With The Philadelphia Flower Show days’ away (March 2-10, 2013 at The Philadelphia Convention Center), the city will be swept off its feet with British traditions. So, there’s no better time than now to enjoy a good old English tradition and have a spot of tea either before or after The Flower Show!

Rendezvous at The Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, and spoil yourself Monday through Saturday at the Swann Lounge (1 Logan Square, 215-963-1500) for their Royal Tea. Nibble on finger sandwiches, scones with homemade jam and lemon curd, teacakes, fruit tartlets (my favourite), assorted pastries, and your choice of Sparkling Wine, Raspberry Cocktail or Sweet Sherry.

Enjoy fabulous sweeping views of the city’s skyline on the 19th floor of The Hyatt at The Bellevue at XIX Nineteen Restaurant (200 S. Broad Street, 215-790-1919). The restaurant offers Philadelphia’s highest views with a unique integration of classic architecture and modern interiors. Sip on a cuppa of loose-leaf teas served with tea sandwiches, rich decadent pastries and scones.

The Rittenhouse Hotel‘s Mary Cassatt Tea Room and Garden (210 W. Rittenhouse Square, 215-546-9000) is a quiet sanctuary for soothing, elegant afternoon British teas with garden views (just in case you want to see more flowers before or after the show!) along with a cocktail. Elegant, but inviting this charming tea salon is the perfect spot for a relaxing cup of tea, current scones, along with a savoury selection of tarts and pastries. If you’re feeling daring, try The Queen Victoria Tea with a glass of Crémant, Marquis De La Tour and Champagne Biscuits!

Cheers to you!

Nightlife in Philadelphia

This Amazing offer consists of 3 nights in Philadelphia at a centrally located 3.5* hotel, after three days of sightseeing and Tax Free shopping you will fly to the incredible city of Las Vegas for 4 nights staying on the Las Vegas strip in the 4* New York New York hotel.

A great way to see 2 fantastic cities in the USA in one trip! AND we are giving you a FREE Philadelphia City Pass plus FREE transfers in Las Vegas. In addition this holiday has been discounted by £150 per person for selected dates shown below.

This price doesn’t happen very often so take advantage of it whilst its available. 

This great price includes:

• Flights with US Airways
•  Three nights’ accommodation at a 3.5* Hotel located in the heart of Philadelphia
•  FREE Upgrade to a 4* hotel in Las Vegas for 4 nights
•  FREE Philadelphia City Pass
•  FREE transfers in Las Vegas

Book by: 12th April  2013.

Hot Spring Trend: Bermuda shorts

Where To Find In PHL: The queen of resort wear happens to keep her Pink Palace, as it’s dubbed, just outside of Philadelphia in King of Prussia, not to mention a boutique down the road in the famous King of Prussa Mall. Lilly Pulitzer’s bright, cheerful styles add pep and preppy panache to outfits perfect for the beach, the course, or a casual stroll through town. These knee-hugging shorts offer demure length for a bit of class, but brilliant hues and patterns to ensure you still stand out in the crowd.

Lilly Pulitzer, King of Prussia Mall, 160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, 610- 265-7607

Hot Spring Trend: Sheers

Where To Find In PHL: Breezy and beachy is the bohemian feel of local boutique South Moon Under, and their spring goodies are no exception. We love this light-as-air sheer sleeveless top not only for it’s feminine charm, but its practicality. A lacy bralette underneath and cropped jeans make it a perfect weekend pick, but top it with a blazer and pair with a pencil skirt and you have office-worthy wow.

South Moon Under, 1731 Chestnut Street, 215-563-2298

Hot Spring Trend: Sporty dresses

Where To Find In PHL: Spring is the season of the dress, but sleeker, streamlined versions are making waves in 2013. Think fitted tops, racerbacks, and racing-stripe cut-outs. This adorable LBD from Old City’s Smak Parlour combines a few of those elements into this daring but darling number perfect for date nights.

Smak Parlour, 219 Market Street, 215-625-4551

Hot Spring Trend: Water-inspired looks

Where To Find in PHL: Nature and spring are a likely combo, but the approach taken by Philadelphia-based Free People with this dip-dyed ombre top adds a bit of modern surprise. Three tones of gorgeous blue remind us of a deepening pond, an approach to the trend that feels a bit edgier.

