Earth Cup Coffee (45th & Pine) is making some homey improvements. Word comes from owner Natasa Borcanin that the coffee shop has gotten some additional indoor custom-made seating (pictured) and a greater variety of light food fare, such as Hale and Hearty soups, stews, grilled cheese sandwiches, bagels, and pastries. All this, of course, to compliment their growing coffee and tea choices. The shop is now offering more than 20 varieties of coffee blends from all coffee growing continents and always has three espresso blends on tap.

Musicians have been stopping by too. Recently two local artists performed at the cafe – Sharedae and Debbie Valentina. Also a special guest from Chicago’s music scene Obisoulstar played an acoustic set of original songs.

To celebrate the Earth Cup improvements, Natasa is inviting everyone tomorrow (Feb. 4) to enjoy tunes by DJ Rod Bell (10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Also there will be some specials this Saturday and Sunday. For more information and photos, check out the Earth Cup’s Facebook Page.

We thought we would pass along some business happenings from along 45th Street. First, Demetris (photo above), which serves pizza and Mediterranean cuisine, has reopened at 4438 Chestnut Street after being closed for some time for remodeling. The restaurant offers dine-in, take-out and delivery services and the menu features traditional and gourmet pizzas, pasta, salads, charbroiled burgers and gyros among other things. The hours are Monday-Thursday 3:00 – 11:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday 3:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., Sunday 3:00 – 10:00 p.m. For more information call 215-222-8300 or visit their website.

Also, in case you missed it, a new pharmacy, Aspire Rx, has been operating between Walnut and Sansom streets for a few weeks. The exact address is 132 S. 45th Street. The store hours are Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sat 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., closed on Sundays. For more information call 215-883-0332.

Finally, the pharmacy turned restaurant Rx at 45th and Spruce has been closed for a few days now due to some technical issues (see photo below). This morning quite a few people turned up at this popular brunch spot and were visibly disappointed to see the “Closed” sign. We are trying to get in touch with the Rx owners to see what’s happening and will let you know as soon as we have more details.

Update (6:05 p.m.): Bull Gervasi of Mariposa Food Co-op has just sent us some bad refrigeration news. There was a manufacturer error that is going to set Mariposa opening back a few weeks. They are now going to stay open at the old store for a few more weeks before closing and moving into the new one. We’ll keep you updated on this.

A few days ago Mariposa Food Co-op posted an announcement on their Facebook page that Sunday, Jan. 22 would be their last day open at the old location at 4726 Baltimore Ave. The new store was scheduled to open in the first week of February at 4824 Baltimore Avenue.

Mariposa also announced that they have just received a $5,000 check from their neighbors, the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union whose branch at 5000 Baltimore Ave. is located just a block away from the coop’s new location. The $5,000 donation from PFCU will be used to support Mariposa’s Revolving Equity Fund. This fund is used to subsidize the $200 member capital requirement, offering the benefits of co-op membership to those who cannot otherwise afford it. For more information about the program go here. To join the coop, visit this page.

Starting from today Dock Street Brewery (50th & Baltimore) is not going to accept credit or debit cards on Wednesdays, so if you are going there tonight make sure to bring enough cash. The popular neighborhood restaurant is showing support to the “Occupy” movement by taking a stand against credit card companies who charge businesses fees for processing credit or debit card payments. According to a Dock Street press release, operating on a cash-only system will allow them to keep the money in the pockets of the 99 percent.

Saving this money will allow Dock Street to give everyone a 3 percent discount on Wednesdays. Occupiers and their supporters are especially welcome to come and make a statement by leaving their credit cards at home.

Here’s a list of Thanksgiving schedules at some local stores and cafes. If you know of others drop them in the comments.

CVS Pharmacy (43 & Locust)
Thursday – Store: open 24 hours, Pharmacy: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Earth Cup (45th and Pine)
Thursday and Friday – 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Four Worlds Bakery (4634 Woodland)
Wednesday – 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday – 8 a.m.-noon.

Fu-Wah (47th and Baltimore)
Thursday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Green Line Cafe
Wednesday – Baltimore Ave closes at 1 p.m.; Locust Street and Powelton Village close at 2 p.m.; Green Line at PennVet open normal hours
Thursday & Friday – All shops are closed

Mariposa Food Co-op (47th & Baltimore)
Thursday – closed

Milk & Honey Market (45th & Baltimore)
Wednesday – 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thursday – closed; Friday – 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

ROOST (45th & Springfield)
Wednesday & Thursday – closed

Supreme (43rd & Walnut)
Thursday – 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Fresh Grocer (40th & Walnut)
Thursday – open 24 hours

The International House Philadelphia is hosting a series of events this month dedicated to India and its rich culture. A photography exhibit, the Diwali festival, and the International Vision Award Ceremony are all part of the Incredible India! event series running in October and the beginning of November.

This week the International House invites neighbors to enjoy and learn more about Indian cuisine. This event will take place tomorrow, Oct. 18, at 6:00 p.m. at Tandoor India located at 106 S 40th Street. Tandoor India specializes in exotic North and South Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s host will select the menu and drinks and present a short overview of the food and culture of the region.

We hear that members of Youcie (the University City Young Friends group) will co-host the event, so this is also a great opportunity to meet them and learn more about the group.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here. For more Incredible India! and other events at the International House go here.