Massage Arts Center of Philadelphia

Magic Fingers

by Krista Apple

Massage. You know you want one. But (if you’re anything like me), you know you could never afford one. Until now. As little as $35 guarantees an hour-long session with a masseuse-in-training at the Massage Arts Center of Philadelphia. Bring them your tired, your poor, your stiff of muscle and weary of heart. And no need for student snobbery here. In four visits (and counting), this stiff girl's experience has been par excellence. (And trust me, the twisted knot where my spine once was gives them ... Continue

Trocadero

Win Tix to Chromeo!

by Craig Nelson

Do you like awesome '80s groovin' synth music from Montreal? Then keep reading because NFT and Green Label are teaming up to give away a pair of tickets to the big Chromeo show at the Trocadero on July 27th. Here's the deal: Sign up for the NFT newsletter, follow Green Label and NFT on twitter, and wait ... Continue

Da Vinci Ristorante

Hold the Gravy

by Krista Apple

Yes. Hard to believe. A hearty Italian restaurant in the depths of South Philly. But at Da Vinci Ristorante, the spirit and flavor of Passyunk mingle with a smooth elegance more often found in Rittenhouse Square. Chef and owner Francesco Parmisciano grew up near Salerno, and his restaurant's palette manifests that Southern Italian heritage in deliciously complex combinations; so if it's traditional marinara "gravy" you're after, you may have come to the wrong place. Pasta and meat entrées alike ... Continue

Old City Cheese Shop

Cheeseless Wonder

by Krista Apple

The name's a misnomer. Not that they don't sell cheese--they do: a small but mighty selection of French, Italian and American cheese from Gouda to good Pecorino. But there's ever so much more. Best loved by this reviewer for their lunch special, you can pick up a sandwich and soup for $7 on weekdays. (Sandwiches are pre-made, and might on any given day include a choice of prosciutto & provolone, mozzarella caprese, or a ham & cheese croissant. On weekends, sidle in for the best-kept brun ... Continue

Pierre's Costumes

Costume Of All Seasons

by Krista Apple

Let's face it. Halloween might be the most likely time of year we find ourselves in need of vampire teeth and full-body Viking armor...but it's not the only time. Praise be to Dionysus, God of spectacle and misrule, then, that Pierre’s Costumes is open year round, catering to the costume junkie in us all with true panache. Does Santa need to visit for Christmas in July? Pierre's can hook you up. Jonesing for a Marie Antoinette tea-and-cake party? Need to prank the boss with a visit from the Ener ... Continue

Carman's Country Kitchen

Rough & Saucy

by Krista Apple

Carman's may very well embody the spirit of South Philly: it's rough and saucy, made to order, and straight from the heart. There's no messing around here at this homespun brunch storefront; sitting at the counter or at one of a few snug tables, you'll be served with mismatched silverware and mugs likely filched from your great aunt’s cupboard. The menu, hand-written on the wall, announces a small selection of seasonally inspired entrees that change weekly. You'll always have your choice between ... Continue

Green Eggs Cafe

Two Words: French Toast

by Sara Nye

While eating breakfast at Green Eggs, one of the only other physical tasks I can accomplish is heaving great sighs of contentment. Not only because the French toast I order is perfectly portioned and manages to be both light AND rich, but also due to the ambiance here, a newly remodeled set of rooms that is full of warm dark woods, intricate ceilings, and images of the natural world. Each table even has a plant centerpiece. The cafe itself seems to be breathing deeply, so what choice do I really ... Continue

Isgro Pastries

Cannoli Bliss

by Krista Apple

Of South Philly's great bakeries--Termini Brothers, Varallo Brothers, Cosmi's--Isgro is one of the best known, not only because of their delectable sweets but because of their proximity to the oft-traversed Italian Market and (inimitable) Sabrina's Cafe. Isgro's delivers all that one dreams of in a traditional Italian bakery and sweet shop: pignoli, biscotti and sf ... Continue