Aksum is among the finer dining options on Baltimore Ave, it’s actually one of my favorites to take out-of-towners to when they come to visit. Owner Saba Tedla has held her restaurant to a high standard, plans to continue with her new restaurant, Booker’s Restaurant and Bar. The new 2,400-square-foot space opened last month just a few blocks away – on the 5000 block of Baltimore.

Don’t expect the same menu as Aksum. Booker’s will offer a more expanded and New American-inspired menu thanks to chef Michael Thomas, who worked previously at Bar Ferdinand in Northern Liberties, Lolita in the Gayborhood, Kraftwork in Fishtown, and Honey’s Sit-and-Eat on South Street among other spots.

Booker’s menu will offer small items such as fried smelt and local mushrooms, large items such as the vegan terrine and pan-seared trout as well as dessert items such as dolce de leche breaded croquettes. This restaurant will also have a bar with a focus on bourbon mixed cocktails and will also feature a wine selection. There are no plans of offering a wide selection of beer options. Tedla describes the menu as “Old classic dishes that are converted to a modern American style.”  Continue Reading

Here’s a summer job opportunity for young West Philly men and women who can swim or are willing to learn to swim. The Philadelphia Department of Parks & Recreation has launched its 2017 Lifeguard Recruitment Campaign and will begin its competitive lifeguard recruitment process this month.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the process early in order to have enough time to pass the required screening and lifeguard training course. Parks and Rec staff is also able to provide beginner-level swimmers that apply early with assistance in preparing for the screening. The lifeguard position pays a competitive wage of $12.33 to $14.60 an hour.

Parks and Rec hires 400 lifeguards annually to patrol its 70 outdoor pools and four indoor pools, and there are a lot of West Philly pools that need lifeguards (Pictured: Kelly Pool in West Fairmount Park). The first step for interested candidates is to attend a screening at one of three indoor training facilities during the following screening days and times beginning now through June:  Continue Reading