Philadelphia is the 5th Most Walkable City!! August 1, 2008

Courtesy of Philadelphia Inquirer…

Original rating on Walkscore.com

This is so true! Walking for the most part is my main means of travel. Which is good, since I’m lazy and don’t like to work out (Philadelphia fatness rubbing off on me apparently.)

I took a little hike around in the middle of July (after STUFFING myself with Maoz which I mentioned last week). I walked from 12th and Walnut over and up to 16th and Vine to check out my favorite statue and then hightailed it over to the Art Museum to take photos of the fleeting light on the Schuylkill. After that I moseyed through the Fairmount Section to the Broad and Green St. It was about 3.5 miles I believe. Here are some of my photos

I URGE you to get out in all this while the weather is still beaut. Reconnect with this city!

Is God Mad at Philly? July 25, 2008

Maybe this seems a little late, but can you believe those storms Wednesday night?

O.M.Phucking.G.

ohhhh gurrrrrrrrrrl! Des bout to be some shit goin' down TOnight!

I actually got caught outside walking Thompkins, my beloved lil gentleman, when it started pouring.

I check the weather obsessively so I had brought my massive-ist Mary Poppins-like umbrella which I immediately popped open. We also stood under a tree because…

Thompkins just TOO diva to walk in the rain bIAtches!!

(Said in Phreaked’s best N. Philly trannie hooker voice)

When it had cleared, or so I thought, we started walking again, only to make it two blocks before THE Heeeavens Opened Up and Raineth Down Vengeance My Child!!

Imagine me, between the marble columns of an apartment building, trying to seek shelter… only to huddle in the corner of the apartment landing with my umbrella strategically moving to whatever directing the wind was trying to wisk away me and my lil black dog. Wicked!!

We managed to stay pretty warm and dry as the thunder was BOOMING and lightening CRACKING right above our heads. CRAZY

I know I should have just jumped in a cab, but I was kind of having fun roughing it.

Then again, I used to play “orphans” instead of “house” when I was little. Maybe I read too many Boxcar Children Books…

Don't worry Benny, we're just going to squat here until our rich Grandpa comes and saves us

Spot O’ Lunch: Munchalicious Maoz July 22, 2008

Oh Maoz, how I love thee, let me count the ways.

1. Amazing salad bar

2. Delectable hand cut fries

3. Dr. Pepper on hand

4. Kitchy green intertior

5. Great service

Last week I stopped into one of my favorite lunch spots. Maoz Vegetarian over on Walnut Street (between 11th and 12th). The neon green European eatery became an after work obsession when I worked at a bar in the Gayborhood. I would crave something filling late night but didn’t want grease in a paper wrapper from joints like Wendy’s or HomoHut (the go-to for gay pizza), Maoz is open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays! (10pm Sun-Thurs)

During my latest visit I got the number two: a half of a falafel sandwich, fries and a drink. They have a variety of canned and bottled beverages on hand; sodas, juice, ect… you just help yourself to something from the fridge. I usually go for water (they only carry Dasani) or Dr. Pepper. MMM!

A word of caution: there are four meal deals on the menu and they all center around falafel, so if you’re not a fan, don’t waste your time! (P.S. What’s wrong with you?!)

When ordering your falafel sandwich you can add options such as hummus, or grilled eggplant. They’ve now started offering fresh feta or avocado as well. (Don’t get me started on how much I adore avacado.)

With a plethora of salad bar options to top off my sandwich already available however, I opted out of the upgrades.

Always take a fork and mash your falafel balls against the inside of the pita so that you can fit more veggie goodness inside. On my most recent trip I decided to garnish my sandwich with red cabbage, cucumber, a spicy evergreen sauce and onions. I always add mayo too because I love the creamy consistency mixing with the spices. Every time is a little different.

I was also eying the coleslaw, olives, corn salad, beets, mango chutney and tahini sauce, all of which I’ve had before with stunning success.

What is thoroughly consistent despite my salad bar experimentation, is the staff. Always the same friendly people behind the counter. Very kind. Very professional. Like Starbucks, but selling crack of another nature. They put on great music and just seem to have fun. Once more, the food always comes up quickly.

Num…Num…Num!!

Grab your sandwich from the plastic racks on the counter and make your way over to one of the thick wooden benches or ask an employee for some foil and wrap it up to go.

I sat by the window, pulled out my PROBLOGGER book, started munching on those delicious thick-cut fries and watched the world go by. As I was studying and taking notes I watched as people puddle-hopped in the pouring rain, trying to make their way in between bars for Center City Sips. I was half tempted myself to head across the street to the *newly blue* Moriarty’s for a beer but I WAS phreaking TOO FULL!!

*Little known fact*

Want to get a lil salad side action? One of the first times I went to Maoz I was drunk off my ass and could not decide what toppings I wanted. I’m positively glutenous. I asked one of the employees if I could have small side plate because I didn’t want to put all the toppings in my sandwich but eat them on the side. He happily obliged saying he could give me some tin foil (as they don’t really have plates) or charge me 50 cents for a plastic salad container. You should see how deep the bowl is! Without hesitation I handed over the change and loaded up the platter like I had just gotten out of a fallout shelter and been subjected to canned spinach my whole life. Needless to say this fellow with glasses and “too-big” jeans is seriously my favorite employee there. He has earned it for putting up with my antics.

