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Monday, November 23, 2009

December is supposedly the busiest month of the year for a lot of people. It never is for me (except for the ONE night when THREE of my friends are all having parties, thanks to their "I will wait until everyone else's parties are over" logic).

Less so now that I am on my anti-consumerism bent.

Not anti-SPENDING. Anti-BUYING. I still like to spend money, but I prefer not to have anything to show for it, except maybe a full belly and a stimulated mind (OK, and maybe some new stock for my costume closet).
Here's what I will be spending my money on this month.

Coming up:
  • Weds. 11/25 - BIGGEST PARTY NIGHT OF THE YEAR! (I bet that's not true, but kudos to whomever created this piece of marketing genius.) -- DJ Zip & guest(s) at Deep Blue starting at 3PM! WAW specials will be valid from 3-9pm, and $2 Sam Adams Oktoberfest.
  • No Tardy Party Thursdays this week -- see you next week for the 8:30-11:30pm celebration of food that's hearty, Party Cardis, Smarties, guys named Marty... Turn on that little thingy on your calendar called a recurring appointment so you won't miss it!
  • Keep your eyes peeled for future Speakeasy dates. We're skipping December due to a party venue conflict, and are evaluating whether to stick with first Saturdays or move it about.
News from some of our favorite spots:
  • Deep Blue installed TVs last month. And happy hour gets happier with extended specials on entertainment nights. Thursday, they offer half-priced Raw Bar.
  • 11/23-11/30 - Get a cup of our Union City Grille's crab bisque or a cup or their famous short rib chili with your purchase of an entree of at least $20. Can not be used with other promotions or coupons.
  • If you missed the last sold-out Grapes and Cultures event at Union City Grille, the next one's January 20th. $2 Tasty Sundays continues - check out the $2 per oz. filet.
  • Toscana has DJs twice a week.
  • Brandywine Prime – 11/25, BP is moving Thursday $5 sandwich night in the bar and tavern to Wednesday this week. Thanksgiving-Open 2-7:30, A few spots remain for traditional Thanksgiving buffet. Voted Best Brunch in Chester County! Sunday, November 29th BP will offer 1/2 off its award winning buffet.
  • Veritas has a $6 wine table.
  • Wilmington After Work continues weekly on Wednesdays. When Zip's not on deck at Deep Blue (every other week), you can catch PDub tickling the ipods at Public House.
Other cool stuff in DE:
Stuck for a present? Buy someone a membership or a gift certificate to an arts organization.

City Theater Company's Sweeney Todd (with LIVE band), runs December 4 through 19. http://city-theater.org/

DTC does It's a Wonderful Life, December 2 through December 20. http://www.delawaretheatre.org/

Now through December 20th - NCT does Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. http://ncp.art.officelive.com/default.aspx

Theatre N -- films (not movies, but FILMS) every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Plus some sports and special here and there. http://www.theatren.org/

Frid, Nov 27th ~ The day after Thanksgiving marks the start of holidays in the city as Market Street becomes filled with the sounds and sights of the annual Christmas parade. The Wilmington Jaycees will once again host the parade, taking places this year at 9 a.m. As in the past, the event will feature local school bands, floats, holiday characters, and more. www.wilmingtonjaycees.com


Frid, Nov 27th ~ The City of Wilmington will hold holiday festivities directly after the parade (above). Santa Claus will be in the lobby of the baby grand from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. for children to visit. From 1 to 5 p.m. strolling performers and carolers will liven up Market Street with holiday cheer and Rodney Square will be a holiday bazaar with vendors and the ice skating rink. From 5 to 6 p.m. the traditional Caroling in the Square will be held in Rodney Square. The event will include the tree lighting, carols led by local choir groups, a reading of Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus, and a stocking giveaway. Also, attendees are encouraged to bring a canned good or nonperishable food item for the Delaware Does More campaign. In exchange, they will receive a hot dog and hot chocolate.


