Beau Monde
Owners Jim Caiola and David Salama have created one of the city’s most beautiful bistros in Beau Monde, 624 S. Sixth St., bringing the time-honored art of French crêpe-making to Philadelphia. To bring their crêperie to a new level of distinction, Caiola and Salama have researched other American cities, including New York and San Francisco, where crêperies are tremendously successful. In Chicago, Caiola’s aunt and uncle have been operating a crêperie since 1972.
Customary crêpe-cooking utensils are used, including imported flat, round, cast-iron crêpe griddles from Brittany to perfectly prepare their light, flavorful crêpes. Onlookers may watch the cooking process through the restaurant’s large picture windows facing Bainbridge Street.
Both Caiola and Salama are accomplished artists. Caiola is well-known as an independent filmmaker, and has also worked on television shows for the Discovery Channel and PBS. Salama, a native Bolivian, is a painter. Salama was commissioned by famous city planner Edmund Bacon to paint the compass in the City Hall courtyard.
For more information, visit www.creperie-beaumonde.com or call (215) 592-0656.
Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa
When it comes to top-notch accommodations and entertainment on the East Coast, it’s tough to compete with Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J. The 2,000-room luxury casino-hotel is a destination rivaling anything found in nightlife capitals like New York City and Las Vegas.
After igniting Atlantic City’s revival in 2003 with its opening as the first new hotel property in 13 years, Borgata has hosted the hottest shows and the biggest names in the business, as well as experienced overwhelming popularity and near-capacity occupancy.
For more information or reservations, visit www.theborgata.com or call (609) 317-1000.
Canalside Inn
Building on the best that Rehoboth has to offer, the Canalside Inn, 35 Sixth St., Rehoboth Beach, Del., stands out as a cut above the ordinary.
Sophistication, style and affordability define the casual and contemporary boutique-style inn situated along the picturesque Lewes-Rehoboth Canal.
The Canalside Inn is ideally located a short walk from the center of town, the boardwalk and the beach. In the evenings, you’ll appreciate the peaceful, quiet location.
All guest rooms at Canalside Inn feature private baths, air-conditioning and ceiling fans, LCD flat-screen TVs with cable, cordless phones, AM/FM clock radios, Wi-Fi Internet access, coffeemakers, compact refrigerators, irons with full-size ironing boards, comfy terrycloth robes, hair dryers and a full line of spa-style bath products.
For more information, visit www.canalside-inn-rehoboth.com or call (302) 226-2006 or (866) 412-2625.
Center for the Inland Bays
Center for the Inland Bays is hosting its third annual “Decked Out!: A Benefit for the Bays” from 7-10 p.m. July 30 on its deck overlooking Indian River Inlet, at 39375 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, Del.
The evening will feature desserts and munchies by area restaurants Big Fish Grille, McCabe’s Gourmet Market, Catch 54, Nourish, Retro Café and others. Guests can enjoy festive cocktails from The Margarita Man, Dogfish Head and Outlet Liquors, and be entertained with steel-drum music by Sounds of Steel.
One of the highlights of the evening will be the opening of a father-son photography exhibit by Kevin and Jay Fleming. Kevin is a well-known wildlife photographer throughout Delaware and has several published photography books. For his son Jay, it will be his first public photography exhibit.
One of just 28 National Estuary Programs, Center for the Inland Bays is a nonprofit organization established in 1994 to promote the wise use and enhancement of the Inland Bays Watershed through habitat protection and restoration, science and research, education, outreach and public policy.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the center’s endowment fund at the Delaware Community Foundation.
For sponsorship information, ticket reservations or more information about “Decked Out,” visit www.inlandbays.org or call (302) 226-8105.
Good Vibrationz
Good Vibrationz, 4107 Main St., is your one-stop shop for all your adult-novelty needs. Located on Main Street in Manayunk’s beautiful retail district, Good Vibrationz is a sensual experience with professional, courteous and knowledgeable customer-service personnel to assist with your decision-making process.
Along with competitive low prices, Good Vibrationz offers myriad high-quality products, including adult toys, adult videos, body jewelry, bachelor/bachelorette gifts, massage oils, lubes and fun adult games, just to name a few.
Stop by to check out daily specials and see for yourself why Good Vibrationz is truly unique.
For more information, visit www.mygoodvibrationz.com or call (215) 483-6900.
University City Dining Days
Twenty-one of University City’s most popular dining destinations, including newcomers Desi Village, Distrito, Gold Standard Café and Mary Oaks, are preparing for the annual summer edition of University City Dining Days.
Considering the heightened success of the promotion, Philadelphia foodies are encouraged to make reservations early as participating restaurants will once again be offering excellent dining deals from July 23-30.
The participating restaurants offer a pre-fixe three-course dinner special for either $15, $25 or $30. The “3 Courses, 3 Prices” concept will accommodate University City’s diverse culinary options and left-of-center reputation.
Prices do not include tax, gratuity or alcohol, and reservations are recommended and should be made directly through the participating restaurant.
In previous years, thousands of happy diners have descended on University City throughout Dining Days, selling out reservations at many of the participating restaurants.
For more information on sponsors and participating restaurants, visit www.ucityphila.org/diningdays.
