For the entire month of March, participating restaurants along Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill are banding together for the neighborhood’s annual restaurant month. This year’s promotion, “Eat Up The Avenue” features twenty-three restaurants offering daily lunch and dinner specials and a few surprises. The deals run Sunday through Thursday so if you’re looking for some weeknight dinner plans, Chestnut Hill Restaurant Month is a must. The great thing about the area is, like many parts of Philadelphia, the neighborhood is very walker-friendly, allowing diners to visit many locations without having to drive all over town. We’ve gone through the list of restaurants and highlighted a few of our favorites below such as the Buy 1 Past Dinner Get 1 Free deal at Bruno’s. For the full list of participating restaurants, head over to Chestnut Hill’s website. Want to learn more about Chestnut Hill Restaurant Month? Listen to the KYW interview with Chestnut Grill owner, Greg Welsh, here.

From ChestnutHillPa.com:

Cafette – 8136 Ardleigh Street. Offering 3-course dinner for $19.95 and lunch special tomato soup w/ grilled cheese sandwich for $9.95

Cake – 8501 Germantown Avenue. Offering 3-course dinner for $29.95

Campbell’s Place – 8337 Germantown Avenue. Offering 3-course dinner for $19.95 and lunch special soup or salad w/ sandwich or wrap for $9.95

Chestnut 7 − 8201 Germantown Avenue. Offering 3-course dinner for $29.95 and lunch express menu w/ $7 items

Chesnut Grill & Sidewalk Cafe – 8229 Germantown Avenue. Offering dinner for two for $29.95 and lunch special cup of soup w/ sandwich for $7.50

Cin Cin – 8136 Germantown Avenue. Offering 3-course dinner for $19.95

Cosimo’s Pizza Cafe – 8501 Germantown Avenue. Offering take-out dinner for two for $29.95

Fiesta Pizza – 8339 Germantown Avenue. Offering dinner combos for $9.95 and pizza lunch specials for $9.95

Heirloom – 8705 Germantown Avenue. Offering 3-course dinner for $29.95

Hokka Hokka – 7830 Germantown Avenue. Offering 3-course dinner for $19.95

Iron Hill Brewery – 8400 Germantown Avenue. Offering 3-course dinner $29.95

King’s Garden – 8225 Germantown Avenue. 3-course dinner for $19.95

McNally’s Tavern – 8705 Germantown Avenue. Offering “Triple Play” for $19.95 and lunch specials for $9.95

Mica – 8609 Germantown Avenue. Offering a 3-course dinner menu for $29.95

Night Kitchen Bakery – 7725 Germantown Avenue. Offering a lunch special of a cup of soup, sandwich & cookie for $9.95

Osaka – 8605 Germantown Avenue. Offering 3-course dinners starting at $35 and bento boxes at lunch for $9

Looking for a new home? Your next investment? Learn how TBT Philly can help you. 

The team of realtors at TBT Philly are excited to show you several investment properties from our growing investment portfolio. These are priced to move and won’t last … (Read More)

This newly-updated condominium features views of Rittenhouse Square from every room. Unit 1607 in the Rittenhouse Hotel offers over 1,500 square feet of  luxurious living space. This one bedroom, one and … (Read more)

Last week, we quoted a report from the National Association of Realtors stating the third consecutive month of increasing sales for existing homes. Today, we’re excited to report that the NAR has found pending home sales are at their highest in 21 months. This means more agents are signing contracts with buyers, decreasing existing-home inventory. Chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, Andrew Yun, cited job growth and rising rental costs as the reasons behind the steady increase in pending home sales. ”If and when credit availability conditions return to normal, home sales will likely get a 15% boost, speed up the home-price recovery, and thereby significantly reduce the number of homeowners who are underwater,” said Yun. This report from the NAR follows the recent findings that home prices were at their lowest at the end of 2011 since 2002. While lower home prices spelled doom and gloom for some analysts, the January home report from the NAR shows one thing is going up– sales. Buyers seem to be taking advantage of lower prices and affordable financing. Last month, first-time buyers made up 33% of the market for pre-existing homes. For more information and to check out the full report, head over to Housing Wire.

