The Commonwealth: Art Deco Gets an Update
We know you're always curious about the hottest properties in the coolest neighborhoods in Philadelphia. That's why we are introducing to you one of the hottest luxury rental properties in the city. It is called The Commonwealth. It sounds as sophisticated as it is in person.
The Commonwealth is an Art Deco-inspired building at 1201 Chestnut Street. This Center City location is all about offering you the lifestyle you desire and freedom you demand. And you will not believe the value! Now that we've piqued your curiosity, here are some of the details:
- Opening in July 2011
- 1 and 2 Bedroom Layouts
- Pet-Friendly
- Fitness Center
- Doorman
- Storage Units
- Hardwood Floors
- European Kitchens w/ Stainless Steel Appliances
- Granite Countertops
- Bikes Racks
- Discounted Garage Parking
[image via www.commonwealth1201.com]
Who’s on 13th Street in Philadelphia?
What's to love about 13th Street? We can think of plenty, but it's nice to see that business owners Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran have turned it into a blog.
We Love 13th Street is the blog's name, and it lists all of the inspiring duo's restaurants and shops. They have quite a few, so it makes sense for them to promote their destinations with one big love letter. Shall we count the ways?
Bindi - The yummy modern Indian BYO that heats up 13th St with a Thali Tuesday special for carnivores and vegetarians.
Barbuzzo - Set to open any day now, this Mediterranean kitchen and bar will feature house-smoked meats and fresh pasta dishes.
Grocery - The charming takeaway shop has a multitude of gourmet products and healthy, creative options from their salad bar and hot food case. There is no reason to settle for leftovers with the quick grab and go dinners and desserts that make you feel like you're dining at one of Turney and Safran's restaurants. Even if you're parked out in front of your television watching Top Chef. Lolita's Mexican Tiramisu from the comfort of your home...
Lolita - Inspired Modern Mexican that is perfect for a date or for groups.
Open House - Our favorite place to admire cheese boards, furniture, and home goods. The choice selection of conversational pieces is careful, thoughtful, and always chic.
Verde - Home to Marcie Blaine Chocolates, this flower and gift shop should be on your list whenever you need a special touch or thank you. The chocolates are created with the flavors of Turney and Safran's restaurants and Philadelphia in mind. So if you want a La Colombe coffee-flavored whiskey chocolate? You got it. The Mango Lassi chocolate? It's yours. A Love Park printed raspberry ganache? That, too.
13th Street has been a lucky number for these successful hotspots. What do you love about 13th Street in Philadelphia?
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Related:
One Hour in Washington Square West
Modern Urban Living at Open House
A Rosy Welcome for Almeidas Floral Designs
A woman emphatically handed me a single red rose last night at 12th and Spruce. What on earth was she doing? Promoting the grand opening of Almeidas Floral Designs.
One flower shop closes and another opens in the same exact storefront? It was meant to be.
Chartreuse, the former florist on the corner of 12th and Spruce, has moved to 1616 East Passyunk Avenue, where it keeps its colorful name next to Green Aisle Grocery.
Almeidas has moved in and on Tuesday night, they were giving away free rose stems with their business card attached. What a sweet-smelling way to say hello to your new neighbors and curious passersby, right?
Thanks for the rose, Almeidas, and welcome to Washington Square West.
Almeidas Floral Designs
1200 Spruce Street
215-545-5555
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One Hour in Washington Square West
Oh, Washington Square West. You're just a few short blocks of so many to-dos and never enough time.
Get a classic shave from Joe the Barber at Groom,where old school meets new. Cuts start at $20 and shaves are $35.
Groom, 1324 Locust St
Considering new glasses? Try on some bizarre specs at Modern Eye for a what-if moment. From the retro to the uber-geek to the ultra-modern, this eyewear retailer stocks some of the craziest bifocals we've seen, and you should take your time trying them all on before you make a final decision.
