The Lowdown On Philly's Hottest New Dining Spot

People are flocking to the newest Stephen Starr restaurant, Borromini on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. 

Forget that Starr has five other restaurants on or near the fashionable square. Borromini is where diners want to be right now. Why? Because the wait for this place (more than a year in the making) has been so long and the buildup so big and the anticipation so high that now that the place is finally open, everybody wants first bragging rights.

Don't ask us how, but we managed to snag a Saturday night reservation in prime time last night. Here's what we found:

• Located on the first two floors of what was a spacious Barnes & Noble bookstore, the place is big, boisterous and boozy with large bar areas on both levels. The walls are lined with bottles of liquor lit from behind in strategic shapes and sizes and the huge crowd last night was loud and showy.
• The staff, as with all Starr restaurants is well trained and highly professional without being haughty. All staff members are helpful and do everything they can to be accommodating, and they do it with a smile.
• Though the joint boasts an Italian menu, there's nothing about the decor that is particularly Italian and you really don't get an Italian vibe from the staff either. In fact, Borromini looks more French than Italian as it's almost a carbon copy of Starr's hugely successful nearby French brasserie, Parc. A big difference is that this place doesn't have as much al fresco dining as Parc and does not seem quite as old school.
• And the food? Well, the Pane Focaccia ($9), a crispy, delicate presentation flavored with rosemary and sea salt was nothing short of heavenly. The 100 Layer Lasagna ($28) wasn't really 100 layers (far as we could tell) but it was delicate and tasty. The Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese  ($23, pictured above) with parmigiano reggiano was light and similar to the same dish we've enjoyed in Bologna. And the Chicken Milanese ($31) with arugula, tomatoes, lemon and parmigiano was basically a very large, thin chicken cutlet. We had the house gelato for dessert and it was forgettable -- sort of icy instead of creamy.
• The food was good -- not spectacular, not necessarily off the charts, but okay for now. 
• Our suggestion: give the place a bit more time. Right now it's a mob scene and appears to be somewhat overwhelmed. Plus, they haven't even started serving lunch yet. They say that's "coming". 
• Borromini is still getting its act together. We'll be back again -- but with not quite as much breathless anticipation the next time. And, we'll try to avoid it on a Saturday night and nestle ourselves into a cozy corner booth.

Where To Watch Philly Naked Bike Ride Tomorrow!

The Philly Naked Bike Ride leaves Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park tomorrow (Saturday) at 5 PM. Then, the huge crowd of naked bikers follows the trail you see below, looping around the Art Museum, down 19th St., around Rittenhouse Square, down Locust to Broad, south on Broad to Passyunk then up 9th to South, over to 7th to Walnut, eventually moving to Market East, then to 13th to Spring Garden and down Spring Garden to 3rd and an after party at The Fillmore:

This Saturday, Philly Goes Completely NAKED!

 

'Crash And Snatch' Looters Hit Rittenhouse Row

Watch Jim Kenney in the clip above.

Philly's mayor is a real piece of work.

Kenney suggests that the problem is not crime but the absence of people in center city Philadelphia -- the lack of foot traffic.

What a joke! Philly's had more than 130 car jackings already this year and is on pace to meet or exceed the record number of murders it tallied last year.

Mr. Mayor, don't you see that the reason people are not out and about in center city is because they simply feel it's too damned dangerous to venture out? This isn't rocket science.

People are not strolling about -- they're not leaving their offices or their places of business and visitors and tourists are not even coming into the city -- precisely because of stories like this.

Thanks to Kenney and DA Krasner and a weak, seemingly clueless police chief, Philadelphia is becoming a haven for looters, vagrants druggies, thieves and murderers. 

THIS is Jim Kenney's Philadelphia!

NAKED BIKE RIDE Is back And Set For 8/28!

 

A Horrific Stabbing Death In A Posh Precinct!

Via Facebook, here is a piece of MUST reading from our dear friend, Christine Flowers:

On Thursday evening last week, I was standing at the bus stop on 19th and Chestnut, blithely unaware that at that moment, someone was being stabbed to death a block and a half away. It never would have occurred to me to feel unsafe, even after 10:00 pm at night, because this was Rittenhouse Square and the worst that ever happened to me on Rittenhouse Square is an old man yelling at me for littering. Death is not expected in these leafy precincts.

Death came to Sean Shellenberger at 10:30 on Thursday, after he’d enjoyed a meal with friends at an outdoor table, facing the park. It was a balmy night, and I remember hoping that my air conditioner at home was working, and mentally deciding which cable news show I was going to watch before going to bed. Everything was, as everything always is on nights when death comes unexpectedly, exceptionally unexceptional.

The next morning, I read that Shellenberger had been stabbed to death by a person who had then fled across the park, in the direction of my bus stop. He’d left behind his bike, his backpack and a splattering of his victim’s blood on the pavement. Shock was replaced by horror, which was replaced by anger.

