Absolute Auction down the shore, it’s a real steal!

This just in, amazing news for prospective shore home buyers! In today’s crazy housing environment, anything is possible, including the auctioning off of prize properties. And for one spectacular house in Ocean City, New Jersey, the auction is absolute – meaning that the highest bid above the starting number, however low, must be accepted. The 7,000-square foot, Victorian-style beauty was originally priced at $6 million; bidding, however, is expected to begin at a mere $2 million. Since the house is magnificently appointed and beautifully situated, it’s going to be a real steal.

Imagine a gorgeous mansion at the Jersey shore, charmingly designed, beautifully appointed with every imaginable amenity, and a bargain to boot. Sound impossible? Nope: it’s a John Olivieri-designed house in Ocean City, New Jersey, set for an absolute auction  on May 19. This magnificent home features six bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths, and a “Smart Home” system that lets you control everything from lighting to air conditioning – not to mention a radiant floor heating system throughout (including showers), a gracious front parlor with an 1850s fireplace, and a gourmet kitchen complete with a breakfast area, two islands, granite counters, Sub-Zero fridge, two Dacor wall ovens, three Fisher Paykel dishwashers, and much, much more. Property tours end May 18. Want to bid (or share the news)? Visit PremiereEstates.com for instructions and an incredible aerial tour of the home that you have to see to believe!

Philadelphia Welcomes the 2012 Food Experiment National Tour

For anyone who is a whiz in the kitchen or simply savors delicious mouthfuls of food, come to the 2012 Food Experiments National Tour!

This countrywide amateur cook-off is continuing its 16-city tour by rolling into Philadelphia’s Underground Arts Theater on May 6, 2012. Amateur chefs are invited to brandish their talents by creating the ultimate sandwich for the public’s tasting pleasure.

You are invited to judge this festive and delicious event, joining local expert Emilio Mignucci of Di Bruno Bros to determine the winner. Contenders are not only competing to win over your taste buds, but also for the opportunity to battle other national winners in Brooklyn, New York.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit charities that promote healthy eating among Philadelphian youths. So come, tie an apron around your hips or tuck a napkin into your shirt, and partake in this sandwich extravaganza!

For details, visit http://thefoodexperiments.com/tour/

Wine and Dine for a Noble Cause

May 7th, 2012 join Philadelphia’s culinary superstars at the elegant Loews Hotel to combat childhood hunger with Taste of the Nation Philadelphia. The city’s premier chefs and mixologists generously join forces to create a wildly delectable medley of tastes, a dream for any Philadelphian foodie. Participating restaurants include Mémé, SBRAGA, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Marigold Kitchen, Valanni and dozens more. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, an anti-hunger organization that contributes on local and national levels. So come, celebrate the city’s unique flavors, try your luck with exciting live and silent auctions and contribute to a fantastic cause.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation.

French Grapes grown in Italy? An evening of great wine at Mémé

David Katz of Mémé Restaurant will host an evening celebrating some of the greatest French varietals that are being produced in Italy. Learn why and have the pleasure of tasting these fantastic wines with David’s guest Federico Dall’Olmo of the Artisians Cellar. Federico is a very passionate Bologna native who lives, eats and sleeps Italian wine. Experience his featured selection of Italian wines that will pair with the fun rustic flavors of Mémé’s cuisine.

Monday, April 30 Meme will offer a four-course meal including a variety of wines for $60. Seating times will be 6 and 8:30 p.m. The restaurant is located at 2201 Spruce St., Philadelphia. For reservations, call 215.735.4900 or visit memerestaurant.com for more information.

Dine Out, Fight AIDS

On Thursday, April 26th, 2012 over 200 restaurants in the Delaware Valley area will participate in Dining Out for Life benefiting thousands of men, women and children suffering from HIV/AIDS. Dine at participating restaurants and 33% of your food bill will benefit local services in the fight against HIV/AIDS. For a complete list of participating restaurants visit dinningoutforlife.com. Search for participating restaurants by location, cuisine type, meal served – even for restaurants taking part in a special 20% off Tuesday promotion.

Making a difference is as easy as going out to eat! Make your reservations soon and remember to support these amazing restaurants thought the year – they truly are making a difference in your community.

Main Line Restaurant Week

April 23rd through April 29th marks Main Line Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants throughout the Main Line and Philadelphia’s western suburbs will offer prix fixe menus showcasing their chefs’ signature dishes. Menus feature discounted lunches and three-course dinners which comprise of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Diners can expect to spend $20 to $50 per person.