Modern Eye, 145 S. 13th St
Fresh bouquets, artisan chocolates, and home and garden supplies are all in stock at this modern flower shop. The sidewalk flowers at Verde will beckon you in and the case of assorted liquor, herb, and spice laced chocolates will keep you there for a few minutes. Pick up some gifts for your green thumbed friends and a truffle for a quick pick-me-up?
Verde 108 S. 13th St
Peruse the wine cellar at Garces Trading Co. for something special at the PLCB's first boutique wine shop. And while you're at it, might as well pick up a bag of Garces brand coffee and some house-baked bread.
Garces Trading Co., 1111 Locust St
And let's not forget about Washington Square, land of R&R and zen squirrels. If you've got one hour and a busy day ahead, the best way to recharge is a relaxing visit to the square itself.
Washington Square, Walnut between 6th and 7th
If your one hour happens to be happy hour? Spend it on the rooftop lounge at APO with a Matcha Fizz (gin; shochu (distilled Japanese liquor); lemon; local honey; matcha (very concentrated Japanese green tea); finished with egg white foam and sage).
APO, 102 S. 13th St
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What’s up with…Washington Square West
Garces Trading Company Opens in Washington Square West
Washington Square - A Treat - Philadelphia Real Estate
Washington Square: R&R and Zen Squirrels
Washington Square: R&R and Zen Squirrels
What's so amazing about Washington Square? For one thing, it's unlike the other squares, which tend to be extremely crowded on beautiful days. That's nice if you want to do some people-watching or meet some interesting folks, but what if you're looking for some rest and relaxation? Washington Square at 6th and Walnut it is. There's a tranquil, subdued vibe in the air at Washington Square. One is compelled to read a book or spread out on the grass, and there's no struggle to find an empty spot or bench. There's no frenzy, no rush.
The square, which is set between Society Hill and Washington Square West, is very convenient to South Street and Center City. It is set over former burial grounds that were used during the Revolutionary War, with a memorial statue for George Washington on the western side of the square.
If you're spending the afternoon there, we suggest picking up some baguettes and charcuterie from the newly opened Garces Trading Co. There is a small block of boutique shopping to be done across the street if you decide to seek asylum from the sun for a few minutes.
Even the Washington Square squirrels are content to hang out for a bit.
Discover more about Life in Washington Square West. Ready to search for Washington Square West properties?
Related:
What’s up with…Washington Square West
Garces Trading Company Opens in Washington Square West
Washington Square - A Treat - Philadelphia Real Estate
Two New Additions Bring Fresh Pasta to Philly Neighborhoods
Spelt pasta at Apollinare
Philadelphia is quickly becoming a city of sumptuous fresh pasta. If you ever plan on opening an Italian restaurant around town, be forewarned: you'd better crank out some fresh dough, because Philadelphians will know the difference. Homemade pasta cooks in minutes and is simple to make, but there are two new kitchens in town that are rolling out some particularly tasty noodles.
In Northern Liberties, Apollinare put in a direct call to Italy, sourcing Umbrian restaurateurs Fabio Auguadro and Andrea Scotacci for the Piazza space formerly known as Vino. Now, you'll find pasta made on the premises, from traditional carbonara and potato gnocchi to spelt pasta ribbons and cauliflower tortelli. The fresh pasta really makes a difference in a new restaurant that is trying to make a name for itself.
When Marc Vetri decided to open his third Italian spot in Philadelphia, a trattoria named Amis in Washington Square West, critics and fans everywhere were intrigued. Could Vetri bring a budget-minded trattoria to a quieter section of the neighborhood that bordered so closely to South Street? By the power of fresh pasta, he could. The casual restau-bar is still sharp and stylish, with sleek wood and plenty of group seating. Like any Vetri affair, the service is superb and the food is exquisite, but the mood is toned down and the volume is definitely higher. We bet that's because everybody is talking about the fresh pasta. All pastas are housemade, but it's the creamy, peppery tonnarelli "cacio e pepe" that had us twirling our forks lovingly.
