🏛️ Should the Art Museum’s rebrand stay or go?

Paid Leave Proposed for ‘Small Necessities’

The proposal in the state legislature would require employers to provide 24 hours of paid leave for employees who serve as caregivers so they can go to medical appointments, attend school functions, or respond to emergencies. [Penn Capital-Star]

Is the Art Museum Hitting Rewind on Its Rebrand?

The Philadelphia Art Museum’s new CEO, Daniel H. Weiss, has some cleaning up to do following the former CEO’s dramatic departure and subsequent lawsuit. His priorities include deciding whether to lean into the widely panned name change and rebrand, or scrap it altogether. [🎧 City Cast Philly, 🔒 The Inquirer]

Experience the Fringes of Philly’s Art Scene Year-Round

Fringe Arts kicks off its first winter-spring season this week with dark comedy “We Have Come to Collect: A Flirtation, with Capitalism.” The pumping station turned theater will have a rotation of shows through May, including “Baby Everything,” which follows Baby trying to stay sane through the ultimate doomscroll (who else can relate?), pay-what-you-can Scratch Nights, and a musical with Bearded Ladies Cabaret. [🔒 Philly Mag]

Philadelphia has one of the hottest food scenes in the country — just ask the Michelin Guide, which awarded three Philly restaurants a Michelin star last year.

Since our culinary landscape is constantly growing and changing, we’re here to help you stay on top of it all. Here’s a recap of some of the Philly restaurants, bars, cafés, and other food spots that have recently opened.

d’griot cafe | 51-53 Maplewood Mall (Germantown)

If you used to be a regular at Franny Lou’s Porch in Kensington, its spirit lives on at d’griot cafe. Blew Kind’s gallery and community space has already been operating workshops and storytimes, but the wellness cafe is the newest addition. Grab a yogurt bowl or biscuit breakfast sandwich before going about your day.

Carbon Copy | 613 S. 7th Street (Bella Vista)

You no longer have to schlep over to West Philly or Port Richmond for this taproom experience. Carbon Copy has officially expanded to South Philly, serving up locally-made beers and wines. The menu also has a variety of non-alcoholic options. Don’t just go for the drinks — the pizza and wings are pretty solid.

Crust Vegan Bakery | 4200 Ridge Ave. (East Falls)

If you need something sweet that’s vegan-friendly, stop by Crust Vegan Bakery’s new location. Grab ice cream, brownies, and custom cakes that are free of animal products. And if you try one of Crust’s toaster tarts, you won’t ever think about Pop-Tarts again. Plans for the new location include cake-decorating classes.

Ponder Bar | 2532 Coral St. (East Kensington)

Philly’s bar scene just got bigger. Serving up drinks from Human Robot and channeling an eclectic vibe with decor from Thunderbird Salvage, the bar’s keeping things local by inviting patrons to come and ponder in good company. Ponder also has a takeout wine and beer shop if you’re on the go.

Emilia | 2406 Frankford Ave. (East Kensington)

Another new addition to the neighborhood is the latest venture from James Beard semifinalist Greg Vernick. Taking inspiration from travels in Italy and collaborator Meri Medoway’s heritage, this restaurant offers handmade pastas, crudo, and antipasti with seasonal ingredients.

📣 If you’re looking for a place centered around movement, workshops, and community gatherings, Julianne A. suggests Social Beings in Point Breeze. There are upcoming workshops on preparing your veggies like a chef, cross-stitching the city skyline, and photographing an updated headshot.

Thanks, Julianne! If you’re looking for more recommendations on where to foster real-life connections, be sure to check our guides on:

• Low-cost alcohol-free activities
• Craft meet-ups
• Running groups
• Queer sports clubs