Phuck, I’m so hungry right now.

Bojibian- It don’t mean a thing July 17, 2008

Actually, Philadelphia, it means a lot.

I’m not really a concert girl. I don’t dig going to The Kyber and getting wasted to bands that just come off sounding like noise. Plus it really ruins the elastic in my skinny jeans when I start sweating too much. Really. Or knowing my luck, some 230 pound oaf kicks me in the ankle as he throws his arms above his head and staggers forward in a half-drunk leap screaming ‘Yeahhhhhh!!!‘ Thus, permanently disabling me and my hawwt heeled look. Ugh.

My music exploration is typically an online experience, discovering new groups through music blogs. Minimizes my interaction with groupies. Honestly, I can’t say that the Philly music scene promotes itself as much as it should.

This city has a penchant for undervaluing talent!
Which is why they all leave, right?

But then there is Philly Rising, an open mic night every Monday at World Cafe Live. I went a few months ago. O. My. Phucking. G!! Great music gives me that light-headed, heart-beating-out-of-my-chest sort of pleasure. Ah, Bojibian.

Pronounced bo-JIB-ee-an, these guys are brutal. Beautifully untamed. When I first saw them, they took the stage in sunglasses; like, ‘Hey we don’t take ourselves too seriously…’ but then proceeded to seriously rock out. The band consists of Stephen Lorek, Niles Weiss, James Scullion and Dylan Mulcahy. They pull off style and talent. Phucking down-right panache.

I won’t even mention how young they are because I’m sick of how every youthful music act has to be some surprise… I mean really, how many geezers do you know who still have passion? Life is draining, man. SO counteracting my extremely jaded nature, I listen to Bojibian songs that are light, fun, LOUD, upbeat. That’s the best way I can say it, as I’ve never been one for categorizing music, and Bojibian won’t cage themselves in either:

Stylistically, the group draws from many different influences, at times sounding like some sort of post-modern mash-up of pop, post-punk, classic rock, post-grunge, Southern rock, and arena rock…or something like that.

So.

This Saturday.

Go to World Cafe Live.

Bojibian will be on at 9 pm. They will also be selling their debut album which they have been working on furtively for the past 2 months. Commendable for a band that’s only been together since the beginning of this year!

HEAR THEM on Myspace. My fav? Hallway. Although Upstroke and Call Me In The Morning have been stuck in my head lately

click to buy Tix!!

I’ll be sad when they leave us for NYC.

I kid. I kid. Well, sorta.

Oh, Lady of the Night July 17, 2008

I composed this letter in my head last night as I was trying to take my dog for a late-night jaunt and found myself aggravatingly trolling behind a ‘lady’ of questionable reputation.

Trannie-licious…

Dearest Trannie Hooker,

I know you feel the need to saunter, shaking that jello-o all about, what with, trying to attract the ‘Johns’ and all… but could you please speed it up before I let my dog chomp on your STD-ridden ass? We both know what corner you’re walking to, so get your ass there already. Slut. And a word of advice, stop looking behind you at every car that passes darling, it looks a little desperate. Oh, wait. Nevermind, Get Money Guuuuuurl!

Always Your Neighborhood Bitch,

Phreaked

Eventually I just crossed the street… and then on the way back home I think I saw one of her ‘co-workers’ coming out from behind some building with a guy. Ah, Philly at it’s best.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia July 12, 2008

Well except on people’s faces. Hah.

Well I would normally want to give you a whole week of tasty tidbits, but there is just SO much going on today in the city I thought I just focus on this day in particular. Hey, maybe you’ll see me out because I am definitely going to be trying to make my way between all these great events.

We ALL already know I’m insane for Etsy, so how excited was I when I found out they are having CRAFTADELPHIA featuring local Etsy designers at the Mew Gallery?? I’m there.

At 9th and Christian it’s actually not too far from Mostly Books over at 529 Bainbridge, my favorite used book store in the city!! I mean really, it looks like this shitty little hole in the wall bookstore where used romance novels and westerns might abound but that place is so much more than cheap paperbacks. It goes back three more rooms, HUGENESS! I love delving into the cooking and self-help sections. ( It’s across from the Philly Aids Thrift… another AMAZING place) I just can’t wait to go over to the “South-ish” side of Philly and search for treasures.

My friend is having a bbq up in No. Lib. that I want to attend, but somewhere in that time I see myself looking for a little drama. So why not go watch a reenactment of the storming of the Bastille?! Yes, Bastille day is July 14th, and considering we have a prison just sitting around over on Fairmount, why not do something in honor of our 0% French-speaking population?!

Servant: The people, mam’n, they’re staring! They have no bread!

Marie Antoinette: Then let them eat cake!

Damn, that bitch had style.

