About 40 percent of food in the United States is never eaten, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. It’s tough to point fingers when there is no one to blame. We’ve all bought meat or produce that has gone bad before we have gotten around to preparing it. The EAT (Everyone At the Table) Café, a nonprofit subsidiary of the Center for Hunger-free Communities at Drexel University, aims to approach food resources a little differently to reduce waste and make access to healthy food more affordable with a pay-what-you-can price structure.

Donnell Jones-Craven, EAT Café’s general manager, stresses that the Café is not a soup kitchen, as there will be seating and table service. “We’re like Sabrina’s or Honey’s; we suggest that price. We believe that 80 percent of our customer base will pay the suggested amount or more; it will help the 20 percent that cannot pay the full suggested price… We just want to make sure people will do their very best, because we want to stay viable, open and serving our community as large.”  Continue Reading

Eating healthy on a budget can be a challenge, especially for lower income individuals and families. In an effort to increase the community’s accessibility to affordable healthy, local and sustainable foods, Mariposa, the cooperative grocery store located at 49th and Baltimore, has expanded Co+op Basics, an everyday low-price program.

“The Baltimore Avenue corridor has changed significantly over the past decade due to new development and construction, however, the area remains home to lower income communities with little access to fresh produce and nutritious foods,” reads a recent statement from Mariposa. “As a staple of West Philadelphia for over 45 years, our mission to provide our community with access to healthy and sustainable foods relies on the affordability of our store.”

The Co+op Basics program was first introduced in December 2015. Since then new products appeared on Mariposa’s shelves, and the store, which was always known for quality products, but wasn’t always affordable, has lowered prices on grocery staples necessary for a balanced diet. Now, shoppers can find everyday low prices on popular grocery and household items, including fresh produce, dairy, meat, bulk, grocery, and wellness products.  Continue Reading

The University City District has announced the return of their signature and super popular summer events – the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, University City Dining Days, 40th Street Summer Concert Series, and Movies in Clark Park.

Only one Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll has been scheduled for this summer – Thursday, Sept. 8, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. As always, local businesses will present $1 bargains from 43rd to 52nd Street. And there will be some new businesses participating in the event this summer. Stay tuned for more information.

                              Photo courtesy UCD

University City Dining Days will run from Thursday, July 14 to Sunday, July 24. Now in its 12th year, Dining Days is a 3 courses, 3 prices promotion at some of University City’s most popular dining destinations, from exceptional craft beer bars to celebrity chef restaurants to cozy BYOBs. This event is also a great opportunity to explore the diverse international cuisine in the area, including Indian, Ethiopian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, and more. For more information, check out: www.ucdiningdays.com.  Continue Reading

Along with Caribbean Cuisine Week, which supports young Caribbean athletes participating in this month’s Penn Relays, Dining Out For Life will also be held this week – on Thursday, Apr. 14.

Proceeds from Dining Out For Life go to fund ActionAIDS, an organization providing education, prevention and comprehensive support services to people living with HIV and AIDS throughout the Delaware Valley region.

Started by an ActionAIDS volunteer in 1991, Dining Out For Life is now held in several cities throughout North America. Last year more than 200 restaurants and thousands of diners raised nearly $200,000, and this year, about the same number of participating restaurants will donate 33 percent of their day’s food sales.  Continue Reading

Photo from Snapdragon Flowers’ Facebook page.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the new flower and gift shop, Snapdragon Flowers, recently opened on Baltimore Avenue. The store is offering special Valentine’s Day rose bouquets and three sizes of designer’s choice roses in reusable heart-shaped boxes. But that’s not all. There is also a free same-day delivery within the 19143 zip code ($10 fee for same-day delivery within 10 miles of 19143; $15 fee for next-day delivery within 15 miles of 19143). Check out the Snapdragon Flowers website and Facebook page for more details. The store is located at 5015 Baltimore Avenue.

Also located on the 5000 block of Baltimore, VIX Emporium has a nice selection of goodies for sweeties, like jewelry, scented candles, Valentine cards, warm scarves, and more. Paul Carpenter’s ever-popular pint glasses are back in stock, which pair wonderfully with new brass bottle openers. There are also handmade ceramic mugs, guaranteed to make any drink taste better. Stop in and see what gifts catch your fancy, and pick up a box of Girl Scout cookies while they last.

While on Baltimore Avenue, also check out Zed’s Last Minute Gift Shop (Facebook page). The store offers an eclectic mix of vintage and modern pieces at affordable prices. At Zed’s, which has relocated to 4514 Baltimore Avenue from its original location across the street, you can also find some unique ethnic treasures and beauty products.

If you didn’t get a chance yet, stop by the recently opened Jinxed Store (4521 Baltimore Ave.) and check out their selection of art, clothing, and antiques.

Also check out these Valentine’s Day specials at local restaurants:

                           Renata’s Kitchen.

Couples are invited to enjoy a romantic candlelit 7-course prix-fixe Valentine’s Day chef’s tasting menu at Renata’s Kitchen (4533 Baltimore Ave.). The $45 menu features shared plates from the Middle East, and vegetarian options are also available. And you’re welcome to bring your wine, of course! To make a reservation, call 267.275.8254.

This weekend, Clarkville is offering a Valentine’s Day special for couples in love or just besties. You can get two appetizers, a heart shaped cheese pizza (cut broken upon request) and a dessert to share for $25. This special is for eat-in only, and reservations are accepted but not required (email reservations@clarkvillephilly.com or call 215-387-4992).

Distrito Taqueria has Valentine’s Day specials all weekend, like $20 margarita pitchers and $5 guacamole and chips.

For information on Valentine’s weekend events, visit our Events page.

Clarkville growlers stand at the ready for Grand Opening Party. (Instagram photo)

Clarkville’s opening date has finally been announced, and it’s tomorrow! The Grand Opening Party for the new bar and restaurant located just across the street from Clark Park at 43rd and Baltimore, will take place on Friday, Dec. 4 at 5 p.m., according to an announcement from the owners, Leigh Maida, Brendan Hartranft and Brendan Kelly.

The opening night will include “complimentary nibbles from the kitchen, a line up of flagship beers from favorite breweries, a killer draft wine list and a whole lot of big love for the neighborhood that has been so patient and supportive while this crazy space was wrangled into submission,” according to the announcement.

In addition, Clarkville will be kicking off growler sales with a keg of Russian River Pliny the Elder available for take out only in a fancy 64oz Clarkville Growler for $35.

Regular service and the full menu, which includes comfort food out of a giant double-decker pizza oven, starts on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m.

Starting this Saturday, Clarkville will be open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (The kitchen is open until midnight daily). Weekend brunch is coming soon, too. It will be served on Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information, including menu and draft list, visit: www.clarkvillephilly.com.