb.

"They learn independence and how to depend on themselves and yet, they also learn how to be committed and dedicated to other people," she said.

"I've been very blessed. None of this was planned," added Franke.

------ Send a News Tip to Action News Learn More About 6abc Apps

Source: https://6abc.com/health/art-of-aging-woman-heads-temples-fencing-team-for-decades/5093251/

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Everything a Paralympic Gold Medalist Does (and Eats) in a Week to Stay Fit

Sweat Diaries

Paralympic athlete Michelle Konkoly shares her Sweat Diary.

A class at The Bar Method. Photograph courtesy Michelle Konkoly.

Welcome to Sweat Diaries, Be Well Philly’s look at the time, energy, and money people invest in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle in Philly. For each Sweat Diary, we ask one Philadelphian to spend a week tracking everything they eat, all the exercise they get, and the money they spend on both. Want to submit a Sweat Diary? Email ccunningham@phillymag.com with details.

Who: Michelle Konkoly (@michellekonkoly), 26, from Midtown Village

What I do: Second year medical student at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

What role healthy living plays in my life: Healthy living means taking care of my body by buying, preparing, and eating nourishing foods; getting plenty of sleep; and keeping my body strong, flexible, and conditioned by doing a diverse array of exercises. In 2011, I suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury that left me with a spine and heel fusion, and permanent weakness in my legs.  Since my injury, I have learned never to take anything my body can do for granted — I had to start from scratch to learn to walk again, and lost 30 pounds of muscle during my recovery.  After re-learning how to walk, I got involved in the Paralympics and won two gold, one silver, and one bronze medal in sprint freestyle swimming events at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics! I’m proud of my muscle because I know how far I had to come to get where I am today.  Now, I’m focusing primarily on school, but I still go to swim meets when I can.

Health memberships: I purchased the “New Client Special” at Bar Method Rittenhouse, which 30 days unlimited for $99. I also have a membership at the Jefferson Recreation & Fitness Center, which was included with tuition.

Monday

Michelle Konkoly trains in the Jefferson pool. Photograph courtesy Michelle Konkoly.

7:10 a.m. — Alarm goes off, and I wake up and am out the door within five minutes to head to the pool at Jefferson. Fortunately, it’s only a three-minute walk!

7:30 a.m. — Swim at the Jefferson pool.  It’s a 20-yard pool, which is shorter than most pools, but we make it work!  One of my classmates swims with me and we do a tough 4000 yard aerobic workout. I swim faster than when we did the set last week so I am pumped!

8:45 a.m. — Showered, I walk back home and take my corgi, Ollie, out for a walk.

9:40 a.m. — Walk back to Jefferson’s campus for class and stop at dry cleaners on the way.

10 a.m. — Small group class. I eat my breakfast of papaya, pineapple, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds with a homemade latte (two shots and soymilk).  Someone brought in Isgro’s cannolis so I have to eat half of a cannoli as well!

11 a.m. — Facilitate a group for the first year medical students, and have another cup of coffee. Swimming in the morning makes you a special kind of tired.

12 p.m. — Walk to the University Health Center to get the PPD shot I need for volunteering. While I’m waiting, I snack on two leftover paleo chocolate chip cookies I made over the weekend.

2 p.m. — I finally get home, and eat lunch of a kale salad with avocado, carrots, tomatoes, and homemade carrot ginger dressing, plus slice of whole grain bread and some chocolate-covered almonds.

3 p.m. — I head to the Jefferson Library to overview the material for the week. I have three clementines and half a bottle of kombucha I got from the new Sprouts Market last week.

5:45 p.m. — I get home and walk Ollie to Washington Square Park. I finish an almost-empty bag of Skinny Pop kettle corn before I head to barre.

6:45 p.m. — Barre class at Bar Method Rittenhouse.

8 p.m. — Barre doesn’t make me nearly as hungry as swimming, but I’m still excited for my dinner that I prepped yesterday: sushi bowls!  I top some sushi rice with calamari salad my roommate didn’t want, plus some broccoli, edamame, pickled ginger, and nori strips. I also have some almonds and dates.

9 p.m. — Ok, the hunger caught up with me.  I go a little overboard on after dinner snacks tonight and have a sundae of tahini squares with an Enlightened fudgesicle, half a banana and coconut whip, and a slice of chocolate pumpkin bread. I went on a baking spree over the weekend and now have all these goodies sitting around tempting me.

10:30 p.m. — Finish studying and head to bed.

Daily total: $0

Tuesday

Weight lifting to work on fast-twitch muscles. Photograph courtesy Michelle Konkoly.