Tues, Dec 1st ~ Support Meals on Wheels Delaware Adopt a Senior campaign by joining us for happy hour! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Meals On Wheels Delaware - so come out and support your favorite cause! Drink Specials. Door prizes (courtesy of Emile Henry USA) at Deep Blue 5pm

LAST CHANCE TO SEE THEM THIS SEASON! Sun 12/6 - Wilmington City Ruff Rollers vs DC Rollergirls WCRR takes on the Capitol Offenders, Christiana Skating Rink, doors @ 5:30. **Special halftime expo bout featuring skater tots and 1st year skaters


Thurs, Dec 10th ~ 5-8pm. Stroll Trolley Square and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. Enjoy special discounts while you try food and drinks from area eateries. Then stop by Toscana for some Zipster fun!


Frid, Dec 11th ~ Meals On Wheels Delaware invites you to Stock Up For Seniors. Be the first in the door to get the best deals on the best cookware, bakeware, glassware and kitchen tools in the world, all for purchase at up to 80% off the retail price! Your ticket purchase gives you VIP access to these coveted items, includes refreshments and it’s tax-deductible. Emile Henry will be generously donating a percentage of the sales from the evening to Meals on Wheels Delaware. The more tickets sold, the larger the percentage. $25 in advance - $30 at the door 6-9pm at the Emile Henry Warehouse 802 Centerpoint Blvd. New Castle, DE 19720

If you missed the last Wine Tasting Wednesday in Greenville's shopping district, the next one is December 16th.

~ In DE restaurant news…Maile, (pronounce my-all-ay), is a brand new, small neighborhood salumi shop and delicatessen at 2800 Lancaster Ave., in Wilmington. Chef/owner Billy Rawstrom is making everything from the salumi to the meatballs in house. He’s selling sweet and hot italian sausage, chicken sausage with asiago and spinach, smoked turkey sausage with dried cranberries, and foie gras sausage with bacon and portabella mushroom. The shop is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Sat., serving breakfast and lunch as eat in or take out. http://maialecuredmeats.com | Annie’s Restaurant, who recently moved to Greenhill Ave, after being in business in Elsmere for 25 years, has closed. | Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, a Florida-based chain, is opening a location in the Market Square shopping center on Concord Pike (along the entrance road to Brandywine Town Center) in the first week of January. Anthony’s uses only anthracite coal to fire the oven for its pizzas and chicken wings. Prices are a bit on the high side – large specialty pizza’s run $18.95 but wings in a blast oven could be interesting. | Andrea Perrier, wife of the famous Georges Perrier, is launching her line of gourmet sorbets at Janssen's Market Sat, Nov 21st. Both the chef and his lovely wife will be on hand scooping out some free samples. Four flavors—pear ginger, tropical, mojito and chocolate caramel swirl will be available for taste and purchase. | Carl Georigi, from Eclipse, Dome and Capers & Lemons, was named the 2009 Restaurateur of the Year by the Delaware Restaurant Association. The Starboard, a 50-year-old Dewey Beach institution on Del. 1, has received the organization’s 2009 Cornerstone Award. The DRA Restaurateur of the Year award honors a restaurant owner or group who shows originality, quality and service to its customers. The Cornerstone Award is given to a restaurant or individual whose work, dedication and creativity has added to the state’s hospitality industry.

~ The Residences at City Center by Marriott ExecuStay offer short term furnished apartments as a cost savings alternative to hotel stays. The property offers fully furnished studios, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments for a stay as little as three nights or 30 days or longer. Patrons receive added bonus of Marriott Rewards Points with every stay of five nights or longer. For more information, call 302-778-3003 or visit www.ExecuStay.com

What's going on in and around the area:

Thurs, Nov 26th ~ The 2009 PNC Bank Thanksgiving Day Run/Walk for MS Society will be held on Thanksgiving morning with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and staggered starts for runs and walks. The walk will begin at 222 Delaware Ave. The event includes a Kiddie Fun Run as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus leading the event on their Harley. Proceeds benefit national MS research and the programs and services needed by more than 1,500 Delawareans with MS.