Free People, 1625 Walnut Street, 215-561-0720

Hot Spring Trend: Stripes

Where to Find in PHL: You already have stripes in your closet thanks to the nautical and rugby trends of the fall. But this spring, it’s time to take them bigger or bolder. In this body-hugging sweater dress from Philadelphia-connected fashion darling Nicole Miller, contrast and random placement combine for eye-catching style that still feels classy.

Nicole Miller, The Bellevue, 200 S. Broad Street, 215-546-5007

Macy's Center City all decked out for the holidays.

Your list is laden with the wishes of friends and family, but Philadelphia area retailers want to make sure you get a little something special this holiday season. Many malls, shopping centers, and boutiques are extending their shopping hours or providing discounts to help you get to Christmas stress-free. So breathe, regroup, and take advantage of these offers before time runs out!

The Gallery at Market East

9th & Market streets

Open 8 am to 9 pm through Dec. 23, 8 am to 6 pm Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day.

Win a $2000 shopping spree by entering their giveaway. Must be a Facebook fan to enter. Click here for details.

The Shops at Liberty Place

1625 Chestnut Street

Open 9:30 a to 8 pm through December 15, 11 am to 6 pm December 16, 9:30 am to 8 pm December 17-22, 11 am to 6 pm December 23, 9:30 am to 5 pm Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day.

Deals include $25 gift card with $125 purchase or a $50 gift card with $200 purchase at Fire & Ice and buy one, get one half off sale at Florsheim Shoes.

The Bellevue

Broad & Walnut streets

Regular hours apply.

December 15 and 22 there will be free pictures with Santa in The Bellevue Lobby from noon to 2pm.

Franklin Mills

1455 Franklin Mills Circle

Open 10 am to 10 pm Dec. 14, 9 am to 10 pm Dec. 15, 10 am to 7 pm Dec. 16, 9 am to 10 pm Dec. 17-22, 10 am to 8 pm Dec. 23, 9 am to 6 pm Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day.

Deals include $20 off $50 at rue21 (see coupon for details) and $10 back for every $50 you spend at Radio Shack.

Macy’s

1300 Market Street

Open with extended holiday hours through Christmas Eve; see the website for an updated list.

Deals and sales daily; see their website to discover what’s on special today.

King of Prussia Mall

160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia

Open 8 am to 11 pm through Dec. 23, 8 am to 6pm Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day.

Many stores are offering huge sales for the holidays; visit the website for a full list.

Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia

This special offer includes:

• 4 nights staying at the 3 star Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia
• Direct return flight with Delta Airlines from London Heathrow on 15 Jun

Book By: 12 June 2013

Sofitel, Philadelphia

This special offer includes:

• 4 nights staying at the 4 star Sofitel Philadelphia
• Direct return flight with Delta Airlines from London Heathrow on 15 May

Book By: 12 May 2013

Would you like to meet ten of Philadelphia’s newest members of the food industry that are up and coming as featured in City Eats?

1. Mark Corpus and Mark Capriotti, ReAnimator Coffee

ReAnimator Coffee is sold to over 20 local cafes, shops and restaurants. Look out for the brand, it’s delicious!

2. Side Project Jerky

A local snack made with beef from Lancaster county. boasting a roster of flavours can be found at The Foodery, Green Aisle and West Elm Market. Founders Marcos Espinoza and Mark Novasack started their company this past summer!

3. John Ihlenfeldt, Chef/Owner, The Tamale Cart
John Ihlenfeldt, a native of Bucks County runs his mobile Tamale Cart serving delicious tamales that he first tasted in California!

4. Christopher Kearse, Chef/Owner, Will BYOB

Christophter Kearse opened his bring-your-own-bottle restaurant Will, located on East Passyunk Avenue this past August.

5. Becca O’Brien, Chef, Green Aisle Grocery

Becca O’Brien is the chef behind the line of house-made products made with local, seasonal and organic ingredients at The Green Aisle Grocery. For the holidays, she’s working on a house granola blend, scratch-made mustards, spiced hazelnut spread, an array of preserves and take-home sides like scalloped potatoes and butternut squash soup!

6. Lucio Palazzo, Chef, Taqueria Feliz

Lucio Palazzo is the Italian-American chef that has carved a niche for himself preparing complex, rich cultural cuisine from the many regions of Mexico.

