2/14/2008 at 1:00 PM
Tags: Philadelphia-for-Geeks, Geeky Travel, Cult Travel, Karaoke, Restaurants (all tags)
Geeky Philly: What to do once you've seen the lightsabers and droids at the Star Wars show.
For some reason, nothing strikes us as more geeky than Japanese food. So when we heard that Yakitori Boy had raw fish, private karaoke rooms and "Japas" (that'd be Japanese tapas), we knew we had a winner.
Downstairs, a yakitori bar is front and center. We pulled up seats in front of the big grill and checked out the skewered offerings which ranged from shrimp and corn to more exotic bits like chicken hearts and quail eggs. You can indeed mix and match your plate tapas-style, and the bar serves up sake, shochu and beer to go with.
Upstairs, the private karaoke rooms are perfect for parties. You can order off the menu and obviously drinks are on tap. If you want to relive your trip to Osaka, there are Japanese songs on the karaoke box, too. You'll pay for the room by the hour, but rates are pretty cheap, about the same as what you'd spend for bowling or shooting pool.
Related Stories:
· Yakitori Boy [Myspace]
· Philly for Geeks Map [Jaunted]
· Karaoke coverage [Jaunted]
by pbb
11/09/2006 at 2:06 PM
Tags: Philadelphia Field Trip, Bakeries, Chocolate, Food (all tags)
At behest and via the courtesy of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, Jaunted spent the weekend in 6th Borough for a sleepover and tour--meaning this trip was on Ben Franklin, Rocky, and Boyz II Men--or something like that. Our thoughts are scattered below. Enjoy.One thing we heard from quite a few Philadelphians on our trip is that Philly doesn't really have many celebrities...besides Will Smith and ?uestlove. As a result, a lot of "local characters," such as bloggers and restaurant owners and the like, become Philly's celebrity equivalent. Joey Sweeney of
Philebrity is one example we heard cited. Tom Block, though we didn't hear him specifically namechecked in those conversations, could certainly be another.
Block co-founded
Thomas Sweet Ice Cream & Chocolate, a popular Jersey-based chain. He had plans to retire from the chocolate business, but before he could, his daughter Sara scooped him up for another venture. The two co-own and run
Naked Chocolate, a Walnut Street desert café. The elder Block, thanks to his looks and jovial demeanor, reminds us of Willa Wonka and is definitely a treasure.
He and Sara serve up delicious hot chocolate, plus truffles and baked goods, all day. Naked Chocolate isn't a bakery in the traditional sense--they don't open super-early to offer muffins for your pre-work breakfast--but they do have a great brownie equivalent they like to call a "nudo." You can grab one with a coffee at 10 am, or come in after dinner to top off your food coma. We weren't able to see one for ourselves, but we hear Sara has also prepared Turkey-shaped blocks of chocolate in honor of Thanksgiving. Vegetarian, and SO much better than Tofurkey!
Related Stories:·
Philadelphia Field Trip coverage [Jaunted]
by djk
0 Comments - Add Yours