Frid, Nov 27th ~ The day after Thanksgiving marks the start of holidays in the city as Market Street becomes filled with the sounds and sights of the annual Christmas parade. The Wilmington Jaycees will once again host the parade, taking places this year at 9 a.m. As in the past, the event will feature local school bands, floats, holiday characters, and more. www.wilmingtonjaycees.com

Frid, Nov 27th ~ The City of Wilmington will hold holiday festivities directly after the parade (above). Santa Claus will be in the lobby of the baby grand from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. for children to visit. From 1 to 5 p.m. strolling performers and carolers will liven up Market Street with holiday cheer and Rodney Square will be a holiday bazaar with vendors and the ice skating rink. From 5 to 6 p.m. the traditional Caroling in the Square will be held in Rodney Square. The event will include the tree lighting, carols led by local choir groups, a reading of Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus, and a stocking giveaway. Also, attendees are encouraged to bring a canned good or nonperishable food item for the Delaware Does More campaign. In exchange, they will receive a hot dog and hot chocolate.

Frid, Nov 27th ~ Join The Gallery and SEPTA and ride with a merry cast of holiday characters on the Santa Express - straight to The Gallery at Market East! Upon your arrival, join Santa's parade to Center Court. Expect large crowds the morning of the event. Santa will also be available in Center Court at The Gallery to hear children's wish lists from 10am to mall closing with photo packages available from November 27 - December 24.

Frid, Nov 27th ~ Nicole Miller will host their 2nd Annual White Friday, starting at 8am. Nicole Miller's collection of bridal gowns, bridesmaid and mother of the bride or groom dresses will be on sale at 50-75% off their original prices. Arrive early to beat the rush and get your first choice on the discounted dresses. The excitement will last until 8pm. Nicole Miller bridal experts will work with each bride to ensure she leaves feeling beautiful and confident with her purchase, as all sales are final.

Frid, Nov 27th ~ The Wines of Robert Mondavi 6 course wine dinner at Moro $85.00 per person

Sat, Nov 28th ~ Patriots Day at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chadds Ford, PA The Battlefield will come alive with military and civilian living historians. Military re-enactors will provide firing demonstrations. Craft demonstrations. 10am-4pm Admission Charged

Tues, Dec 1st ~ Support Meals on Wheels Delaware Adopt a Senior campaign by joining us for happy hour! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Meals On Wheels Delaware - so come out and support your favorite cause! Drink Specials. Door prizes (courtesy of Emile Henry USA) at Deep Blue 5pm

Wed, Dec 2nd ~ Join the Young Friends of University City for a Holiday Happy Hour and gift drive from 6-8pm at the Blockley Pourhouse featuring drink specials and complimentary appetizers as we spread joy and cheer to mothers and children who reside at People's Emergency Center. If you are able, please bring a new and unwrapped gift with you. Gifts will be given to mothers and children (infant through teen) who need a little extra love this winter. You’ll also receive a free drink with your donation. Click here for an extensive list of suggested gifts. To RSVP to this event and/or to join our mailing list, email youcie@ucityphila.org.

Thurs, Dec 3rd ~ Delaware Today hosts its annual Women in Business Luncheon! Join us as we celebrate the Women in Business featured in the December issue. Enjoy lunch, emcee Jill Quale of WJBR , entertainment by the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and network with over 300 female business owners and corporate executives! Plus be inspired by guest speaker Ellen Kullman, first female CEO of DuPont. 11-2pm Chase Center on the Riverfront www.delawaretoday.com/Delaware-Today/Signature-Events/Women-in-Business-Luncheon

Thurs, Dec 3rd ~ Join Rittenhouse Row for the annual Rittenhouse Square Tree Lighting Celebration sponsored by Infiniti, The Exclusive Vehicle of Rittenhouse Row. The celebration begins at 10 Rittenhouse Square with complimentary holiday refreshments and Tavern 17 at the Radisson Plaza Warwick Hotel for a complimentary children's ornament making party. The tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by TD Bank begins at 4PM, where personalities from CBS 3 and the CW 57 will be collecting new unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army's Joy of Sharing Campaign.

