Playlists
Ego of the Week: Bob Goldman
Street: When you’re not on a bike, you’re most likely...? Bob Goldman: Doing yoga, or eating, or both. Street: There are two types of people at Penn.
Pedal Power
As the garbage trucks roll through West Philadelphia at 6:30 a.m., John MacDuffie Woodburn is roaming the streets on his bike. Might this guy on a bicycle be your new garbage man? Woodburn is the founder and director of the Pedal Co-Op, a Philadelphia company that performs trash pick-up, composting, and deliveries for small businesses — all on two wheels. The idea is about going green: in performing these daily duties by bike, the aim is to reduce the harmful effects hulking garbage trucks have on the environment each day.
Feng Shui the Penn Way
Tory Burch: A perfect princess deserves her pretty pink throne. But don’t let the bed fool you, innocence stops at the frills. Ben Franklin: “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Ben clearly valued time spent in bed, making the perfect boudoir of utmost importance.
What Penn Alum Are You... In Bed?
Penn regurgitates some pretty impressive peeps, yo. You should aspire not only for their powers in the boardroom, but also their prowess in the bedroom.
Fred Astaire Would Approve
Walking into Continental Midtown for brunch on a Sunday morning, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. Would the menu focus on breakfast items?
Dough That's Worth the Dough
Stepping out of my taxi in northeast Philadelphia, the aroma of freshly-baked dough tickles my nose.
Hot 'n' Spicy
The location of Penn’s Korean/Japanese food cart (and arguably Penn’s best food cart overall) is ideal for two rather large groups of Penn students: Huntsmanites and Pottruck-loyalists.
Lucky Number Seven
I happened upon this place by means of a serendipitous miscommunication. I trekked to old city on a snowy January weeknight, to have dinner at another local BYO.
Windex Not Included
Tucked away inside a traditional Philadelphia row house is Effie’s Greek Restaurant, the closest any Philadelphian can get to authentic Greek cuisine. This Philadelphia classic, located on Antique Row, has been serving its own twist on classic Greek fare for 12 years, leaving some like Sarah Weaver, a three-year patron, coming back for more. “This place is phenomenal,” Weaver said, “I bring all my friends from out of town because there is no other place I’d go to get good Greek food.” Effie’s serves traditional Greek food in a cozy, at-ease atmosphere meant to make diners feel at home.
A Sweet and Bitter Fruit
The movie 300 depicts Persian king Xerxes’ decadent lair: plush tapestries, muted lighting and opulent metallic touches lend themselves to hedonistic indulgence.
Late Summer All Year Round
August calls itself “a twist on classic Italian.” In a sense, August succeeds in its twisting, but a more accurate description might be “improving.” At August, you’ll find all the usual suspects that lurk at the typical Italian Center City BYOB: the arugula and radicchio salad, the artichoke hearts, the almond-crusted salmon, the rigatoni bolognese.
Don’t Gnocch-It Till You’ve Tried It
I found myself at Bellini Grill, an Italian BYOB in Center City, for a friend’s birthday. Our group — comprised of about a dozen people — was seated at a big table near the door.
Don't Let the Monkeys Distract You
The primates on the walls at Bridget Foy’s never smile alone. Whether a regular or a newcomer, few can hide their satisfaction with this South Street hot spot.
Asian Fusion For the Techno Set
For those that enjoy Asian-fusion, Akoya provides a nice alternative to Pod, both in atmosphere and food selection.
Relax. It’s Just Fish.
The ambiance at Matyson was one of an intimate dining space — the kind of place you’d go on a first date rather than as a big group of rambunctious people.
Sugar-Coated, Kinda Bloated
When I walked into Sabrina’s Café with a large group of friends, my first thought was, “How are we all going to fit in here?” This cozy restaurant near the Italian Market has the atmosphere of a true café: simple décor, small, intimate dining space and a neighborhood feel.
West Philadelphia’s Dock Street Brews Up Happiness
Pizza and beer — arguably staples of any college student’s diet. Dock Street Brewing Co. does both of these better than anyone this side of the Schuylkill and for a very reasonable price. Located in an old firehouse at the corner of 50th and Baltimore Streets, the building has plenty of charm.
A New Stop On the BYO Map
Giorgio on Pine — a new BYOB spot where Valentino Ristorante once stood at 13th and Pine — invites patrons into a split-level space bounded by rustic, exposed brick walls and filled with warm lighting and the subtle sounds of Italian arias.
Far Beyond the Blue Box
Upon walking into Swallow Bistro, you’ll be struck by the thought that you’ve left Philadelphia altogether.
