May 27, 2015

East Passyunk to launch summer 'passeggiata' event

By Brandon Baker
PhillyVoice Contributor

Thom Carroll/for PhillyVoice

East Passyunk Avenue, just outside Black 'n Brew.

East Passyunk Avenue is about to get a whole lot more hoppin' on Wednesday nights.

Every Wednesday from May 27 until Labor Day, the avenue will host a late-night shopping and happy hour experience called the "passeggiata," loosely translated means "evening stroll." For further context, a passeggiata is a pre-family-dinner and post-workday social event in Italian culture, meant to bring communities together in a promenade. Traditionally, participants are dressed to the nines, and the evening secondarily serves as an opportunity for courtship.

However, the focus is more on shopping and food than style and flirting.

The experience will include "al fresco" dining from participating restaurants, live entertainment at the Singing Fountain from 3 to 7 p.m. and a happy hour with summer specialty cocktails until 8 p.m. at select bars. Rounding that all out is artwork exhibited as part of the Art Museum's Inside Out public works program, which will run through Aug. 9. The exhibit, curated for East Passyunk Avenue, will include 11 pieces and be located on or near the avenue between Wharton and Broad streets

There are about 13 bars and restaurants participating in the avenue-wide happy hour. Below are a few highlights:

•Palladino’s: Peroni Draft ($3), Yards, Victory, Dogfish ($4), House Wines By Glass ($5); Well Cocktails ($6)

•Ray's Happy Birthday Bar: Yuengling and a shot of Windsor whisky ($4)

•Cantina Los Caballitos: Half-price margaritas, $2 off drafts, Tecate ($2.50)

•Birra: Peronis ($3), seasonal drafts ($3), house Sangria and a weekly seasonal cocktail made from locally sourced ingredients ($5)

• P'unk Burger: Shakes and floats ($5)

Shops that will be open until 8 p.m.:

• A Man's Image

• Amelie's Bark Shop

• Baum's Dancewear

• Bell's Bike Shop

• Boutique W