Take a look at what’s happening now in Philadelphia

The U.S. Constitution Turns 225 - Throughout 2012, the National Constitution Center will be the national headquarters of a historic milestone: the United States Constitution’s 225th anniversary. Located on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia—where the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787—the Center is presenting an extraordinary schedule of onsite and online programs that engage citizens nationwide in celebration of the Constitution and its legacy of freedom. (Read more)

The Flower Show Returns March 4, 2012 - One of the biggest and certainly most beautiful displays to hit the floor of the Philadelphia Convention Center returns this week for its annual celebration of horticulture. The Philadelphia Flower Show begins its week-long exhibit Saturday, March 4th featuring thousands of exotic plants, rare flowers, and other stunning installations. (Read More)

Looking for a new home? Your next investment? TBT Philly can help you. 

The team of realtors at TBT Philly are excited to show you several investment properties from our growing investment portfolio. These are priced to move and won’t last … (Read More)

This newly-updated condominium features views of Rittenhouse Square from every room. Unit 1607 in the Rittenhouse Hotel offers over 1,500 square feet of  luxurious living space. This one bedroom, one and … (Read more)

Yesterday, the National Association of Realtors announced its monthly report on the sales of existing homes for January 2012. The results were encouraging as the sale of existing single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and co-ops rose 4.3% over the previous month. In December, the sale of existing-homes had also seen an increase, marking a trend which indicates, while development of new homes continues, the market for existing houses is strong and, from the looks of these figures, getting stronger. As we move into the busy warm-weather real estate season, it’s nice to see buying trends like this. Perhaps another benefit of having a mild winter (we’d like to hope). The National Association of Realtors reports that lower prices and affordable interest rates on mortgages are attracting buyers and giving them significant buying power. However, the NAR noted that, when compared to the market conditions of January the previous year, sales prices had fallen 2%. Still, the report suggests buyers are out there and eager to take advantage of a market with prices in their favor. Reporting for Housing Wire, Kerri Panchuck writes, “First-time homebuyer activity also rose to 33% of all activity, compared to 29% a year ago and 31% in December.” With so many first-timers buying existing homes it’s no wonder companies like Home Depot are posting record profits. The denizens of the DIY world reported a 32% increase in profit over the fourth-quarter, citing things such as warm weather giving rise to many home repair projects. Whether you’re looking for your first home, dream home, or a fixer-upper, the report from the NAR is encouraging for buyers. For more information check out Housing Wire.

First time buyer? Real estate investor? Learn how TBT Philly can help you. 

The team of realtors at TBT Philly are excited to show you several investment properties from our growing investment portfolio. These are priced to move and won’t last … (Read More)

This newly-updated condominium features views of Rittenhouse Square from every room. Unit 1607 in the Rittenhouse Hotel offers over 1,500 square feet of  luxurious living space. This one bedroom, one and … (Read more)

One of the biggest and certainly most beautiful displays to hit the floor of the Philadelphia Convention Center returns this week for its annual celebration of horticulture. The Philadelphia Flower Show begins its week-long exhibit Saturday, March 4th featuring thousands of exotic plants, rare flowers, and other stunning installations. This year’s theme, “Islands of Aloha” will transform the floor-space of the Convention Center into acres of lush Hawaiian gardens. In addition to the countless flowers on display, the Flower Show will feature what’s being called a “multi-dimensional sensory experience” complete with virtual wave wall and 25-foot indoor waterfall. If you’ve never been to the Philadelphia Flower Show before, know this. It’s a big deal, attracting more visitors than almost any other convention year-round. It really does cater to all of the senses with a feast for the eyes as well as your taste buds. On site, a Hawaiian-themed restaurant is at the center of the convention hall, offering up food as well as tropical beverages at stations throughout the show. The Convention Center is located right next door to the world-famous Reading Terminal Market. Reading Terminal is one of the longest-running indoor markets in the country, featuring scores of food stands, restaurants, shops and more. For Flower Show attendees- this is the spot for lunch. A word to the wise, Reading Terminal gets jam-packed during the Flower Show lunch rush so while we certainly recommend braving the crowds for a sandwich at Dinic’s, we’d be remiss not to suggest bucking the trend and heading west toward Center City and checking out one of the nearby restaurants. Tickets for the Philadelphia Flower Show begin at $27 per adult and can be purchased on the official website: here. For more information head over to www.theflowershow.com.

From uwishunu:

Guests will enter the 2012 Flower Show beneath dynamic projections of crashing waves and one of the largest and most exciting displays of white orchids and anthiriums ever assembled. Towering palms, bamboo, green walls, and a tropical plant canopy will immerse visitors in the Hawaiian rainforest. A 25-foot-high waterfall will splash down into Pele’s Garden, an island of exotic flowers and plants where performers will conjure volcanic flames and the Fire Goddess.