Frid, Dec 4th ~ Kreston Wine & Spirits 26th Annual Champagne Shoot-Out at the newly renovated Clarion "Belle" for a superb evening of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the world, along with a selection of still wines, premium spirits and assorted craft beers. Time: 7pm to 9:30pm Cost: $70.00 per person

Frid, Dec 4th – 5th ~ 2009 Lobster & Wreath Festival: Once again the Church of the Holy City will welcome the season with fresh Maine Lobsters and fragrant Balsam wreaths. Lobsters will arrive on Friday afternoon ready to start the Holidays! http://www.churchoftheholycity.org/8.html

Sat, Dec 5th ~ Kick off the holiday season at The Grand Gala with the swingin' sounds of Brian Setzer and his 18-piece big band. The Brian Setzer Orchestra sold out at The Grand in 2006! Their return performance will keep you on your feet with swing, blues, and rockabilly versions of popular holiday favorites. Don't forget your black tie, fancy dress, and dancing shoes for the ultimate After Party at the Hotel du Pont with lavish food, open bar, dancing, and more. 8pm. Call (302) 658-7897

Sat, Dec 5th ~ Holiday Happenings @ the Riverfront Market! Santa Visits - Face Painting - Craft Area for Children. Cab Calloway JazzChords - 1:00 PM featuring the 3rd Annual 2009 Blue Rocks Toy Drive -Noon to 2:00 PM Bring an unwrapped toy to the Riverfront Market and visit with Rocky Bluewinkle! Toys will be collected at the Blue Rocks stadium between now and December 5. The toy drive benefits the Mary Campbell Center Children and Youth Program.

Mon, Dec 7th ~ Wine 4 Women - we sip to support. Always for a good cause and always a good time! Join other professional women for networking, wine and community support. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Kelly Heinz-Grundner Brain Tumor Foundation 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at Union City Grille $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Includes a complimentary glass of wine and hors d'oeuvres. NEWS4Women

Wed, Dec 9th ~ Le Bec-Fin and DiBruno Brothers are teaming up to host a wine and artisan cheese tasting series at Le Bec-Fin. Every tasting event will include three wines paired with six cheeses from different countries. The price is $35 per person per event plus tax and gratuity and each tasting will begin at 6pm. lebecfin.com

Thurs, Dec 10th ~ The Wines of Tuscany 6 course wine dinner at Moro $95.00 per person

Frid, Dec 11th ~ Meals On Wheels Delaware invites you to Stock Up For Seniors. Be the first in the door to get the best deals on the best cookware, bakeware, glassware and kitchen tools in the world, all for purchase at up to 80% off the retail price! Your ticket purchase gives you VIP access to these coveted items, includes refreshments and it’s tax-deductible. Emile Henry will be generously donating a percentage of the sales from the evening to Meals on Wheels Delaware. The more tickets sold, the larger the percentage. $25 in advance - $30 at the door 6-9pm at the Emile Henry Warehouse 802 Centerpoint Blvd. New Castle, DE 19720

Sat, Dec 12th ~ Join Delaware Theatre Company on a bus trip to New York City to see MEMPHIS the Musical, Broadway’s hottest new musical. Trip includes round-trip transportation, orchestra seats and a post-show chat with producers of the musical. Plus, plenty of time to enjoy the City on your own. Price $175 pp. To reserve, call Katlyn at 302.594.1104 x229

Sun, Dec 13th ~ St. Francis Foundation Reindeer Ball to benefit St. Francis Hospital. Adult and children’s dinner buffet in the main ball room. Children’s activities including gingerbread house decorating, face painting and much more. DuPont Country Club. 4pm-7pm For more information please contact the St. Francis Foundation 302.575.8261