An Unexpected Delight

Many of the great restaurants in Philadelphia are the ones hidden on small streets or behind unassuming facades that most people simply pass by but never enter. These restaurants don’t need any gimmicks or over-the-top attractions. Their food speaks for itself and foodies alike gravitate towards these types of restaurants for that reason. Han Dynasty is not one of these restaurants. It was, in fact, because of it’s grandiose exterior that I have walked past it on numerous occasions, tossing it aside as just another chain serving poor quality food at an unwarranted price.

Two Fridays ago, with no reservation and a two to three hour wait at most Center City restaurants, two of my friends and I decided to try Han Dynasty at 3711 Market Street. When they suggested this I wasn’t even sure where or what Han Dynasty was. I soon realized that it was the large restaurant just down the street from where I live and go to school. I was skeptical at first but quickly reassured by hearing of their numerous acclamations, including Best of Philly: Best Chinese Restaurant not in Chinatown, 3 Bells by Philadelphia Inquirer critic Craig Laban, as well as a feature on Anthony Bourdain’s The Layover on the Travel Channel.

Interior of Han Dynasty, 3711 Market Street

During our thirty-minute wait we each enjoyed an item from their Asian-inspired cocktail, wine, and beer menu. I would suggest the Chengdu Mule made with Lemongrass infused vodka, lime juice, and homemade ginger beer if you’re in the mood for something tart and refreshing. Our stomachs were growling but we knew thirty minutes was a very reasonable wait for 7:30 on a Friday evening. The restaurant was packed with college students and young professionals enjoying a fun night out. My friends were surprised that this was not a regular stop for me, let alone that I had never been there.

When we finally sat down at our table we did not waste time before ordering our meal. Dishes are served family style at Han Dynasty so we ordered a variety of items from each section of the menu to share, including Spicy Crispy Cucumbers, Pork Belly in Garlic Sauce, Dan Dan Noodles, String Beans with Minced Pork, Garlic Sauce Style Chicken, and Scallion Style Pork. We knew that this was a lot of food for three girls, but there were just too many delicious options to choose from. One important thing to note about the menu at Han Dynasty is that every item has a red number next to it to indicate its spice level on a scale from one to ten. Most of the items that we ordered were between a five and a ten, however we had heard that the spice levels were extremely high so we asked our waiter what he would suggest for a more spice-sensitive palette. He was very helpful and allowed us to lower the spice level of each dish down to a two or three. Our food came out in a matter of minutes and our mouths were on fire almost as soon as it hit our tongues. This did not slow us down. We ate until we were full and still had enough food for each of us to take something home for the next day. One of the best things about our meal was that the prices were so reasonable for the amount of food served. We left happy and satisfied with doggie bags in hand. I am looking forward to my next meal at Han Dynasty and would recommend it to any student looking for a great meal in a fun environment.

Dan Dan Noodles, $7.95

A Supreme Exhibit!

By Jessica McGuinn

Who:

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the leading ladies of Motown, Miss Mary Wilson of The Supremes. Wilson was in Philadelphia to announce her upcoming exhibit at the African American Museum of Philadelphia (AAMP), appropriately titled “Come See About Me: The Mary Wilson Supremes Collection.” If you are a vintage fashion vixen, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. 

What:

The exhibit features a collection of over 30 of the group’s one-of-a-kind gowns as well as rarely seen video footage, gold records, album covers and historic photographs. Many of the gowns on display were collected (and some even hunted down) by Wilson herself. After the relocation of Motown Records to New York, she said, many of the group’s gowns simply “went missing.” However, she had maintained a personal collection and was able to get many of the others “back in her arms again” by tracking them down on eBay and paying for them herself. As curator of the collection, Wilson required members who were leaving the group to also leave their dresses behind. The extensive collection now includes the famous designs by Bob Mackie as well as many others by costume designer Michael Travis.

When & Where:

The collection is on display through June 30 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia in cooperation with Blair-Murrah Exhibitions.

Why:

Talent, beauty and style - the Supremes had it all. “Glamour was our signature,” said Wilson. “Even when we were 15 years old and auditioning for Motown Records, we were wearing pearls we bought from Woolworth. We were totally into dressing up.” However, the story behind this collection lies in much more than just sequins and beads. It is a story of how three young African American women used their talent and determination to garner well-deserved international success. The Supremes were style icons just as much as they were musical icons, and these gowns represent their monumental rise to the top.

 

Internal-Combustion Excellence

Internal-Combustion Excellence

Ashley Whitlock

Wood grain, leather, and steel dominated the 630,000 square foot Pennsylvania Convention Center from January 19-27. Recognized by the industry as one of the top shows in the country, the Philadelphia Auto Show put more than 700 vehicles on display for auto and design enthusiasts alike. The annual show featured dozens of manufacturers and included a variety of classic, luxury, pre-production and exotic models. If you didn’t leave the show itching to get behind the wheel, you probably don’t have a pulse.

        Not glamorous enough for you? Think again. The show kicked-off with the annual “Black Tie Tailgate” event, where ritzy and glitzy high-rollers paid big bucks to scope out this year’s models. The menu? Designed by renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr. Starr knows how to wine and dine his clientele.  Even better yet, the “Black Tie Tailgate” benefitted a good cause. Proceeds from the event were donated to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia through the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation.

            While the Philadelphia Auto Show has been welcoming car-lovers since 1902, it still manages to bring something new to the table every single year. This year, Ford and General Motors went head-to-head in the first ever “Face-off Challenge.” Mustang lovers and die-hard Camaro fans got to battle it out to become the 2013 champion. With hundreds of thousands of visitors, the Ford Mustang took home the trophy and lead by just 345 votes.

            Not a car person? That’s O.K., you don’t have to be. Anyone with an interest in design can appreciate the ideal balance of form and function. And who knows, you might just change your mind.