7. Christina Rando, GM, The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.

Christina Rando, a former punk-rock tour manager now finds herself developing drinks for the ever-evolving menu, like the Fevre Dream, a swizzle combining Tanqueray, Cocchi vermonth and Pernod absinthe with autumnal elements like cinnamon, apple and cranberry.

8. Yehuda Sichel, Chef de Cuisine, Citron & Rose

Yehuda Sichel is the exact fit for chef de cuisine at Citron & Rose, which honousr and reinterprets glatt kosher cuisine through a modern Eastern European lens. See his spin on sholet, an ancient Sabbath stew updated with duck confit, kishke (a grain-stuffed sausage) and haminado, a Sephardic slow-cooked egg.

9. Albert Stumm, Editor, The Passyunk Post 

Albert Stumm has parlayed his natural curiosity for his surroundings into The Passyunk Post, a city blog covering the goings-on in his ever-booming neighborhood.

10. Robert Toland, Pastry Chef, Stateside

Now that Robert Toland is the pastry chef at Stateside, it’s granted him full latitude to hone his personal sweet-stuff philosophy, which he characterizes as “old-school technique with contemporary style.” Now who doesn’t have a sweet tooth?

Want to read the full article? http://blog.cityeats.com/philly/2012/11/the-ten-on-the-rise-in-philly-food/

The Christmas trees are up, the lights are twinkling, and some of the Philadelphia area’s best shopping destinations are ready to put shoppers in the holiday spirit. Turn to one of these retail havens for music, shows, and Santa – not to mention great deals.

Macy’s Center City
1300 Market St.

One of America’s favorite department stores for clothing, accessories, and decor is home to one of Philadelphia’s longest-running holiday traditions. Since 1956 the site has hosted a Christmas Light Show, a dazzling display of color and energy accompanied by the Wannamaker organ. The latest version showcases nearly 100,000 LED lights along the wall and on the centerpiece tree and transfixes shoppers as it bursts into action on the hour. The store is also home to the Dickens Christmas Village, a miniature display full of charm and history. Both attractions begin the day following Thanksgiving and run through the holiday season; see the site for daily hours.

The Shops at Comcast
1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

The tallest and newest skyscraper in Philadelphia, the Comcast Center is a site to enjoy on its own. Below ground The Shops at Comcast offer everything from gourmet cheeses to HDTVs to exquisite jewelry. But yes, there is more. During the holidays the main lobby hosts the Comcast Holiday Spectacular, a 15-minute music and video montage displayed on the 2,100-square-foot Experience Video Wall – the largest four-millimeter LED screen in the world. From The Nutcracker to a sleigh ride through the woods, it’s a show that’s size cannot be matched. The Spectacular runs Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day on the hour from 10 am to 8 pm (except 5 pm on weekdays).

Philadelphia Christmas Village
16th Street & John F. Kennedy Blvd.

Do you get energized by the crisp air of winter? Then do your shopping outdoors at this charming pop-up destination within LOVE Park. Modeled after a traditional German Christmas market, lines of wooden huts dole out classic food, handmade gifts, and more. Music, artistic demonstrations, and visits from Santa make it an experience for the senses. Visit the site for the full event schedule and hours.

King of Prussia Mall
160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia

The largest shopping complex on the East Coast is a holiday shopping must for many – between the two buildings and their 400 or so stores, you are sure to find the perfect gift plus a slew of gorgeous things for you. But come the holiday season the mall is also home to another star – Santa himself. The center halls of both the Plaza and the Court are decked out in their finest for the arrival of the big man, who welcomes children of all ages to stop by with their wish lists seven days a week. Check out the mall’s website for Santa’s hours and break times.

“Hungry in Philadelphia” in Travel and Leisure by Francine Maroukian, November 2012 highlights some of the best entrepreneurs and their eateries in Philly.

These passionate chefs are creating delicious dishes and relying on the local community of farmers to provide the freshest, local ingredients.

As a local Philadelphian, I am always spoilt for choice when deciding where to go to eat, whether it’s a brunch spot, a local BYOB (bring your own bottle) or a fancy restaurant.

I am happy to say that I have tried all the restaurants on the short list except one. Would you like to guess which one?

Read the full article to see the short list of spots where chefs are creating lots of new flavours of American dining and I hope you have enjoy dining during your stay here!

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/great-restaurants-in-philadelphia