Believe me, the French, masters of pastry, are cringing at the thought of this right now, but before Marie is executioned at 5:30ish today, she’ll be loading us up with Butterscotch Krimpets (oh my fav!).

Lastly I might head to a bar around the corner from my house that has been completely transformed (read: de-ghetto-ized)

Uwishunu is reporting:

Check out Billy W. of monthly parties Robotique (Medusa Lounge) and Hip Replacement (The Khyber). He’s now got a weekly thing called Shake Your Tambourine where he spins seriously serious disco with a smattering of early hip-hop and R+B in the mix.

This all happens at The Institute, which used to be the infamous Jesse’s Tenderline Cafe at 12th and Green. The new proprietors have kept Jesse’s North Philly charm intact, but they’ve managed to fix the place up a bit and bring in some fancy beers.

Shake Your Tambourine
Saturday, July 12th, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., free,

The Institute
12th and Green, Philadelphia, PA
www.institutebar.com

Ah, gentrification at it’s best.

Airline Adversity = Style Serendipity July 11, 2008

Your accessories need to be seasoned travelers as well.

After all, every jet-set miss knows that a striking necklace or flashy bangles can instantly improve the casual outfit; giving you more fashion mileage from a tight suitcase to boot! The same can be said for handbags. Three is all you need, even for a long vaca.

One should be this…

Check out the airline bag recently featured on thestylephile:

This Kim White purse is made from fabric originally intended for use on a United Airlines plane. Hah, yeah as if any new planes are going to be made anytime soon.

Retailing for $210 (including tax and shipping) this bag is not only adorably kitchy; the transition from day to night with this same simple tangerine dress is abundantly clear.

Day accessories: Wrap this beautiful purple scarf around your head and keep your feet relaxed in these Steve Madden flats. (Phreaked owns a pair just like them!) Go Boho chic doll!

Night accessories: Play up the black leather details of this purse matched with the earthy tone of the fabric by going with black and cork accessories. (Stewart Weitzman Wedge Sandals & Cork Cluster Earrings)

I am a “Woman For Obama” July 10, 2008

Saw this in the morning’s METRO: Obama targets Women’s issues with Cinton at hand They didn’t capitalize the “W” in “Women’s issues,” but I WILL.

Honestly, I used to be a “Woman for Clinton,” a woman for women!!
A lesbian,if you will.

Hah. Yes, (*sings*) I voted for a girrrrl, AND I liked it!! Anyways, I’ve been a little overdone with all this hard campaigning and I’m glad that we Democrats finally have a candidate.

Hils is my homegirl!!!! I’m even more proud of her for being SO SMART AND SOPHISTICATED, realizing that Obama needs her support in kicking the Republicans to the curb!!

Where My Girls At?

It seems “Women’s issues” are strictly abortion and equal pay. McCain feels that women are underpaid not because of discrimination, but because they “need more education and training.” Hows about some sex training? Ut oh, dirty.

I have an idea… Let’s take money from anti-abortion groups’ “Maniacal Arts & Crafts treasury” (I have a feeling they spend a hell of a lot of money on poster board, puffy paint, and glitter. Oh, and printer ink isn’t cheap– ya know, for images of fetuses) AND siphon that cash into a scholarship program for women to get their MBA’s!

Wow I am such a problem solver. No worries, I won’t be getting too political on you Philly… what with the fact we know this city will go to Obama. So what’s there to cover?

Raising a Toast: The Lemongrass Martini July 10, 2008

Mmmmm…. A recent trip to Vietnam on 11th Street (Just south of the police station on Vine) has left me craving a certain concoction. I’ve always found lemon grass in Asian meals to be a welcome addition. My tongue-a-starts-a-tinglin’ when I find it on my plate; when used properly it really can bring a meal from good to excellent. So when browsing Vietnam’s drink menu I was happily surprised by this item. I was even happIERily surprised when I took my first sip. Delish! Simple and not too sweet. Not that the food wasn’t good either, but this drink made a lasting impression…

Probably because I only had one.

Hah. Now we all know if I had been slinging back drinks out of some Tiki Man’s head… well this post might not exist. It would be replaced with “The Wonders of Advil: 5 Ways to Slay that Hangover.”

As I’ve been searching online to procure you biddies a recipe, it seems that everyone makes it differently. OR adds items I just find unnecessary, Cocounut rum? Rhubarb syrup??? Um, no thank you.

I guess the best way to get the recipe is to moisy on down to Vietnam and order one for yourself!!

Just Too Dishy Dahhhhhhrlin… July 9, 2008

Before summer is over you must entertain with these.

Once again, I’ve been browsing the ’shop local’ section of Etsy and found these beautiful dishes by Naomi Cleary Ceramics.

I find these dishes and tumblers to be exactly the mood we try to evoke with summer socializing:

relaxed,
impromptu, bright, fun,
breezy, laughable.

I just want to sip lemonade on the porch and have a few girlfriends over to nibble. Isn’t that what summer is all about?

Settle in, stay awhile my friend.

Support a local artist! SHOP HERE