TBT Philly has listings in the area

**AVAILABLE JUNE 2012** This recently renovated apartment offers almost 900 sq. ft. of living space. Located in the Fairmount / Art Museum area, the property is within walking distance of … (Read more)

Hot on the heels of several Philadelphia bars being named the best in the country, the city is set to celebrate its love of a good beer. The brewing scene in Philly is bigger than ever and, to honor the craft, the German Society of Philadelphia is throwing its first annual Bierfest on Saturday, February 25th. The event will feature German-style beers from several local brewers including east coast favorites like Yuengling, Victory, Sly Fox, Stoudts, as well as the Appalachian and Berwick Brewing companies. The Philly Roller Girls will be there, dishing out an elbow or two in some roller derby as well as music from the Keystone Boys. The main event includes tastings but don’t forget the available seminars, detailing the history of the craft as well as Philadelphia’s role in the founding of the area’s German population. Tickets are still on sale and range from $38 for just the tasting to $53 for a full VIP pass complete with seminars. The event takes place at the German Society of Philadelphia located at 611 Spring Garden St. For more information, check out uwishunu for a full write-up on the event or see the German Society’s website here.

From the German Society of Philadelphia:

Come celebrate Pennsylvania’s German brewing heritage at Bierfest, an afternoon tasting event with a lively beer-garden vibe, delicious German-inspired beers, and live traditional bluegrass music. Twelve PA brewers will be pouring German-inspired lagers, pilsners, bocks, weizens and more. The Philly Roller Girls will be pouring PA beers for a good cause and The Foodery will offer a rotating menu of imported German beers. Light German fare catered by Brauhaus Schmitz is included, and more substantial ‘wurst platters’ will be offered for sale by the German Society. Main event attendees can also attend a unique ‘Brewer’s Discussion Panel’ on the future of craft lager and Pennsylvania’s leadership in German-style brewing at 4pm, featuring the brewmasters of Victory, Yuengling, Tröegs and more, moderated by the state’s only Master Sommelier, Melissa Monosoff. Author Marnie Old will host a VIP beer seminar at noon, a guided tasting experience, exploring Pennsylvania’s rich German brewing history through 12 remarkable brews.

TBT Philly has listings in the area. Come see them here:

**AVAILABLE JUNE 2012** This recently renovated apartment offers almost 900 sq. ft. of living space. Located in the Fairmount / Art Museum area, the property is within walking distance of … (Read more)

Photo from Philly.com

There’s no question that Philly’s got plenty of soul. If there was ever any doubt, the city now has a Guinness World Record to prove it. Despite the cool winter weather, thousands of Philadelphia citizens gathered outside the Art Museum to take part in a joyous celebration of one of the country’s iconic African American figures, Don Cornelius. As the host of the hit TV show Soul Train, Cornelius left his mark on the nation’s culture, musical taste, and much more. In the wake of his passing, Philly residents wanted to honor the man by doing, what else? Dancing. According to Guinness, Philadelphia now holds the record for the most dancers to go down a Soul Train line. Writing for Philly.com, Inquirer columnist Annette John-Hall writes, “Thousands of joyful folks formed a block-long Soul Train line Monday that snaked past the steps in front of the Art Museum, and 327 took a turn bogeying down before it got too dark to dance. The previous record, set last year by 211 dancers from California’s Berkeley High School, didn’t stand a chance.”  Mayor Nutter was the first to dance down the long line, followed by an endless parade of people donning platform shoes, hot pants, 70′s throwback wigs, and more. The event could not have come at a better time. Amidst the celebration of Black History Month, many attendees felt it was vital to honor the memory of Cornelius as well as Whitney Houston who had passed away just the day before. ”I’m at the stage in my life where I’ve had a lot of losses,” said Dunbar, 64, a retired educator. “My icons are fading away. So I’m going to have fun for the good times.” Click here to read the full story, check out a gallery of photos, and see a video of the Soul Train line in action.

Moving? Just looking? Come see what TBT Philly can do for you.

