Nine BYOBs to try on the Main Line

BYOBs are as essential to Philadelphia-area food culture as cheesesteaks, hoagies, water ice, and soft pretzels.

With Pennsylvania’s notoriously strict liquor laws and expensive licensing fees, many restaurants in the Philadelphia region opt to go the BYOB route — helping fuel a vibrant dining scene where diners bring their own bottles to some of the area’s top spots.

Here are some Main Line BYOBs worth uncorking something special for.

Fraschetta BYOB

This intimate Bryn Mawr BYOB serves refined Italian fare in a cozy, elegant setting. Now owned by restaurateur Phuong Nguyen, Fraschetta continues to deliver satisfying housemade pastas and rich entrées, including creamy mushroom pappardelle and slow-braised wild boar in tomato sauce, finished with cocoa powder and Pecorino Romano.

📍816 W Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, Pa. 19010, 📞 610-525-1007, 🌐 fraschetta.net

Dua Restaurant

In a sea of Italian spots, Bryn Mawr’s Dua Restaurant stands out for its traditional Mediterranean fare and cozy elegance. Chef Bledar Istrefi offers savory appetizers like burek and mussels pepata, and finely crafted bites like the pistachio crusted branzino and the mouthwatering pomegranate braised short rib over Israeli couscous.

📍 1000 W Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, Pa. 19010 📞 484-380-2053, 🌐 duarest.com

Burrata Havertown

A sibling to its popular South Philly location, owners Dejvi Furxhi and Albi Furxhiu brought the charm of their Italian BYOB to the suburbs. Positioned on the bustling street of Eagle Road, Havertown’s Burrata location is adorned with Italian landscape portraits and cozy decor. The welcoming environment is complemented by delicious appetizers, pastas, and entrées, with items like truffle cream gnocchi and barramundi in garlic white wine sauce.

📍 26 E Eagle Rd., Havertown, Pa. 19083 📞 610-808-9933, 🌐 burratahavertown.com

The Choice Restaurant

Looking for a romantic night out? This 50-seat BYOB serves up Euro-fusion dishes with Ukrainian, French, and Asian touches. The restaurant, owned by Iryna Hyvel and her husband Volodymyr “Vlad” Hyvel, offers entrées like branzino with crispy potato balls, mushroom ragout, and striped bass ceviche.

📍 845 Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, Pa. 19010 📞 484-383-3230, 🌐 thechoice-restaurant.com

Villa Artigiano Ristorante BYOB

This family-owned Ardmore restaurant boasts a menu of multiregional Italian favorites. Patrons can start with a small charcuterie board or other small plates before digging into signature dishes like gnocchi artigiano in fresh tomato basil sauce or pollo limone topped with crabmeat and a white wine sauce.

📍53 W Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 484-414-4997, 🌐 villaartigiano.com

Bam Bam Kitchen

From fried rib-eye and pork kimchi mandoo combos, to Korean fried chicken wings, and seafood pancakes, this Ardmore BYOB is booming with rich Asian flavor. Diners can enjoy Korean drink options like banana milk and the sac sac grape and orange flavors, or enjoy their own bottle while relishing over Bam Bam Kitchen’s succulent dishes.

📍 31 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa. 19003, 📞 484-844-7827, 🌐order.bambamkitchen.com

Tiramisu Cucina Romana

This Chester County gem blends the BYOB model with a full cocktail bar, offering the best of both worlds. Tiramisu specializes in Roman-Jewish cuisine with refined flavors. Menu highlights include red snapper with pine nuts, raisins and balsamic vinegar, or lobster ravioli with lump crab and cognac sauce.

📍 720 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn, Pa. 19312 📞 610-906-3299, 🌐 tiramisuberwyn.com

Ryan Christopher’s

This family-friendly Narberth favorite is helmed by chef Michael Klaumenzer, who cooks and oversees a menu packed with crowd-pleasers. Crafted from locally sourced ingredients, the Narberth eatery’s dishes include an award-winning French onion soup and entrées like grilled New Zealand lamb chops, sesame-seared salmon, and a chicken and shrimp cacciatore.

📍 245 Woodbine Ave., Narberth, Pa. 19072 📞 610-664-9282, 🌐 ryanchristophersbyob.com

Veekoo

Tony and Shelly Li’s stylish BYOBs, which expanded to the Main Line after opening in Royersford in 2003, continue to deliver savory Chinese, Japanese, and Thai favorites. Offerings include sushi rolls and signature plates like the Hong Kong-style soft shell crab and General Tso’s Chilean sea bass served with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.

📍 761 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, Pa. 19010, and 564 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn, Pa., 📞 610-615-5118 and 484-318-7655, 🌐 veekoorestaurants.com

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

Japan’s king of carrot cake is a baker from York, Pa.

In December 1984, York, Pa., native Kyle Sexton gathered his belongings and left his life and career as a photo finisher in New York City behind.

The then-27-year-old boarded his first plane ever with little apart from $300, a small collection of books, and his love for Japanese food, language, and customs. He knew, even then, he wouldn’t look back. But he didn’t know he’d wind up becoming one of Tokyo’s most celebrated American-style bakers.

“My only goal was to live [in Tokyo]. I didn’t think about what I was going to do for work, or any of that … When I moved, I was just happy to be here,” Sexton said.

For more than three decades, Sexton, 67, has woken up at 6 a.m. to make the four baked goods that he sells at his Tokyo bakery, Kyle’s Good Finds: cheesecake, banana bread, brownies, and his famous carrot cake.

The four items — and a slew of other seasonal goods like zucchini bread, applesauce spice cake, and cherry pie — are at the heart of the Black-owned and family-operated bakery in the retro Nakano City neighborhood.

Since opening the bakery on March 8, 1992, Sexton’s pastries have been a hit with Japanese critics and international tourists alike. His carrot cake, though, has remained the star of the menu. “I only bake as much as I want to bake, and I work at my own pace. But people come here for the carrot cake, and that’s what I make the most,” he said.

When it comes to the recipe, Sexton is somewhat of a traditionalist. He uses the same core ingredients listed in dozens of recipe books: flour, sugar, eggs, freshly grated carrots, spices.

“When the Japanese press interviews me, they ask me the same question: ‘How do you make your carrot cake?’ And I always tell them, ‘It’s no different,’” Sexton said. “The only difference is I grind my own spices, and I suppose it’s a stronger taste. The cinnamon is larger than the cinnamon that you will find in a supermarket,” he said.

Once baked, the cake is topped with lemon-flavored cream cheese frosting — a simple, yet mouthwatering addition that makes the trip to Nakano that much sweeter. Thanks to a handful of culinary awards and a surge of social media buzz, Sexton’s bakery is now a must-stop for travelers who make the pilgrimage to the international food city.

The William Penn Senior High School grad has often ventured back to York over the years to attend family reunions. His fondest memories of home include spending time with his 45 first cousins, a number that has now expanded to 53. He didn’t spend much time in Philly growing up, but visited often when his daughter Safia attended UPenn.

Long before Sexton opened the doors to Kyle’s Good Finds, he worked as a photo finisher across New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. It wasn’t until he moved to New York that his interest in Japanese culture became an “obsession.”

After trying his first sushi in 1978, he was hooked. He began studying the language and Japanese customs, and soon formed a small circle of friends in New York, who later connected Sexton to friends they had back home in Japan.

Like many Americans who venture abroad, he first worked as an English teacher at a Japanese middle school. He turned to baking as a means to unwind after a workday.

A mix of cookbooks and several rounds of trial and error later, he perfected his carrot cake recipe and started bringing the spiced treat to his friends’ parties. They convinced him to make it a business.

After Sexton taught for seven years, three of his friends gifted him $10,000 each, and a fourth found the building that would later house Kyle’s Good Finds. Sexton and his wife, Shimizu Hikage, have run the bakery since.

“I never thought it was anything special,” Sexton said. “They seem to think it’s something special, but I didn’t know what all the hoopla was about. Before I was on the internet, I was always in the Japanese press.”

Sexton married Hikage in 1986 and they have four children: Kyle II, Elena, Xavier, and Safia. Xavier Sexton joined the business three years ago. The 23-year-old assists Sexton, who intends to pass the business to his youngest child.

But a retirement doesn’t seem too appealing to the longtime baker. “It’s just what I love to do,” Sexton said. “The shop is my sanctuary.”

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

A tree that bears 40 different fruits takes root in the Temple campus

Artist Sam Van Aken grew up on his family’s farm in Douglassville, Pa.

As a result, his favored medium to create art is a process called tree grafting. It involves taking a scion, or a desired piece of one plant, and combining it with the rootstock of another. The fusion creates a single plant that either sprouts the same fruit or shares elements of the both the trees.

He was introduced to tree grafting as a kid on the farm, spending years nurturing fruit trees from seed to full bloom.

He explored other mediums for his art, but kept returning to grafting. “It always stuck in my head,” Van Aken said. “I thought it was miraculous that you could take a part of one living thing, cut it, insert it, and stick it on to another living thing. It was absolutely fascinating to me.”

Only he didn’t stop at two combinations. Van Aken, an associate professor in Syracuse University’s art department created Tree of 40 Fruit, a live tree that sprouts 40 different stone fruits, thanks to grafting.

“I always felt like I worked in partnership with the tree, but it’s also very much a partnership with the people where the trees are,” Van Aken said.

The first Tree of 40 Fruit was planted in the Syracuse campus in 2011, and there are 25 more of them in locations throughout the country including in Maine, Indiana, New York, and California. The Tree’s latest installation was planted on Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture campus on March 14.

