Happy Friday. I hope your week was wonderful. Celebrate the ending of the traditional work week by adding more self care initiatives for the weekend. Today we are going to introduce you to a new Vegan pasta from Banza, talk about the week of media events, what’s happening for the weekend, and the podcast, Conversations with Toi is back.
Quintessence Theatre
Last Saturday I attended the production of The Alchemist. It was amazing play. The acting was outstanding. I love plays based upon Shakespeare’s time. The English spoken, the dress, and the deeper meanings in the plays are always on full display. Quintessence Theatre is always so hospitable. They know exactly how to treat their patrons. With that being said, get your tickets to see Alchemist. I will be back at Quintessence Theatre tomorrow to see A Winter’s Tale.
Date Night Vibes
My husband and I were treated to see Baby Face and Kem for the Full Circle Tour. To say that it was an amazing date night experience is too low. It was an epic time. Baby Face has an extensive catalog of music. We had almost the entire row to ourselves. It was good to dance, sing, hold hands, kiss, and just be loving adults that we are. Our kids were safe with family and it just made for a great time. Also remembering them older songs that are filled with amazing memories. Kem is an amazing artist as well as a great performer in person too. They are still on tour so you can check them out in a city near you. Also it features Sherri Shepherd as the host. FYI be on time, they started on time and weren’t left.
Craft Hall has Bubbles and Brunch
If you are looking for a brunch spot that has unlimited mimosas, well drinks, beer, and cider than look no further. You can bring the kids too. They have a very nice play area for the kids. You can watch them from your seat. The price per person is 39 for adults. Under 21 is $15 per person. Kids 5 and under is free. The space is huge. The drinks are great and the food is endless buffet. Your space is for 2 hours. So for those 2 hours eat and drink. You will love it. Craft Hall is located at 901 N. Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19123.
Northern Liberties Restaurant Week
Northern Liberties is having their Restaurant Week until Sunday April 10th. Most restaurants offer 3-4 course meals for a great deal. I personally went to Jerry’s Bar. They have 4 course meals for $35. They have several meal options that are delicious. Drinks are of course separate. I of course went with my bestie, Elle of Siponwhat and it’s always a great time when we are together.
I encourage you to indulge in a few of them. Jerry’s Bar is located at 129 W. Laurel Street, Philadelphia PA 19123. You can get more information here.
All The Old Knives-Friday Movie Release
This movie is a must watch. Although I attend many movies, and this movie is a must see. It’s full of suspense as well as action. It’s a love story that unfolds in such a beautiful but tragic ways. When you think you know it all trust me you don’t. The movie stars Chris Pine. Thandiwe Newton, Laurence Fishburne and Jonathan Pryce. It’s on Amazon Prime Video and its amazing and out today. Watch it from the comfort of your own home.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is Coming
The movie will be out on April 15th and only in theatres. I saw it and I can confirm how great it really is. I went to two activations for it. The first was at a bakery truck that had treats that were created for the movie and the other was Queenie’s Tea. Warner Brothers brought out all of the stops. I am a Warner Brothers Partner and this was happily sponsored by them.
Queenie’s Tea
Queenie’s Tea featured a Black farmer here in Philadelphia. She calls herself Farmer Jawn. She is so knowledgeable and provided the tea grown on her farm for us to try. The tea was absolutely delicious. I didn’t even know she existed. An actual farmer here in Philadelphia who loves what she does should be celebrated in every way.
I plan to purchase and support her endeavors. Learning how to grow and eat from what you grow is a skill that is best to have. Also they had so many good eating treats. Thanks to City Winery who is a premiere spot for all things wine, food, and entertainment.
XI West Events
Dim Sum House owners Jane Guo and Jackson Fu announce the grand opening of Xi West Weddings and Private Events at 3939 Chestnut Street, 1st Floor. The mother-son duo are thrilled to debut the city’s new Asian and female-owned wedding and special events venue and catering facility where they can now host wedding receptions, micro-weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, baby showers, large group dining, private parties, corporate events and food festivals for up to 350 people.
The stunning 6,000 square foot space cost over one million dollars for renovations and took four years to complete, after a two year delay during the pandemic. For event planners and couples, the space brings together modern industrial chic design, an exciting cocktail program and robust coffee service with traditional Chinese menus that range from dim sum offerings to signature rice, noodle dishes and seafood dishes. For higher end weddings seeking something extra special, the menu can include delicacies like Norwegian King Crab three ways.
The space has a sleek and modern bar, lounge and cocktail space in the front on Chestnut Street on ground level, with a ballroom and event space through the larger doors, followed by a bridal room and oversized bathrooms. The space can seat up to 225 seated and 350 standing. For more information, to schedule a tour or to speak to an event coordinator, visit xiwestevents.com,
Eat Banza-Friday Lunch
I have been associated with Banza for quite awhile now. From the chickpea pastas to their pizza crust they make a great alternative to the pasta and pizza crust options. Well they are back with a Vegan White Cheddar Mac. The pasta is gluten free, has 12 grams of protein and has 3 times the amount of fiber. So eating it to me seems like a no brainer. The white cheddar is plant based and I can confirm its delicious. For 8 minutes you can have an instant meal. I added some grapes and a half cup of chips and lunch was bomb. Pro tip: use a non flavored plant based milk as well as a Vegan butter if you want it to be creamy and season well. It was so good.
Conversations with Toi-Friday Podcast Drop
We are back. Today starts Season 6 and I am excited. We have guest, Arielle Jacobs who plays Princess Jasmine on Disney Concerts. Each of the ladies in Disney Princess — The Concert portrayed a Disney Princess on Broadway: Susan Egan originated the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast and also voiced Meg in the film Hercules; Arielle Jacobs performed as Jasmine in Aladdin on Broadway; Anneliese van der Pol was the last Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway and is known from her roles on “That’s So Raven” and “Raven’s Home” on the Disney Channel; and Syndee Winters performed as Nala in The Lion King on Broadway.
Come and experience greatness as well as some amazing memories. Tickets are available. Listen to the podcast, share, and review. The show at The Kimmel Center is on Tuesday April 12th at 7pm.
Okay so that is the recap. As you can see there is a lot going on or went on. Tomorrow I will have a full review of the Cocktail Culture Co where you can make cocktails and more. Be on the lookout. I will be at the Disney Concerts on Tuesday. Also if you have children and looking for something fun to do, make sure that you come to New Jersey at the Deptford Mall to meet and greet for Gabby’s Dollhouse. Located in the Center Court by Macy’s and Zales.
Happy Friday to you all. I hop your weekend is full of fun and relaxation. I plan to do some media events but also relax too. Spring break is coming up and that means a slight pause in media and a connection with my kids and I can’t wait.
