Eat This, Do This, Read This: Philly Weekend Planner May 26-28

Crab Benedict at Route 6 is the way to start your Sunday.

Those of us in the know will skip the trip to the beach this weekend for a seriously bangin' good time here at home. Check out our picks for what to eat, where to go and what to read as you enjoy the holiday.

Eat This

Crab Benedict at Route 6
Last weekend, Stephen Starr’s Route 6 introduced Sunday brunch, and if you’re not headed down the shore, this is the place to get your initial summer seafood fix. On a large menu that ranges from apps like fried Ipswitch clams (whole, with bellies) to wood-oven pizzas (in “breakfast” or white clam style), the crab Benedict is a must-try. Not only do the perfectly poached eggs go surprisingly well with the citrus-dressed lump crab, the home fries are some of the best around, with a super-crispy exterior that dissolves on first bite. Side note: if you’re into sweet starts, it’s worth the trip up North Broad for the French toast, a fluffy brioche bomb served with fresh berries and creamy whipped butter. Entree prices are $9-$25, but portions are generous (10:30 AM-3 PM; 660 N. Broad St.; 215-391-4600).

Dan Dan Noodles at Han Dynasty University City
In the ground-floor space of the University Science Center that previously housed MidAtlantic, Sichuan king Han Chiang has “soft-tofu opened” another outpost of his immensely popular Han Dynasty. Most of the interior is unchanged, which means the spacious, rustic room feels about 180-degrees away from the tiny Old City location, but the food is just as killer. Head to West Philly to check it out, and don't miss the appetizer of dan dan noodles. Toothy strands of fresh Asian pasta are tossed with minced pork in a sauce that combines sesame and chile flavors in a way that can only be described as addictive. Just make sure no one’s watching when you drink the leftovers from the bowl (3711 Market St.; no phone).

Do This

Barnes Museum
The unparalleled Impressionist painting collection of Dr. Arthur C. Barnes has finally made its way to the brand-new structure on the Ben Franklin Parkway, and for the grand opening weekend, admission is free. On-site dining options include a coffee bar and a garden restaurant, open throughout the day. Advance ticket reservations are required, and only a handful of slots are still open, but the Barnes Museum has a slate of special performances and activities scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Monday, so you’ll get even more art than you bargained for (2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-278-7000).

Morgan’s Pier
At the other end of Center City, and on the opposite side of the cultural spectrum, is another grand opening celebration. Morgan’s Pier is a “backyard beer garden” that has popped up at Penn’s Landing, finally giving Philadelphians a non-chain, non-touristy reason to cross I-95 to Columbus Boulevard. On a huge wooden outdoor deck overlooking the Delaware, enjoy 20 craft beers on tap, a menu of fun bites designed by Mémé’s David Katz (“snack bacon,” anyone?) and scoops from Little Baby’s Ice Cream tricycle. On Saturday, DJs Dave P. and Sammy Slice will spin, and Sunday brings Lee Jones' long-running Sundae Dance Party to the river (221 N. Columbus Blvd.; 215-279-7134).

Read This

Acts of Will
Being a chef is no cakewalk, but Chris Kearse, now at Pumpkin, had it tougher than most. At the age of 16, he was in the passenger seat when a drunk driver totaled his friend’s car. The accident left him severely injured, but also triggered his interest in cooking, as he slowly healed. Drew Lazor at the Philadelphia CityPaper chronicles the talented chef’s amazing journey from a hospital bed, through some of the best kitchens in America to what will be the first restaurant of his own - Will, set to open this summer at 1911 East Passyunk. Read this, and be inspired.

Designing the Perfect Fruit
You’ve seen them, if not in the produce aisles of the supermarket, then on TV in one of the most ubiquitous campaigns for a fruit since the debut of Tropicana. Seedless mandarin oranges, branded as “Cuties,” are hot, and Sarah Rich takes a look at the crafting of this market-topper at the blog of the Smithsonian Magazine. This is just the first in a series of seven pieces that review the citrus industry from a design perspective; the others are worth a gander.