8:14 a.m. — Woke up without an alarm. I try to give myself one day a week to sleep in. Once out of bed, I take Ollie for a walk and then eat half a banana and half a slice of chocolate pumpkin bread.

9:15 a.m. — At the Jefferson gym, and I do a one-hour lift, focusing on upper body explosiveness. I have a swim meet coming up in December, and since I swim sprint freestyle, power and fast-twitch muscle work is so important!

10:30 a.m. — Come home, shower, and make a latte to drink as I listen to this morning’s recorded lectures.

A smoothie bowl for lunch. Photograph courtesy Michelle Konkoly.

12:15 p.m. – Make a smoothie bowl for lunch! I’m obsessed with my Vitamix blender. I make a smoothie out of frozen bananas, peaches, and spinach, almond milk, and Orgain vegan peanut butter protein powder, topped with homemade granola, cacao nibs, chia seeds, coconut, and fruit.  I finish off lunch with some chocolate covered almonds and salted almonds.

1 p.m. — I spend most of the afternoon continuing to work though this morning’s lecture material on dermatology. I walk into to Walgreens as a study break and buy tweezers and a pack of gum ($5.20).

2:45 p.m. — Finish the Sprouts kombucha, along with some more tahini bars (they’re so good!) and some fresh pineapple.

5 p.m. — I get ready for a Jefferson Gala event tonight at the Philadelphia 201 Hotel.  I Uber over with some friends and the venue is gorgeous!

Cake for dessert. Photograph courtesy Michelle Konkoly.

6 p.m. — At the reception, I have three pieces sushi and a glass of Champagne. For dinner, we’re served bread and salad, and I request the vegetarian entrée of risotto, carrots, and broccoli rabe. I’m not strictly vegetarian, but try to eat less meat whenever possible! Dessert is a beautiful chocolate mousse cake with fresh berries.

9:30 p.m. — Uber back home and walk the dog. I’m craving something crunchy, so I grab a few handfuls of Special K out of the box before getting into bed.

11 p.m. — Bed!

Daily total: $5.20

Wednesday

Michelle Konkoly has an unlimited membership at The Bar Method. Photograph courtesy Michelle Konkoly.

7:10 a.m. — Alarm goes off and I’m off to the pool.

7:30 a.m. — Swim a 3200-yard workout by myself. Today I used parachutes that are tied to my waist to add extra resistance. It’s tough but really helps me increase my sprint speed and power. I shower at the pool and then come home to walk Ollie.

10 a.m. — Grab my backpack and head to class.  I eat my yogurt with fruit and chia seeds and a latte — I make this breakfast the night before so I can just grab it and go.

12 p.m. — Class ends and I come home. I’ll never get over how hungry swimming makes me in comparison to other workouts!  I grab a couple almonds and pieces of caramel corn before taking Ollie out.

12:45 p.m. — Lunch is a bowl of kale, sushi rice, tofu, carrots, broccoli, and pickled ginger, plus a bit of spicy mayo on top! I also have an apple from when I went apple picking with my mom and sister last week.

2 p.m. — I head to the library and have three clementines as a snack.

3 p.m. — Every Wednesday we have “Cookie Hour” with the applicants interviewing at Jefferson. Current students can come to mingle and of course grab a cookie! Today they have strawberries and mini cheesecakes too, so during my break from the library I head over and have one of each!

5 p.m. — Come back home and have a snack before walking Ollie: a small bowl of Special K with cashew milk and freeze-dried strawberries and almonds.

6:45 p.m. — Barre at The Bar Method. It’s been fun to have the flexibility to try new workouts, rather than having to focus 100% on swimming, like I was during the time leading up to Rio.

Homemade sushi for dinner. Photograph courtesy Michelle Konkoly.

8 p.m. — Finally time for dinner! I use my sushi bowl meal prep ingredients to make two homemade rolls and have a glass of wine with them.

9 p.m. — As I’m sending emails and studying, I make a bag of light natural popcorn and mix in a few pieces of caramel corn.

10 p.m. — We still have Halloween candy lying around, so I have a couple pieces (Reese’s are my favorite!) before walking Ollie and heading to bed.

Daily total: $0

Thursday

Enlightened ice cream from Sprouts. Photograph courtesy Michelle Konkoly.

7:10 a.m. — Alarm goes off and I snoozed it for eight minutes.  I almost never hit snooze, but I knew no one was joining me for my swim this morning, so I wouldn’t be holding anyone up if I was a few minutes late!

7:35 a.m. — Swim a 2,900-yard workout.  It’s certainly on the shorter end, yardage wise, but today I used a bungee tether that attaches me to the wall so I can swim continuously against the resistance for the length of my 50 free race (about 30 seconds).  It’s a great way to simulate an Olympic length (50m) pool in our 20 yard pool!  The tether is no joke — my arms are always burning by the end!

