It is time to turn off the television, get off the couch and get into the city of Philadelphia. Because now through September 18th you can catch some amazing acts at the Live Arts and Philly Fringe festival.

Yes, it's that time of year again when local artists and amazing national acts take the city by storm with dance performances, comedy shows, amazing theater acts and innovative, interactive art displays.

Some highlights this year include Cankerblossom, a dark fairy tale presented by Pig Iron Theater Company, Chicken, a play by Charlotte Ford and Sanctuary, a high-energy dance performance by Brian Sanders' JUNK.

Of course, there are far too many acts and performances to list, so you're better off checking out the official Web site for more information on all of the happenings.

Make sure to get out and see what all the buzz is about.

Doesn't it seem like every block is announcing its own Restaurant Week? There are two Philadelphia areas hosting Restaurant Weeks in September. John Brandt-Lee, chef/owner of Avalon Restaurant in West Chester, is tired of it. So, instead, he is offering a NON-Restaurant Week Promotion.

Come to Avalon Restaurant, a Rustic Italian BYOB in West Chester, during any area Restaurant Week and get a complimentary artisanal cheese plate. All you have to do is tell your server, "I am not here for so-and-so's Restaurant Week."

"Why can't restaurants offer good value all of the time - instead of just one week a year? That's what we do at Avalon - we offer a great 4-course prix fixe menu, year round," said Brandt-Lee, who has already demonstrated with his edgy, nationally-published blog, that he's not afraid to speak his mind.

In addition to the ala carte menu, which features simple bold flavors from exceptional ingredients, Avalon offers a 4-course prix fixe menu featuring smaller European-sized portions. Diners can design their own meal by choosing 4 courses from the menu - including an antipasti, homemade pasta, carne or pesci and dolce (appetizer, pasta, meat or fish and dessert). Available on Wednesdays and Thursdays for $35 and on Fridays and Saturdays for $40.

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I don't know about you, but there is absolutely nothiing that puts a smile on my face like a delicious dessert after a yummy meal.

Although my stomach is usually too stuffed and my wallet too empty to order dessert all the time, I relish the tasty treats when I have the chance to partake.

So, you can imagine my excitement when I learned that September 15th is Free Dessert Day!

The event is being sponsored by Top Chef Just Desserts. When you make an online reservation at Opentable.com at one of the participating restaurants and you will get a free dessert for every two diners at your table!

Some of the restaurants offering this sweet treat include Capital Grille, blueplate, LaScala's, Postiano Coast, Rose Tattoo Cafe, Verdad Restaurant, Zahav and many more.

You don't get free dessert every day, so don't miss out on this deal!

Sometimes I want to listen to something a little rough-- something a little under produced, slightly retro, a little bit psychedelic. And for that old-school fuzzy rock sound with the perfect amount of grit and rawness one simply has to turn to San Diego buzz band Crocodiles.

The band, signed to Fat Possum Records, released their debut album "Summer Of Hate" last year and they were immediately pinpointed as a band-to-watch by blogs and critics.

On September 14 the group will release their sophomore effort called "Sleep Forever" and are heading out on a US tour to support their new music.

Crocodiles will be playing at Johnny Brendas on Wednesday, October 24 with support from Golden Triangles and Dirty Beaches. Tickets for the show are $10 and you can grab them from Ticketfly.com.

And while you're at it, download the new single "Sleep Forever" by clicking here.

I am a huge fan of the AMC show Mad Men (which just won another Emmy Award!), but whenever I see Don Draper and crew knocking back drinks at lunch, my mouth literally falls open and I start to get nauseous.

If I tried to drink during my lunch break, I would probably just pass out at my desk and get absolutely nothing accomplished for the rest of the day.

But if you want to have a lunch that rivals the Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Price advertising agency, then all you have to do is head to Le Meridien Hotel at 1421 Arch Street in Philadelphia. According to this post from Foobooz, Amuse Restaurant is offering a Three Martini Lunch deal.

Yep, for $30 you can order 3 martinis of your choosing along with onion soup and steak frites. The deal lasts through September, so make sure to take advantage of it while you can.

If you simply cannot finish 3 martinis, you will receive a voucher for the unfinished drinks which can be used at any time within 30 days of purchasing the lunch deal. That seems more my style. If I tried to knock back three martinis in the middle of the day, I most certainly would need more to eat than onion soup and steak frites!

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Someone in a call to Adam Richman-- one Philadelphia eatery has a big challenge ready for "Man vs. Food" glory.