And then there was that televised news conference where the suspect, Michael White, turned himself in, and I thought this would progress like any other high profile killing in the city: mourning the victim, legal preliminaries for the alleged killer, arraignments and then some quiet until the case went to trial.

But from the very beginning, it wasn’t a normal case. The victim was a well-known real estate agent, loved and respected in his community. The suspect was a young college student, loved and respected in his community. They both, apparently, had promising futures, the first in development and the second in the performing arts. White has been called a “poet,” by his family, which I suppose is a way of saying he liked to write. His family says he was never involved with the law, even though he has an open rap sheet with weapons, theft, and drug charges. That information didn’t come out right away, but you can’t suppress public records for very long, particularly when they’re less than a year old.

And then the media started talking about the victim’s past brushes with the law, including a disorderly conduct conviction from 2009, burglary, criminal trespass and theft charges in 2001 and a dropped charge of battery in 2008.

You could see where this was going, as the narrative started to take shape. Sympathy was forming, like the clouds before a storm, for Michael White. There was a story about how, in the words of a family friend “He’s extremely depressed…he’s crying [and] doesn’t believe he’s in jail…he had to sleep on a table for 11 hours. They gave him a cheese sandwich and some water.”

It ended with this comment: “He doesn’t like the way he’s being treated.”

Sadly, no one could get a comment from Sean Shellenger.

I understand that everyone is entitled to a legal defense, and the presumption of innocence. That was drummed into me at law school, and by all the police procedurals I’ve watched on TV over the last thirty-some years. Facts need to be elicited, and reported fairly, and we can only make an assessment about guilt or innocence based on a full record.

But the insidious nature of the Rashomonic world in which we live, where everyone can create their own desired reality by omitting or condensing or reshaping certain facts, allows us to spin stories over the bodies of dead people, who can no longer speak for themselves.

The supporters of Michael White are understandably concerned with making him seem like the type of person who would never kill a man. He is a poet, a student, a son, sweet-natured, never in trouble before. The fact that this isn’t entirely true doesn’t matter. There are enough clouds gathered to make it plausible.

Similarly, Shellenberger, on whom no weapon was found and who is forever stopped from giving his own version of Thursday night’s fatal reality, is ascribed qualities that fit with White’s growing narrative of “self-defense.”

I don’t know what happened. But I do know that until we have the facts, I don’t give a damn if Michael White is upset at the treatment he’s getting. At least he still has the ability to complain.

Choice Center City Ministry Get New Leaders . . .

The Dominican Friars of the Province of Saint Joseph will begin service at Saint Patrick Parish in Philadelphia on July 1st, 2018. The Dominicans, also known as the Order of Preachers, most recently served at Holy Name of Jesus Parish (Philadelphia) for nearly a century, leaving the Archdiocese in 1998. The friars also served on the faculty of La Salle University during that time.

Staffing will initially consist of four friars: two of them will work in the parish as the pastor and parochial vicar, one of them will join the faculty of an Archdiocesan high school and the fourth will assist with various ministries.

The Order’s provincial,Very Reverend Kenneth Letoile, OP, said of the move, “We are delighted to accept Archbishop Chaput's gracious invitation to establish a new Dominican community in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. It comes at a providential moment for us: vocations to our Dominican province have been increasing over recent years, and we have long wanted to return to Philadelphia in order to serve the vibrant local church there. The Dominican Order was founded over 800 years ago as the Order of Preachers, and ever since, Dominicans have been dedicated to the work of preaching and teaching the faith. We are therefore very happy to be able to minister in the Archdiocese by accepting the pastoral care for Saint Patrick's Church in Rittenhouse Square, which offers a rectory with sufficient space for a full Dominican community of priests and brothers, and a pastoral setting congruent with our charism.”

The Province of Saint Joseph was founded in 1805, and serves the Eastern United States. Their 300 friars engage in a variety of ministries, including serving as teachers (Providence College), parish priests, hospital chaplains, itinerant preachers, and campus ministers, while also undertaking missionary work in Eastern Africa.

Father Daniel Mackle, who has served as the pastor of Saint Patrick’s since June 2004, will move to Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary where he currently teaches Liturgy. That work will continue as he serves as Director of Liturgy for the Seminary.

Note: To find out more about the Dominican Friars, please visit: https://opeast.org/.

Naked Bike Riders: Get Ready, Get Set . . .

Here is a special message from the Philly Naked Bike Ride:

We are 45 days away from the 9th Annual Philly Naked Bike Ride!! We ride again on September 9, 2017. Pre-ride festivities will start at 3 pm, and we ride at 5 pm! Follow us on social media for all updates! The starting location will be announced 24 hours before the event. We will send out a newsletter 24 hours prior with all the Need To Know info for the ride!