Forget the dry stuff. We recommend that you visit both A-lettered pasta houses for a plate of fresh noodles.
Apollinare, 1001 N. 2nd Street, the Piazza at Schmidts
Amis, 412 S. 13th Street
PA Ballet with Attitude: Shut Up and Dance 2010
You've seen the provocative posters and flyers around town. The dancers are posing in barely there scraps of gunmetal gray fabric. This is one ballet event that you can take your hockey-loving significant other to.
It's MANNA's Shut Up and Dance 2010, a one-night-only stand with the Pennsylvania Ballet. The performance raises money for patients with life-threatening illnesses. Each ticket sold will provide 20 meals for one person.
Sometimes, the only thing you can do is shut up and dance. This year's performance will be on Saturday, March 20 at 8pm at the Forrest Theatre in Washington Square West. We expect that it will be edgy and experimental.
Tickets are on sale at MANNA's site. The dancers will also be selling tickets during a pub crawl this Sunday in Northern Liberties. They'll be at Cantina Dos Segundos from 6-7pm and Swift Half Pub from 7:15-8:30pm.
Modern Urban Living at Open House
After you move the furniture into your new home, you often find yourself wanting some new bits and pieces. Lighting, frames, flooring: you can find it all at Open House on the bustling 13th Street in Washington Square West. The selections here are some of the most inspired, cheeky, and eclectic in the city. Even if you're not shopping for something in particular, browsing the wares at the contemporary boutique is bound to unearth something. If you're tired of your fall/winter decor, maybe it's time to find a few home items to freshen your look for spring.
We have a fondness for their kitchen items in the back of the store, where we've come across Claude Dozorme cheese knives, wooden serving trays, and espresso cups and sauces in an array of two-tone colors. Looking for unique barware or a mini Bodum french press in an electric hue? The collection here pops and is an easy way to add instant personality to any room in your home.
Decor enthusiasts can sort through whimsical floor designs, frames, candles, and pillows. There is an assortment of furniture worked into the store layout from which shoppers can choose. Gift ideas fill the room, whether you are shopping for a baby or a handbag-obsessed best friend, or in need of a fun, modern card or stationary. We walked by their window the other day and the Philly display caught our eye, proving that embracing your roots can still be stylish.
Open House
106 S. 13th Street
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What’s up with…Washington Square West
Washington Square West is a neighborhood west of the famous Washington Square landmark in Philadelphia. With proximity to both Center City and Old City, Washington Square West has an active nightlife scene and plenty of daytime foot traffic, allowing for coffee shops, restaurants, and original shops to be successful here. 13th Street is a particularly trendy row of unique businesses and dining establishments.
There are surrounding townhomes and intimate side streets that maintain the pedestrian-friendly region, which is one of the easiest parts of town to walk from to an adjacent neighborhood.
Read more about Washington Square West.
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Garces Trading Company Opens in Washington Square West
What was Washington Square West in dire need of? Freshly-baked bread, signature coffee, an oil bar with faucets, house-cured and imported charcuterie, a fine selection of cheeses, deep dish pizza, and a PLCB wine boutique all in one place? As an added enticement, this all comes from Mr. Iron Chef himself, Jose Garces. Welcome to Garces Trading Company, which opened this week at 11th and Locust.
So what if you can't get reservations at Amada in Old City, Tinto or Village Whiskey in Rittenhouse Square, Chifa near Jeweler's Row, or Distrito in University City? You can find a lot of the special items featured at his restaurants right here. Having a few Garces goods around the house is the next best thing. When I stopped by, the cafe seating area at the Trading Co. was already full of afternoon lunchers. Garces was behind the counter working with a smile on his face. Order a sandwich and select a wine from the selection of over 200 bottles in the cellar, and seek out a spot at the communal table.
Garces Trading Company
1111 Locust Street
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