There is no question that Wednesdays are sizzling due to the overall hotness (is that a word?!) of the Sipsters, however this week really turned up the temperature gauge! With summer's official arrival barreling in with a major heatwave and sunny weather, we took to the shady outdoor patios of Table 31 for this week's post-work consumption.
However, before I start raving about all things Table 31, I must discuss Wednesdays in general. Named 'Hump Day' for a reason...and not the reason that we all wish...Wednesdays for the other 39 weeks of the year are grueling. We struggle through Monday and Tuesday, only to see much of the same on day three of the work week. Though, once you're over the hump, it's smooth sailing into the weekend. When Sips begins, Wednesdays start to look a bit brighter. However this particular Wednesday was especially sunny (and not because of the stifling weather). You know why? Wait for it.... because LISA LOEB started following ME on Twitter. Yep, in a day that I was simply looking forward to drink specials and good company, Lisa comes into my Twitter life and finds me simply interesting enough (or entertaining enough) to follow on Twitter! This may not excite any of you, but I'll tell you that it was a game-changer for my Wednesday. Not only are we in the prime Wednesday time of the year, but now Lisa ratcheted up my Wednesdays to resemble the scorching temperatures of the outdoors!!
Ah, I digress. Yes, I realize that this blog is about Sips but I couldn't explain my excitement for all things Center City happy hour without first describing my sheer delight over the all-time best Pop-Up Video artist. Table 31 brought its typical A-game for week three; here's my overall assessment:
- The specials were good, or at least I think they were, since Blue Moon was on....and then it was off....and then Sierra Nevada was on....and then it was off.... Once we figured that out, we were good to go. I chose to go the cocktail route this week, which is never the best idea. However, whoever Mia is, her punch was amazing. Kusy - could it be THE Mia?! Maybe....
- Due to the expansion of the seating area outdoors, the area was not over-crowded at all. Major win for Table 31. I love the set up with the tables and cozy benches, but when a billion people are standing on top of you or leaning on your chair, it's hard to enjoy. Absolutely no issues with that this week! Score!
- Our waiter was awesome despite our largely spread out Sipsters group.
- The girls guarding the entryway were a bit militant. Frankly, they scared me. So, you got a wristband on me -- now what?! It didn't seem to make any difference.
- The ratio of men to women was much better for us single girls this week. A cold drink in hand and some worthwhile eye candy makes a girl's Wednesday ever so sweet.
Thanks to Table 31 for another successful Sips week. A huge Happy Birthday to Lisa Barbaccio today, as well. I hope that turning 21 [again] is as eventful as it was last year.
...until next week, Sipsters!
This week the Sipsters took a brief hiatus from our Center City shenanigans to honor a fellow Sipster, Abby. You see, Abby is one of those... je ne sais quoi... "Do Gooders?" and because of her all around awesomeness, she was nominated and chosen as a finalist for the Philadelphia Eagles (pronounced: iggles) Community Quarterback Award.
Last night was the Community Quarterback Celebration down at Lincoln Financial Field, and some of us Sipsters were more than thrilled to cheer Abby on--though, the cheering may or may not have been borderline inappropriate--as she received her award (ah hem, $4,000 for Back on my Feet... not to shabby). It didn't hurt that this "celebration" included cocktails and snacks, either.
While most of us have heart palpitations at the thought of missing a Sips night, it was truly an honor to be in the presence of such great Philadelphians and to celebrate the accomplishments of our dear friend. Cheers to all of the award nominees, finalists, and winners!
Until next week... sayonara sipsters!
So maybe I went out of the gate a bit strong in week one by tweeting Michelle Obama. I mean, does she really have any business ignoring a happy hour invitation from an amazing Sips crowd, complete with Google Group? I think not. Alas, MObama passed on happy hour this week. Maybe she's just not down with whiskey drinks and Dogfish beer. Who am I to judge?
Even without the First Lady, we rocked week one at Square Peg. A replacement for one of the 500 Marathon restaurants in Philadelphia, Square Peg does a nice job of combining chill relaxed atmosphere with fancy [read: strong] drinks and a good beer list. Our group was fairly indicative of the population at Square Peg, though -- Lots. Of. Ladies. I mean, I love my girls, but I don't go to happy hour to check out too-high stiletto heels and the newest of summer handbags. Throw me a bone here, boys! Big shout outs to Anthony and Ankur for hanging with the ladies for an evening.
For all of those who care (uh...mom?) here's my rundown on Square Peg, at least for happy hour on a summer Wednesday...
- The Sips specials were fantastic -- good beer, strong drinks, decent wine
- The food specials seemed to be a little weak, but I didn't eat them so really have no business commenting
- Just behind the bar was a bottle of Death's Door vodka. I think I'll pass.
- The bartenders were friendly and fairly accommodating. They did ask for open tab names about 100 times, but I can barely remember the name of my co-worker who has sat in the cubicle next to me for 2 years, so I can't blame them.
- The bartender with the most impressive handlebar mustache really made my evening. From what I understand from my guy friends, growing facial hair that can be that finely groomed is a feat in itself; the fact that he pulled it off with ease makes him quite the rockstar.
...and then it ended. The only rule of Sips is that when the specials end, we go home....until next week!!
Summer has officially started and Wednesdays have never looked better!! Its Sips time 2012! Each week we will be blogging about our choice location, the specials, the people and pretty much anything else that strikes our fancy related to the two hours dedicated to Center City Sips! We hope that you enjoy the ride....but don't get lost!!
