Archives: Places

If you love Paris in the springtime, Parc is a veritable grand cru. With Parc, famed restaurateur Stephen Starr brings a certain je ne sais quoi to Rittenhouse Square. Parc offers an authentic French bistro experience, fully equipped with a chic Parisian ambiance and gorgeous sidewalk seating overlooking the Square. Cuisine Parc menu encourages a joyful dining experience, where croissants, champagne and conversation are enjoyed in equal measure. Sample hors d’oeuvres include salade lyonnaise with warm bacon vinaigrette and poached egg, escargots served in their shells with hazelnut butter and a crispy duck confit with frisée salad and pickled chanterelles. Outstanding entrées include boeuf bourguignon with fresh buttered pasta and steak frites with peppercorn sauce. A variety of plats du jour are also offered, including a seafood-rich bouillabaisse on Fridays and a sumptuous coq au vin, perfect for Sunday night suppers. And what´s an authentic French meal without wine? More than 160 expertly chosen varietals are offered by the bottle, with more than 20 available by the glass. See and Be Seen With seating for more than 75 at its sidewalk and window seating, Parc has instantly become one of the best places in Philadelphia for alfresco drinking and dining. The awning-covered seating wraps around the restaurant´s two sides and overlooks Rittenhouse Square, one of Philadelphia´s most popular public spaces. Atmosphere The aroma of freshly baked breads fills the air as one enters Parc´s casual front room, which is clad in hand-laid Parisian tiles in shades of ecru and green. Red leather banquettes flanked by frosted glass offer subtle intimacy, while well-worn wooden chairs, reclaimed bistro tables and mahogany paneled walls give the room a sense of place. The more formal dining room provides a slightly more sophisticated experience while maintaining the energy and emotion of a bustling brasserie. To put it simply, Parc is nothing short of an authentic Parisian dining experience – right here in the heart of Rittenhouse Square.

The Experience It only four pages long, but the U.S. Constitution is among the most influential and important documents in the history of the world. The 160,000-square-foot National Constitution Center explores and explains this amazing document through high-tech exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. The Kimmel Theater, a 350-seat star-shaped theater, features Freedom Rising, a multimedia production combining film, a live actor and video projection on a 360° screen to tell the stirring story of We the people. Then experience it yourself: don judicial robes to render your opinion on key Supreme Court cases, then take the Presidential oath of the office. In Signers Hall, where life-size bronze figures of the Constitution´s signers and dissenters are displayed, visitors can choose to sign or dissent. One of the rare original public copies of the Constitution is on display. History Freedom of speech, protection from unlawful search and seizure, and other individual rights were not part of the original Constitution. Recognizing its imperfections, the authors built in a mechanism to amend the Constitution, making it adaptable for unknown eventualities. The first ten amendments guaranteeing numerous personal freedoms – The Bill of Rights – were not ratified until 1791. Insider Tip While the Center hosts amazing evergreen presentations, take a look at the Events Calendar for the latest premiere or traveling exhibit. Kids Stuff The Center frequently hosts special events with a focus on children that include informative and engaging hands-on activities. For specific information, check out the Center website.

