US – Tuesday, February 9
The Grid
The week's releases
Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.
 
The Word
Stern: I’d do ‘Idol’ for $100M
Howard Stern took to his radio show yesterday to address the rumors that he’s a possible replacement for Simon Cowell for the next season of “American Idol.” To sum it up? He’s not going for it.
 
New York Arts
Dancing while the skinny lady sings
You’ve heard of the jukebox musical? David Parsons and singers AnnMarie Milazzo and Tyley Ross of the East Village Opera Co. offer a jukebox opera, playing nightly at the Joyce. Eleven Parsons dancers share the stage with Milazzo and Ross, who clutch microphones cranked to 11 and stroll through the action. On the recorded soundtrack, three drummers create a wall of sound so loud you — well, I — want to hide under the seat. Digital video of abstract patterns, natural landscapes and stunning architecture change for each song.
 
My Books
The facets of Anne Frank and her diary
Generations of schoolchildren have read and recognized their own experiences in the words of Anne Frank, finding surprising commonalities with this young girl despite the passage of generations and the unique horror of  her situation. But according to Francine Prose’s fascinating new account of the writing of Frank’s diary, our veneration of her outpourings has eclipsed a proper assessment of Anne Frank — conscientious author.

 
Movies
Channing Tatum on love and war
Channing Tatum has worked in his fair share of genres, from indie films (“A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints”) to dance flicks (“Step Up”) to blockbusters (“G.I. Joe”). In his latest, “Dear John,” the Alabama native takes on a heavy Nicholas Sparks love story about a soldier in love while at war. He talks with us about true love and blowing stuff up.
 
Updated 13:11, March the 11th, 2009
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River Ward steps up

Long an area to watch, this place has some serious eats

There’s a buzz up north. The River Ward hoods of Fishtown, Port Richmond and Kensington are getting serious about their dining revival. New coffee shops dot old storefronts, and bistros are opening while old stand-by restaurants are being discovered by a new crop of residents — as well as an increasing number from outside the area.

Philadelphia food writer Rick Nichols is celebrating Port Richmond’s culinary delicacies on Saturday, March 28 with a guided tour. The 12-block walking tour of the old Polish neighborhood will feature samples of goulash, pierogies, sauerkraut sausage stew and more.

It’s presented by First Person Arts (267-402-2055, www.edibleworld.firstpersonarts.org).
 
The connection between old and new in the “Port Fishington” area  is made daily at Memphis Taproom (2331 E. Cumberland St., 215-425-4460, www.memphistaproom.com). Here, a kielbasy grinder and a “Port Richmond Platter” of kielbasy, pierogies and potato pancakes share the menu with classic gastropub staples as well as an international beer selection that takes a back seat to no one in the city.

In the River Ward, eating local can mean eating food that literally comes from around the corner. Greensgrow Farms (2501 E. Cumberland St., 215-427-2702, www.greensgrow.org) is a pioneer in urban farming and a valuable resource for local restaurants.

One of the restaurants looking to take advantage of the urban farm is Pickled Heron (2218 Frankford Ave., www.thepickledheron.com), which will be opening in Fishtown. Owners Todd Braley and Daniela D’Ambrosio are the quintessential chef couple, meeting in the kitchen at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia.

When it opens, the Pickled Heron will have seating for 50, and a peek at the menu reveals housemade charcuterie, steak frites, beer-braised lamb ribs, sweet potato gnocchi and pan-seared skate.
 
The couple is hoping to be open in time for the first ever River Ward Restaurant Week (www.riverwardrestaurants .com), which is set to run April 25-30.  Participating restaurants — which include Bistro Juliana, Ida Mae’s, Jovan’s Place, O’Reilly’s Pub, Sketch Burger, Hot Potato Café, Hinge Café, Johnny Brenda’s, Cassizzi’s Pizzeria, Green Rock Tavern and Mercer Café — will offer fixed price menus or options from $10 to $30.

And really, nothing says you’ve arrived like a restaurant week.
 

 

Arthur Etchells is a local food blogger. Read more at www.foobooz.com.

Metro does not endorse the opinions of the author, or any opinions expressed on its pages. 

 
 
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Music
MMMpod
The February MMMpod features conversation from Ozzy Osbourne. Michael Emerson from "Lost" tells us about his days enjoying punk rock in Boston. We also dig up an old interview from the late great Howard Zinn. We have a song from Delta Spirit and The Soft Pack, who tell us where they got their name.

 
 
 
Metro Life Panel
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