9 a.m. — Showered and walked home, then walked Ollie.

9:35 a.m. — Made my favorite smoothie bowl again.

10 a.m. — Head back to campus for class, and drink my latte.  One of my classmates brought in candy, so I have two mini Kit Kats.

12 p.m. — Come back home and have a piece of chocolate pumpkin bread with pumpkin butter while watching lectures.

12:30 p.m. — Eat half of a GIANT apple, plus a kati roll from Masala Kitchen — one of my friends had some extras after an event.

2:30 p.m. — Spend most of the afternoon studying at home, and eat the other half of the giant apple.

4:15 p.m. — Have a pre-dinner snack of bowl of Special K with half a banana, freeze dried strawberries, dates, golden raisins, and soy milk. I also have a cup of pineapple spirulina kombucha.

6:15 p.m. — I take Ollie on a long walk, then have dinner: a kale salad with the rest of my sushi rice, tofu, bit of edamame, and a quarter avocado, plus a bowl of defrosted frozen mangoes, strawberries, and pineapple with coconut flakes.

7 p.m. — I have another event for the first-year med students on campus, so I walk back over. For some reason there’s so much candy around this week!  I have two mini packs of gummy worms as I catch up with my friends at the event.

8:30 p.m. — Come back home and have a true dessert: chocolate! I love Enlightened ice cream, and found a new flavor — black cherry chocolate chip — at Sprouts last week. I eat the whole pint happily as I’m studying, along with a piece of chocolate and two more tahini squares.

10:30 p.m. — Bed!

Daily total: $0

Friday

Spaghetti squash pasta for dinner. Photograph courtesy Michelle Konkoly.

6:38 a.m. — Alarm goes off and I grab a squeezable applesauce packet to eat on my walk to barre.

7 a.m. — Barre. It’s great to get my workout out of the way so early on Friday. I always feel like my posture is so great after barre, too!

8 a.m. — I walk Ollie and make my smoothie bowl. Today I use up some frozen strawberries instead of peaches, and get in some last minute studying as I eat it.

9 a.m. — We have short quizzes every Friday — this week was all about various skin conditions.

10 a.m. — Head back home and have two and a half slices of chocolate pumpkin bread with pumpkin butter as I do some chores and cleaning in my apartment.

11:30 a.m. — I make a homemade iced latte, and have a ThinkThin protein bar and a mini Rice Krispie treat as I do laundry.  I’m heading out of town for a wedding this weekend so I’m trying to get ahead on my normal weekend chores!

12:15 p.m. — I walk Ollie to Washington Square Park and call my dad to catch up as we walk.

1 p.m. — I get a pedicure and gel manicure in preparation for the wedding ($42 with a coupon).

2:30 p.m. — When I get back home, I have a little bit of leftover tofu with a quarter avocado, kale, and edamame, plus the rest of the pineapple spirulina kombucha.  I also finish up the final crumbs of a container of homemade granola, mixed with cacao nibs and golden raisins.

4 p.m. — I spend the afternoon prepping my study schedule for our exam week next week, and have a tiny apple and half a container of Greek yogurt with cinnamon and chia seeds.

6:45 p.m. — I start making dinner, which is really meal prepping for next week! I have four little breadsticks and a bit of olive tapenade while I roast a spaghetti squash.  I make a chickpea/nutritional yeast “cheese sauce” for the squash, and mix it all together with some sun dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives.  I also roast up some leftover veggies from a veggie tray.

7:30 p.m. — I pour myself a glass of white wine as I eat my spaghetti squash creation. The sauce turned out so creamy!

8:30 p.m. — My roommate offers me some of the red wine she brought back from Italy, so of course I have to try it.

9:30 p.m. — I finish up packing for the wedding and have an Enlightened fudgesicle and three pieces of candy for dessert.

10 p.m. — Bed! I have an early train to DC tomorrow, so I’m calling it a night!

Daily total: $42

Weekly Totals

Money spent: $47.20

Swim workouts: 3

Barre classes: 3

Strength workouts: 1

Smoothie bowls: 3

Glasses of kombucha: 4

Let’s get social! Join Be Well Philly at: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | NEWSLETTER | TWITTER

Source: https://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2018/11/29/michelle-konkoly-swimmer-food-diary/

[fatlier1-blog]

Cherry Street Pier Adds a Sweet New Public Space to the Delaware Waterfront

Cherry Street Pier Adds a Sweet New Public Space to the Delaware Waterfront - OCF Realty

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Source: http://www.ocfrealty.com/naked-philly/old-city/cherry-street-pier-adds-sweet-new-public-space-delaware-waterfront

[fatlier1-blog]

Stina: a pizzeria with principles

Stina, the much-anticipated Newbold/West Passyunk pizzeria at 1705 Snyder Avenue, opens tonight, Friday May 31st at 5:00pm. This 24-seat casual BYO is brought to you by Executive Chef Bobby Saritsoglou and his wife–and the restaurant’s namesake–Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou. The restaurant is a passion-project that celebrates his love of cooking and food, and her life-long work of helping others.

