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.

Chris’ Jazz Club Worldwide Livestream

This Saturday, Aug. 1, Philly’s own jazz club will be casting tunes once again—just through the virtual format. This weekend kicks off a new series of weekly live concerts for Chris’ Jazz Cafe with this Saturday’s stream featuring Saxophonist Eric Alexander and the Young Philadelphians (Joe Block, Byron Landham, and Alex Claffy). To make the occasion even more meaningful, according to a release, Chef/Owner Mark DeNinno decided to make the first two shows (Aug. 1 and 8) benefits for Philadelphia-based internationally beloved jazz guitarist Pat Martino (Patrick C. Azzara), who has not worked since November 2018 due to severe health issues. The live streams are $5 (with the exception of the two Pat Martino fundraisers, which are pay-what-you-want) and will take place at 8 p.m. every weekend (note that after Aug. 8, the shows switch to Friday nights) until Aug. 28. Future performers to look forward to include guitarist Peter Bernstein and his quartet, pianist Tim Brey, vocalist Chelsea Reed and more. 

chrisjazzcafe.com

Four-Course Summer Lobster Tasting at Branzino BYOB

Branzino BYOB in Rittenhouse is bringing a taste of New England right to the City of Brotherly Love for all to enjoy. With their new four-course lobster tasting menu, diners will get to experience different variations of lobster dishes, all of which are brand new to the hotspot eatery. Dishes include a lobster salad with butter lettuce, radicchio, buttermilk dressing, and shaved baby carrots; lobster crostino on focaccia toast with saffron aioli and pickled fennel slaw; spaghetti nero, featuring butter-poached lobster, basil and cherry tomatoes; and lobster & lamb — a butter-poached lobster tail and lamb shoulder “surf-and-turf” with corn soffritto. On top of the new tasting menu (which comes out to be $55 per person), the BYOB is also offering a grilled split lobster option as well featuring a whole split 1.5 lb. lobster a la Plancha brushed with thyme butter, and paired with grilled local corn on the cob for $20 for half, or $36 for a whole. The new offerings will be available at Branzino until at least Labor Day. 

branzinophilly.com

Whiskey Garden at The Butcher Bar

Center City hotspot The Butcher Bar has decided to utilize their patio space to create their own Whiskey Garden. The space will feature a variety of seasonal cocktails including the ‘Mr. Tea’ made with bourbon, lemon, black tea and mint and the ‘Don’t Call it a Comeback’ made with rye, blueberry, lime, orange liqueur and sage. Butcher Bar is also offering buckets of beer with a selection of six domestic and craft cans starting at $20 and a new seafood trough featuring lobster tails, skirt steak, Alaskan king crab legs, grilled corn on the cob, house-made old bay potato chips and more. The trough feeds 2 to 4 guests, comes out to be $150 and must be ordered 24 hours in advance. The Whiskey Garden is meant to highlight Butcher Bar’s extensive whiskey and beer offerings and also serves the hotspot’s happy hour and regular menu. 

butcherbarphilly.com

The Clay Studio’s National Exhibit

Recently, The Clay Studio launched a new National Exhibit that is open to view both in person at their gallery (guests must follow safety protocols when visiting) or online. According to the release, the new National Exhibit is composed of three sections: Jury, Invited Artists, and Juried Artists and features the work of over 70 artists and explores the wide range of ceramic art being created in today’s world. The Clay Studio is also presenting the work of 17 invited artists including Tracie Hervy, Angelica Pozo and Malene Barnett, and those who check out the exhibit can also purchase some of the pieces as well. Gallery hours run Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., and the virtual showing of the exhibit can be found on The Clay Studio’s website.

theclaystudio.org

Fried Chicken Fridays at The Bourse

The Bourse has figured out another way to celebrate the start of the weekend with their new weekly series, Fried Chicken Fridays on the patio. The crispy and juicy event kicked off last weekend on July 24 and will run through Aug. 14. Diners can experience grab and go items directly from the patio across from Independence Mall featuring offerings from FreeByrd Chicken and beers to pair with it as well. Menu highlights include The FreeByrd Chicken Sandwiches ($10) with buttermilk brined fried chicken, Alabama white BBQ sauce and homemade pickles on a soft roll, plus cans of Yeungling ($4), Miller Lite ($4), and Yards Brawler ($5). Guests will be able to order in-person with credit card, and social distancing will also be enforced to help keep everyone safe and healthy. According to the release, Freebyrd Chicken’s sandwiches are also available for delivery at freebyrdchicken.com or via a third-party app. Freebyrd Chicken also offers a Weekend Family Bundle, including four sandwiches and two sides with the option to add drinks for just $40. Additionally, The Bourse Food Hall has recently partnered with Snack Pass to offer delivery and pick-up from multiple vendors in one order with participating vendors including Prescription Chicken, Abunai Poke, Scoop DeVille and Marino Bros. Cheesesteaks.

theboursephilly.com