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Read the news of the day in less than 10 minutes — not that we’re counting.
This week, we’re looking at new vegan offerings in South Philly, a seafood-centric block party in Port Richmond, and a few options where you can dine, drink, and dance to make a positive impact.
Or, you can pursue your own glory (and a selection of sun-blasted meats and cheeses) at one of Philly’s biggest/most iconic festivals.
Pasaeli Turkish wine happy hour
Wines from Turkey? Absolutely, says Jet Wine Bar owner Jill Weber. She’s stocked Pasaeli wines at her South Street West “global vineyard,” but this happy hour event will be their biggest showcase to date.
Jet is offering every single wine available in Pennsylvania from the Turkish boutique vintner, served by the half-glass ($6-$9), full glass ($11-$18), bottle ($44-$72), to-go ($22-$36), or as a flight (2 oz. pours, $42). A menu of “Turkish-inspired” mezzes will be available, with marinated roasted red peppers, olive salad, and yogurt-carrot dip ($6 for 1, $10 for 2, $14 for three).
Plus, it all benefits a good cause: A portion of the proceeds go to World Central Kitchen, currently providing meals to those affected by the recent catastrophic earthquakes in Turkey.
1525 South Street | 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 | No reservations | Pay as you go.
Animal Magic Yappy Hour at the Trestle Inn
Earlier this week the Pennsylvania SPCA rescued more than 70 dogs from a single home, so it’s the perfect time to consider making a donation.
There are few better ways to do it than dancing the night away to classic 60s and 70s tunes from the Monkees, Yardbirds, Eagles, Beatles, Cat Stevens (yes, there’s a theme), and more from DJ Hardbargain and the Slinky Vagabond.
100% of proceeds from the night’s Kitten with a Whip cocktail special will go directly to the PSPCA. Additionally, artist Kate Lowe will be accepting commissions for pet portraits to further support the PSPCA.
339 N. 11th Street | 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 19 | RSVP is free, or pre-pay for a pet portrait
9th Street Italian Market Festival
Come for the cannoli, stay for the lard-greased pole topped with meat as a prize.
It’s Philly’s largest block party in the nation’s oldest outdoor market, and those who’ve been to previous editions will know what to expect — two days of pastas, pizzas, and gelato alongside tacos, ceviche and churros from South 9th Street staples like Villa di Roma, Anthony’s Coffee & Chocolate House, Blue Corn, El Pueblo Meat Market, and more.
There’ll be a variety of musical acts plus the customary Procession of Saints, as well as a range of activities you can still sign up for, from half ball and cornhole tournaments to voting for your favorite cheesesteak in Philly (winner to be announced 11 a.m. on Saturday).
9th Street, from Wharton to Fitzwater | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 20 & Sunday, May 21 | Pay as you go
Bonk’s Big Bash
This rejuvenated Port Richmond crab shack and bar hosts the Now + Then Marketplace for a big outdoor bazaar, featuring arts, crafts, and vintage goods from over 30 local vendors.
Bonk’s usual menu will be available — cod fish n’ chips ($14), fried oysters ($11), crab cake sandwiches ($13), and seafood boils (MP) alongside burgers ($10), cheesesteaks ($9), and wings ($13) – but there’s also plenty for those looking beyond seafood and pub grub.
Food trucks like Sazon Restaurant and Café, Ze’s Mood, Philly Favs Food Cart, Brother’s Juice Corner, and Tres Fiori are all set to make an appearance. Musical entertainment comes courtesy of DJ Yardsale and Snacktime.
3467 Richmond Street | 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 20 | Pay as you go.
New beer garden (with cider!) on the Schuylkill
This riverside spot for sips returns for the season, offering outdoor drinking and dining on Boathouse Row. It’s run by Cosmic Café, which provides employment for people with special needs.
The draft list includes ciders from Frecon Farms and beers from Winding Path Brewing Co., at $8 each. Food options are provided by a rotation of on-site trucks: Forte’s Fresh Burger Stop will be slinging patties on Thursdays and Fridays, with $11 cheeseburger-fries-drink combos ($12 for the ‘Royale’ with LTO), while Jamaican D’s will be offering up fried whiting, wings, and shrimp with fries ($10, $10, and $15) on Saturdays and Sundays.
Old Mill House, 1 Boathouse Row | 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday & Friday, 12 to 10 p.m. Saturday, 12 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Opening weekend for Luhv Vegan Bistro in South Philly
South Philly gains a new vegan option with this expansion from the Luhv (aka Lucci) family, following their Reading Terminal Market, Hatsboro, and Ambler locations.
Alongside regular menu items like the popular chickpea “tuna” (wrap $9, hoagie $12), seitan corned beef sandwiches ($10), and “lox” bagels with smoked golden beets ($11), the Point Breeze shop will offer exclusive items like ground seitan cheesesteaks ($10) and black bean and garbanzo burgers ($8 each). A selection of frozen soups and flax and black bean burgers is also available to-go.
1131 S. 19th Street | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
