The Latin Quarter arrives at Revel Casino Hotel

Today Revel Casino Hotel launched opening of their newest stage production The Latin Quarter Show. The Latin-themed variety show includes Flamenco dancers, dramatic Gauchos, a heart-stopping crossbow act, award winning ballroom dancers, mind blowing quick change artists, gorgeous production show dancers, and a hilarious host comedian, all framed with stunning multimedia.

I must say my favorites including the crossbow act, something I've never seen, and the comedian. Although the crowd was not getting his jokes and they were a bit vulgar, it was hilarious to me. In between the show there are a variety of dancing acts as well. Everything from flamenco to the inevitable Elvis Crespo's Suavemente.

Performances will take place on Thursdays and Fridays at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2, 5 and 8 p.m.Tickets are only $25 and are on sale now! They can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com and by calling 1-800-745-3000.

An International Night in Philadelphia

Spring weather is coming up and we need something to do. This is the time lounges, clubs and bars look for new ways to attract visitors a.k.a. money spenders. A few weeks ago DD Promotions started their first ever International Night at Positano Coast in Old City. International Night is just that, a celebration of our city's diversity. For a small entry of $10, you get a good night of music, food and great people. In addition, if you like the Philadelphia International Night on Facebook, you are automatically entered for a chance to win a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue at the next fiesta on Thursday, April 21, 2011.

On an ironic note, this is all going on at the same time as the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts. Hmmm.

Video: Philly Te Ama and AfroTaino Productions

Last week "PhillyTeAma" brought you chef Guillermo Tellez. Well this week we've got Marangeli Mejia and Rahsaan Lucas from AfroTaino Productions. These guys are amazing to work with and have collaborated with almost every single arts & culture organization in the city. Learn more about them on the uwishunu post.

The urge to salsarenguechata

Yep you heard that right. It's been a while since I've gone out bailando but looks like tomorrow is going to be a good night. The venue of choice? Cuba Libre in Olde City. On Friday and Saturday, after dinner hours, the dinner floor turns into the dance floor with Latino rhythms as professional salsa dancers perform colorful floorshows in the main room. Sure drinks are a "little" expensive, but it is one of the most popular spots to dance salsa/merengue/bachata in the city. I do have to say the Cuba Libre in Atlantic City is a little more festive and enjoyable. Has anyone been to the new location in Washington, DC? Either way, forget all your troubles and enjoy life. See you all tomorrow! :)

Mango's - a wait beyond belief

Sure when you're in a new city you have to go to the tourist traps. But when things start to get a little weird, that's when you should just leave a place. Example: Mango's Tropical Lounge in Miami, Fl. I had to wait a long time in a place which wasn't even packed. Also, not sure what type of management style they are running but when you have six people paying $10 each, why can't we use the bathroom right away?! "You'll use the bathroom when you purchase a drink." Really? When I purchase a drink? *pretends to purchase drink* Sure they had good music and good looking people, but it wasn't worth it. Sadly, if I ever go back to Miami you won't see me here again.

Dance like a pro

Okay well dancing like a pro might take some time, now is your chance to learn how. Fuego Dance Company is proud to announce their winter salsa lessons. But of course it doesn't come without a price...a low one. For $10 a lesson, join four salsa instructors from one of the best dance companies in the region and learn to dance like the pro you want to be. Sooner or later you'll be showing them off at Isla Verde, Tierra Colombiana, Brasils...maybe the Atrium? Either way, you know you want to; don't be embarrassed, we all have to learn someday.

Tuesday and Thursdays
6 p.m. Beginners
7:30 p.m. Advanced
4632 Nth 5th Street
Philadelphia Pa, 19140

The Salsa Jackpot

Times like these make me wish I had a vehicle to travel. It's not everyday you run across a "Latin" night in the city; it's always the usual suspects. Well that's why I'm happy a place like Parx Casino - Club 360 is offering a Latino night every Thursday! Only one problem (for me that is), it's in Bensalem, PA. Hence why I would like a car.

The party starts at 8:30 p.m. with a Zumba Show! Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind dance. One hour late get your free salsa lessons on with Philly finest and world famous salsa instructors. Stay a little later because at 10:30 p.m. La Luna and Estilio students will be performing.

p.s. I wish they stopped calling it "Latin" night. Just sayin.

Salsa Night at the F.O.P.

Have you been looking for salsa nights in Philly? Need something a little different than the usual. Well thankfully the Spanish American Law Enforcement Association (S.A.L.E.A.) hold a monthly salsa night at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5. I know it sounds weird I kno... dancing con la policia?