The Temple Tree will burst out in crimson and white blooms this spring. And by late summer, stone fruits such as peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, and cherries are likely to sprout from its branches. All the varieties, the artist said, will be specific to the kinds that grow best in Philadelphia weather.

“One hundred years ago we were growing fruit for taste. But now we grow it for how long it will last while it’s shipping, or if it will look good at a grocery store. Taste and nutritional value are like fourth or fifth priority,” Van Aken said.

Along with beautifying the Tyler School courtyard, the live sculpture will be a means of agricultural preservation, as it will grow stone fruit varieties that aren’t commercially produced or widely available. Students will be allowed to pick the fruits and eat them.

The agricultural artist often dives deep into the provenance, or the origins, of specific fruit varieties. Sometimes, it takes him back by 2,000 years.

One story involves the Lenape People who were native to the Philadelphia area. An English settler stumbled on an apple tree they had planted and wanted to buy it. “It didn’t register in their philosophy because you can’t own a tree anymore than you can own air,” Van Aken said.

The cost of reserach, labor, and maintenance of such trees “can be prohibitive for individuals,” Van Aken said. So he primarily aims to place them in public settings. “Placing the trees in a public context also pays tribute to the Lenapy philosophy that no one can own a tree only be gifted from its abundance.”

To ensure Temple’s fruit tree thrives in the Pennsylvania sun, Van Aken found a bulletin from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture that was released in the late 19th century. The report listed fruit varieties that were recommended for the Philadelphia area, and those are the ones he used to graft the sculpture.

Climate change, he said, “has become an overwhelming concern.” But it’s not necessarily one that hasn’t been paid heed to in the past. In Gettysburg, the site of the famous Peach Orchard battle, the Sherfy family was monitoring cold hardiness in peaches in the 1870′s “with the idea that long peach blossoms were better for colder climates than short blossomed types.”

Van Aken’s trees usually spend their first three to five years in a nursery, after which the artist carves out a plan to graft them and plant them in soil. Thereon, he visits them four or five years.

“It’s weird,” he said, “but it totally changes your perception of time. I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s a year away?’ and it feels like it’s tomorrow.”

The Tree is part of Tyler’s 8th Annual Jack Wolgin Visiting Artist program, which brings influential artists and thinkers to the campus for a free public lecture and to lead hands-on workshops with Tyler students.

“Sam’s work is absolutely ideal to bring our students together across different to see how those [different] disciplines can be synthesized in the creation of a tree that’s also a sculpture, and is also an embodiment of cultural histories,” Tyler School dean Susan Cahan said. She hoped he would bring students of differing disciplines together for a campus-wide project.

For his project, Van Aken worked with Tyler students to plant an apple tree at Tyler’s campus site in Ambler, Pa. This tree, he said, is composed entirely of apple varieties and will ultimately grow 40 different types of apples originating or historically grown in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Van Aken, who believes an intimate engagement with nature to be essential, is excited to see how the Temple community members respond to the trees in full bloom.

“Seeing a seed grow into a plant,” he said, “is all the magic you need in the world.”

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

11 romantic restaurants for a date night in the Philly suburbs

Philadelphia has no shortage of date-night destinations, but romance isn’t confined to the city limits.

Whether you’re looking to switch up your usual spots or want a standout meal closer to home, the suburbs have plenty to offer. From cozy inns to upscale seafood and steakhouses, these restaurants deliver ambience and flavor.

Here are 11 romantic spots to consider for your next night out.

Lark

In Bala Cynwyd, Lark boasts a warm, inviting atmosphere and stunning views of the Schuylkill from its rooftop terrace. The menu, from Top Chef winner Nicholas Elmi, features sustainable seafood, handmade pasta, and standout entrées, like sourdough-crusted halibut. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at the bar, settling into a velvet banquette, or taking in the view from the terrace, this spot delivers an elevated dining experience.

📍611 Righters Ferry Rd., Bala Cynwyd, Pa. 19004, 📞 484-434-8766, 🌐 larkpa.com

Savona Restaurant

For nearly 30 years, Savona has been a Main Line destination for upscale Italian cuisine. Housed in the former headquarters of Vice President Aaron Burr, the restaurant offers a tour of Italy’s flavors with specialty pizzas, house-made pasta, and dishes like Rohan duck breast with butternut squash puree. With seating options that include a wine lounge, outdoor patio, and private dining rooms, Savona is perfect for anniversaries or a special Valentine’s Day dinner.

📍100 Old Gulph Rd., Gulph Mills, Pa. 19428, 📞 610-520-1200, 🌐 savonarestaurant.com

Andiario

Anthony Andiario’s West Chester restaurant is one of the region’s premier farm-to-table experiences. The ever-evolving prix fixe menu is a tribute to Pennsylvania’s seasonal bounty, with locally sourced ingredients — including produce from the chef’s own micro-farm. Preserved vegetables, house-dried ingredients, and meticulously prepared proteins take center stage in this dimly lit, intimate dining space. The restaurant offers a curated wine list and an open kitchen that invites guests to witness the artistry behind each dish.

📍106 W Gay St., West Chester, Pa. 19380, 📞 484-887-0919, 🌐 andiario.com

Departure

Experience a world of flavors at this premier tapas-style restaurant in Media. Departure, led by executive chef JJ Morgan, serves an ever-changing menu of international bites that includes tagine meatballs, lamb lollipops, honey hoisin stir fry, and mediterranean platters, like Philly rarebit and ceviche del dia.

📍2 S. Orange St., Media, Pa. 19063, 📞 610-502-3833, 🌐 departuredelco.com

Hook and Ladder Sky Bar

This Conshohocken restaurant from executive chef Edward Hancock is among the best spots for high-end steaks and fresh seafood the burbs have to offer. The eclectic eatery is housed in a historic firehouse, equipped with a sleek and modern interior and a lush sky bar stocked with premium spirits and wines. There’s also private dining for a more intimate occasion. And with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, it may be worth reserving for that special someone.

📍46 Fayette St. Fl 2, Conshohocken, Pa. 19428, 📞 484-351-6522, 🌐 hookandladderskybar.com

Hiramasa

Sam Li, creator of the three Osushi restaurants in Marlton, Wayne, and Ardmore, has added another Japanese destination in the suburbs. The restaurant highlights refined takes on sushi, isiyaki, and kaiseki, offering an intimate, dimly lit setting that enhances the flavors of its carefully curated dishes. The bar features a selection of premium Japanese spirits, rounding out the experience.

📍 3554 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, Pa. 19073, 📞 484-420-4023 🌐 hiramasapa.com

1906 Restaurant

Named after the year businessman Pierre du Pont purchased the grounds that would become Longwood Gardens, 1906 offers a stunning peak inside. Executive chef George Murkowicz’s menu celebrates the local landscape. Seasonal options include a sunflower seed “risotto,” a mushroom wellington, and Parisienne gnocchi. There’s also an extensive list of wines, crafted cocktails, and sultry desserts to match the elaborate view.

📍 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348 📞 610-388-5290, 🌐 longwoodgardens.org

Kimberton Inn

For a cozy, colonial-era dining experience, Kimberton Inn delivers. Built in 1796 in a historic Quaker village, the inn exudes charm with its exposed wood beams and fireplace-lit dining areas. Menu highlights include hazelnut-crusted chicken breast, sautéed calf’s liver, panko-crusted eggplant, and a long list of complementary wines. There’s also live music on select nights from the restaurant’s in-house pianist.

📍 2105 Kimberton Rd., Kimberton, Pa., 19442, 📞 610-933-8148, 🌐 kimbertoninn.com

Portabello’s of Kennett Square

Portabello’s of Kennett Square has a warm interior and array of mushroom-centric bites, reflecting the area’s reputation as the Mushroom Capital. Entrées range from stroganoff with prime beef short rib and cremini mushrooms, to braised lamb shank, lump blue crab cakes, and crispy duck with french cherries and blood orange. When the weather permits, patrons can enjoy a romantic dinner out on the brick streets at East State Street.

📍108 E. State St., Kennett Square, Pa. 19348, 📞 610-925-4984, 🌐 portabellosofkennettsquare.com

At The Table

This Wayne BYOB has some of the best oysters and seafood-centric dishes outside Philadelphia. The menu includes pan-seared branzino, grilled Spanish octopus, ricotta tortellini made with wild mushroom madeira cream, and a coffee-rubbed venison. Thoughtfully prepared dishes, an intimate setting, and a curated drink menu make At The Table a top pick for a special night out.

📍 118 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, Pa. 19087 📞 610-964-9700, 🌐 atthetablewayne.com

DePaul’s Table Steakhouse

This modern Italian chophouse in Ardmore delivers top-tier steaks and seafood. DePaul’s offers everything from filet mignon and sesame-crusted ahi tuna to farfalle with wild Kennett Square mushrooms. The raw bar serves fresh oysters and clams by the half-dozen, and a well-crafted cocktail or wine list completes the experience. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner destination, this is a sure bet.

📍 7 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa., 19003, 📞 610-598-0500, 🌐 depaulstable.com

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

How Future & Metro Boomin Became Trap Music's Greatest Duo

The musical bond between Future and Metro Boomin blazed new paths in Atlanta's rap scene, and transformed trap music into one of music's most expansive exports. The duo first connected on the cult "Karate Chop" back in 2013, and have been on an unrelenting hit streak ever since.

