Before July ends, celebrate the road to the final stage of the Tour de France. Philly’s French eatery Parc will have food and beverage specialties. The Tour de Parc will last through Sunday July 26, featuring special menu items from chef Arthur Cavaliere and a chance to win a Jamis Ventura Sport bicycle, which is valued at more than $600. Located in Rittenhouse Square and open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is no excuse not to make a fast move like Lance and head over to Parc.
On August 8, head over to Citizens Bank Park for the Eighth Annual Barbecue Challenge hosted by former Phillies centerfielder, Garry Maddox. Chefs, local restaurants and self-proclaimed barbecue enthusiasts will put their chicken and ribs to the test, and the winner will walk away with a trip to the 2009 World Series. With live music, entertainment, games and the best barbecue in all of Philly, there is no better way to tailgate with friends and family before the Phillies take on the Florida Marlins at 7pm.
The Park Hyatt Philadelphia is celebrating the 105th anniversary of the Bellevue building this summer with unbelievable room, dining and romantic dessert specials. The $105 anniversary room rate has limited availability every night, however can be reserved by booking the room online and entering "105th" as the offer code. For all the foodies, the Park Hyatt's XIX is also offering a $105 four-course meal and $105 dessert. The dessert, which features a decadent chocolate cake with a peanut butter caramel mousse center and sugar diamonds, will be served in a Tiffany & Co. bowl (which is yours to keep). To learn more about these special anniversary offers, visit
Le Bec-Fin executive chef Georges Perrier will be teaming up with chef Chris Scarduzio for a series of special August events at the award-winning European-styled restaurant, Mia in Caesars Atlantic City. On August 7 at 6pm allow chef Scarduzio to take your palate to Italy with an authentic Tuscan menu, for $90 per person. On August 21, jet-set your appetite to Paris with Perrier's showcase of a multi-course French-inspired menu for $90. To make a reservation for this celebrity chef series, call 609.441.2345.
Another chef’s special you don’t want to miss this summer can be found on Thursday evenings at Bar Ferdinand. This swanky Tapas restaurant will feature chef Michael Thomas’s latest creations of Spanish cuisine. Priced generously at $35, this tasting menu will fill you up with all the right dishes, 13 dishes to be exact. The selections change weekly however, one of the thirteen dishes Thomas has prepared for this event is the roasted chanterelle mushrooms with creamy risotto, sun-dried tomato and Tetilla cheese. For more information or to make a reservation, call 215.923.1313.
When it comes to quality burger--I’m talking all with all the good fixings--you’re not going to find that grilled-to-perfection goodness at some glitzy restaurant. SquareBurger will take you back to square one, with the best burgers and dogs, served how they should be: on paper plates. For under $5, you can have that succulent summer burger you always crave, with two toasted buns, grilled onions, melted American cheese and crunchy pickles.
If burgers and franks aren’t your summer favorite, perhaps Oyster House’s Blue Crab Feast is more of your liking. On Tuesday evenings every night through August, Philly’s Oyster House will be offering their Blue Crab Feast, which includes three jumbo hard shell blue crabs, corn on the cob and coleslaw.
Sure, good food makes us all feel good, but what about when there is an incentive behind indulgence to fight childhood hunger? On August 17, Philly’s top chefs from dozens of restaurants such as Vetri, Blackfish and Savona will be teaming up for Taste of the Nation at Loews Hotel. The evening includes sampling some of the best dishes and participating in both silent and live auctions. Tickets for the charity event are $75 and can be purchased here.
As August rolls around, we slowly begin to realize the fun of summer is nearing its end. Chester County Restaurant Week, which runs from August 2 through August 9, will be sure to not only lift your spirits, but also wake up your appetite. With 15 of the best restaurants in Chester County participating, you can satisfy your every craving. Whether you are longing for New Orleans style cuisine at The Big Easy or a prime rib sandwich from The Paddock, Chester County Restaurant Week has the variety. For only $30.09, enjoy a three-course dinner at one of the 15 restaurants, and you'll also receive a $10 gift certificate valid at any of the participating venues.
Just days ago, Pearl Philadelphia closed. But as one door shuts, another door opens. Philly welcomed Sonata, a new contemporary American restaurant in Liberty Walk. Sonata is a quaint black and white establishment where one chef’s passion for music and art transcends into his dishes. With dishes such as butter-poached lobster mac and cheese with fresh pappardelle noodle and Fontina cheese, the unique pairing of ingredients is a tasteful melody for the palate. For reservations, call 215.238.1240. Click here to download the menu.
Conshohocken’s Blackfish loves a fresh change of taste just as much as we do. This seafood maven is now serving an affordably filling lunch every Tuesday through Friday from 11:30am - 2pm, which features an array of salads, seafood, sandwiches and pasta. In culmination with serving lunch, Blackfish also offers an after 8pm prix-fixe menu every Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Four courses for $45 never felt so good, with menu items including lobster, beef, crab and scallop, prepared four different ways.
