April 7, 2007 -- Welcome to Kate's tour. Keith couldn't join us today. We begin our tour at Giovanni's Room Bookstore. This place, like much of Washington Square West caters to the Gay/Lesbian community. According to Kate, it's the \"oldest continually run gay bookstore in the USA!\" Kate's contemplating what to purchase.
Come on in!
Cafe Centraal
1214 Pine St.
As Kate points out, this has got to be one of the oddest combinations of cuisines around: Mexican/Mediterranean, perhaps an equilatitude influence. She strongly recommends the mix grill sandwich and the guacamole tacos, but not the falafel!
Welcome to the hipster corner (13th and Pine), my friends. If you are not too cool for school, then you are not cool enough. Kate actually likes the Wasabi house as do I (Dave). It's very cheap, and the only thing on the \"hipper than thou\" corner worthwhile, according to her.
This is (Dirty) Frank's. As Philly's own Paul F. Tompkins points out, you put in the \"dirty\" all by yourself. Kate is not a fan. See if you can figure out what all the pictures have in common. By the way, I was surprised to note that this is officially part of the Philadelphia mural arts program.
Frank's, part deux.
Ahh, the Last Drop. Now, I know what you're thinking. We haven't been to these places in perhaps ten years, and they can hardly be blamed for the fact that our friends who tried waaaay too hard just loved these places, and there were kids reading poetry, and all the rest. To you I say, too damn bad. It's our tour, and we'll color it with our memories.
\"Halloween\"
1329 Pine St.
According to Kate, one of the best jewelry stores in the city. Each year, they throw a huge charity costume ball during their eponymous evening.
Ristorante Valentino
1328 Pine
This is one of Kate's favorites, a BYO, so you should, you know, BYO. And for those not so quick on the uptake, it's Italian food.
Symphony House makes Kate angry.
The Broad St. ministry does something really cool. Each week they have a have a public dinner which is open to everybody, and apparently encourages all members of the community to sit down and eat together.
Kate likes the Kimmel Center. And who can blame her?
309 S. Broad St. Apparently this, right here, is the origin of the Philadelphia Sound.
The Wilma Theater plays some more offbeat stuff (apparently Tom Stoppard seems to have a particular affinity for it). Right now, they have the life of Galileo. I (Dave) would like to see that!
This is an especially cool mural. Don't worry, it will also go in our mural directory.
The William Way Lesbian, Gay Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
1315 Spruce St.
This is where Lee & Tiffany met, and now they have a baby!
Not a vital part of the tour, but we here at photophilly are huge fans of Philly Car Share.
Uhuru Furniture & Collectibles. Kate can't personally recommend it, but apparently so many people have asked her where it is, that you should know, too. It contributes to the African People's Education and Defense Fund, inc.
This is Camac St., one of the most beautiful streets around. There are lots of artistic and gay-friendly places on this block (as you'll see...)
The Venture Inn.
The Plastic Club. We're not real sure what this is, but we'll find out.
Tavern on Camac
This is a piano bar on the lower level, where, according to Kate, there's a better than even chance you can catch someone belting out show tunes.
Philadelphia Sketch Club
235 Camac St.
As in \"drawing\".
The Lincoln
1222 Locust St.
Consider the following chain of events. Kate used to live here, she then met Keith and eventually moved out. Some time thereafter, there was a mysterious fire. Discuss.
Uncle's
This is a place for all you gentlemen. Apparently, it can get a bit loud and occasionally confrontational in here. We won't ask how Kate knows this.
Deux Cheminees
1219 Locust St.
According to Kate, it's on par with Le Bec Fin, but more traditional.
1200 Latimer St.
Kate doesn't know much about this place, except that it has interesting architecture.
Planned Parenthood
1144 Locust St.
We support them.
It is more than just ice cream! Also, good sandwiches and salads.
What the sign says. This is a community garden, and should probably go on our green spaces listing.
Quince St., below Locust. Isn't it nice?
11th & Locust. New Construction
Kate's feeling is that as long as they keep the facade and put the lettering back up, then it's okay with her.
La Boheme
246 S. 11th St.
A very good restaurant.
Gianfranco Pizza Rustica
The original is in Olde City, but Kate heard it's great!
Dr. Watson's Pub
216 S. 11 St.
As Kate tells it, it's currently under new/old ownership. One guy sold it to retire and then the new owners got busted for underage drinking and then the old owner bought it back. It's a neighborhood bar, and being near Jefferson Hospital, lots of Docs go there. Also, they have live shows. Bonnie played there with Bishop Allen, and the Sand Family played there, too.
Santa Fe Burritos are delicious and big. As soon as Emily eats here, we're putting them on the restaurant list.
A stately old Jefferson Hospital building.
