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ISSUE . November 22nd, 2007

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Cover Story

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Caffeine Rush

Meet the local company that has its sights set on becoming Starbucks' biggest competitor.

by Drew Lazor

The mystique is in the numbers: There are currently 30 Saxbys in 13 states across the country, with three in suburban Philadelphia. Fifteen more are expected to open nationwide by the end of the year. For 2008, the goal is to open 200 sites — with between 15 and 20 of those stores in greater Philadelphia.

Opinion

Slant:

We're Not Down

The police are not demoralized — or running scared.

by Joe Leighthardt

The message was broadcast at least four times and sent a chill down my spine. My partner, John Krivulka, and I were escorting members of PennDOT doing a cleanup at a homeless encampment on I-95 at Washington Avenue when the call came.

Editor's Letter:

Stalking the Big Game

Ask me if I believe in fate and I'll probably tell you no. But I might be lying.

by Duane Swierczynski

Mr. Roach would not be daunted; he upped his game. And somehow, quite amazingly, his seventh-period class became the most riveting 50 minutes of the day. At some point during the year, Mr. Roach taught the story that blew the top of my skull off: Richard Connell's The Most Dangerous Game.

Loose Canon:

Got Hormones?

I suppose evolution is still a theory and global warming isn't for sure.

by Bruce Schimmel

Let's say you prefer your dairy undoctored. You don't want milk from cows that've been fed antibiotics; gotten shot up with hormones; or foraged in fields of weed-killer.

Feedback:

Letters to the Editor

What You Say

However, it is also the responsibility of the public to stop abusing 911. | The role of a government should never be to kill people | Make agencies prove why access to records should be denied with access being the rule and denials the exception.

Naked City

Outsourcing 101

We put a college "research assistance" service to the test.

by Wafa R. Musitief

Lagodsky submitted our bought paper to Turnitin, which concluded that less than 2 percent of the paper was supposedly taken from the Internet.

Icepack

Amorosi on the news, nightlife, gossip and bitchiness beats.

by A.D. Amorosi

Now that the Fairmount Park commishes decided to reconvene next week to reconnoiter on who gets Belmont Plateau for their big summery show-dom — Philly's EFC or Texas' Three Charlies' C3 Presents — I would like to sing a tune made famous by my pal and yours, George Strait.

Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

This week's digits will be somber and serious so as not to upset your tummy with the usual fits of hysterical laughter oft induced by this cornucopia of numerals. Just sit still till it's time for leftovers.

News

Hit-or-Run Over

Why isn't anybody seeking answers about a transgendered prostitute's death anymore?

by Matt Stroud

Depending upon which account of her death one believes, she was either accidentally struck by an elderly driver who wasn't wearing his prescription glasses, or repeatedly run over by a crazed John.

The Bell Curve

City Paper's Quality-o-Life-o-Meter

Michael Nutter places limits on contributions to his inaugural party fund, even though there are no official restrictions on the books. "Call me cheap," says mayor-elect, "but you get more bang for your buck with Mickey's Big Mouth." Plus 1

Aramark's Food Feud

On The Scene

by Tom Namako

"We won't take the garbage you're feeding us any more," said Danny Jones, a student at Masterman High School, from the flatbed.

Political Notebook:

Tally Oh (No)!

by Mary F. Patel

However, technology apparently wanted to see the whole issue last at least another day. Just before 3 p.m., the press conference was postponed, according to Keel, "due to an Election Court computer crash.

Arts

Opera:

Gingerbread Winner

Hansel and Gretel is irresistibly beautiful on the ear. To call it Wagner-lite is no insult

by Peter Burwasser

It seemed a bit odd that the overwhelming majority of the audience for the opening night of Hansel and Gretel was adult, and then some.

Marital Bliss

The Curtis Opera Theatre's Figaro was well-rounded and brilliantly conceived.

by Peter Burwasser

The cast on opening night was uniformly strong, responding to the firm direction with natural and convincing actor-singing. A standout was certainly the regal soprano of Layla Claire, as the countess, as well as the agile, yet fulsome Cherubino of Tammy Coil.

Theater Review:

Up to the Challenge

Villanova's Mother Courage honors Brecht's ideas without feeling like a staged textbook.

by Mark Cofta

Ironies pile up along with the bodies: pious leaders proclaim that God is on their side, a soldier's punished for actions in peacetime that were heroic in battle and everyone just tries to survive — and, of course, make a profit.