Future's auto-tune-soaked melodies and Metro's ominous trap production has formed an inseparable linkage and some of the biggest records of the past decade. From "Honest" to "Jumpman" and 2024's "Type S**t," the pair have blossomed into music's most in-demand hitmakers and influencers. 

Metro, born Leland Wayne, went from aimlessly sending beats as a teenager from his St. Louis home, to becoming one of the industry's most versatile music producers and a GRAMMY-nominated solo artist. Meanwhile Future, born Nayvadius Cash, has evolved into an international draw with a myriad of No. 1 records, multi-platinum albums, and GRAMMY wins under his belt. 

The two stars have continued to ascend in lock-step, with a new medley of booming street hits and club anthems arriving with each collaboration. But 2024 was their most expansive year to date. The duo cranked out We Don't Trust You in March, and the sequel, We Still Don't Trust You, just weeks later. 

Backed by the Kendrick Lamar-assisted hit "Like That," — and the seismic rap feud it ignited— We Don't Trust You debuted atop the Billboard 100, marking Future's second-largest opening week and Metro's biggest ever. Its follow-up, the more melodic-leaning We Still Don't Trust You, also claimed the No. 1 spot. Together, the joint projects earned the duo four nominations at the 2025 GRAMMYs, including Best Rap Album (We Don't Trust You) and Best Rap Song ("Like That"). 

Future and Metro have hit an artistic zenith unmatched by most rap duos, and it doesn't appear their streak is slowing down any time soon. As their legacy continues to grow, look back at the genesis of their artistic union over the years, and the series of hits that have formed in their wake:

2013

Before Metro became a top-end producer, he was a 17-year-old beatmaker with hopes one of his beats would fall into the hands of a mainstream artist. One faithful email to Brick Squad rapper OJ da Juiceman got him an invite to his Atlanta studio. With permission from his late mother Leslie Wayne, Metro made the eight and a half-hour voyage from St. Louis to the trap music capital. She continued to chaperone him almost weekly until Metro moved to Atlanta full-time to attend Morehouse College in 2012. 

The first-year college student split his time in the classroom and in the studio with Juiceman's mentor Gucci Mane. He eventually crossed paths with Future, who ascended from the disbanded Atlanta group Da Connect and became his own musical entity. Future started meeting up with the teenage producer daily, and the "Tony Montana" rapper hopped on one of Metro's zippy trap beats. He laid down drug-sunken lyrics to the thunderous, heavy-synth instrumental that became 2013's "Karate Chop," but Metro wasn't convinced it was a worthy single. 

"I had no clue from all the records we've done, that [that] s**t just sitting in the studio would be the one. But these days, the people and the streets produce the singles and they was fuckin' with it," Metro said in a 2013 interview with XXL.

Despite Metro's initial hesitancy, the remix featuring Lil Wayne became the lead single of Future's 2014 album, Honest, which featured three other songs from Metro, including the title track and "I Won" with Kanye West. The success of "Karate Chop" convinced Metro to drop out of college and capitalize on the rising momentum. And the musical alchemy between the rapper and producer only strengthened over time.

2015

By 2015, Metro and Future were no longer fighting for attention. The spotlight was keenly focused on the two artists, who, along with figures like Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan, were at the forefront of a booming, melody-infused trap sound. The proof of their collective powers was Future's trap masterwork DS2 and What a Time to Be Alive, an entertainingly disjointed mixtape with Canadian-born superstar Drake. 

Following the release of 2014's Honest, Future dropped a trilogy of album-quality mixtapes. The first was Monster, a darker and more brooding project that saw Future return to his previous form. Metro executive produced the mixtape, and was credited for crafting "Radical," "Mad Luv," "Wesley Pressley" and other tracks.

The duo carried the momentum of Monster into Future's DS2, widely considered the rapper's masterstroke of bleak, self-medicated drug tales and fiery trap hits. Metro, alongside fellow Atlanta trap architects Southside, Zaytoven, and Sonny Digital, handled the bulk of the project. Some of the tracks he produced included the strip club anthem "Freak Hoe," the tranquilizing "Rich Sex," and "Where Ya At" with Drake. 

After the recording session for "Where Ya At" wrapped, Drake and Future began working on the collaborative mixtape, What a Time to Be Alive.  Drake flew to Atlanta for six days with the hopes of recording a handful of songs, but Future's relentless work ethic prompted the Toronto native to match his tenacity. 

The 11-song mixtape surprisingly dropped in September 2015, and fans immediately swarmed to Metro-produced tracks like "Digital Dash," "Big Rings," and "Jumpman." The latter became a top 20 Billboard hit, and Metro's Future-assisted producer tag, "If Young Metro don't trust you I'm gon' shoot you," became the industry's most recognizable calling card.

2017

Just when it felt Future's smoldering hit streak was beginning to cool, he released back-to-back albums FUTURE and HNDRXX in February of 2017. The two projects teetered between pop-inspired tunes and heavy-handed street records, and Metro was the unsurprising maestro behind the biggest song from the two records. 

The Metro-produced "Mask Off" peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Future's highest charting single at the time of its release. A remix of the track, which samples Carlton Williams' "Prison Song" from the 1978 Selma musical, featured Kendrick Lamar. 

The massive hit encouraged generations of hip-hop fans to chant the song's drug-filled hook "Percocets (ya), molly, Percocets (Percocets)." And while Future's HNDRXX takes a more R&B and bright-eyed musical approach compared to the dreadful trap sound of his previous works, Metro was credited for the album opener "My Collection" and closer "Sorry."

2022

After five years without a collaboration, the super-duo linked back up for Metro's "Superhero (Heroes & Villains)." Future's gravelly and unpolished delivery contrasted the song's more cinematic and orchestral production. It was the first single off the producer's comic book-themed album, Heroes & Villains, which echoed an evolutionary turn for the producer-turned-solo artist. 

His transition from rugged trap sounds to grander production was first demonstrated on 2018's Not All Heroes Wear Capes, but his second album and expansion into film showcased it at a larger scale. Metro went on to produce Sony's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack, which featured A$AP Rocky, NAV, Travis Scott, Don Tolliver, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, and his other frequent collaborations.  

In the years since their last record, Future was also expanding his musical reach. He cranked out joint projects with Young Thug, Zaytoven, Juice WRLD, and Lil Uzi Vert, and released another collection of projects while taking a few momentary breaks in between. "​That's because I'm happy," Future said of his occasional hiatuses in a 2022 interview with GQ. "I'm genuinely happy with life. And there was a time where I was only happy when I was on the stage, and in the studio. Like it was my escape." After an album-less 2021, he followed up the next year with I Never Liked You, which earned the rapper his eighth chart-topping album and a GRAMMY win for the mega hit "Wait For U" with Drake and Tems. 

Metro wasn't credited on I Never Liked You, but the "Puffin On Zootiez" emcee circled back with his musical companion later that year. The two reunited on other tracks from Metro's Heroes & Villains album, including "Too Many Nights," "I Can't Save You (Interlude)," and ""Lock On Me." And while it may have seemed like Future and Metro disbanded during the five-year stretch, the producer said they never stopped working together.

 "It's crazy, public perception makes it look like we went our separate ways," Metro said in a 2023 interview with Gangsta Grills Radio. "But neither one of us really went nowhere. It's just about the right moment, and I feel like God just brought this moment together."

2024

More than a year before the release of their joint albums, Future hinted at a potential project with his long-time collaborator. In January 2023, the rapper reshared an Instagram post that read, "Future x Metro OTW with the album of the year." But the subtle endorsement failed to highlight how big the joint effort the following year would be. 

In March 2024, Future and Metro confirmed a two-part album release in a 44-second trailer. The duo is seen hopping out of luxury SUVs in the desert, with the late Mobb Deep rapper Prodigy providing the video's contentious narration.  "A lot of f**king garbage ass rappers running around. These n****s ain't supposed to be rapping, man. This game is meant for a select few." 

The first in the series was We Don't Trust You, a 17-song project that combined Metro's cinematic production with Future's street poetics. Kendrick's verse on the single "Like That" sparked a series of diss records between Lamar, Cole, and Drake, with the Comtpon rapper declaring, "Motherf**k the big three, n***a, it's just big me." 

The result was weeks of musical exchanges between the three artists, including a Drake-directed instrumental from Metro called "BBL Drizzy," which the producer encouraged fans to rap over for a chance to win a free beat. The hotly-contested battle, paired with songs like "Type S**t" and The Weeknd-assisted "We Still Don't Trust You," pushed both albums atop the sales and music charts. 

The pair capped off the year with a 27-date North American tour and a handful of nominations at the 2025 GRAMMYs.

2025

While Metro and Boomin went home from the 2025 GRAMMYs empty handed, the duo’s influence remains undeniable. Between the No. 1 records and recognition redefining modern trap music, they have influenced a new generation while staying true to their signature sound. With undeniable chemistry, their legacy is already cemented — but their reign is far from over.

– Grammy.com

Freezing temps have brought back the backyard ice rink

Philly winters have been streaky in recent years, but homeowners and hockey enthusiasts are making the most of the recent deep freeze to build backyard ice skating rinks.

While many families favor the dependable conditions of an indoor rink, Fox Chase resident David Bara prefers the slow, chilling burn of a homemade skating consortium.

Since 2016, Bara has rolled up his coat sleeves to build a 22-by-48-foot rink for his family and golden retriever Ellie to enjoy. “I’m an absolute fanatic,” Bara said. “There aren’t many people in Philly who are crazy enough to do what I do. It’s definitely something more reserved for Canadians and other people up north.”

