The Philadelphia International Flower Show  in Philadelphia March 4 through 11. Under 2012’s “Islands of Aloha” theme, guests will be immersed amid authentic Hawaiian dancers and musicians, breathtaking displays of exotic and tropical flora, and an authentic twenty-five foot waterfall, with digital technology that mimics the ocean.

The Flower Show will have an entirely new layout, among other things. Aside from full-scale displays and competitive classes, professionals will partake in floral face-offs providing guests inspirational entertainment. Culinary demonstrations and wine tastings are sure to be a hit, while “The Man Cave” provides a testosterone haven, equipped with a digital surround theater to air local sports. Should you wish to elevate your experience, attend one of the three evening outings, including LGBT night, Wedding Wednesday and Girls’ Night Out, or join the VIP list to meet Bethenny Frankel and sample new additions to her Skinnygirl product line. When it comes to The Flower Show, there’s something for everyone.

The world’s largest indoor flower display will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, located at 12^th and Arch Streets. General admissions tickets cost $27 for adults, $20 for students, and $15 for children; prices increase with add-ons. All tickets can be purchased either online or at one of several retail outlets, listed here. Proceeds benefit the Philadelphia Horticultural Society and its renowned urban program, City Harvest. For further information, call (215) 988-8899 or visit the web site.

For Smartphone savvy users, download The Flower Show App for  free maps, schedules, show features and parking advice.

Spring forward with Linvilla Orchards and Get your Garden Growing!

On March 17^th at 10:30 a.m., guests of Linvilla will have the chance to learn the ins-and-outs of home gardening during three free informative seminars, under expert Joe Daniels.

For those that have no prior planting experience, take the opportunity to learn Daniels’ tricks of the trade, and wake your garden from its winter slumber! There’s no better time to prepare for springtime sowing than the present. If you already happen to be a knowledgeable gardener, why not make the most of your talent with additional tips? Skill level is irrelevant, so long as you get your garden growing!

Questions are welcome, as are friendly faces. What are you waiting for? Mark the date!

Call (610) 876-7116  or visit the Linvilla Orchards site for further information. Linvilla Orchards is located at 137 West Knowlton Road, Media, PA.

In celebration of the no-meat-Friday season of Lent, Shank’s Original will be featuring a Filet of Flounder on the menu every Friday through April 6th. The Filet of Flounder is served as a scrumptious sandwich or as a palatable platter with cole slaw, cocktail sauce and a beverage of your choice all for only $5.00.

Shank’s, located at 901 S. Columbus Boulevard, Pier 40, Philadelphia PA 19147 is open Sunday through Thursday 10 am – 9 pm and Friday and Saturday 10 am – 10 pm.

We encourage you to call ahead so your order is ready when you arrive. 215.218.4000.

See you at Shank’s!

Check out Night Kitchen Bakery on this past Saturday’s edition of “FYI Philly” on 6 ABC. We brought in three tiny test-tasters to show you what first birthday party smash cakes are all about. Welcome to the party.

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Foodies, foodies, everywhere: Philadelphia’s annual culinary showdown is returning for another year of talented chefs serving bold flavors for an incredible foundation. Leading chefs from across the region have united to support the worthwhile cause that is Philly Cooks!, an event hosted by Philadelphia magazine for its twelfth consecutive year. Its purpose is simple: utilize proceeds to benefit The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, an organization that provides a temporary home away from home for families of ill-stricken children receiving care at local Philadelphia hospitals.

On February 22 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the 33^rd Street Armory, located at Drexel University, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in creatively scrumptious dishes crafted by Philadelphia’s elite participating chefs and restaurants, as well as sample a variety of upscale wines and enjoy the fine tastes of sponsors such as Stella Artois and ABCD Coffee.

If you’re wondering who will take the 2012 “Dish of the Year” title, why not attend? Whether its “Best Entrée” or “Best Dessert,” Philly Cooks! will not disappoint.

Tickets cost $75 per-person, although a discount will be provided for groups of 10 or more. All guests must be 21 years-of-age with a valid ID. To purchase your ticket, call (215) 940-4605 or visit Tix.com.