Much to Learn

The School for Wives lessons are lessened in Lantern Theater Co.'s pretty but blunted revival.

by Mark Cofta

First, the pretty part: Nick Embree's scenic design, a Seussian house of whimsically trapezoidal panels in pink and blue trimmed with lime green and lots of windows, with nary a right angle.

Re-View:

Unforgettable Fire

The mid-20th century Studio Movement revitalized the making and appreciation of all crafts.

In the mid-20th century, the Studio Movement revitalized the making and appreciation of all crafts. Especially in glass, almost forgotten techniques were rediscovered. Many young

Arts Picks:

The Time of Your Life

Runs Nov. 14-Dec. 1, $20, Temple University, Randall Theater, 1301 W. Norris St., 215-204-1122.

by David Anthony Fox

Here's a marvelous play that we hardly ever get to see anymore. Why? First, because it needs a cast of nearly 30.

The Drowsy Chaperone

Runs Nov. 27-Dec. 2, $25-$100, Academy of Music, Broad and Locust streets, 215-731-3333, kimmelcenter.org.

by David Anthony Fox

Among the recent spate of big-musicals-that-make- fun-of-big-musicals (a wily concept that allows us to indulge in bourgeois pleasures while maintaining our ironic distance), The Drowsy Chaperone is the cleverest.

Arts Agenda

Last Chance

Catch it or Regret It

by Holly Otterbein

Reunion: Bruce Glider and Peter Javian recently met at a gallery, realized they were estranged cousins and bonded over similar art styles. | Peach Sky Paintings: Wagner's minimalist paintings mimic the changing hues of a sunset. | Abyss: In her acrylic paintings (pictured), Rebecca Rutstein makes topographic maps and marine biology romantic.

Arts Agenda Picks:

Just Do It

Tom Brokaw

by A.D. Amorosi

Wed., Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m., $6-$15, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., 215-409-6700, constitutioncenter.org.

Just Do It

Art Star Holiday Exhibition

by Holly Otterbein

Opening reception and three-year anniversary bash, Sat., Nov. 24, 5-10 p.m., free, exhibit runs through Dec. 30, Art Star Gallery & Boutique, 1030 N. Second St., 215-238-1557, artstarphilly.com

In The Event That...

You're Longing for a Shorti

by Rachel Frankford

Wawapalooza Fri., Nov. 23, 8 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 24, 7 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 25, 5:30 p.m., $12 (includes one drink), Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St., 215-923-0210, societyhillplayhouse.org

Galleries

Galleries are usually open Tuesdays through Saturdays; please call the gallery for exact days and hours. Receptions are denoted with Reception 222 GALLERY , 222

Museums/Exhibits

Museums and exhibits have varying schedules; please call for exact days, hours and prices. ABINGTON ART CENTER , 515 Meetinghouse Rd., Jenkintown, 215-887-4882. INSIDE/OUTSIDE: HABITAT,

Performing Arts

Please call the phone number listed with the venue for specific dates, times and ticket information. dance FLAMENCO DEL ENCUENTRO This traditional flamenco cuadro is

Readings/Book Signings

AMY CHUA The Yale professor and best-selling author reads from her new book, "Day of Empire: How Hyperpowers Rise to Global Dominance — and Why

Movies

Face to Face

I'm Not There breathes life into the many sides of Bob Dylan.

by Sam Adams

Like a gem whose intrinsic flaws only make it more fascinating, Todd Haynes' I'm Not There changes shape as you hold it to the light.

Behind the Masks

Director Todd Haynes on his unorthodox approach to I'm Not There.

by Sam Adams

Like his movie I'm Not There, Todd Haynes moves fast, slipping from thought to thought, sketching the outline of provocative ideas and leaving his audience to fill them in.

Gall in the Family

by Shaun Brady

Kidman's Margot amplifies the actress' naturally unsympathetic iciness far beyond brittle. But in doing so, Baumbach may be the first director to find a vulnerability beneath that porcelain veneer.

Repertory Film

Your weekly guide to local film events, festivals and under-the-radar screenings.

Send repertory film listings to tami.fertig@citypaper.net.

Music

Revenge of the Nerds

This is the second-to-last time you will find Ween and They Might Be Giants in the same sentence.

by A.D. Amorosi

Because each is a devilishly wry duo with a knack for genre-hopping, Ween and They Might Be Giants have found themselves under the same umbrella. It's not a comfy place for either band.