The Experience Museum Without Walls: AUDIO is a multi-platform, interactive audio tour, designed to allow locals and visitors alike to experience Philadelphia extensive collection of public art and outdoor sculpture along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Kelly Drive. This innovative program invites passersby to stop, look, listen and see this city public art in a new way. Discover the untold histories of the 51 outdoor sculptures at 35 stops through these professionally produced three-minute interpretive audio segments. The many narratives have been spoken by more than 100 individuals, all with personal connections to the pieces of art. Works in Museum Without Walls: AUDIO include the sculpture Jesus Breaking Bread, which is located in front of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at 18th and Race Streets. The sculpture´s audio program features the voices of three people who are each intimately, yet distinctly, connected to the piece. Listeners can hear Martha Erlebacher, the wife of the now-deceased sculptor and an artist herself, recall the personal challenge Walter Erlebacher set to humanize the figure. Monsignor John Miller, who oversaw the commission of the sculpture for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, discusses the artist confrontation with historic interpretation, and Sister Mary Scullion, who runs the renowned program for the homeless in Philadelphia, Project H.O.M.E., and who also attended the sculpture dedication as a student, talks about the importance of placing the figure outside of the church. In the audio program for the sculpture Iroquois, listeners will hear a first-person account from Mark di Suvero, the artist himself, who discusses the abstract sculpture and its open shapes that invite public interaction and viewing from multiple angles. I think that in order to experience [Iroquois] … you have to walk in through the piece, you have to have it all the way around you and at that moment, you can feel what that sculpture can do, says di Suvero. Lowell McKegney, di Suvero construction manager and longtime friend, compares the sculpture to music and encourages listeners to appreciate it in the same way. History Philadelphia has more outdoor sculpture than any other American city, yet this extensive collection often goes unnoticed. This program is intended to reveal the distinct stories behind each of these works, that have become visual white noise for so many of the city residents and visitors.

Stephen Starr creative Japanese restaurant has garnered all kinds of national and international attention since opening a few years back. Located a block from Independence Hall on Chestnut Street, Morimoto has an interior – awash in glass and colors – that is both striking and serene in its design. The restaurant´s namesake and head chef, Morimoto (of Food Network´s Iron Chef fame), has created a menu offering the very best in contemporary Japanese cusine. While regulars flock here for the exquisitely prepared sushi, Morimoto offers diners a broad spectrum of flavors that delve beyond nigiri and sashimi. In recent years, the restaurant has made it onto Gourmet magazine´s “Best Restaurants in America” list and Conde Nast Traveler magazine 50 Hot Tables in America. Today Morimoto remains one of the hottest spots to dine in Center City and continues to receive rave reviews from regulars and first-timers alike. That said, be sure to call ahead for reservations. Insider Tip The mezzanine level lounge is a great spot to have a pre-meal cocktail while waiting for your table. You can enjoy a sake or try a “Sakura” – a cosmo made with Sake – in the sleek space that overlooks the brilliant restaurant below.

The Experience When you´re at Longwood Gardens, it´s easy to imagine that you´re at a giant, royal garden in Europe. Stroll along the many paths through acres of exquisitely maintained grounds featuring 11,000 different types of plants. Encounter a new vista at each turn: the Italian Water Garden, Flower Garden Walk, aquatic display gardens and many others. Amble through Peirce´s Woods, eight outdoor “rooms” of distinct woodland habitats. Inside the Conservatory is a lush world of exotic flowers, cacti, bromeliads, ferns and bonsai. Each season brings a different pleasure: spring magnolias and azaleas; summer roses and water lilies; fall foliage and chrysanthemums; and winter camellias, orchids and palms. On land Quaker settler George Peirce purchased from William Penn, Peirce´s grandsons planted an impressive arboretum. The presence of a sawmill on the property prompted industrialist Pierre Samuel du Pont to buy the land in 1906 to save the trees. Christmas is spectacularly celebrated with carillon concerts, poinsettias and thousands of lights; summer evenings are embellished with concerts, illuminated fountain displays and occasional fireworks. Come Prepared Longwood Gardens is open daily, year-round. Don´t Miss Indoor Children´s Garden – Surrounded by tree-covered seating and Longwood´s famous fountains, the new Indoor Children´s Garden provides a safe and engaging space where children can learn about nature with amazing plants and fun activities around every corner. The Garden features a Central Cove, a Rain Pavilion and a Bamboo Maze, filled with a jungle of tree-sized bamboos for children to explore. Outsider´s Tip There are 17 fountains in the Indoor Children´s Garden to enjoy, where children will want to splash and play. An extra shirt or small towel might come in handy! Buy Tickets Online In Advance You can buy admission tickets to Longwood Gardens online through our partners at the Independence Visitor Center. Just click the button below.