Restaurante Las Tarascas en Zocalo
Restaurante Las Tarascas en Zocalo, 3600 Lancaster Ave., with its sun-colored walls, hand-carved artwork, ceramic masks and authentic figurines, has a warm, comfortable feel. But the true focal points of the dining area are the amazing hand-painted chairs, which depict traditional Mexican pueblo scenes.
The food at Las Tarascas en Zocalo is not outdone by the décor. Authentic regional dishes are prepared with precision and passion, using only the freshest ingredients. The menu consists of an array of dishes from central and southern Mexico, with all of the sauces and salsas made from scratch.
Chef-owners Mary and Gregory Russell invite you to come and experience the flavors, sounds, culture and hospitality of a truly authentic Mexican restaurant.
For more information, visit www.zocalophilly.com or call (215) 895-0139.
Buen provecho!
Bicycle Therapy
Bicycle Therapy, 2211 South St., has been serving Philadelphia’s commuters and cycling enthusiasts for nearly 20 years, gobbling up all the local “Best of” awards for both sales and service.
Owner Lee Rogers spends his days helping everyone from UPenn freshmen getting to class on time to Triple Crown pros getting up the Manayunk Wall.
Nestled in the (former) Graduate Hospital neighborhood, Bicycle Therapy provides outstanding service, a large selection of bicycles and Lucy, the friendly shop dog.
Bicycle Therapy is also Philadelphia’s exclusive specialized bicycle dealer, which means they carry “the good shit” in bike speak.
Stop by the shop, visit www.bicycletherapy.com or call (215) 735-7849 for more information.
Hobos Restaurant
New to Rehoboth Beach, Hobos Restaurant and Bar, 56 Baltimore Ave., can be found on the site formerly occupied by S.O.B.’s.
The restaurant offers a warm welcome and good food to everyone, no matter what their dietary requirements. If you want to sit with a newspaper and a French press of freshly brewed Rainbow Java Coffee or relax with friends and family over great food, Hobos is the perfect place to start your day or wind down after it with its signature cocktail menu.
Executive chef Gretchen Hanson describes her culinary style as global eco-fusion, a celebration of the subtle simplicity of street food from around the world. The menu combines a mélange of the cuisines of Mexico, Europe and the Mediterranean, with a focus on locally grown produce.
Hobos places a firm emphasis on the concept of community and uses organic, locally sourced and fair-trade produce and products wherever possible. Vegetarians, vegans and anyone with special dietary requirements will find custom menus detailing all ingredients as well as their sources.
For more information, visit www.myhobos.com or call (302) 226-2226.
Never Never Land Kennel and Cattery
Never Never Land Kennel and Cattery Inc., 34377 Neverland Lane, Lewes, Del., was the first established boarding kennel in the Lewes-Rehoboth area and has proudly served the LGBT community since 1975. Pets enjoy spacious climate-controlled accommodations in a tranquil country setting located just minutes from most major beach attractions.
Never Never Land knows that pets are part of the family, and provides plenty of activity and attention so your pet enjoys coming to the beach as much as you do.
Daycare and grooming are also available. The people at Never Never Land Kennel are happy to answer your questions, and invite you to come see the kennel any time between 8:30 a.m.-noon or 4-5:30 daily, except Tuesdays.
All pets and their people are welcome!
Visit www.neverlandkennel.com or call (302) 645-6140 for more information.
The Shore Inn
Gay-owned and -operated, The Shore Inn, 703 Rehoboth Beach, Del., is an all-male bed and breakfast that’s been in business for more than a decade, and remains one of Rehoboth’s few exclusively gay-male accommodations.
Voted “Favorite Bed and Breakfast” by Gay Delaware.com for three consecutive years, the inn is committed to making guests happy.
The 15-room house offers air-conditioning, private baths, cable TV, refrigerators and complimentary coffee and tea. The inn’s hot tubs and sun deck are clothing-optional and massage therapists are always on call.
For more information, visit www.shoreinn.com or call (800) 587-8899.
Le Virtù
Located along the bustling East Passyunk corridor, Le Virtù, 1927 E. Passyunk Ave., offers authentic cuisine from Italy’s Abruzzo region lovingly prepared by celebrated executive chef and Abruzzo native Luciana Spurio.
Handcrafted pastas, slow-cooked duck and lamb ragùs, savory chocolate rabbit-filled ravioli and roasted meats are uncompromisingly prepared according to centuries-old traditions.
Visitors can dine alfresco on the beautiful patio overlooking our garden; inside in warmly lit, romantic rooms decorated with ceramics from Abruzzo; or at the elegant, granite-topped bar. The menu features over 40 Italian wines, six craft tap beers, 16 bottled craft and imported beers, specialty cocktails and a full selection of liquors.
Check out the drink specials on Sunday and Wednesday nights. The trattoria is casual but refined, as Le Virtù strives to make guests feel at home.
Visit www.levirtu.com or call (215) 271-5626 for more information.
Warsaw Café
Since 1979, the Warsaw Café, 305 S. 16th St., has been dedicated to bringing patrons the finest in Eastern European-inspired cuisine.
Owned and operated by Marion Jarzemski in cooperation with his mother, Marie Jarzemski, the Warsaw has established itself as a staple of Center City life.
For more information, visit www.warsawcafe.thekalon.com or call (215) 546-0204.