For nine straight winters, Bara has built a miniature hockey rink using plywood and a white plastic liner (a black one draws too much sunlight), while navigating the unpredictable forces of Mother Nature. “Half of the passion I have is the challenge of being able to do one where we live,” Bara said. “It’s not easy. It’s me and Mother Nature. If Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, then there is no rink.”

After building the wooden exterior, he puts down the plastic liner and gradually fills it with water over three days. The shapeless plane slowly transforms into a sleek, 10-inch-high surface, which he wraps with beam-supported banners covered in local business ads.

Bara said his outdoor rink (ODR) wasn’t always as well-executed. His first one was made from a torn blow-up pool, with a thin surface just wide enough to fit his son and one other hockey player. But the haphazard experiment inspired him to take the art of ODR-making to the next level.

What started as a one-off project for Bara has turned into an obsession. “I’m out there building ice four or five times a night. I set my alarm for midnight, 2 o’clock, and 4 o’clock in the morning because it’s better to do it when there’s no sun.

I call it passion; some people call it insanity.”

It’s even become a part of family tradition. Bara hosts a broomball tournament every year for his daughter’s birthday, and his shed-turned-warming room is a late-night hang for Philadelphia Flyers fans. It’s equipped with a TV, a fully stocked bar, cozy insulation, and LED-lit walls covered in Flyers memorabilia.

Flourtown content creator Logan Randazzo said her DIY rink, too, has become a winter tradition. The Canada native and amateur figure skater grew up practicing two-foot turns and forward swizzles on her family’s rink. And for the past three Christmases, Randazzo and her husband have joyfully shared those “core memories” with their five children on the back patio of their historic mansion.

“It’s been fun as a parent to see that through my children’s eyes,” Randazzo said. “I used to spend all day out there with my brothers, so it’s really fun to see them [out there]. I hope it’s the kind of stories they can talk about when they grow up.”

While indoor rinks are great for skating year-round, Randazzo said nothing compares to the feeling of outdoor skating, especially when it’s accessible a few feet from a backdoor. “It’s nothing against indoor rinks, but the convenience of a mother of five to just step outside the door is absolutely priceless.”

Since posting an Instagram video of her 20-by-40-foot rink, Randazzo, who’s amassed more than 250,000 followers on the platform, said other Philly-area residents have contacted her to ask how they can make one of their own.

While ODRs are more common among Canadian and Midwestern households, Long Valley, N.J., resident John Greco said it’s become a growing trend on the East Coast since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The former hockey player runs a backyard ice rink Facebook group with Bara. He said people have been seeking new ways to explore the outdoors, and with more DIY tips and resources readily available, Greco said it’s easier than ever to get started.

The biggest challenges for new rink builders are finding backyard space without a slope, or building rink boards without a gap. Differing levels could lead to uneven ice, and cracks in the exterior can lead to “blowouts,” a balloon-like pop that ends in a flooded yard.

“I’ve heard all the horror stories. I try to collect information for people because that was my battle at the beginning. And now there are resources for people to start,” said Greco.

Barring an occasional snow blitz, or a momentary string of ice-capped days, snow in Philadelphia has been alarmingly scarce the past 10 years.

Last winter, Philly registered the lowest snow cover in a decade since the National Weather Service began tracking it in the winter of 1940-41. And the meteorological winter of 2023-24 was ranked the 10th warmest in records dating back to 1872.

Bara said it takes roughly three straight days of freezing temperatures for ODRs to hold. But despite last year’s record-low snowfall, he was able to build his ice rink in less than 24 hours. “I was making new layers every hour,” he said.

While winters have been more difficult to predict, Bara said the past 10 years have been fairly consistent. Some months (and years) are cooler than others, but the lifelong Philadelphian said the recent weather has been close to what it was when he first started making his backyard rink.

After a decade building “natural backyard rinks,” Greco said this year was his first making it with a chiller system, easing some of the pressure that comes with the weather-dependent pass-time.

YardRink CEO Brian Packard, whose company specializes in National Hockey League-licensed ODR kits, said the ease of technology is also encouraging people to build their own iced arenas.

It’s a trend he hopes will reduce children’s phone screen time and spark added interest in street hockey. Its growth, Packard said, could be similar to the popularity of flag football, which makes its Olympic debut in 2028. “It’s about sticks in hands and smiles on faces,” Packard said. “We’re excited about the resurgence of backyard ice hockey. People are going bananas with it.”

Whether it’s an NHL-licensed rink or a frozen retention basin, Maple Glen resident Kristen Warner said the best thing about ODRs are the moments shared with neighbors, friends, and family.

Warner has had rinks flood, and some have required emergency resurfacing. But no matter the conditions, one element always remains the same – the joy.

“[It doesn’t] matter if you get one weekend of solid ice, or an entire winter,” she said, “it’s worth the time and effort for the memories that are made.”

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

Keke Palmer and Tierra Whack bonded over a secret pregnancy

Keke Palmer met Tierra Whack over a game of spades at Jackie Chan’s house in South Philly.

Trust me, the story gets even better.

They started arguing with Rihanna when Eddie Murphy showed up to diffuse the situation.

And if all this sounds too good to be true, that’s because, well, it is.

“All right, we play too much,” Palmer joked to the Fitler Club crowd. The newly published author stopped by on Thursday for an event presented by Harriett’s Bookshop and sponsored by the Fitler Club and The Inquirer. Whack interviewed Palmer about her book, Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative.

The real story? The actress, singer, and KeyTV founder met Whack at Alicia Keys’ house in 2023, bundled up in a puffer coat, which she took off to reveal a baby bump. She was months away from giving birth to her son, Leodis “Leo” Jackson.

Whack kept her lips sealed on the secret pregnancy, and the two multi-hyphenates have built a special bond over the past two years. “I love you girl,” Palmer said as she walked over to hug the North Philly native. “I love you, too,” Whack said.

“I’m here, no payment or nothing,” Whack said to the crowd in the Fitler Club ballroom. “This is my girl.”

Palmer’s memoir delves into her days as a child actor, and the lessons she’s learned on her journey to becoming an Emmy-winning entertainer, entrepreneur, and mom of one.

“Kids bring perspective,” she said. “I have to make sure this baby is good, and then I have the rest of the day. It’s helping me understand what’s really important.”

Palmer and Whack spoke of their love-hate relationship with musicals and their fondness for ’90s and early 2000s sitcoms like The Jamie Foxx Show and The Parkers. And like the rest of us, Palmer can’t get enough of the Apple TV+ thriller Severance. “It’s so good, I had to go back and re-watch season one,” she said.

By the end of the evening, Whack had seemingly found a name for her next project.Whack of All Trades.

“If that’s the next album, I need a feature,” Palmer said.

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

How to be an Eagles fan, according to obsessives on the internet

Connecticut native Jenny Meassick moved to Philly in 2017 and fell in love — she started the Instagram account “Old City Love” to highlight the history, food, and people that make up the historic neighborhood she calls home. And while she’s felt “welcomed, accepted, and celebrated” in the city, Meassick said the only link missing is her connection to the Eagles.

Earlier this week she took to the internet to speak the question most Philly transplants are too afraid to ask: How does one become an Eagles fan?

Is it as simple as attending a game at the Linc, revamping a closet with midnight or kelly green, or flipping the bird to anyone wearing a Dallas Cowboys jersey? Or is it purchasing an Eagles Christmas album, getting a tattoo dedicated to the team, or subscribing to a podcast hosted by a former player’s spouse? (We love you, Kylie).

Searching for answers, Meassick posted a Thread asking Eagles diehards for tips on how to join the crazed fan base. “I’m a transplant here in Philly. It’s been 7 years and … don’t come at me … but I have yet to realllly jump into the sports culture,” she wrote. “But I’m here, this is home. So I need some help.”

Hundreds of Eagles fans came to her rescue, creating an online syllabus for newbies to graduate to Bird Gang status. Here’s what they said:

Scream ‘Go Birds’ whenever and wherever

Whether it’s game day or a quick trip to Wawa, stop and give a fellow fan a “Go Birds.” More often than not, you will get a “Go Birds” in return. Then, make it a daily ritual, and “repeat until your last breath,” one commenter joked.

“Shout ‘Go Birds’ to anyone you see wearing Birds gear. Also: Reciprocate that greeting when given to you, another wrote.

Add Eagles gear to your closet

Once “Go Birds” has replaced your regular “hi, how are you” , it’s time to grab some team threads. Not only does it declare your fandom, it helps other fans find you. “Buy some Eagles and Phillies gear, something swaggy and let the love come to you,” one user suggested.

Another suggested getting a throwback jersey to avoid looking like a noob: “Grab yourself a good retired player jersey. [Brian Dawkins], Reggie White, [Jason Kelce] … all good choices.”

Meassick said she’s sprinkling her closet with some Eagles gear, albeit incrementally. The first item will be a kelly green crew neck. “That’s more like my style,” she said.

Find fellow Eagles fans at a tailgate or bar

No “Go Birds” is complete without a group of Eagles to return the favor. There are multiple ways to engage with the fan base, but the easiest way is to start with your local sports bar or pub.

“Go to your local bar and watch a game. Even if you don’t drink. You will immediately get caught up in the infectious enthusiasm and camaraderie,” one user suggested.