What’s better than a discounted meal at your favorite restaurant? Well how about the chance to eat for FREE at some of the best eateries in the Main Line. Lucky Restaurant Week diners have a chance to win gift certificates for up to $100 at participating restaurants including Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Verdad, and The Capital Grille. For details and a full list of restaurants visit: www.mainlinerestaurantweek.com.

Happy dining everyone!

 

Get the dirt from the Gardening Experts at Linvilla

Whether you are a gardening enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys being outdoors and creating your own secret garden, celebrate the emergence of spring with Linvilla Orchards at the annual Plant and Flower Festival on Saturday, April 28th. Linvilla’s professional staff will be on hand to answer all of your gardening questions and offer some skillful advice.

Get a tip or two and learn from the experts at these free demonstrations throughout the day:

  • 9:00 a.m.       Attracting Wildlife to Your Garden
  • 10:30 a.m.     Seed Starting
  • 12:00 p.m.     Meet Linvilla’s Beekeeper
  • 4:00 p.m.       Container Gardens

Makin’ Music will be performing to get kids singing, dancing, moven and grooven! Be sure not to miss Raptors on Tour at 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. At 2:45 and 4:15 p.m., see the Broozers live in concert performing their upbeat reggae influenced music. For a day jam packed with fun, kids can enjoy special visits from costumed characters, get their faces painted, compete in games, win contests, and play on Linvilla’s world-class playground! Take a ride on a real pony or enjoy a hayride through the beautiful blossoming fields. When tummies start to grumble, stop into the market for some sweet treats or enjoy lunch at the Linvilla Grill.

Linvilla Orchards is located at 137 West Knowlton Road, in Media, PA. Call 610-876-7116 or visit www.Linvilla.com.

Paws Up for Pet Appreciation Weekend

What a scene it’s going to be: Doggies on leashes with their people in tow, animal lovers sharing stories and advice, and pets playing games and making new furry friends. On Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15, Pet Valu presents Pet Appreciation Weekend (PAW), a celebration of our domestic critters and those who love them. There will be games, refreshments, and giveaways. It’s also an opportunity to raise money and supplies for animal charities. A portion of the proceeds from the weekend’s sales will go directly to local animal shelters.

Pet Valu sees this Pet Appreciation Weekend as a chance to build awareness and raise much-needed funds for local animal agencies and services. Last year, during Pet Valu’s annual Pet Appreciation Weekend, over 160 pets were adopted and $250,000 was donated to local shelters. Check out http://us.petvalu.com/ to find a Pet Valu location near you.

 

Gardening like Johnny Apple Seed

ImageSpring is here and it’s time to work on your  garden. Take your planting up a notch with a FREE informative class at Linvilla Orchards and try Building your own Home Orchard. Whether you have one fruit tree or a dozen, Linvilla’s farm manager, Norm Schultz will discuss what you need to know to maintain your trees. Learn what and when to spray, how to prune and other important details that will keep your trees fruitful with Linvilla on Saturday, April 14th at 10:30 a.m.

While you’re there, you can always pick up fresh produce and a pie from the Farm Market or grab a bite to eat at the Linvilla Grill in the Garden Center. Linvilla Orchards is located at 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, PA 19063. Or log onto Linvilla.com for more information.

A Reel-y Fun Day of Fishing at Linvilla Orchards

2011 Family Fun Fishing Derby

Family fun in the great outdoors! Experience the thrill of your line being tugged further away while fighting to reel in the BIG one at Linvilla Orchards Annual Family Fishing Derby.

Take the family for a relaxing morning sitting on the banks of Orchard Lake for a day of laughter and competition. This event is perfect for your novice fisherman who’s looking for their first big catch! The excitement begins on March 31, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with transportation from the Farm Market to the pond beginning at 8 a.m. Orchard Lake will be loaded with over 1,000 trout ripe for the fishing!

Big catches mean big prizes. Join the fun to be the first in your age group to catch a golden trout! The entry fee for each fisherman is $14.99 and no fishing license is required. If all this fishing doesn’t make you hungry, the on-site Linvilla Grill will! Come to the Family Fishing Derby where you and yours will can catch the fun!

For more information, call 610.876.7116 or visit www.linvilla.com. Linvilla Orchards is located at 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, PA.