Short is Back!

 

Short Is Back!

By Faith Stoveld

In Christian Dior’s Spring 2013 couture runway show we were able to see that the pixie hair cut is back and stronger then ever. Paired with the feminine, strapless, tulle dresses, the look is classic and elegant.

The hairstyle itself is said to have been resurrected from the 1960s, but it looks fabulous with any style, especially runway and especially Dior. It turns the outfit into something unusual, something more classic, almost instantly. This is such a refreshing change from the boring and safe long, straight hair or fancy up-do. It’s a perfect way to add an element of freshness, and the feeling of being lightweight to the clothes.

            While the clothes themselves do not look lightweight, the feathered pixie cut perfectly balances out each look. It brought femininity and youthfulness to a classic, household fashion name, Christian Dior.

Don’t Neglect the Animals, Save a Life

During Fall term I decided to foster a cat, never having owned a cat before I was a bit nervous to be the primary caregiver for one but I figured I would give it a try, fostering is not a longtime commitment. So, I drove to the PSPCA on East Erie Avenue and waited to meet the cats able to be fostered.  Entering the PSPCA with the mindset this would strictly be a foster cat, I wanted to get an older one, set in his/her ways and easy to take care of.  The first cat they handed to me was a 6 week old kitten. OY! No way, I would never be able to bring the cat back after a few weeks.  The next they handed me was a very skinny, shy tan domestic cat named Clementine.  She is 13 years old and over the summer she and about 30 others were rescued from a hoarders house.  I figured she would be perfect because she seemed to do her own thing and just need a loving home for a little bit. It was an instant connection and I knew Clementine was the perfect match. Over the winter break, Clementine lived at my aunt and uncle’s house down the street from my parents, I visited her everyday and realized I would not be able to give her back. Against all my previous thoughts, on January 18, I adopted Clementine. She is officially mine and I could not be happier.

Having a pet in college is not the easiest of tasks, always worrying about feeding them, caring for them and just being responsible for another mammal.  At the end of the day, a pet is the best medicine for a college students stress and anxiety. And knowing that you are saving an animals life is the best feeling.  As I started to get involved with the PSPCA, I realized how many college students are fostering dogs and cats - it’s not permanent and the reward affects both parties. The PSPCA told me that college students are the best candidates for fostering animals, they are full of love, have awkward free time and looking to somehow make a difference in the world. Most animals are available to foster because they are not medically or socially ready to permanently enter a home, for example, my Clementine had an ear infection and an upper respiratory infection, she was still under close care of the veterinarian. Fostering an animal is simple and rewarding, food is provided, healthcare is provided and an extra space in the PSPCA opens for another animal to be rescued. Most of the animals up for fostering just need a little TLC, many have been abused and neglected, they need a little pick me up and a warm home and of course, to be reminded that there are people in the world who care about them.

So, if you’re feeling generous and want to give back to the community and save a life, foster a pet.  A foster can last anywhere from two weeks to three months and if you fall in love, like I did, you could save a life and find a friendly companion.  And lets be honest, who doesn’t want to have a pet to play with for a few weeks?

By Emily Farrara

 

Trouser-less Travels

By: Ashley Whitlock

Ask any true fashionista out there, and she will tell you that New York City is the fashion capital of the world. At the forefront of style, glamour and innovation, New York City symbolizes American fashion. New York City is where everything in fashion is happening – and happening first.
    Depending on how you pose the question to said “fashionista,” she might also tell you that New York City is equally famous for being unconventional, in your face and downright crazy. To put it plainly, one should never be afraid to expect the unexpected.
    In one of my late night “I-really-don’t-want-to-start-my-homework-so-I-will-spend-my-time-trolling-facebook” sessions, I blindly stumbled upon the unexpected. I came across a photograph of my friends visiting the Big Apple…only they weren’t wearing pants. Not a typo – literally pantsless. As I bowed my head and began to question my faith in humanity, I noticed that other people in the picture were down to their skivvies too! “…Is this a thing?” I asked myself. Well ladies and gentlemen, as it turns out, this pantsless parade is indeed a “thing.” An annual “thing.”
    January 14th proved chillier than most for the New Yorkers who chose to ride the MTA subway in their undies. This “No Pants Subway Ride” drew thousands of people willing to strip down to their unmentionables, and left even more people scraping their jaws off the floor. “For what?” you ask. Some might express interest in a grand social experiment, while others probably just enjoy showing off their goods. Time Magazine says that this scandalous stunt has had New Yorkers stripping their pants for 12 consecutive years. In fact, this annual commando commute has since spread to 60 cities in 25 countries, on 5 continents.
    Whether you’re a high fashion model diva or just a “Plain Jane,” an important lesson can be learned from these brave New Yorkers. Toss those Granny Panties in the rubbish bin and buy yourself something sassy - you never know what the day will hold and you don’t want to get caught dead in ugly “tighty whities.”

The L Word

          In the world of fashion, collaborations are constantly changing. Standing out from previous collaborations is what makes a collection memorable, which is easier said than done. However, the marriage of two iconic brands from across the ocean, Britain's iconic florals and America's class blue jeans, is a huge deal. The line will first be available at Liberty's London shop in April before heading stateside in May on Levi’s website.

         This 15 piece collection, ranging in price from $90 to $200, combines an exclusively designed Liberty print with Levi's denim, giving the capsule collection a fresh take on the floral denim trend that was seen everywhere last season. The arrangement of fabric pieces stitched on top of jeans and inside of vests and jackets allows for a more playful look which is a little easier to wear than a full-floral look. Be on the lookout for this collection, because it marks the first time Liberty has veered away from its signature tiny blossoms, instead creating what looks like a laser print in a white floral-dot pattern.