Jake's Sandwich Board in Center City has a feat of eating that would cause the average person to cringe and simply abstain from making an attempt. It is definitely a challenge not meant for the average person.

This ultimate Philadelphia eating feat includes A 2-foot steak, brisket or pork sandwich weighing about 3 pounds, 4 soft-pretzels, 12 TastyKakes, 2-dozen Peanut Chews and 1 Champ Cherry Soda to wash it all down!

The gut-busting meal will cost you $34.95, but if you can finish it all by yourself in under 45 minutes you don't have to pay a cent and you get the fame and glory of being featured on the Wall of Shame.

If you want to compete and take "The Challenge" make sure to call the restaurant 24 hours in advance so that they will be ready for you.

Do you have what it takes? Because I certainly do not.

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Forget a juicy burger. Don't even think about a slab of ribs. No need to order the chicken or the veal or the pork. Meatballs should be able to satisfy your meat craving.

According to this article from The Insider, the Marabella Meatball Company is returning to Philadelphia and plans to open a spot near 12th and Walnut.

The restaurant originally had locations in The Academy House and Windsor Suites in the city, but closed up shop and have since been replaced with other establishments.

But owner Gabe Marabella is bringing back his delicious offerings and has a spot planned for 1211 Walnut St. The eatery will offer four types of meatballs (beef, pork, chicken, and vegetable) as well as sauces and side options.

Look for an opening around October 1.

We love free concerts. Too bad we rarely have the chance to experience them (The Goo Goo Dolls don't count). But Philadelphia Weekly and R5 Productions have been teaming up all summer to bring you no-cost shows in Rittenhouse Square.

Make your way into the city tonight (Wednesday, August 25) at 6pm, bring a poncho and get ready to listen to drone-y noise rock of Brooklyn's A Place to Bury Strangers and Philadelphia psych pop favorites Drink Up Buttercup.

Local hiphop outfit Government Cheaze will open the show.

The entire thing is FREE and is sure to be a blast. Plus, it will be fun to see hoity Rittenhouse diners disturbed by some loud music for a few hours. Go!

There are a few performers worthy of a drive to Atlantic City and Fleetwood Mac sensation and musical icon Stevie Nicks is one of them.

The blonde, raspy-voiced singer has scheduled a few summer tour dates and you can catch her this Friday (August 27) at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.

The 62-year old singer is currently working on a new album that is being produced by Dave Stewart and features contributions by Waddy Wachtel, Mike Campbell, Mike Rowe, and Steve Ferrone.

The album is expected to hit stores next spring and it looks like you are going to have to wait until then to hear her new material. Nicks explained that she will not be playing new songs at these summer shows because she doesn't want them to end up on YouTube.

But there's nothing wrong with listening to her sing her old stuff, now is there? Grab tickets for the show over on Ticketmaster.com. Prices range between $76 and $116.

It's hard to believe we are already thinking about Oktoberfest, but the summer is winding down and the celebration is just a few short weeks away.

To coincide with the annual Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, Germany, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant will offer an exceptional menu of hearty Bavarian dishes that will be served at all eight restaurants from Friday, September 17 until Sunday October 3. Iron Hill’s Oktoberfest menu, which will be served in addition to the a la carte menu, will offer dishes with seasonal autumnal flavors and is an ideal accompaniment to its hand-crafted Oktoberfest beer.

“Every year, our chefs, brewers and especially our customers get excited for Oktoberfest, both for our special dishes and the release of our Fest beer,” says Director of Culinary Operations Kevin Davies.

The robust Oktoberfest menu will include: Bavarian White Bean and Sausage Soup; Mesclun Salad with goat cheese, red beets, walnuts and sherry vinaigrette; Smoked Salmon with boursin cheese, cucumber-red onion salad, grilled flatbread and sweet mustard-dill sauce; Grilled Sausages, including bratwurst, knockwurst and garlic sausage with braised lentils and stone ground mustard; Jaeger Schnitzel, pan-fried, breaded veal cutlet with buttered egg noodles, haricots verts and hunter sauce; Sauteed Rainbow Trout with horseradish smashed potatoes, spinach, leeks, tomatoes, garlic and ale sauce; Sauerbraten-Style Top Sirloin Steak, marinated in red wine and served with ale-braised cabbage, spatzle and gingersnap gravy; Pan-Seared Salmon with sauerkraut-potato croquettes, buttery green beans and sweet mustard-dill sauce; Linzer Torte; and Apricot Frangipane with vanilla ice cream and cherry-kirsch sauce. Menu items range in price from $4.25 to $20.50.

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