The team of realtors at TBT Philly are excited to show you several investment properties from our growing investment portfolio. These are priced to move and won’t last … (Read More)

This newly-updated condominium features views of Rittenhouse Square from every room. Unit 1607 in the Rittenhouse Hotel offers over 1,500 square feet of  luxurious living space. This one bedroom, one and … (Read more)

Recently, we’ve been highlighting some of our favorite shopping destinations in Philadelphia including our top picks from our beloved block of 13th St. Well it looks like the editors at Lucky Magazine have also taken notice of Philly’s retail scene and are just as excited about it as we are. Whether you’re looking for a mega mall (King of Prussia mall, for example, is just a short drive away) or want to browse the boutiques all over town, Philadelphia has something for you. Lucky recently put together their list of the Top 25 Cities for shopping in the United States and Philly came in at a respectable #14, beating out other major metropolitan areas like New Orleans and many more. So how did Lucky determine which cities were the best? The process was a bit more scientific than you might imagine. “To figure out which cities really are the best, we factored in several variables,” write Lucky contributors Natalie Matthews and Lauren Sherman. “First, to determine which places have the lowest number of empty stores (i.e., low vacancy rates), we culled data from real estate research firms, including REIS, CoStar and the National Association of Realtors. We then looked to Yelp.com to see where in the U.S. people were talking—a lot—about shopping.” What they came up with is a list that’s certainly got our wallets nervous. So what did Lucky Magazine have to say about Philly’s shopping scene?

From Lucky Magazine:

Why We Love It: Most malls and shopping centers are a highway’s drive away, making the city itself a haven for pockets of small boutique shopping. Also, there’s no sales tax on clothing.

Places to Try: Joan Shepp (for avant garde lines like Rick Owens, Balenciaga); Arcadia (for Swedish Hasbeens clogs and James Jeans); Knitwit (for Equipment bloues and 3.1 Phillip Lim separates); Kimberly Boutique (for casual Susana Monaco Dresses and Twelfth St by Cynthia Vincent sandals).

For the complete list of the Top 25 Best Cities for Shopping in the U.S. head on over to Lucky Magazine.

Further reading: Philly has been making a lot of “Top” lists lately. Here are a few more.
Philly Bars Named Best in the U.S. by Draft Magazine
Philly’s Top Restaurant Critic Names Best in the City

Moving? Just looking? Come see what TBT Philly can do for you.

The team of realtors at TBT Philly are excited to show you several investment properties from our growing investment portfolio. These are priced to move and won’t last … (Read More)

This newly-updated condominium features views of Rittenhouse Square from every room. Unit 1607 in the Rittenhouse Hotel offers over 1,500 square feet of  luxurious living space. This one bedroom, one and … (Read more)

This weekend we happened to spot a commercial for the U.S. Constitution Center. Celebrating its 225th birthday, the U.S. Constitution is receiving the grand treatment in a year-long celebration of the creation of the historic document. Whether you were born and raised in Philadelphia or just visiting, it’s impossible not to notice the city’s storied past and the pivotal role it played in the founding of America. Located east of City Hall in the historic Old City neighborhood, the U.S. Constitution Center is just one part of Independence Mall, the center for other historic sites and artifacts from the Liberty Bell to the Betsy Ross House. In town for the weekend? Heading down to the neighborhood will give you access to everything from Independence Hall where the declaration was signed to Graff House (the home in which Jefferson wrote the document). The U.S. Constitution Center has several events planned to ring in the 225th anniversary including a grand finale this September. Head over to the Center’s website to learn more.

From ConstitutionCenter.org:

Throughout 2012, the National Constitution Center will be the national headquarters of a historic milestone: the United States Constitution’s 225th anniversary. Located on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia—where the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787—the Center is presenting an extraordinary schedule of onsite and online programs that engage citizens nationwide in celebration of the Constitution and its legacy of freedom. These programs illuminate constitutional ideals and inspire active citizenship during a pivotal election year. The commemoration culminates in September with a star-studded 225th Constitution Day extravaganza and Liberty Medal ceremony.

Craig LaBan is the restaurant critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Over the years, his word has become the source for Philly foodies looking for the latest and greatest meals in town. In what’s become an annual tradition, LaBan has unveiled his top picks for the city’s best restaurants. The seasoned veteran of the restaurant trade employs a rating system from zero to four bells. Patrons would be better off staying away from establishments with a zero rating while four bell eateries are not only deemed the best-of-the-best but, the rating itself, is considered quite rare. Without further ado, here are Craig LaBan’s picks for the best restaurants in Philadelphia including a few nearby favorites of ours like Taluala’s Table (we might have mentioned it before). For the full article check out his extensive post at Philly.com including LaBan’s  ”dream meal“.