Trust me. It's a great experience! Especially if you go with a group of friends. As Latinos we love to dance with whoever...especially if you're good. But this place isn't about showing off your skills and twirling your partner, it's about having fun. The salsa nights are held every second saturday of the month and are free before 11 p.m. After 11 p.m. you only pay a $5 entrance fee. Did I mention affordable drinks? Hope to see you there October 8.

p.s. Did I mention you might get to meet celebrities like Frankie Negron? Yes. random.

Salsa at Brasils

We all love dancing, especially at new spots. Somehow I always come across people asking, "Where should we go salsa dancing?" Well starting this jueves (Thursday) and every other first Thursday of the month, Calle Luna & Estilo Dancers present "SALSA @ Brasils". I haven't been to Brasils in a while but it is a nice spot in Olde City (Philadelphia).

There is a $7 cover charge but it brings a free salsa lesson AND a free drink while supplies last. We all know we love getting free things; the drink is the added benefit. Dancers of all levels welcome so you don't have to be nervous while getting on the dance floor. You'll be lucky if you find the salsa crazed Asian man here. Random but it seems wherever there is salsa dancing, this long-haired man is always there. You know who I'm talking about :). Are you going?

Wepa Wednesdays at Octo

If you want different, if you want Latino music...then head on over to Octo Waterfront Grille and you'll be in for a splendid time. It was my first time there and I honestly had a good ol' time. Every Wednesday Octo is hosting Wepa Wednesdays which by far is the best name given to a Latin night ever. You're greeted by an nicely decorated venue which is actually outside right next to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. A great place to bring a date or just meet new people and even learn to dance salsa. Get there around 8:30 p.m. for the free salsa lessons then stay the night so you can show them off to the crowd.

If food is your thing then stop by earlier. OCTO presents the finest in casual dinner fare ranging from succulent appetizers & sandwiches to entree selections of fresh fish, lobsters, crabcakes, steaks and a variety of pasta dishes. OCTO also features refreshingly delicious signature cocktails and frozen drinks.

221 N Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215.923.OCTO

Calling All Drink Makers

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is giving their fans a chance to create their own rum-based cocktail to be featured at all Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar locations including their new location in Washington DC opening in September! Thankfully the restaurant knows there are professional drink makers and those who just make drinks so they've divided up the contest for amateurs and professional bartenders.

Entering is simple; all you need to do is submit a rum-based cocktail recipe for consideration on Cuba's Facebook page. Your entry can be in the form of a video or a text post and will be reviewed by a panel consisting of our beverage managers, top bartenders and chefs from each location. Sorry kids but you also have to be 21+.

A Sexy Colombian Party

Thank god for Twitter or else I probably wouldn't have known about this event/fiesta. Mi amigo @cperezcolon tweeted about a Colombian fiesta and I got real excited. This is the first time I hear about something colombiano even remotely close to Center City.

Surprisingly the event is at El Concilio which does a lot for the Philly Latino community including parenting classes, drug abuse counseling and more. They also produce the annual Philly Puerto Rican day parade. Anyways, if you're in Philly on Saturday, April 3rd and want some Colombian culture, be sure to stop by on 7th & Fairmount para musica, baile, comida y mas.

A Real Salsa Lounge

So sometimes we are all on the lookout for a lounge that is "us" and by us I mean Latino. Well after my weekend excursion I may have found it. Although there a million (and one) lounges, clubs, bars in New York City, the ones you hear by word of mouth are always the best.

Gonzalez & Gonzalez in the Village seems to have caught my attention.According to the NYC tourism web-site, "Gonzalez y Gonzalez offers delectable South of the Border cuisine in an unpretentious atmosphere." It's also a very large lounge/restaurant. You step in and see people eating at 11 p.m. but then go deeper and you find yourself surrounded by a live band, tropical drinks and a large bull head. And the music you ask? It's a perfect blend of reggaeton, salsa, merengue, bachata and everything else you can add.

Get Your Caribbean Breeze

Over Thanksgiving break I went to visit my brother in Maryland. On the last night I had to get my salsarenguechata in so that's what we did...except in Virginia. A group of us went to Caribbean Breeze in Arlington, VA. And just like lots of other lounges, this is a restaurant turned nightclub por la noche. Get there early on Saturday nights because it's a $10 cover charge before a certain time, not sure how much afterwards. If you want to have a party, you can get your guests in free; click here for more information.

To be honest it's a great atmosphere. The dance floor is large enough for your dancing needs and as you can see from above, the bar is big enough for you drinkers. Don't worry non-salsa dancers, the lounge plays everything from techno to pop; this brings in a very diverse crowd. Two thumbs up to you VA!