If you want to amplify the game-day experience, join the crazed crowd at a tailgate outside the Linc. If tailgating isn’t your thing, Xfinity Live! is another one-stop shop for game-day entertainment. But wherever Eagles fans flock, all are welcome.

“The Eagles fan base is going to meet you where you’re at. If you drink, cool. Go to a bar. If you don’t, cool. You can Google and YouTube the players,” Meassick said.

Do your homework on iconic Eagles plays

Admittedly, Meassick isn’t much of a football fan. She lived in Boston for 10 years and was fatigued by the sports-obsessed town.

The only Eagle she knows is former All-Pro center Jason Kelce, who retired last year. Dozens of fans recommended Googling current players, and the origin of iconic plays like the “Philly Special” and the “tush push.”

“Ask fans here for a short list of their most agonizing defeats and watch them on YouTube,” one fan said. “My suggestion is ‘The Fog Bowl.’ Then watch Brian Dawkins and [Chuck Bednarik’s] highlights. Then watch their Super Bowl victory.”

“Ask fans here for a short list of their most agonizing defeats and watch them on YouTube,” one fan said. “My suggestion is ‘The Fog Bowl.’ Then watch Brian Dawkins and [Chuck Bednarik’s] highlights. Then watch their Super Bowl victory.”

Be a hater of every other NFL team

This one is simple. If it isn’t the Eagles, then don’t mention the team. “Hate every other team in the NFL!” one fan declared.

Buckle up for the ride

While life as an Eagles fan has been great lately, true aficionados know how gut-wrenching a defeat can be, especially in the postseason. “Accept that being a Philly sports fan means oscillating forever between incredible highs and crushing disappointment,” a commenter wrote.

But like sesame seeds on a fresh-baked hoagie roll, fans stick with the Birds through thick and thin. And they expect the same commitment from fans, both new and old.

“Eventually your blood pressure will start spiking while you watch the games. You’ll also have an insatiable urge to fight anyone who talks bad about your team. That’s when you know the metamorphosis is complete and you’re a full-fledged fan,” another fan explained.

Accept your place in the cult

“We meet at our Lady of the Linc on Sundays. Many of us call it our religion … some a cult. Either way we bleed green and at the kiss of peace, we say GO BIRDS and you better say it back 🦅💚,” another fan explained.

Based on fan comments, Meassick is already on the right path. Her desire to be an Eagles fan, they say, is why there’s a place for her in the tribe.

“We’ve adopted you, you are one of us. Now walk into the closest Wawa and yell go birds 🦅,” one user wrote.

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

There is a new MJ in ‘MJ the Musical.’ And here’s how he transforms himself for every show

After a year of being an understudy, actor, dancer, and songwriter, Jordan Markus is ready to don the mythical fedora, slip into the rhinestone-encrusted glove, and take on the lead role of the national tour of Broadway’s Tony-winning MJ the Musical, which runs through Jan. 19 at the Academy of Music.

“It just feels right,” he said. “I’m ready to do it.”

Here’s a sneak peek into how Markus becomes MJ.

Becoming the man in the mirror

It all starts, Markus said, with “the man in the mirror.”

To settle into character, he arrives hours before showtime. Once he gets to the theater, he takes a seat in the makeup chair, then “zones in” to character.

Becoming MJ, he said, isn’t as simple as just applying contour makeup or putting on loafers and a densely curled hairpiece. It’s a character and story he’s fully embraced. “I’ve obviously never been Michael Jackson, but we share similarities. Lots of them, actually,” Markus said, whether it’s feelings of loneliness, perfectionism, or the unwavering pursuit of one’s musical dreams.

“Really knowing who I am has helped me become, in quotations, Michael. And I kind of live in it every day.”

Classic wardrobe with a modern twist

Costume designer Paul Tazewell grew up emulating the Jackson 5 with his three brothers. To piece together the show’s wardrobe, he referred to images of Jackson throughout his career.

Jackson’s style, he said, reflected the trends of the times, but always came with a twist that was uniquely his own. The challenge for him lay in styling the character of Jackson, from little Michael (Josiah Benson and Bane Griffith) to MJ the icon (Markus), with many fictionalized moments embedded into the show.

“It was about creating a world the audience could believe and stay engaged within,” said Tazewell, who won a Tony Award for best costume design in a musical for 2016’s Hamilton.

Tazewell’s vision is in full bloom throughout the show. He incorporates classic outfits from Jackson’s career — from his earth-shattering debut of the moonwalk at a Motown 25th anniversary concert, to the iconic outfits seen in the “Smooth Criminal” and “Beat It” music videos.

When the direct references aren’t as readily available, Tazewell takes calculated liberties. During the dance rehearsal scenes, Markus’ MJ wears loose cotton shirts, flowingly trim trousers, and hard-bottom dance shoes.

Moving like a smooth criminal

It helps to have Jackson’s moves, too.

Choreographers Rich and Tone Talauega, who were dancers on Jackson’s “HIStory World Tour," taught Markus the techniques and the “king rhythm” that Jackson possessed.

Rich Talauega said Markus, whom he affectionately calls “too tall,” managed to grasp the dance moves and other idiosyncrasies needed to capture the spirit of Michael Jackson. The movement may appear “simple,” but the two brothers said it requires thousands of rehearsal hours and an unrelenting work ethic to achieve. And Markus embraced it all for the role.

“He’s earned it,” Rich Talauega said. “The amount of work he put in resulted in him being able to walk in those loafers, glide from side to side, hit those notes, and play the role of Michael Jackson so big-time. I take my hat off to [Markus].”

“He did the homework,” Tone Talauega added.

Along with crafting the movement for the musical, the duo also served as authenticators of Jackson’s story.

They talked to Markus about the shared prayers, heated rehearsal sessions, and monumental performances that reflected the man, artist, and cultural phenomenon. And Rich Talauega said the result is an “electrifying, in-your-face, bona fide, and pure” telling of the generation-defying talent.

“It’s really surreal to be able to represent this man’s legacy through his dance style,” Rich Talauega said. “We feel so privileged, honored, blessed, and lucky to be able to replicate this man’s dance style as best we can with this new generation of Michaels.”

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

Espresso martinis are the it drink in Philly. Here’s where to find them.

The espresso martini has become a favorite among Gen Zers, who can often be seen with the elegant elixir in hand. If it were an outfit, it would be a tailored suit with a loosened tie — chic, but approachable.

“It’s just a trendy cocktail,” said Jared Ridgeway, the beverage manager at the Dandelion. “People love coffee and people love alcohol. When you put the two together, you’re going to have a huge crowd. It looks good in a glass, it catches the eye, and for restaurants, it’s pretty easy to execute.”

Whether you prefer the classic recipe or a modern remix, Philly offers plenty of spots to sip on this caffeinated cocktail.

The best espresso martinis in Philly?

Bar 1010

In Northern Liberties’ booming cocktail scene, Bar 1010 reigns supreme with its “cafe tini” offerings — all variations on the classic vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso cocktail. For the Classic Parmigiano, the restaurant takes a classic espresso martini ($14) and adds a sprinkling of 16-month aged Parmigianoo Reggiano — a surprisingly good combo complete with a dose of rich umami flavor. Other cafe tini offerings include pumpkin spice, topped with cold foam ($16), salted caramel ($15), and dirty chai ($15).

📍701 N. Second St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19123, 📞 267-930-8486, 🌐 bar1010.com

Enswell

After establishing the Rival Bros. Coffee empire, award-winning chef Jonathan Adams and master coffee roaster Damien Pileggi decided to collaborate again on Enswell, a day-and-night cafe and cocktail bar near Rittenhouse Square. And the partnership was tailor-made to be an espresso martini destination. Among the many standouts on Enswell’s drink menu, which includes an orange espresso tonic, the whiskey-based haymaker ($18) is a real knockout. The drink is made with Rival Bros. “Whistle & Cuss” espresso roast, house-made orgeat, Liberty Belle coffee liqueur, Moscatel cask whiskey, instant coffee cream, and a drizzle of flaky Maldon sea salt.

📍1528 Spruce St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19102, 📞 215-398-5919, 🌐 enswellphilly.com

Rouge

With the holiday season in full swing, cozy up with Rouge’s pumpkin-spiced espresso martini ($18). This seasonal cocktail is made with Holla vodka, spiced chai, infused pumpkin flavor, Kahlúa, espresso, vanilla, and fall spices.

📍205 S. 18th St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19103, 📞 215-732-6622, 🌐 rouge98.com

The Elephant Bar

The Elephant, Philadelphia’s inaugural espresso martini bar, has evolved from a seasonal pop-up into a permanent establishment. Its menu features inventive variations of the classic cocktail. From fruit-infused tinis to dessert-inspired twists like banana cream pudding ($15) martini and the brûlée all day ($15), made with Absolut vodka, espresso, crème brûlée cold foam, and Southern Tier crème brûlée stout.

📍1500 Locust St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19102, 📞 267-761-5582, 🌐 The Elephant Bar Instagram

Charlie was a sinner

Charlie was a sinner is known for its vegan delights and sleek environs, but the sultry after-hour hang’s old-school espresso martini ($17) is top of the line. The smooth, medium roast-infused martini can contend with the best the bustling stretch of Midtown Village eateries has to offer. The drink is elevated by house-made crème liqueur and naturally sweet Nizza espresso.

