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On the day my Italian Market story came out, I caught Richard Rys's solid tale of what became of Old City in Philadelphia magazine. This quickly became a contrast of two homes for me — where I live now and where I used to live. I wrote lengthily (and splendidly, I might add) about the
Yes, there were cheesy promoters and cheapo lounge managers looking to cash in. But that happens everywhere, always. It needed an influx of charming couture boutiques and late evening shopping spots — from AKA Records to Matthew Izzo — sooner. Now, solidly groovy hot spots like Sassafras (a holdover from its past), Cuba Libre and the entirety of the Serrano/Tin Angel complex are there. National Mechanics is there. The Arden Theater is there. City Paper is there. There's so much to put it at par with other busy neighborhoods. If you don't dig Lucy's Hat Shop after too many cheap vodkas, try the Mansion in Rittenhouse Square or one of several remaining everyday guy sports bars in Fishtown.
Look, there're always more guys in baseball caps and un-tucked striped shirts and women in Snooki boufants and low-designer jeans (them) than there are those of kinda-tasteful decorum (me — I hope — and us). That said, a great bustling neighborhood needs all sorts to sustain and survive. Rittenhouse gets it from the Irish Pub down to the Walnut Room. The Piazza will find this out soon; as much as they want to (and may actually) secede from the
Thanks A.D. for putting the article in perspective. As an Old City resident for over 10 years and now a new business owner in the district, I can remember all of the changes you've mentioned - the end of Revival, the birth of Stephen Starr, and yes, the changeover from Eroticakes to the beloved Franklin Fountain. Old City is in transition and there are a lot of great things happening here besides the weekend crowd: great boutiques, salons and spas, byob's and more. Every district has a mixture of nightlife combined with the civility found during the weekly shopping hours. Old City is still a great place to live,visit, and be proud of.
I really believe that these social networks will have a huge impact on what we can accomplish as groups, it'll help us be very organized and communicate.
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