Eat, Drink, Do: Hong Kong-style pastries in South Philly, red beer at McGillin’s, and a ‘Friends’ murder mystery show
Here are our top picks for things to eat, drink, and do this week.
After a whirlwind of Halloween celebrations, I’m ready to plop on on my couch and never get back up. But with the city buzzing — Phillies, I’m looking at you — it seems my couch will have to wait. This week, I’m revisiting a South Philly spot to eat Hong-Kong style pastries and buns, toasting to our National League champs with red beers at Philly’s oldest tavern, and participating in a very “Friendly” murder mystery show in Queen Village.
Here are our top things to do in Philly this week.
Eat
Last fall, I popped into a bright blue building at the northeast corner of 11th and Oregon St. in South Philly and found pillowy buns and thick, fluffy Swiss rolls piled high in display cases.
At Dodo Bakery, freshly made savory and sweet Hong Kong-style pastries and cakes are offered with a variety of bubble tea options ($1.75 to $10). I’m revisiting this week to get my hands on their pandan Swiss roll and cream bun. An iced Thai tea goes along nicely with the bun. Try the almond butter milk cake, coconut heart bun, pork cheese bun, pineapple puff pastry and so much more.
📍2653 South 11th St., 📞 215-820-9804, 🌐 dodobakery.co
Drink
You’ve seen green beer for the Eagles and St. Patrick’s Day, and blue beer for Villanova. But now, McGillin’s Olde Ale House, the city’s oldest tavern, has dyed their beer red (pitchers are $10.50). For the first time in 162 years, down a pint of red in honor of our champs as they push through and take on the Astros in the World Series. Enjoy other Phillies specials like the MVP ($11.99) — meatloaf, Vidalia onion rings, provolone, topped with smoky ranch sauce, bacon on Philly toast. Or try the Ring the Bell ($12.99) — cheesesteak stuffed roasted red pepper with fried onions, provolone, served over mashed potatoes drizzled with homemade tomato sauce.
📍1310 Drury Street, 📞 215-735-5562, 🌐 mcgillins.com
Do
Everyone’s favorite group of Friends are coming together to celebrate the grand opening of Gunther’s “Fairmount Perk” Cafe. Ross and Rachel are on a break, again. Monica and Chandler are dealing with some unexpected guests at the party. Phoebe is looking for a babysitter for her nieces and nephews, and Joey is protecting his food from partygoers.
With tensions this high, the drama boils over and things take a deadly turn. This murder mystery show runs till Dec. 20 at the Counter Culture on South Street.
Tickets are $35 for general admission to watch the show and vote at the end for the killer. Get the VIP ticket for $75, which includes preferred seating, skipping the check-in line and a complimentary beverage. Purchase clues for $5 to get a leg up in solving the mystery. Clues can be purchased with tickets, throughout the show and during ballot break — or when you vote for the killer — with QR codes at each table. The VIP ticket includes the Clue 6 pack. Receive clues, talk with actors on stage and vote with the “Eve ntzee” or “Eventzee Scavenger Hunt” app on the Appstore.
Order cocktails throughout the night by Pops McCann Whiskey and watch the chaos ensue.
📍514 South St., 🌐 redrum.live/product/phriends