OVERVIEW One of the most important architectural works of the 20th Century, the PSFS (Philadelphia Savings Fund Society) Building has been converted into the new 585-room Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Designed by George Howe and William Lescaze, the building was erected in 1932 and was the first international style, modernist high-rise building. Today, the building retains period details, such as Cartier clocks, bank vault doors and polished granite, as well as modern amenities such as a full service health spa, business center, spinning room, lap pool and over 40,000 square feet of multi-purpose space, including three ballrooms. THE HOTEL Loews Hotels is proud to have restored the landmark PSFS Building to its original grandeur, while transforming it into a hotel that people from all over the world can experience and enjoy. The hotel takes full advantage of the building´s historical features. The three-story former banking room has been preserved as Millennium Hall, a dramatic banquet space. The historic, rooftop boardroom has been converted to a spectacular setting for catered events. The building retains period details, such as Cartier clocks, bank vault doors and polished granite, as well as modern amenities such as a full service health spa, business center, spinning room, lap pool and over 40,000 square feet of multi-purpose space, including three ballrooms. Feel the comforts of home in accommodations that perfectly balance the contemporary with the elegant. Where every detail from the lofty ten-foot ceilings to the miles of spectacular views is designed to serve one purpose – yours. Whether you´re working hard or playing hard, you can always rest easy. The Loews is perfect for families. The hotel offers special kid-friendly programs and features dedicated to the principle: “the family that stays together plays together” (and that includes four-legged family members too). Learn more about Loews Signature Family Travel Benefits. DINING AT THE HOTEL Solefood SoleFood is a fusion of seafood and cutting edge culinary expertise, offering seafood inspired dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy a cozy table for two or make new friends at one of the communal tables featuring a center display of river rocks and candles. In order to create a memorable culinary experience in an upscale, hip environment which mixes eclectic cool with classic style, Solefood Restaurant continues to create exciting food and drinks that are mixed with just the right amount of attitude. SoleFood has received local and regional accolades from the media including 2008 Best of Philadelphia Award, Philadelphia City Paper Best Bar and Best Seafood restaurant. SoleFood features hard to find wines, served by the glass, bottle and half bottle for when a bottle is too much and a glass is too little. Special Prix Fixe Dinner Offer SoleFood is offering a special “Diversify your Palate” prix-fixe dinner menu through 2010. For $29, you get to choose an entree and two “investments,” which can be an appetizer, a glass of wine, a cocktail, a dessert or a draft beer. To make a reservation at SoleFood restaurant please call (215) 231-7300 or visit opentable.com Hours: Breakfast: Daily, 6:30 am – 11:00 am Brunch: Saturday & Sunday,11:30 am – 2:00 pm Lunch: Monday – Friday, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm Dinner: Daily, 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm SoleFood Lounge & Happy Hour SoleFood Lounge provides one of the best happy hour options in the city. Gather with your friends and take advantage of some great specials, including hors d’oeuvres, wines by the glass, draft beer, and a wide selection of martinis from 5 to 7 p.m. daily. The lounge is the perfect place to meet up with old friends and make new ones. SoleFood Lounge has earned recognition for its creative bar menu that includes a wide array of signature drinks and one of the best martinis in Philly. Solefood Lounge Hours: Daily, 11:30 am – 2:00 am Lounge Menu is offered daily: 11:00 am – 12:00 am Solstice and SoleFood Special Events & Private Parties Solstice and SoleFood provide fabulous settings for receptions, private parties and meetings. Solstice Private Dining Room is a great place to host cocktails receptions, dinners and meetings. SoleFood is available for private parties and events. The main dining room can accommodate up to 85 people; each of the two communal tables seats 16; The Bar and Lounge at SoleFood with its luxe decor and inviting banquettes and white leather chairs can accommodate 200 for cocktails. Menus can be customized to meet your needs, including family-style. Starbucks Morning Coffee Bar Daily, 6:30 am – 10:30 am SoleFood Restaurant is proud to be serving Starbucks. Come in and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee during your morning rush. The Coffee Bar also offer small breakfast items for your enjoyment.