Reconsider Me:

Just Fine

M.J. Fine does it again

Free Life was ready three years ago; label shenanigans kept it from getting released until last month. (In the meantime, Wilson produced for Mike Doughty and earned a Grammy for a song he wrote with the Dixie Chicks.)

One Track Mind:

Tegan and Sara

"Like O, Like h"

by M.J. Fine

When you're in a band with your identical twin, people assume certain things about your relationship. But Tegan Quin isn't one of the two most

Music Picks:

Low Budget Crew

Fri., Nov. 23, 9 p.m., $10, with Low Budget Crew, State Store, Liquid Charm, 1207 Race St., 215-557-0208, myspace.com/boomboxmovement.

by Deesha Dyer

Members of Maryland hip-hop collective The Low Budget Crew have strong ties to the Philly circuit, or Jazzy Jeff at least.

Philadelphia Orchestra

Fri.-Sat., Nov. 23-24, 8 p.m., $10-$88, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999, philorch.org.

by Peter Burwasser

Here's a Philadelphia Orchestra concert that is not quite a pops program. That would imply an element of safety, when instead the music at hand carries a certain edge, even menace.

Food

Jolly Green

St. Stephen's Green reminds us why gastropub fare is popular.

by Elisa Ludwig

Philly's got plenty of great places to spend your boozin' dollars, but St. Stephen's Green may just end up on your short list.

Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

Tuscany Café 725 Walnut St., 215-625-3666: The well-heeled Rittenhouse Square café, rolled out its second location | Kai San Modern Japanese Cuisine Academy House, 1420 Locust St.: This upcoming Japanese spot from the folks over at Fuji Mountain is aiming for Dec. 8.

Monk's Jr.

Tom Peters and Fergus Carey have run off a copy of their beloved Monk's, Belgian Café, and installed it in Fairmount.

by Trey Popp

Belgian Café has retained the cozy bar atmosphere while dressing up the small dining room in an arty theme.

Reviving Prune Cake

Christopher Kimball seeks perfection in grandma's recipe file box.

by Carolyn Wyman

Christopher Kimball is the guru of obsessive-compulsive cooking. He and his colleagues from Cook's Illustrated magazine and America's Test Kitchen public TV show make recipes up to 40 times to come up with a version that works best.

Top 5:

Reasons Why Rice is Nice

Make It Grain

by Gary M. Kramer

1 Low Country Shrimp with Wehani Rice, Geechee Girl Rice Café | 2 Arroz Bomba, Tinto | 3 Dol Sot Bibim Bob, Giwa | 4 Paella, Cebu | 5 Rice Krispy Treat Sampler, Good Dog

What's Cooking:

The Week In Eats

Get Out!

by Felicia D'Ambrosio

Poutine at Kildare's | Late Night Menu at Coquette | Black Truffle Menu at Nectar | Hours of Happiness at James | Beaujolais Nouveau at Patou

Agenda

Agenda Lead:

Double Talk

Back and forth with Todd Glass and Gary Gulman

by Ben Kharakh

GG: There's a game we play at Todd's house where we pretend the house is an airplane. You think a lot more of your place if it's an airplane. It may be an average apartment, but if it were an airplane, it would be the most luxurious airplane of all time. To have a shower, kitchen, living room—

TG: So we'll be sitting in the living room, pretending it's an airplane, and Gary will come in and go, "Have you seen the kitchen? It's like a full-sized kitchen!" And then it's like, "Holy shit!"

Agenda Picks:

In The Event That...

It's a Bad Hair Day

by Dana Henry

Wigs and WineWed., Nov. 28, 6-9 p.m., free, 130 Chestnut St., 215-574-2095, salon130.com

Just Opened

Secret Society, 1607 South St., 215-735-0328

by Monica Weymouth

As for Philly guys, Elam thinks they're ready for the fashion-forward, New York feel of Secret Society. "There's a market here," he says. "You just need to get people used to it."

What We Heart

Boto Designs

by Monica Weymouth

$10-$65, available at Omoi, 1608 Pine St., 215-545-0963, omoionline.com, and at botodesigns.etsy.com

On The DL

Religious Liberty Discussion

by Ptah Gabrie

Tue., Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m., free, Joe Coffee Bar, 1100 Walnut St., 215-592-1513, aclu.org