4100 Fairfax Dr.
Arlington, VA‎
(703) 812-7997‎
caribbeanbreezeva.com/

Miami in One Night

So as all (maybe some) of you know, my Carnival cruise is coming up. We'll be leaving from Miami, FL on October 1st. However, why not stay in Miami for una noche! While I must say the Greater Miami Conventions & Visitors Bureau has a nice site, I wonder what am I going to do for one night? I'm obviously going to experience the nightlife but I am probably going to be amazed by everything.

And no I won't be missing my cruise. Although the boat leaves at 4 p.m., we have to be there at 1 p.m. (for check in). So I'm asking you world...what should I do por una noche in Miami!? Anything close to the Starlite Hotel will be great...that's where I'll be staying.

Celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage

The time is at hand for the Puerto Rican Day Parade in Philadelphia. This is when vendors from across the region decide to sell all their Puerto Rican para; from flags to shirts that say, "Bye Hater". This is also the time when bars, clubs and lounges go all out with their after-party! And of course my fraternity is no different.

This Friday, September 25th join the hermanos of Gamma Phi Sigma "Hermanos Unidos" Fraternity at the Puerto Rican Day Parade Pre-Party at Club Mambo, 1850 N. 5th Street. Oh and sorry but the picture above is from Club Sambda. Don't worry though, Mambo is much closer and the party is from 9 p.m. - 3 a.m; no other club in Philly stays open until 3 a.m.

Price:
$5 for the LADIES ALL NIGHT
$5 for the Fellas till 10pm ($10 after)

18 to Party
21 to Drink

Nightlife - P.Y.T.

One would think all Latinos want to do is Latino stuff right? Wrong, we like to go out to "regular" restaurants and bars as well (whatever that means). The other night I was at the Piazza when I read a Tweet which definitely caught my attention...$1 drinks from 10 p.m. - 11 p.m. Maybe it's just me but with a friend out of town I think he would like that deal.

So we all headed to P.Y.T. to check out their "back room". As scary as that sounds it really was a back room. I tell you maybe it was the liquor or maybe I'm naturally paranoid but I was hesitant to enter because we sort of had to go through the bathroom. Then when we walked through the other door, it hit us...someone called it the TrueBlood room. The room was dark, the windows covered and a painted black deer was staring at us. I really thought a whole bunch of vampires were going to jump (or turn) around midnight, luckily they didn't. Good music, good people, good food.

1050 N. Hancock St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123

(215) 268-7825

Salsa Night in NoLibs

Every time I head to work I see this club, Fuzion Grill & Social Club. I've never been nor have I heard anything about it so I don't really know what to expect. I didn't really have an interest in going too until I got an invite to a Latin night on Thursday, September 17th.

Although I don't know what to expect, someone posted this comment: yea, they need help @ fuzion every time I've gone it was wack...so now they trynna reach out to the latino crowd jus to make the place packed...sad...so sad...lmao.

Music by Dj Jose Rodriguez spinning Salsa and Latin Rythms. Unlike most lounges, there's a $5 entry fee but drinks specials all night; $5 Mojitos, $5 Margaritas and $3 Coronas.

That Really Grinds My Gears...Dress Code?

So a few weeks ago I won a happy hour at an un-named bar in Center City. I get dressed semi-casual because it's a hot summer night. Actually, I had on khaki shorts, a polo and SNEAKERS. Why did I get to the door and the bouncer told me, "Um do you have another pair of pants or sandals?" Sandals!??!?!?!?!?

Apparently their dress code allows SHORTS & SANDALS!? Is that not the dumbest thing you've heard? Luckily the bouncer let me in because it was my happy hour. However, after settling in for the free drinks, I noticed other people with shorts and sneakers.

So what to do the next time I go there? The only reason I'm continuing to go is because my friends keep winning the happy hours. Should I wear sandals and shorts? *dun dun dun*

Dining - Isla Verde

So last week we took a group of journalists to Isla Verde. Did they love it? I think so because after the beverages kept coming, people wanted me to dance Salsa...that was a no-no.

Anyways, at first we ordered our appetizers and those could've easily filled us up. Everything was fairly priced; and may I add the chicken is amazing! Sorry if I don't like to be adventurous but I prefer simple meals. Thursday night is supposed to be karaoke night but we missed it by an hour I think. On Friday (or Saturday) they usually have a house band...if not, people just enjoy dancing to salsa/merengue/bachata.

Isla Verde Cafe
2725 N American St, Philadelphia (corner of American St & Lehigh Ave)
(215) 426-3600