From Philly.com:

Bibou
Pierre Calmels, working with his wife, Charlotte, in a South Philadelphia BYOB, is the rare chef with the polish and feeling to make oldies seem fresh and new.

Fountain
Chef William DiStefano cooks like it’s 2012 at the grand, timeless main room at the Four Seasons — and proving a talent worth wider notice.

Talula’s Table
Why does every dinner I savor at this Kennett Square BYOB seem more inspired than the last? The real answer is Aimee Olexy.

Vetri
Marc Vetri, cooking from a Center City brownstone, remains a singular leader for his generation and why his namesake restaurant remains our very best.

Zahav
Under chef Michael Solomonov, who can be found in front of his wood-fired taboon oven, this Society Hill Israeli is living up to its name. It translates to “gold.”

TBT Philly has listings near these restaurants

The team of realtors at TBT Philly are excited to show you several investment properties from our growing investment portfolio. These are priced to move and won’t last … (Read More)

This newly-updated condominium features views of Rittenhouse Square from every room. Unit 1607 in the Rittenhouse Hotel offers over 1,500 square feet of  luxurious living space. This one bedroom, one and … (Read more)

Draft Magazine recently released their list of the 100 best beer bars in America for 2012. The entries are an eclectic mix of dives, pubs, classic bars, and everything in between. To contain the massive list, the editors divided their selections into regions including the West, Midwest, Northeast, and South, encompassing all regions of the country. In the northeast, Philly scored big, getting five of beer bars on the list of local brew favorites. Many of their choices were repeats from previous years including Eulogy Belgian Tavern on Chestnut St., The Grey Lodge Public House on Frankford Ave., Memphis Taproom on Cumberland St., Monk’s Café on 16th St., and Standard Tap on 2nd St.. Other famous beer bars in the northeastern United States include New York spots like Beer Table in Brooklyn, Bier Baron in Washington DC, and Bukowski Tavern in Boston. There’s a lot to take in so head on over to Draft Magazine for the complete list of America’s 100 Best Beer Bars for 2012. Your favorite place not on the list? Let us know! We’re always looking for new places to check out.

From Draft Magazine: America’s 100 Best Beer Bars 2012

Eulogy Belgian Tavern
A stone’s throw from Independence Hall, Eulogy is an undisputed hub for Belgian beer in Philly’s Old City. Navigate 21 taps and more than 300 bottles, or let the friendly staff and regulars guide you in the right direction—order a Dock Street Belgian Cowboy Saison and a steaming pot of mussels, and you’ll fit right in.

The Grey Lodge Public House
Far from the downtown bustle, this northeast Philly bar’s ’50s Elks Lodge vibe feels like your grandfather’s dive, but its beer selection is of the moment. If you’re an out-of-towner, stick with local taps like Victory Village—that, plus the inevitable conversation you’re bound to fall into with the regulars gives the out-of-the-way Lodge its charm, whether you’re imbibing in its first- or second-floor bar.

Memphis Taproom
Hidden deep within a classic Philly working-class neighborhood, Memphis Taproom’s an oasis from the light lagers at nearby dives. The tap list is short, but the choices are phenomenal (Pliny the Elder’s been spotted next to Port Old Viscosity on cask); an equally thoughtful selection of nearly 100 bottles rounds out the list.

Monk’s Café
Monk’s Café’s place in the upper echelon of watering holes is well-deserved. Its Beer Bible, which covers style guidelines, brewing 101 and an intoxicating list of more than 300 beers, acts as a visitor’s guide for patrons packed into the venue’s two intimate bars. The selection makes ordering tough; have a pint of the house brew Monk’s Café Flemish Sour Red and a pot of award-winning mussels while you sift through the list.

Standard Tap
If you’re looking to confirm the hype over Philly beer, head to Standard Tap, where 20 spigots (including two casks) pour only local beer. Study the chalkboard for what’s pouring, but don’t overlook the bar’s endearing décor, from its old-timey tin ceiling to its 1950s-style kegerator behind the bar.

Featured Listings from TBT Philly

The team of realtors at TBT Philly are excited to show you several investment properties from our growing investment portfolio. These are priced to move and won’t last … (Read More)

This newly-updated condominium features views of Rittenhouse Square from every room. Unit 1607 in the Rittenhouse Hotel offers over 1,500 square feet of  luxurious living space. This one bedroom, one and … (Read more)