We ride to advocate for cycling as a major form of transport, to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, and to advocate for body positivity!

RSVP to the Facebook event, and share:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1856505184610774/?ti=icl

** A part of the Philly Naked Bike Ride's experience is to get painted! Whether it be by our lead body painter Matt, in the Pollock splatter style, our body painters with your personal message and requests, or at the DIY paint station with your friends, we always need your support in purchasing supplies. Help us get there with a donation to our GoFundMe, every bit helps:https://www.gofundme.com/philly-naked-bike-ride-2017

** Amtrak Discount
Amtrak is offering a 10% Discount off their best fares for PNBR riders to and from 30th St. Station, Philadelphia, which will be near the route of the ride. Complete details are on the FAQ page at www.phillynakedbikeride.org at this link: https://philadelphianakedbikeride.wordpress.com/faq/ or look on our Google Group: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phillynbr

Follow Us:
W: www.phillynakedbikeride.org
F: www.facebook.com/pnbrfan
I: @phillynakedbikeride
T: @phillynbr

G: groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phillynbr

Now Take A Look At It From THIS Angle, WOW!

From Cory J. Popp: Unbelievably THRILLED to release my new Philly video, which might just be the fastest way to show off Philadelphia #whyilovephilly

Naked Man Drives Cab Through Public Square

RITTENHOUSE SQUARE, Philadelphia -- a naked man who crashed a stolen cab after allegedly driving through the park.

What's Happening To A Once-Vibrant Urban Core?

Has anybody noticed that since Jim Kenney became mayor of Philadelphia, center city seems more trashed than at any time in recent memory? 

There are more unsavory characters on the street (even in Rittenhouse Square and environs) and aggressive street peddlers and panhandlers seem to dot every corner. Broken, uneven sidewalks, and loose bricks are common while skateboarders and cyclists ignore rules both on the street and along sidewalks (where they aren't supposed to be at all). 

Those "solar-powered" trash bins are dirty and overflowing while trash and debris swirl around underfoot. Even as new buildings rise, center-city becomes increasingly hostile and menacing street-side. Kenney has basically said he cares more about "neighborhoods" than center city -- and it certainly shows, more and more every day! 

BTW: At the same time, center city has also become a have for radical leftists demonstrators who tie up traffic and now successfully close down whole blocks. Sad!

Free Preview Concert Live On The Square!

In advance of its spring benefit concert next weekend, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary will hold a free preview flash performance with selected soloists in Rittenhouse Square.

Saturday, April 2nd

Rittenhouse Square

11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

The full concert on April 9th will be led by the Seminary’s new Director of Sacred Music and Wanamaker Organist, Rudolph Lucente. He will be joined by Artist in Residence and Philadelphia Orchestra organist Michael Stairs, organist Colin Howland and trumpeter Brian Kuszyk. 

Also performing will be renowned vocalists Amanda Frederick, Toffer Mihalka, John Frederick and Kaitlyn Tierney. 

The concert program includes sacred and classical music. The theme of the concert is “Music, Mission and Faith.”

These Philly Bars, Eateries OPEN This Weekend

Worried that the coming storm will close your favorite eatery or watering hole?
Don't worry, hon.
These Philly bars and restaurants have announced they will be open all weekend, and the list continues to grow. C'mon out and enjoy:

Fond
Bud & Marilyn's
Pumpkin
McGillan's
Federal Donuts
Oyster House
Monk's Cafe
Four Worlds Bakery
Bistrot La Minette
Varga Bar
Cav's Rittenhouse
Revolution Taco
The Cambridge
Honey's Sit 'n Eat

Click here for a continuously updated list.

Philly Naked Bike #7 Ride Will Happen Soon!

Here's a special message from the Philly Naked Bike Ride:

Philly Naked Bike Ride (PNBR) 2015 will be held on Saturday, 29 August 2015! 

 Start time will be 3pm, with pre-ride festivities from 12:30-2:30pm! 

So reserve the date, make your work, travel, etc. plans, and spread the word to friends and family. Get ready to ride in the 7th version of the most fun you can have on a bike! 

Flyers Pep Rally Today At Rittenhouse Square!

The Philadelphia Flyers are inviting fans to literally “jump on the bandwagon” at a Playoff #ClutchTime tour pep rally as a flatbed truck rolls through center city and ultimately parks on 18th Street (Rittenhouse Square) from 11:30 AM till 1 PM today, Wednesday April 16 recruiting fans with a live band on the truck. 

The Flyers Fun Patrol will distribute surprises to all in attendance with appearances by Flyers alumni, a raffle to win tickets to see the Flyers face off against the New York Rangers in Game Three of their First Round playoff series at the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday, April 22 at 8 p.m., as well as allow fans to shoot on goal to win a signed Lecavalier jersey.