For questions or further details visit the Philly Cooks! site, and don’t forget to check out the “Special Offers” section for incredible giveaways.

It’s Valentine’s Day. When hearts beat a little faster. Florists work overtime. And food-loving lovers are looking for a seductive place in which to wine and dine and … well, pitch the woo! May we suggest a suggestive space for all this delicious intrigue? It’s Gemelli, of course, where a cool, sexy vibe sets the stage for a prelude to amour. Chef Clark Gilbert is getting the menu ready, and while it’s still in the planning stages, you can be sure it will be a study in sinful sensuality. They’re taking reservations for Saturday, February 11, and Tuesday, February 14, so book your table right now.  Cupid will be here, and we don’t want you to miss out on the romance.

Gemelli on Main  is open for dinner on Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m.,Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. Gemelli is located on 4161 Main Street, Manayunk, PA. For reservations visit, gemellionmain.com or call  215.487.1230.

Enjoy the exotic and tropical ambiance of orchids in your home. These beautiful flowers are perfect accents of color and provide a sweet aroma that will compliment any home’s decor. Learn what orchid is best for your house and how to properly take care of your orchid with Linvilla Orchards this Saturday, February 11th  at 10:30 a.m.

Master Gardener Gail Sklaar will share her knowledge and expertise to all who wish to learn about these exotic beauties.

She will also be available to answer any questions concerning orchids and can help you to diagnose an ailing orchid if you bring in the suffering plant. This informative seminar is FREE  so be sure to come and get a lesson on Orchids 101.

The class will be held in Linvilla’s  indoor garden center, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, PA 19063. For more information, call 610.876.7116 or visit www.linvila.com.

Still haven’t made Valentine’s Day plans? Never fear, Breslow Partners is here with some  suggestions on where to take your loved one for a magical day, or at least dinner.

Looking for Valentine’s Day sweets? Head to Night Kitchen Bakery in Chestnut Hill for yummy treats to share with your loved one, or keep all to yourself. Naughty conversation heart cookies are a cute classic with a different twist.

Nectar, in Berwyn, is one of the most romantic restaurants around. If you can’t get a reservation on Valentine’s Day, there’s always the weekend before or after.

Gemelli on Main is a new spot to try, if you haven’t already, for a more relaxed, but very good meal. Get some really creative Prohibition-style cocktails at Gemelli. Then if you want more, you can check out the bars in Manayunk after dinner.

David Katz will be serving up a great menu at Meme, BYOB or buy a bottle from Meme.

Looking for that low-key, no muss, no fuss, grab and go South Philly grub? Shank’s Original on Pier 40 has award-winning Philly cheesesteaks, chicken cutlets with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone, old school italian hoagies and other Italian delicacies.

Modern Mexican food doesn’t scream Valentine’s day, but we scream for Xochitl as one of the best places to dine out if you’re feeling a fiesta in your corazon.

So don’t get caught without a good place to grab some killer grub this Valentine’s Day. Even if you don’t have a sweetheart, grab a pal and head out to eat. Feed to heart through the stomach. That’s what we always say. Cupid suggests it, too.

From animal fat, to olive oil, to ashes—it’s quite comical which materials are used to create the very products we use to clean our bodies.  Saturday, February 4, at 10:30 a.m., guests of Linvilla Orchards have the opportunity to transform and personalize these substances to a soap that is all their own.

Under the guidance of Liana Bauerle, herbal body care expert and gardener extraordinaire, 10 guests will use fresh ingredients to learn the craft of herbal soap making through the art of practice. Creating four to five distinctive bars for just $25, guests can share their creations with loved ones, whether as a gift for their Valentine or as a display of talent in their household. Classic, yet indulgent, design your mini-line of soap bars that you can call your own!

This is just one of 11 classes featured at Linvilla Orchards this season, please call (610) 876-7116 to reserve your seat.

Linvilla Orchards is located at 137 West Knowlton Road, Media, PA.