Fun things to safely do in Philly this weekend

Looking for some fun, unique and safe ways to spend your weekend? In the age of social distancing, Metro has you covered. A few Philly establishments have come up with inventive ways to still have fun this weekend while staying healthy.

The Dutch

Philadelphians can head to South Philly starting this week to get a taste of one Pennsport hotspot. The Dutch has partnered up with the popular East Passyunk French eatery, Fond, to debut a weekly street-side pop up consisting of brunch bites, cocktails, cheesesteaks, sausage sammies, plus a variety of libations. This particular pop-up will run Wednesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with The Dutch’s chef Kevin Watters manning the grill.

Watters’ menu consists of chicken quesadillas with cheddar cheese, chicken, peppers, and onions; breakfast sandwiches with two eggs, meat, and cheese; reubens with corned beef, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, sauerkraut on marble rye and a side of potatoes. A selection of beverages will be available to go as well including mimosas, Bloody Marys (virgin available), orange juice and coffee.

Then, from 3 to 7 p.m., Fond’s chef Lee Styer will take over with a menu consisting of cheesesteaks, sausage sammies, Brie en Croûte, homemade soups, and much more. In addition, Cigar City Brewing beers, spiked mulled cider, hot cider, and cocktails to-go will be available for sipping alongside Fond’s fire pits.

The Dutch will operate during the hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for take away and outdoor dining (weather permitting). Fond will also continue their street-side pop up on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a rotating menu of eats and libations as well.

1537 S. 11th St., fondphilly.com and thedutchphilly.com

Franklin Square Light Show 

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the dazzling display at Franklin Square— you’re in luck, as the show has been extended. The Franklin Square Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO will run in the Square nightly with free shows every 30 minutes nightly through Jan. 10. However, from Jan. 11 to Feb. 28, the 100,000 lights will continually sparkle in the Square, but without the shows. Guests can enjoy the decorations and attractions throughout the winter as the Square will continue to provide safe outdoor public space weather permitting.

historicphiladelphia.org

A Sweet Soiree

Starting this week, Opera Philadelphia will be hosting a fundraiser featuring Lee Hoiby’s  one-woman opera, “Bon Appétit!” According to a release, based on two episodes of Julia Child’s classic TV program, “The French Chef,” this short, critically acclaimed confection stars renowned mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton and is directed by Ryan and Tonya McKinny, bringing audiences into the chef’s storied kitchen as she bakes a chocolate cake.

Opera Philadelphia has built a unique digital fundraising event around the comic opera, which was produced by Houston Grand Opera. This particular fundraiser is free to stream on the Opera Philadelphia Channel beginning on Friday, Jan. 8, at 8 p.m., and will remain available on-demand through Friday, Jan. 15, at 8 p.m.

Opera Philadelphia will also be offering a unique “menu of benefits” for supporters of this  event, partnering with acclaimed chef Pierre Calmels, owner of Bibou Boutique, who will provide a three-course French dinner to gala guests in the Philadelphia region (at the Benefactor level and above).

operaphila.org

Thomas Murphy’s Pub

Why not spend the weekend munching on some of the best fried chicken in town from a local chef? Fried chicken master Reuben “Big Rube” Harley who just recently opened up a new shop in North Philly has teamed up with the newly renovated Thomas Murphy’s Pub in Gloucester City, New Jersey. According to a release, Big Rube’s offerings will include his OG Fried Chicken Sammich with artisan bread, garlic butter, Holla Sauce, sharp cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and Baby Mama Sauce ($14); Cashville Hot Chicken Sammich — same as the OG Fried Chicken Sammich but with Cashville hot spice instead of Baby Mama Sauce ($15); and various fried chicken options including five whole wings ($12); and a Whole Chicken ($25).

While there, Philadelphians can also check out the newly renovated venue. Thomas Murphy’s Pub now features two floors, including an open-space upstairs with a number of TVs with 160 seats, which includes 55 seats at three bars, as well as 18 flat screen TVs. Thomas Murphy’s also now contains a state-of-the-art beer tap system with 16 beers on draft, including several local craft brews. The expanded downstairs bar also offers a number of hard-to-find Irish whiskeys and bourbons as well as a specialty cocktail menu for those looking to stay with the Irish pub vibe. 

thomasmurphyspubnj.com