The Flyers start the Divisional Semifinals in New York at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers on Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. The series continues with Game Two, also in New York on Sunday, April 20 at noon. The series moves to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Tuesday, April 22 at 8 p.m. and Game Four on Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m., both at the Wells Fargo Center. Tickets are on sale now by calling 215-218-PUCK or by visiting PhiladelphiaFlyers.com.

For a complete Divisional Semifinal (Round 1) Playoff schedule of fan events for the Flyers Playoff #ClutchTime tour, visit PhiladelphiaFlyers.com/ClutchTime.

#ClutchTime: Because It's the Cup™

Official Flyers Social Media Pages:

Twitter: @NHLFlyers; Facebook: Philadelphia Flyers; Instagram: PhiladelphiaFlyers

World Famous Bakery Coming To Philly

Food-crazed Philadelphia is about to get one giant sweet tooth.
Yes, the land of luscious water ice, unforgettable homemade candies, the world's best gelato and the creamiest, most sinfully delicious ice cream anywhere is about to get a world-class pastry shop.
And no, it's not coming from Paris or Vienna or Rome or even New York City.
It's coming from New Joizee, hon!
You got that right: Buddy Valastro (TV's famous Cake Boss from Hoboken) is headed to tres chic Rittenhouse Square - center city's most exclusive neighborhood.
Valastro will bring his Carlo's Bake Shop to 21st and Walnut Sts.
Word is the spanking new pastry palace will open in late spring or early summer.
Hurry Buddy, hurry!

Support The Philadelphia Art Alliance Now!

Why We Love Parc On Rittenhouse Square

We've told you before how much we love Parc Restaurant on Philadelphia's fashionable Rittenhouse Square. But we're not sure we've ever completely explained why.
Yes, we love the location. The square is scenic and memorable no matter the season.
And yes, we love the people watching. The city's greatest characters are here and it's grand to watch them come and go.
Plus, the service is always unfailingly professional but with absolutely no pretenses. It's almost as if the management and the servers have a sixth sense about how you want to be treated and why.
On top of all that there's the atmosphere -- a brasserie that's marvelously authentic down to the smallest detail.
But as with any great dining spot it's the food that keeps us coming back.
At lunch, we love the croque madame. This is a variation on the croque-monsieur, a French twist on grilled ham and cheese. Traditionally, instead of dipping the sandwich in egg before sautéeing in butter (as you would for a croque-monsieur), you grill the sandwich first and top with homemade Mornay Sauce, cheese, and sunny-side up egg.
Now, the funny thing is we don't eat ham and eggs at home. But just look at the croque madame (below) as it was recently served to us and note that it comes with a lovely side salad. We ask you: Who can resist it?

Like everything at Parc this croque madame is consistently excellent. Every time you order it, it's positively perfecto! And we truly feel that it's the simplicity of it that makes it so wonderful. Let's face it: The simplest dishes are always the best because the food must stand on its own, unadulterated and properly prepared. There's no place for the ham and egg to hide here. So, they have to be good.
And, if an egg is this good then one should be enough.
And it truly is, as it is served on a divine slice of thick French bread.
Which brings us to the bread at Parc.

At this restaurant a basket of bread (real, cooked-on-the-premises fresh bread) is always brought to your table. It's just another touch of hospitality you won't soon forget because the bread is probably the best in the city.
The cranberry nut bread here is renowned. It's so crunchy and sweet you'll become addicted to it. And look at that section of baguette. It's extraordinary!

And we cannot finish talking about Parc without raving about the warm shrimp salad with lemon beurre blanc and avocado and the smoked salmon tartine with horseradish crème fraîche, capers and red onions.
We show them (and everything else) exactly as they were served to us. All superb!
Finally, did we mention the city's best restaurant manager, Carol and our very favorite waiter, Drew? Well there, we did.
Every single time, for all these reasons Parc lives up to its outstanding reputation.
C'est magnifique!

Adam Cirucci & Gina Basciani: More Photos!

The wedding of Adam Cirucci and Gina Basciani coincided with the Philly Naked Bike Ride. Photograph by Mark Tassoni.

As promised, here are more photos from the 8/25 wedding of Adam Cirucci and Gina Basciani. Enjoy! Our thanks to Mark Tassoni for the top photo and to Lou Cirucci for all the rest!

Naked Bike Ride Photos - First Look From Philly!

Here they are!
Here are some of the early photos from Philly's naked Bike Ride on Saturday.
These photos were taken in the area around posh Rittenhouse Square where bicyclists wheeled merrily along in celebration of cycling.
A great time was had by all -- including the attendees at the wedding of Adam Cirucci and Gina Basciani who got to watch it all from the front of the beautiful Rittenhouse Hotel.
Our thanks to Janessa Lee for taking these photos.