photo from seeing a screening of The Menu at the Fitler Club
There was only one Philly Finds in November? For shame Camille, for shame.
But here we are – volume 70! I often find myself starting projects or a series (lol remember the podcast??), but never fully go through with or complete them, so I’m patting myself on the back for making it to 70 issues of this.
So November was a month folks, which I think I say after every single month, but this time I really mean it. I’m hoping to go into December with a different energy/vibe, because November was simply just not it. I’m booking up the month with local travel and holiday things galore – suffice to say the content will be abundant. And not to be annoying, but I’ve started to think of my New Years Resolutions, such as investing into the blog and giving it a refresh. So we’ll see if that actually happens, depending on how ambitious I’ll be feeling.
My apartment is decorated and I’m beginning to get into the holiday spirit. I’m excited to soon have dinner at Pesto and see the Miracle on 13th Street (I loved doing that last year and the year prior to that). And if you’re trying to start your holiday shopping and need some inspiration, I’ve rounded up some Philly-made products in this year’s holiday gift guide.
Now onto the finds…
I had the chance to go to the launch of Exceptional Finds, which opened recently in Bryn Mawr. Exceptional Finds sells rare, high-end designer jewelry, handbags and more. And while I’m not in a position (yet – we’re manifesting that) to purchase these beautiful items, it’s just such a glorious experience to be elbow-to-elbow with Hermès.
I also checked out the new Glossier Rittenhouse location to pick-up some more boy brow and milky jelly cleanser. The space is very clean and minimal, as is the brand’s signature. The shopping experience is different than what you might expect, where you ask a sales associate to put in an order for the items you’d like rather than bringing them to the register. They’ll prepare your bag for you in the back and, voila!
Hop on a trolley to see the sights and shop
I’m coming to you with two wonderful trolley options that Philly has to offer this holiday season:
Founding Footsteps – I’ve done the Founding Footsteps holiday trolley in the past and it is SO much fun. It’s a great way to ring in the season and to see the best of the Philly lights. It’s BYOB, and the trolley also features amazing local musicians who play holiday music as you travel to some of the most festive locations in the city. It’s 2 hours long and $55 per person.
Shop Black Business Friday with Philly PHLASH – ‘Tis the season to start making a holiday list and checking it twice. Through Visit Philly initiatives, visitors and locals can shop – both in-person and online – for their nearest and dearest, and in turn support Black- and Brown-owned shops and boutiques that help make Philly the city that it is. To elevate the impact of Shop Black Business Friday, Visit Philadelphia and the Philly PHLASH have teamed up to make it easy to shop at some of the city’s Black- and Brown-owned businesses this holiday season thanks to the all-new Philly PHLASH Shopping Loop, a bus route that will run to four neighborhoods once a day on Fridays from November 25 through December 23. While it is completely free, advanced registration is encouraged.
Cartesian Brewing – 1326 E Passyunk Ave
Consider this section my friend Kerry’s Philly Finds, because she really did all of the work here. She was on WHYY’s Check Please! Philly, which is a show where three guests discuss their favorite Philly area restaurants with host Kae Lani Palmisano (watch the episode here). To celebrate this, she rented out Cartesian Brewing and had Blue Corn catering. The beer was excellent, my favorite being the Knockin’ About golden ale. Definitely a place to check out if you’re strolling along East Passyunk.
McGillan’s
And while we’re on the subject of beer… Now McGillian’s needs no introduction at all. I went to an event there and experienced all of their holiday offerings, from the festive decorations to themed cocktails.
J’aime French Café
Bienvenue to J’aime, who just opened up a new café in 17th and Pine. Pop in for good coffee and even better pastries. You can also find their first location in the Gayborhood at
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jagged Little Pill comes to the Academy of Music January 3-15, 2023
I have many memories lying on my bedroom floor, listening to Alanis Morissette’s third album Jagged Little Pill on repeat. Now that I think of it, I listened to Mary Jane a lot, which is probably concerning for a child, but I digress. That incredible album has been turned in a jukebox musical, and it’s coming to Philly this January. It interweaves the songs with the pain of the fictional Healy family and ultimately tells their story of healing and empowerment. The Healy’s appear to be an ideal suburban family – but when the cracks beneath them begin to surface, they must choose between maintaining the status quo, or face the jarring truth about themselves, their community, and the world around them.
For tickets, visit the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ website or call their Box Office at 215-893-1999.
New Year’s Day Pajama Brunch at White Dog
New Year’s Day Brunch is offered at all four White Dog Café locations from 9 AM to 3 PM
Make your New Year’s resolution for more pajamas, pups, and partying! The New Year welcomes the 34th anniversary of White Dog Café and three decades plus of their annual New Year’s Day Brunch that invites guests to come to brunch in what they wore to bed. Even the team members at the White Dog Café locations will be adorning pajamas as they serve you your first meal of the New Year. The a la carte brunch menu is the perfect place for your post-New Year’s Eve celebration whether you are enjoying the Hair of the Dog, one of their handcrafted seasonal mocktails, or a classic cage-free white omelet or avocado BLT (my personal favorite dish).
Reservations are encouraged for the New Year’s Day Brunch.
The White Dog locations are:
- 379 Lancaster Avenue Haverford (610-896-4556)
- 200 W Lancaster Avenue, Wayne (610-225-3700)
- 981 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills (610-822-2100
- 3420 Sansom Street in University City (215-386-9224)
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