📍131 S. 13th St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19107, 📞 267-758-5372 🌐 charliewasasinner.com

Blind Barber

It’s no secret: Blind Barber — one of Philly’s most luxurious speakeasies — offers an impressive cinnamon cream-flavored espresso martini ($16) with choice of vodka or tequila. This Center City escape also has an espresso martini-leaning shot called the basic baddie, consisting of espresso-infused vodka, amaretto, house cold brew, and demerara sugar.

📍1325 Sansom St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19107, 📞 215-528-9485, 🌐 blindbarber.com

R&D

Fishtown’s R&D Cocktail Bar isn’t afraid to go venti. It cocktail list rotates every few months, but a mainstay is the classic espresso martini ($15). If you’re joined by a group of espresso enthusiasts, you can level up to a shareable venti ($55) that serves four people.

📍1206 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., 19125, 📞 215-515-3452, 🌐 rdphilly.com

Char & Stave

Char & Stave, with locations in Chestnut Hill and Ardmore, transitions from a refined coffee shop by day to a sophisticated whiskey bar by night. While it doesn’t offer a traditional espresso martini, the “Hot Dirty Pirate” ($13.50) is a unique twist. This cocktail combines barrel-aged espresso, whiskey caramel, dark rum, and oat milk, resulting in a rich blend of roasted oat and caramel flavors.

📍8441 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., 19118, and 21 Rittenhouse Place, Ardmore, Pa., 19003, 🌐 charandstave.com

The Dandelion

The Dandelion is an elevated pub that pays homage to traditional British cuisine, with favorites like rabbit pie, deviled eggs, fish and chips, and English-style stouts on its menu. Given the espresso martini is said to have been invented in London in the 1980s, the Stephen Starr-owned eatery serves a classic one ($15) made with Smirnoff vanilla vodka, fresh espresso, Kahlúa, and a touch of simple syrup for a well-balanced sip.

📍124 S. 18th St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19103, 📞 215-558-2500, 🌐 thedandelionpub.com

Bánh Mì and Bottles

Easily one of the city’s prettiest cocktails is from Bánh Mì and Bottles. The Vietnamese restaurant’s signature espresso martini ($16) features natural shades of purple from ube, which gives it a mild nutty flavor. This lavender-tinged indulgence is made from an espresso blend infused blanco tequila, ube condensed milk, and a whole egg.

📍714 South St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19147, 🌐 banhmiandbottles.com.

Rex at the Royal

Rex at the Royal, a Southern-inspired restaurant housed in the historic Royal Theater, offers an espresso martini that reflects its elegant ambience. The Royal Espresso Martini ($19) features vanilla bean-infused Stateside vodka, NOLA coffee liqueur, and Green Street espresso, delivering a rich and sophisticated flavor profile.

📍1524 South St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19146, 📞 267-319-1366, 🌐 rexphl.com

How to make an espresso martini?

If there’s one takeaway from the espresso martini’s popularity, it’s that there’s no single way to make it. However, the classic ingredients remain simple:

1. 2 oz. vodka

2. 0.5 oz. coffee liqueur (Kahlúa is a classic choice)

3. 1 oz. freshly brewed or cold espresso

4. 0.25 oz. simple syrup

5. Three coffee beans for garnish

While some bartenders stick with the original, others experiment with sweeteners, infused spirits, or unique garnishes to elevate the cocktail. However you take it, an espresso martini is a guaranteed way to energize your night out.

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

A karaoke taxi has come to town but some want the plug pulled on the Center City attraction

On a warm September evening, Trenton resident Gabby Douglas and her daughter were aboard Center City’s newest tourist attraction.

They had stepped onto a roofless wagon, hitched to a souped-up pickup truck, and sung their favorite tunes as they toured the bustling corners and residential pockets of Midtown Village and Old City.

Their roaring vocals and impressively timed melodies caught the attention of pedestrians, who cheered them on. Some people looked out of apartment windows while others stopped midstep on nearby sidewalks to applaud them.

“We just had fun. It was a really beautiful experience with my daughter singing. People were cheering, and it seemed like the city really loved that type of atmosphere,” Douglas said.

The musical ride, called FunCab Karaoke Taxi, was driven by founder Dominik Glazewski.

The idea first arose in 2016, when Glazewski worked as an Uber and Lyft driver in Philly. He had a karaoke system set up in his vehicle, and dreamed of the day he could start his own mobile entertainment service.

“We wanted something unique and fun — like typical tourism buses that drive around — but for people to have fun and enjoy in a new way,” said Glazewski, 44, a Poland-born entrepreneur. “We want people to come to the city and enjoy themselves.”

After moving to Charlotte, N.C., in 2020, he put his idea to the test. Glazewski purchased a golf cart-style vehicle and installed a handful of microphones and a speaker, but soon realized it wasn’t generating the excitement he initially envisioned.

The “taxi” wasn’t very safe and only had space for five passengers, which increased the operational costs and added a lot of stress to Glazewski’s fun plan. He returned to Philadelphia last April with hopes the FunCab would turn a profit in a bigger and more familiar city. The regional switch came with notable challenges, including “2-feet deep” potholes and strict city codes to maneuver.

“We weren’t sure if we could maintain the business, or if it was going to be accepted over here,” Glazewski said. “But luckily, there’s been a lot of people who like it.”

Before the FunCab made its first lap around Center City in June, Glazewski managed to do a few upgrades. He added a wagon to the back of the truck, and equipped it with five 5K cameras, LED lights, cushioned seats, a touchscreen song selector, and additional speakers to amplify the karaoke experience.

For the past five months, groups of up to nine people have been belting out hits from Usher, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Miley Cyrus, Mary J. Blige, and others in the back of the supercharged ride. And while screaming is prohibited, riders can often be heard howling their favorite tunes from Old City to Rittenhouse on their 15-mph cruise. One-hour rides start at $100, or $25 per person.

Unsurprisingly enough, some residents want to pull the plug on the moving music wagon.

“Drunk people with microphones riding a slow-moving open vehicle that stops randomly like an Amazon delivery truck, late at night — that’s a NO, THANK YOU,” one Reddit user wrote.

“If I wanted to hear bachelorette parties screaming Taylor Swift songs I would move back to Nashville. It’s an abomination,” said another.

Sheri Klock, who booked a tour for her husband’s birthday, sang Bon Jovi, NSYNC, and Michael Jackson songs throughout the late September evening. And in the coming months, she’s looking to schedule a longer session. “We had people dancing on the sidewalks and jamming to music with us,” Klock said. “It was awesome to see people who don’t know each other come together because of music.”

As social media clips of the late-night mainstay have grown more frequent, the FunCab has garnered more bookings for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and other milestones. Glazewski has also received a handful of noise complaints from Rittenhouse and South Street residents.

In response, he said he’s adjusted the FunCab routes to avoid circling the residential corners of South Street and Rittenhouse Square. He has also asked some rambunctious karaoke singers to lower their voices, or if they’re too impaired, to reschedule their trips for another date.

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“We’re not trying to be obnoxious,” he said. “If we’re making noise, I make sure we’re not making as much noise and we’re constantly moving. We don’t sit outside someone’s house.”

As for the loud music, South Philly native Oddess Blockar said that’s an unavoidable part of city life. “If you don’t want to hear noise, move to the suburbs,” she said.

Glazewski plans to expand the karaoke cab in size and scope. He wants to move away from the small, slow-moving vehicle to a bus-sized ride, and offer an interactive city tour for non-English speakers.

The plan is to stop at historic sites in Center City, with an information screen showcasing the history and interior design of each location in various languages. If there’s a question, the device would translate the responses in real time.

Glazewski also wants to develop an alternative version of Philly’s Portal, which would allow guests to sing karaoke in tandem with distant crooners from around the country.

“We have a lot of ideas,” Glazewski said. “And we’re going to try to implement them so people can get to know Philly.”

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

Legendary artist Cornbread wants people to stop defacing Philly murals

Philadelphia is called the “Mural Capital of the World” — a reputation it owes in part to the legendary street artist Darryl McCray, who’s regarded as the “Godfather of graffiti.”

McCray, better known as Cornbread, began inscribing his name onto the walls of his juvenile center in the mid-1960s, becoming a living landmark to those who later celebrated his contributions to hip-hop and the world of street art.

The Brewerytown native built his reputation as the “king of the walls” as a teenager. He tagged stone-covered buildings, construction sites, a police car, the hind side of a Philadelphia Zoo elephant, and even a jet owned by the Jackson 5.

More often than not, his insignia would be buffed from the city’s walls, but his imprint inspired a wave of artists in Philly and New York City during the 1960s and ‘70s — and later the hip-hop revolution.

McCray said Philly’s artistic movement helped spark the genre, with former graffiti writers eventually transitioning to the art of rhyme. The two intersect like North Philly cross streets, with each discipline influencing the other over the decades.

“I don’t like when they say graffiti isn’t hip-hop,” McCray said. “There would be no hip-hop without graffiti. There are a lot of original pioneers of hip-hop culture, but a big percentage were already street artists who were doing other things. Graffiti is a world culture with a small community that still makes a big impact.”

At 70, McCray is no longer “bombing” his signature across the city, but the pride he takes in Philly’s graffiti culture remains intact. He’s now a mural ambassador on a mission to stop random vandals from defacing the murals that define his beloved hometown.

“It’s the vandals that ruin the art,” McCray said. “We have renegades who just don’t care. They’re even putting their names on the defaced murals,” he said when The Inquirer caught up with him on his way to the mural My Life, My Path, My Destiny by artist Cesar Viveros, which was sullied by a series of graffiti tags.

It’s a fight that is hardly new for McCray.

