Attending an Ivy League university involves a certain level of snobbery. Consequently, being an Ivy Leaguer may also cost you and your trust fund a fortune. Don't you worry about a thing, Street shows you there's a way to reconcile these two - so get ready, because you're about to be (affordably) "cultured!" For starters, next week marks the beginning of Restaurant Week, which features Philly's top restaurants with set menus starting around $35. Dress to impress, take out a hot date or get together with friends, both old and new. Offering affordable 4-course menus, restaurants such as perennial Latin favorite Alma de Cuba and the charming Caribou Café are a great deal and ensure that you're on your way to being a culinary pro.
Just a few blocks from either of these Center City restaurants, make sure to stop at Walnut Street Theatre - one of the oldest and most popular theatres in the country. The 200-year-old theatre on 9th Street offers day-of-show student discounts for $15. For the more committed theatre fan, they also offer a student subscription with some major savings. Starting off this season with Rodgers and Hammerstein's State Fair, the theater will showcase A Streetcar Named Desire as well as Hairspray.
Lastly, check out The Met: Live in HD at The Bridge. Opera is arguably the creme de la creme of culture. What's classier than heaving bosoms and Pavarotti? With New York's world-famous Metropolitan Opera playing a live stream to movie theatres across the nation (including our very own Bridge), this is a must-stop on your trip to culturedom. Sept. 22 marks the Opening Gala Ceremony for the Opera, and for $21 you can get as close to the real deal while not venturing out of University City. But be forewarned Opera-newbies that the shows last four and a half hours - though a little cultural overload never hurt anyone.
