This is a  reminder that the fasting month of Ramadan began on June 28 and some local businesses will be closed or will have limited hours of operation in observance of the holiday.

Saad’s Halal restaurant at 45th and Walnut is closed until Saturday, Aug 2, according to the signs posted on its windows.

Photo from Manakeesh Facebook page.

Manakeesh, a Lebanese cafe and bakery located across the street from Saads, is closed during the day to observe Ramadan, but opens in the evening, from 8 p.m. to midnight. The special Ramadan hours are in effect until Tuesday, July 29. Manakeesh is inviting residents to try their special menu during this month: specialty burgers, stuffed grape leaves with lamb and more (see their Facebook page for more info).

Kabobeesh restaurant (42nd and Chestnut), a great Pakistani food joint, will have regular hours during Ramadan and will be serving free Iftar Sampler plates to everyone fasting during this month, according to their Facebook page. No purchase is necessary.

“Ramadan Mubarak” to our Muslim neighbors!

We’re starting to be convinced that Spring has sprung in the hood. Throw a #westphillylocal on your Instagram photos to get them on the site (in the right hand column). Happy holidays y’all!

Here’s a chance to check out one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in West Philly and hang out and share in the holiday joy with your neighbors. Garden Court Community Association is hosting a Winter Stroll and Holiday House Tour on Saturday, Dec. 28. The event will also include, music, fun and entertainment. Note to participants: Festive attire is encouraged.

The stroll and house tour will take place from 5 to 8 p.m., followed by dancing at Take the Lead Dance Studio located at 47th and Pine. Light refreshments will also be served. The stroll starts at 4603 Cedar Avenue.

Cost is $10 with advanced registration; $15 at the door. No cost for children under 12.
The event will take place rain or snow. To RSVP email: hwrdlowell@yahoo.com or call 215-747-6371.

Here’s information on holiday hours for some local shops, cafes and restaurants. If you want to add your business hours, please do so in the comments below.

We wish happy holidays to all our readers!

Cafe Renata (43rd & Locust)

Dec. 23-Dec. 28 – Closed
Dec. 29 – Open for brunch
Dec. 31 – 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Jan. 1 – Open for brunch

Honest Tom’s Taco Shop (44th & Spruce)

Dec. 24-26 – Closed
Dec. 30-Jan. 2 – Closed

Mariposa Food Coop (49th & Baltimore)

Dec. 24: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dec. 25: Closed
Dec. 26: 9 a.m.-5 p.m
Dec. 27: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jan. 1: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Milk & Honey Market (45th & Baltimore)

Dec. 24 – 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dec. 25 – Closed
Dec. 31 – 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jan. 1 – Closed

Supreme Shop ‘N Bag (43rd & Walnut)

Dec. 24 – 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dec. 25 – 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Dec. 30 – 7 a.m.-12 a.m.
Dec. 31 – 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Jan. 1 – 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

VIX Emporium (5009 Baltimore Ave)

Dec. 24 – 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Dec. 25 & 26 – Closed
Dec. 27 & 28: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dec. 29-Jan. 1 – Closed

Every holiday season we encourage West Philly residents to support local businesses and spend more money in the neighborhoods, whether on holiday gift shopping, dining or entertainment. This weekend, some of you will be shopping for last-minute gifts and probably will be looking for books to give to your special someone. This is a brief reminder that we have some really nice bookstores in the area. Some of them are having holiday specials and hope you will stop by and check out their offers. So here are a few suggestions:

Bindlestiff Books (4530 Baltimore Ave) has lots of tasteful, pleasing gifts, including a nice selection of wall calendars. The shop will be open every day through December 24 for your last-minute holiday shopping: Noon – 7 today, Saturday and Monday, Noon – 5 (possibly later) Sunday, closing at 4:00 p.m. on December 24, and of course will be closed on Dec. 25. Stop by for cider at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Feel free to call 215-662-5780.

Penn Book Center (130 S. 34th St.) is offering a special 2 for 1 deal on Everyman’s Library hardbacks and assorted cookbooks. Frequent buyers get a $10.00 credit every time they spent $100.00. Check out the Penn Book Center website to see the poem of the day, for info about the poetry reading series, and more.

Also check:

House of Our Own (3920 Spruce St) – Open Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat & Sun Noon – 6 p.m. E-mail: hooo@verizon.net or call 215-222-1576.

The Last Word Book Shop (220 S. 40th St) – Open Mon-Sat 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more info call 215-386-7750.

Hakim’s Bookstore (210 S. 52nd St) – Open Wed-Thu Noon – 6 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. E-mail: hakims_bookstore@verizon.net; Phone: 215-474-9495.

Photo courtesy of University City District.

Here’s some great news for West Philly mobile gourmet food lovers: the University City District has announced that there will be no winter break in mobile food service at the Porch at 30th Street Station while other Porch events and happenings will resume in April 2014. The city’s most buzzed-about food trucks will be on site every Monday and Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and every Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Here’s the Porch food truck schedule through the holidays. We’ll post the early 2014 schedule soon.

Monday

Undrgrnd Donuts

Tuesday

Schmear It

Wednesday (No vending on December 25)

Cow and the Curd
Spot Burger (Facebook page)
Street Food (Twitter)
Sum Pig

Friday

Mac Mart
Mama’s Meatballs (Facebook page)
Milk + Sugar (Facebook page)
The Tot Cart (Facebook page)