Back in 2013, he put together the Graffiti Summit, which was attended by a “lot of city officials, writers, and barbers.” Together, they conjured ideas to stop the destruction of murals, which included a local taskforce to regularly maintain and clean the public artworks. But in the years since the event, McCray fears the issue may have worsened.

“Every time a mural is destroyed, it becomes a hurt piece,” he said. “This is an issue that’s been overlooked for some years. For the most part, the general public isn’t aware of the ongoing sabotage. The only thing we can do is try [to fix it].”

McCray suspects there were a few vandals who attended the Graffiti Summit, but “they didn’t make themselves known,” he said. But someone who stepped in as an ally was Mural Arts executive director Jane Golden, who’s been friends with McCray since her first days at the arts organization, then known as the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network.

“She’s a real good close friend of mine, and she’s the reason why Philadelphia looks the way it does,” McCray said of Golden. “I love [her]. We share legacies and have changed Philadelphia together.”

Golden said the summit was a success. Several spray and brush-made murals came out of the event, all of which went untouched.

Like the use of mosaic, fresco, acrylic, oil, and other artistic mediums, spray is another “tool in the creative toolbox.” It just requires permission, which she feels current graffiti writers are too often ignoring.

“Many writers today have different values and that is too bad,” Golden said. “By sharing techniques and learning from each other, there is great mutuality. Destroying art is a lose-lose proposition. Nobody wins.”

Most of the city’s murals had gone untouched since the Graffiti Summit, and even as far back as Golden’s start at Mural Arts 40 years ago. But she said there’s been an uptick in defacements since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Golden said past graffiti writers had an unspoken agreement to avoid churches, private homes, and murals, but it seems today’s artists don’t operate by the same accord.

Last year, Golden said Mural Arts spent $60,000 to remove graffiti, and the recent spike in vandalism is “eating away the soul of the city.”

“Murals in the city of Philadelphia are civic assets and it is an insult to the artists, to the community, to Mural Arts, to everyone who was part of the experience of bringing the work of art to life,” she said.

To stop the desecration, McCray said he has his eyes on a second summit, which would also honor the legacies of pioneering artists like Dr. Cool, Sank, Mutt, Kool Kev, Cupcake, and other influencers.

This summit, he hopes, will inspire further advocacy, community-wide collaboration, and deter vandals from spraying their tags over these public works. “There needs to be artists talking about the destruction of the murals, and how much some people want to see the beauty and jewels of our city destroyed,” McCray said.

With McCray at the helm, Golden is hopeful a second Graffiti Summit will encourage current and future graffiti writers to embrace the same values once held by past artists. And by offering creative development and collaboration through Mural Arts programs, a lasting impact can be made in the Philly arts community.

“When we avoid judgment and open up doors for opportunity, that provides our society with so much richness,” Golden said. “I’m not saying every graffiti writer has a desire to be an artist. But for those that do, and have the energy to build on their creativity, I think we can give it a try.

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

One Phillies superfan’s standing ovation inspires another superfan’s film

Kyle Thrash was destined to be a Phillies fan.

Just hours before he was born, his mother asked nurses to turn on the Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds game on the delivery room TV. “I don’t think you can become a fan any sooner than me getting born into a game going on,” Thrash, 35, said.

The Lehigh Valley native grew up making the hour-long commute to Phillies home games with his grandfather and learning to weather the heartbreak that comes with being a Phillies fan.

During the 2023 baseball season, the Phillies and newly-signed shortstop Trea Turner desperately needed a midseason spark. The ball club’s 25-32 start and Turner’s lackluster play routinely drew frustration and boos from Citizens Bank Park crowds. Thrash, like other fans, was looking to Turner to live up to the expectations of his $300 million signing. Months of disappointment finally transformed to a surge of fanly reinvigoration after Thrash saw a fan’s video circulating on X.

The video was from Aug. 4, 2023, when, instead of booing Turner, nearly 42,000 fans at Citizens Bank Park gave him a standing ovation during a game against the Kansas City Royals.

The action was a result of efforts by several Phillies fans, including Jack Fritz, a producer at 94.1 WIP, whom Turner later called in to thank. It was also egged on by Phillies superfan Jon McCann, who goes by the Philly Captain on his YouTube channel.

“The fans tried tough love, but I think everyone was thinking something else had to be done,” said Thrash, who also codirected the Palm Springs Film Festival Award-winning documentary, The Sentence Of Michael Thompson. “And [McCann] came up with the idea that had the spark that took off, went viral, and obviously the fans responded.”

The video, which racked up millions of views on social media, reached Thrash on X and made its way into the Phillies locker room. Turner batted .338 over the final 48 games, with the fourth-highest on-base plus slugging in the league during that span. The Phillies finished with 90 wins and reached the National League Championship Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The transformation inspired Thrash to collaborate with two-time Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot on the short documentary, The Turnaround. The film, set to premiere on Netflix today, tells the story of McCann, a devoted Phillies fan who inspired his team and city.

“It’s a human story. [McCann] is from Kensington, and he’s had his struggles. And I think the spark he started was worth telling,” Thrash said. “And I know [the Phillies] didn’t get the ending to the season we wanted, but I’m still proud of what the city did and excited for people to hear [McCann’s] story.”

Thrash and Proudfoot followed McCann as he talked about his hardened upbringing, bipolar disorder, and past suicidal thoughts. The Phillies superfan recognized the power of having support in times of darkness, and wanted to administer a dose of “Philly love” to cure Turner’s uncharacteristic slump.

The film starts with McCann describing the historic crack in the Liberty Bell and reciting a prayer to the 271-year-old Philly landmark: “Dear Liberty Bell, please let the Phillies win the World Series. Amen.”

His hopes, like the historic bell, have been weathered by his experience. But by the end of the 25-minute short, McCann is inspired by a renewed sense of self.

“This is so much more than a sports story,” said Proudfoot, who has previously directed the Oscar-winning short documentaries, The Queen of Basketball and The Last Repair Shop. “This is about someone who’s dealt with mental health and took a moment to give grace to someone who was dealing with their own issues. That’s what this story is about.”

Proudfoot, a Halifax, Nova Scotia, native, who’s been wearing Phillies jerseys throughout film festival season, admits his baseball knowledge is fairly pedestrian. But he and Thrash felt McCann’s story was tailor-made for the screen.

“We could’ve interviewed thousands of other die-hard fans,” Proudfoot said, “but [McCann] did the golden rule — treat others as you want to be treated.”

The documentary closes with McCann being invited to the Phillies’ 2024 season opener. And as the camera zooms out for a wide shot of the team’s South Philly ballpark, he says, in his thick Philly accent, “Come on boys, it’s unfinished business. This is our year. Come on, Trea Turner. This is our season. You’re going to win it for us.”

While the “Fighting Phils” didn’t make it to the World Series, they clinched the National League East title for the first time in 13 years. For Thrash, the story is characteristically Philly — “even when we lose, the city wins.”

“People forget Rocky didn’t win the heavyweight title in the first film,” Thrash said. “You don’t have to win for Philadelphia to rally behind you. You just have to put up a fight, and that’s what this film is about.”

Starting Oct. 18, “The Turnaround” streams on Netflix. The film is also screening at the Philadelphia Film Festival at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the PFS - Bourse Theater 3. filmadelphia.org.

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

Legendary CHOP cancer researcher Audrey Evans’ life is the subject of a new film

Philly-based writer and producer Julia Fisher Farbman has interviewed notable figures like former first lady Michelle Obama, NASA systems engineer Farah Alibay, and former youth softball star Mo’ne Davis. But her most popular interviewee has been Audrey Evans, the British physician and subsequent Philadelphian who became a force in pediatric cancer research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and founded Ronald McDonald House Charities.

In 2017, Farbman’s award-winning Prime Video series Modern Hero featured the then-92-year-old oncologist, and the episode has amassed upward of 17 million views.

Evans talked about her childhood in York, England, her battles with sexism in the medical field, her journey to becoming CHOP’s first female chief of oncology, and her continued push to improve pediatric cancer treatment. “I came to Philadelphia to take care of children with cancer because at the time I came, there wasn’t much else you could do but care,” Evans said to Farbman on the show.

What began as a series of interviews at Evans’ Rittenhouse apartment blossomed into a friendship between the two women. Now, that one-off episode has evolved into Audrey’s Children, a feature film starring Natalie Dormer as the iconic oncologist.

“It was special to hear her life story and distill it into a screenplay, and it just all came to life,” Farbman said. “We know, or at least we hope, this film matters to a lot of people and a lot of families. And we really hope it continues [Evans’] legacy of caring for people and inspiring others to do the same.”

The 110-minute-long film, directed by Ami Canaan Mann and written and produced by Farbman, is set to premiere at the Philadelphia Film Festival on Sunday. It chronicles Evans’ pathway to becoming a marvel of medical advancement and philanthropy during the late 1960s and 1970s.

Mann, who directed the 2014 romance drama Jackie & Ryan, said Evans’ legacy of advocacy and her sure-fire desire to make people’s lives better, is what drew her to the project. And it’s a story, she felt, was a necessary one for filmgoers, especially with the “chaos” surrounding today’s social and political climate.

“I don’t underestimate the power and responsibility that storytellers have, and I felt like if we could tell this woman’s story in a way that could touch even a handful of people who have been through the same experience, or a parallel experience,” she said. “It just felt like doing that would be important.”

