Bassetts Ice Cream is now open at Reading Terminal Market, plus it is offering free delivery in Center City on orders of $25+. DYK: You can ship it anywhere in the U.S.?
Franklin Square has re-opened. Franklin Square is home to a state-of-the-art fountain show with lights and music, an old fashioned carousel, Philly-themed mini golf and SquareBurger. Click here for health & safety information. DYK: Franklin Square, one of Philadelphia’s 5 original squares?
Pizzeria Beddia is now offering delivery in the city. And pick up too. Haven’t heard of it? Bon Appetit called the incarnation of this pizzeria the best pizza in America. Tip: Pick up your pizza and eat it while it’s hot on a picnic table in the community garden at Frankford and W. Master or at Palmer Park.
Visit Philadelphia has created an online database for jobs in restaurants and hotels. Tip: Hiring? Businesses can add job openings to the database.
An Augmented Reality Liberty Bell now hangs about the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. Just download the app to see Nancy Baker Cahill's red, white & blue bell. Tip: The best vantage points are from the bottom of these steps and the Oval Park across MLK Drive.
The PHS Pop Up Garden on South Street is open! The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s flower-filled beer garden is serving food and drink from local restaurants including Cantina Los Caballitos, Khyber Pass Pub, Cantina Dos Segunos, Royal Tavern, Triangle Tavern, Royal Boucherie and Royal Sushi & Izakaya. Tip: The beer garden has contactless ordering.
Vernick Food & Drink has added a "Vernick at Home" section to its website. You'll find new wood-burning pizzas on Saturdays; as well as multi-course daily dinners; a la carte items (including the roast chicken); spice mixes, olive oil and other grocery items; as well as beer, wine and cocktails. Tip: The pizza must be pre-ordered earlier in the week. Move fast as they sell out quickly. Double tip: Vernick reserves a few for walk-ups on Saturdays.
Mural Arts is offering socially-distanced walking tours! Mural Arts is offering 90 minutes walking tours three times a week for up to 10 guests. Tip: Masks required.
The Philadelphia Marriott has announced a renovation to its lobby, front desk, lounge, Liberty Ballroom, guest rooms & hallways. Tip: Will be completed by the end of 2020.
Ten restaurant & attraction re-openings! Check websites for safety requirements & opening dates. Tip: Even more re-openings can be found in this Philadelphia Inquirer article.
Farmer's Keep - rooftop deck!
Peddler's Village - with 2 new restaurants
Penn Museum - opening to public on July 28
Bonus content:
Two more tips for how to help restaurants survive with limited capacity,
Written by Joseph Quintela, GM, Amada Philadelphia
"Dear Food Lovers,
As independent restaurant people, we know that no one is coming to save us, we’ve been bootstrapping against incredible odds since the day we committed ourselves to this industry. We will figure out how to survive...even with 1/3 of our normal table inventory, rain-outs and demanding new protocols...and we’re going to keep you SAFE, YOUR HUNGER SATIATED & YOUR HEART HAPPY. Truly: we are so grateful for the incredible trust you put in us, venturing to our outdoor spaces. But if you want to help us beat the odds and keep the lights on at your favorite restaurants in Philly (or anywhere), here are 2 ways you can help:
1. DISCOVER MONDAY NIGHT DINING: Restaurants rely on packed Saturdays to balance slow Mondays against our profit margin, but we can’t do that right now. What’s in it for you? Great service & more individual attention.
2. DISCOVER EARLY DINING: I know...7pm & 8pm reservations just fit better into life but we don’t have enough table inventory for all of you and we aren’t allowed to book late for outdoor dining (for our neighbor’s sake). If you find a way to book at 6pm or earlier, you help us turn the table once before our only prime time seating hour...and have time for a romantic after-dinner walk at dusk.
Thank you Philly!"
Thank you, Joseph, for permission to share your thoughts and tips! For more tips about how to help restaurants survive with limited seating click here and here.
by Irene Levy Baker, author, 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia and Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia. Both books are full of tips. For even more tips, visit www.100ThingsToDoInPhiladelphia.com. Planning a staycation? Go to the website for signed copies of books. For free shipping, use promo code TheCityPulse.