Newsletter
Philly Tax March draws 2,000; UberEATS policy upsets restaurants; East Falls gets a beer garden
Newsletter for Sunday, Apr 16 2017
Instagram of the Day
A giant paper mache cat named 'Big Grumpy' showed up at Tax March Philly
@biggrumpyphl
Tax March draws 2,000 people to City Hall
On Saturday, a protest called Tax March Philly drew an estimated 2,000 people to City Hall — as well as a 10-foot inflatable chicken with its hair styled just like Donald Trump. It was organized by Gwen Snyder of Philadelphia Jobs with Justice as one of 150+ nationwide that called on Trump to release his tax returns — something every US President has done for the past 40 years.
Philly restaurants shocked when UberEATS won’t deliver
UberEATS, the ride-sharing giant's food delivery service, does not use surge pricing. It turns out that in order to keep prices level, a different parameter is tweaked: The size of each restaurant’s delivery zone. But many aren’t aware the zones can (and do) fluctuate daily — including several chefs who’ve come to rely on the contracted couriers. Which has led to some very uncomfortable interactions with irate customers .
East Falls joins the pop-up beer garden party
Former Bishop's Collar co-owner Megan Keel lives in East Falls, and as she saw pop-up beer gardens proliferate around the city, she felt bad her neighborhood didn't have one. So she created one. It's coming to the parking lot between Kelly Drive and Ridge Avenue under the Roosevelt Expressway overpass every third Thursday, starting May 18. Additional dates could be added if enough people come out for the craft beer, wine and food truck snacks.
Two Philly chefs will punch each other in the face for charity
On Saturday, April 29, chef Mike Solomonov won't be making laffa at the hearth oven at Zahav. And chef Brad Spence won't be tossing pasta in the open kitchen at Amis. Instead, the two culinary powerhouses will face each other in the ring and try to punch each other in the face. It's all in the name of Night at the Fights, the boxing-themed fundraiser for the Urban League of Philadelphia.
On the Calendar
Hone your taco skills with Philly’s most famous taqueria
Cristina Martinez and Ben Miller, whose tacos at South Philly Barbacoa have gained national renown, will lead a night of food stories. It starts with a discussion of nixtamalization, an ancient culinary process used to create nutrient-dense tortillas. Vegetarian tacos will be served. Bonus: Following the workshop, Philadelphia Seed Exchange is hosting a plant swap.
Where: Parkway Free Library, Culinary Literacy Center at 1901 Vine St. 19103
When: April 17, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
How much: $10
Find out how the DA candidates would fix the prison system
The Philadelphia Coalition for a Just District Attorney is hosting a community forum with all the candidates for DA (except Republican Beth Grossman, who has a schedule conflict), with the goal of sussing out each person's views and ideas for how to fix the broken and overused prison system. Free registration requested.
Where: Arch Street United Methodist Church at 55 N. Broad St. 19107
When: April 18, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
How much: Free with registration
Sketch comedy extravaganza, live and in film
The second annual Philly Sketchfest film festival features dozens of comedy shorts from local and national comedians, interspersed with live standup routines and Q&As with the performers. BYO booze to the theater for a $3 convenience fee.
Where: PFS Roxy Theater at 2023 Sansom St. 19103
When: April 19, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
How much: $10
When dining out = helping sick Philadelphians
Dining Out for Life is back for the 27th year. More than 200 area restaurants have pledged to donate 33 percent of each diners' check to Action Wellness (formerly ActionAIDS), a nonprofit that helps individuals with longterm illnesses. There's also a food truck pop-up during lunch at 13th & Locust, with 15 mobile vendors who've also pledged to donate.
Where: 200 restaurants at various addresses around the region
When: April 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
How much: Pay as you go
Drink beers, plant trees on Arbrew Day
If you're a Philly resident, grabbing a few beers at happy hour on Friday at these five bars can come with a green bonus: A free tree (or three) for you to take home and plant in your yard or sidewalk box. This is the fourth year Yards has partnered with Tree Philly for the Earth Day/Arbor Day giveaway, and if you're 21+, your plantlife also comes with a free Yards t-shirt.
Where: Frankford Hall, London Grill, Grey Lodge, Garage South, Goat Hollow at various addresses
When: April 21, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
How much: Free