Bobby Saritsoglou and Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou / Courtesy Society Hill Films

The couple, who have lived nearby in Newbold for a decade, developed two guiding principles:

offer delicious brick oven pizza and Mediterranean fare made from the finest and freshest locally sourced produce at an affordable price.

serve the community surrounding the restaurant by donating a portion of the monthly sales  to local charities, community projects and school programs

“We want to serve good food and at the same time serve the local community around us – this is important to who we are and our beliefs – and the two go hand in hand,” said Saritsoglou.

Pizza with eggplant, kale, sheep’s milk cheese, lemon, and zaatar / Courtesy Society Hill Films

The Food

The Mediterranean-inspired menu includes small plates, salads, sandwiches, home-made pastas, house-made breads, desserts and many vegetable offerings. The stars of the show are wood-fired pizzas, and the pide, a stuffed Turkish bread.

Pide – Turkish baked bread with truffles and Tallegio.

Fattoush Salad – tomato, cucumber, red onion, charred flatbread, olives, brined cheese. Courtesy Darren Fava

Manti – Turkish dumplings – ground lamb, aleppo pepper, whipped yogurt, mint. / Courtesy Darren Fava

There is one cooking implement: a 4,000 lb. Morello Forni wood-fired oven, shipped directly from Genoa, Italy. The restaurant’s facade had to be removed to install the oven. When fully fired up, the oven can cook a pizza in two minutes at 700 degrees.

The oven. / Courtesy Darren Fava

As Saritsoglou noted, “The wood-fired oven will be the heart of our operation, from pizza to bread to roasted meats and vegetables all gently kissed by smoke.”

Lunch service will feature slices at the counter, but at dinner its full pies only.

The Decor

Stina’s cozy interior design invites the eye to wander. Its a blend of the couple’s eclectic tastes. Saritsoglou incorporated his collection of reclaimed doors and windows. He’s been collecting them for over ten years, with the goal of using them in a dining space. Mission accomplished!

Courtesy Society Hill Films

Kallas-Saritsoglou, a co-founder of nonprofit Philly AIDS Thrift, decorated the 900 square-foot space with vintage frames, artwork, and tchotchkes. “Walls are like canvas for me,” she said. “I’ve spent my entire life curating collections of vintage and thrift items…This is my biggest piece of art and I’m proud to show off the story we created.”

She added, “While people will remember the food, first and foremost, I want them to also remember the space and the fuller experience they are walking away with.”

The Mission

Stina will give back to the community each month by donating a portion of daily sales to local charities, plus host a monthly fundraising night for the charity of the month.

Neighborhood groups can use the space for meetings on Mondays and available mornings and afternoons.

Saritsoglou was executive chef at Center City’s Opa until 2017, followed by a stint at East Passyunk’s Will BYOB (which, sadly, closes this weekend). He found the space while on his way home one night. The building, which in previous incarnations served as a cupcake shop, candy store, and women’s apparel retailer, needed a lot of TLC. But the couple is bullish about the area.

“What excites us about the neighborhood is the wonderful diversity that already exists, people from the Middle East, Tunisia, Morocco, Indonesia, Italy as well as our neighbors on either side of us from Asia and West Africa,” said Saritsoglou.  “We are thrilled to join new and old businesses around us, like Miss Rachel’s Pantry, the International Gourmet Market, ARS Brewery, Cafe Naan, La Mula Terca, and Thirsty Souls, which have been life-giving to some of these forgotten blocks. We are excited to be part of this rebirth.”

He concluded, “This isn’t just a business, but it is an extension of our home and our life. We can’t wait to play host for the first time when we open this week – and invite you all inside.”

Take a peek at Stina’s menu

For reservations and more information:

Visit www.stinapizzeria.com, find them on Resy, or call 215-337-3455. Email: stinapizzeria@gmail.com

Opening hours:

Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1: 5pm to 11pm.

Regular hours:

Starting the week of June 3, the restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner:

Tuesday–Thursday: 11am to 10pm Friday and Saturday: 11am to 11pm

Watch for delivery to begin in late June.

Source: http://www.passyunkpost.com/2019/05/31/stina-a-restaurant-with-principles/