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Also this issue: New York State of Mind |
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May 16-22, 2002
underthetable
One of Philly’s premier outdoor events takes place this Saturday: Rittenhouse Row’s sixth annual Spring Festival, noon-5 p.m. The free-to-the-public (rain or shine) celebration happens along Walnut Street from Broad to 19th and along Rittenhouse Square. The festival, fit for the whole family, is highlighted by participation from the restaurants of the Rittenhouse Row community. If you’ve shied away from them because of their high-end, high-priced fare, the Spring Festival provides an opportunity to taste cuisine from places such as Le Bec-Fin, Alma de Cuba, Striped Bass, The Capital Grille, Zanzibar Blue and about two dozen others, as each restaurant offers affordable ($5-$8) samples. For those eager to see their favorite chefs do their thing, the following will “perform” on The Restaurant School’s demonstration stage along the 1500 block of Walnut: Anthony Bonett, Opus 251; Michael Yeamans, Rouge; Shawn Sollberger, Davio’s; Brian Duffy, McCormick & Schmick’s; Chris Scarduzio, Brasserie Perrier; Cary Neff, Sansom Street Oyster House; and Philip Pinkney, The Restaurant School.
Ben and Robert Bynum have a trio of Center City establishments with Brave New World, Warmdaddy’s and Zanzibar Blue. Look for another Zanzibar Blue, on the ground floor of the Brandywine Building in Wilmington, Del., by late summer. The 120-seater will be similar to the original digs on 11th Street, with the dining room and lounge divided into separate rooms; this space (7,600 square feet) is further divided into a main floor and mezzanine.... The third time was the charm for Guillermo Pernot. After having been nominated twice before for the mid-Atlantic's best chef, the self-taught chef/owner of ¡Pasión! captured the James Beard Award. As if one Beard award were not enough, Pernot also garnered top honors, along with Aliza Green, in the category of single-subject cookbook for ÁCeviche! Seafood, Salads, and Cocktails with a Latino Twist.... Speaking of James Beard, Circa executive chef Tommy Harkins is making his fourth appearance at the hallowed James Beard House on May 23. Call 800-36-BEARD for ticket info.... How hot of a happy-hour spot is Marathon at Commerce Square? Partner Cary Borish estimates that 600 revelers partook in last Friday's post-work festivities. "It's unbelievable," says Borish, who, along with brother Jon and six others, spent the evening bartending. "It's a space where the beautiful people of Center City can interact with other young professionals, have great drinks outside and enjoy a great DJ."... Speaking of Marathon, beginning in two weeks, Marathon on the Square launches Marathon Movie Night, Wednesdays at 9. Along with food and drink, patrons will enjoy classics -- projected onto a large screen -- such as Breakfast at Tiffany's, Austin Powers and An Officer and a Gentleman.
Marc is the author of the $18 and Under dining guide, available in area bookstores.