During a time when cancer research was limited and families were forced to withdraw their terminally ill children from CHOP due to high health-care costs, Evans founded CHOP’s Children’s Cancer Center, and she opened the first Ronald McDonald House on Oct. 15, 1974. After retiring from CHOP in 2009, Evans went on to cofound Philadelphia’s St. James School, a private, tuition-free, Episcopal middle school.

The film also chronicles Evans’ groundbreaking research and medical findings. In 1971, she developed what is now known as the Evans Staging System, which determines the best cancer treatment plans for kids battling neuroblastoma — one of the most common solid cancerous tumors in children. Her work in reducing mortality rates for this cancer type earned her the title, the “Mother of Neuroblastoma.”

Dormer, who met Evans before Evans’ death in 2022 at age 97, has brought the late oncologist “back to life” on screen, Farbman said, perfectly capturing Evans’ dry British humor and fiery spirit. “[Dormer] was perfection,” she said. “It was a dream come true for her to read the script and love the film. And when she came on set, she just took everything to another level with her professionalism, her talents, and dedication to the story.”

From the way she walked and fixed her shoulders upright, Dormer fully channeled Evans, Mann said. The actor also captured the “graceful” way Evans described mortality to her young patients, telling them they “float” when they pass.

“That’s a task I wouldn’t wish on anybody,” Mann said. “And for her to have done that daily with such conviction to help children frame their own mortality, and do it with good cheer while trying to save their lives, I was really compelled by that story and that woman. I felt it was important to share that with as many people as possible.”

“The whole film was a labor of love for every single one of us. We always said that the right people would come to the film at the right time, and that’s been true,” Farbman said. “And I’m so grateful for the people who have joined the ‘Audrey Army’ to bring her story to life.”

“My goal is to have the audience walk away with a sense that they, too, can make a difference to somebody. No matter how small, it will have a ripple effect and it will have value,” Mann said.

“Audrey’s Children” screens on Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. And Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. Film Society Center, 1412 Chestnut St., Phila. For tickets, visit filmadelphia.org.

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

A new Christopher Reeve documentary uncovers the actor’s real superpower

Princeton, N.J.-raised actor Christopher Reeve was best known for playing Superman. But his superpower was his fight for advancements in spinal cord injury research and better quality of life for those with paralysis.

It was a cause deeply personal to Reeve, who was paralyzed from the neck down after a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995. At 42, he was restricted to a wheelchair and forced to breathe through a ventilator.

At the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in Marlton, N.J., Reeve learned to embrace the challenges his new life presented and established a foundation with his wife Dana to improve the lives of others facing the same obstacles.

He remained resolute in his mission until his death in 2004, due to heart failure.

A new documentary by filmmakers Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, explores Reeve’s life as a father, husband, film star, and world changer.

Ahead of Friday’s release, The Inquirer spoke to two of Reeve’s children, Alexandra Reeve Givens and Matthew Reeve, about their father’s upbringing in South Jersey, his love of extreme sports, and the intimate moments they shared during his recovery.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

he film didn’t really explore your dad’s upbringing much. Did you visit Princeton, N.J., as kids?

Alexandra Reeve Givens: Yes. Our grandmother lived in Princeton until a few years ago, so we grew up visiting there. Dad always felt connected there, and Dana was part of the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival for a long time. We both performed in it, and I think Dana was involved on the board. So that always felt like a deep part of our community and our history.

How was it seeing this film for the first time with all your home videos?

ARG: It was amazing to suddenly see your family’s story told in this beautiful, artistic way. Looking back on our dad and [Dana Reeve’s] life in totality was really powerful. The other thing that’s been amazing is seeing how people are connecting to the film. People are having fun revisiting the Superman adventure, and they’re connecting with it because they’ve suffered loss in their own lives. They’re seeing themselves in this story, and that’s really a beautiful thing.

Matthew Reeve: It triggered memories we might have forgotten, like a certain Halloween, Christmas, or family trip. We were lucky that we had video cameras at home, and even luckier they were used. Dana was certainly the family documentarian when we were younger, and I did a lot of filming later on.

ARG: I loved seeing the footage of him auditioning for Superman when he was still super skinny, with big sweat stains under his arms and shoe polish on his head to make him look the part. And an actress, who’s not Margot Kidder, playing opposite him as [Lois Lane].

How was it looking back at his days at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation?

ARG: Kessler is one of the premier rehabilitation centers in the country. We still work with them through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. We chose it because it was close to home and we had all these family ties to New Jersey.

There’s no sugarcoating it. It was an incredibly difficult time in our lives coming to grips with his new reality. It was difficult learning about the limitations and strategies needed to overcome those limitations. But what was powerful about it was that he was surrounded by people who were doing the same thing.

He started hearing from people who were going through similar circumstances, who rebuilt their lives, were back working, and were being strong for their families. And that was incredibly inspiring for him. He realized his circumstances had changed, but he was indeed the same person, and our family still needed him. It was physical rehabilitation, but it was really mental rehabilitation.

It was nice seeing that footage because dad and Dana were conscious about us feeling comfortable with his accident and feeling physically close to him even though his body worked differently. ... Our dad and the people at Kessler really encouraged that a lot, even in a hospital setting.

The Reeve family has been approached for films before. Why did you agree this time?

MR: It usually didn’t feel like the right people were approaching us. Most of them wanted to explore a narrative version of this story, which could have become a cheesy, tearjerky drama. We weren’t interested in doing that.

We’re excited to get his story to a whole generation of people who may not know who he was, or reintroduce him to people who remember him. And hopefully, they will come away with a deeper understanding of who our dad was and all the things that he could do.

What overarching message are you hoping the film conveys?

MR: I don’t know if I can pinpoint a singular thing. We wanted to show a complete 360 view of who Christopher Reeve was. And for me, I think that included some of the things that he could do before the accident, like flying a plane, playing the piano, scuba diving, and all these other things. And his determination, resilience, and spirit to do more for a wider community.

I think his larger message was that you don’t have to be Superman. The definition of a hero is an ordinary individual who perseveres despite overwhelming obstacles. And I hope people understand that revelation and the meaning of it, which is that everyone can do this.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story opens in theaters on Friday. The film will be available on Apple TV at a later date.

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

An in-the-works UArts documentary will show what led to the school’s collapse

Amid the thousands of emails that filled his inbox, former University of the Arts professor Kyle Crichton never expected to receive a message like the one delivered at 6:19 p.m. on May 31.

Crichton froze as the news broke — president Kerry Walk said the school was closing in a week. And on June 7, the historic arts college officially shuttered its doors, leaving hundreds of students and educators wondering how and why the university suddenly collapsed.

Administrators blamed declining enrollment and unexpected financial challenges as the source of the dismay, while some UArts employees and union members pointed to alleged mismanagement. The closure sparked days of protests and class-action lawsuits filed by dozens of ex-staffers.

‘I started filming it’

With uncertainty still looming,Crichton grabbed his camera and began capturing student-led protests on the steps of Dorrance Hamilton Hall on June 5. The award-winning filmmaker had another project on the books, but he decided to chronicle the story he was experiencing and watching unfold.

“As it happened, I started filming it,” said Crichton, who received a Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy for his work on the 2023 documentary Angel Dose. “I was disappointed financially, but I was also disappointed I wasn’t going to be teaching these kids.”

In need of a cinematographer and co-director, Crichton tapped fellow UArts graduatesKatie Supplee and Michelle Rose Goodwin, who agreed to be a part of the project, still in early stages and currently titled “Reckless Education.”

Along with capturing the devastation of the June 7 announcement, the three filmmakers have interviewed UArts students, staff, and faculty about the lasting affects of the shut down over the past four months.

Goodwin, the co-director and producer of the film, is hopeful the documentary will fully capture the frustrations, anger, and heartbreak felt among the UArts community in the days and months after the unforeseen closure.

“The school dissolving in the fashion that it did shook a lot of people’s foundations, took a lot of control from their lives, and made a lot of people feel powerless,” Goodwin said. “And I think this documentary is a way to try to give them that power back.”

Why did UArts close so suddenly?

Goodwin said they aren’t shying away from the school’s missteps, which ultimately led to its dissolution and Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. But a goal of the documentary is to figure out what happened.

To unveil the full wreckage of UArts, Crichton said it’s a “multi-pronged” approach that requires the voices of city officials.

Crichton, Supplee, and Goodwin are hoping to land interviews with city council members and attorney general Michelle Henry.

“Art is such a good vessel for spreading ideas, and I feel like that’s what we’re doing here,” Supplee said. “We don’t want to just impact the Philly arts scene with the film. We want to speak to the shuttering of educational institutions as a whole.”

Next steps for production

Supplee, whose fiancé worked at UArts before the university closed its doors, said the small production crew is now following “displaced UArts students who were forced to transfer schools to pursue their creative arts career.”

With filming in full swing, Crichton said the team is aiming for a 2026 release. The next step is to add more interview subjects, researchers, and filmmakers to bolster up the production, and score additional funding to piece the self-funded project together.

The three filmmakers are funding the independent venture while balancing their daily work as documentarians and content creators.

Crichton is confident they can produce the film “rag-tag style” for $100,000. And as they bring on more contributors, preferably UArts alums, he believes the nearly two-year process will be worth the wait.

“It feels like we have lightning in a bottle, and we want to continue pursuing it,” Crichton said. “Things will unfold, and we’ve come to the realization that it’s going to be a little bit of time, but we’re prepared for it.”

For more information, visit recklesseducationfilm.com.

– The Philadelphia Inquirer