Fast and loose in Philly

By John Frenaye

Travel columnist

updated 11:39 a.m. ET Feb. 9, 2007

John Frenaye Travel columnist • Profile • E-mail

I recently took a short trip down Memory Lane. How I got the idea is kind of a long story — part bet, part reunion, part midlife crisis — but in the end, the plot was hatched: With the help of three friends, a minivan and one designated driver, I set out to revisit my college days at Temple University in Philadelphia. I don’t mean Main Campus and Psych 101. I mean the cheese steak, the bars and the bands.

With less than 24 hours door to door, we had our work cut out for us, but we summoned that old college try. Safely back home in Annapolis, I am happy to report that while the names have changed a bit, the food, the fun and the music of Philadelphia remain much as they were in 1985. Come along with me for the ride.

First stop. Pat’s King of Steaks, or just “Pat’s.” A cold winter wind was whipping around the corner of 9th and Passyunk, and the line was probably 50 deep, but weather and crowds never deter the faithful from seeking the city’s iconic food: the Philly Cheese Steak. This combination of rib-eye steak and soya-bean oil on a fresh-baked Italian roll is an experience not to be missed. (My favorite version: the “wiz wit-out.”) No matter where you travel, some hoagie shop will profess to make an “original” Philly cheese steak. Don’t believe it. They are liars! Pat’s is the cheese steak, and has been dishing it up for 77 years.

Pat’s King of Steaks, 9th & Passyunk, Philadelphia, 215-468-1546; open 24 hours a day, 361 days a year.

Second stop. The Grape Street Pub, in Manayunk. Why the Grape Street? Flashback to the 80s. Ah, yes, the old River Deck — now I remember: a great little spot for live music overlooking the Schuylkill River, decent admission price, reasonably priced drinks and a great wait staff. But the real reason we went was for the band, Beru Revue. Beru was one of the most popular Philadelphia bands of the 80s, along with The Hooters, The Daves, Dynagroove and Tommy Conwell & the Young Rumblers. Sadly, after a falling out with their management, the band members went their separate ways. But the music was not forgotten, and after a hiatus of more than 15 years, the band bowed to pressure from a small but loyal group of fans and put on a reunion gig.

Beru’s music is unique — a bit heavy, perhaps a little folksy, definitely original, with lots of costumes, props and over-the-top energy. Most decidedly, politically incorrect. The current band (sadly two members, Johnny Sacks and Jerry Healy, have passed away) is made up of Bob McCafferty (aka Bob Beru), Greg Davis (guitar player extraordinaire), Tommy Pinto (drums), Buzz Barkley (keyboards), Jerry Getz (bass) and Mark Julian Teague (guitar). They’re still just as wonderful as I remember from the 80s. But don’t take my word for it, sample the music and check out some snaps from their recent show on the official Beru Revue Web site. Rumor has it that the band might play three or four shows per year.

The Grape Street Pub, 4100 Main St., Manayunk, 215-483-7084.

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Third stop. Well, apparently some things have changed since 1985, because we were given the heave-ho from the Grape Street at 11 p.m. to make way for another live act taking the stage. Since the night was still young (just like us!), we decided to check out the nightclub scene. Back in my day, the college radio station, WXPN, played newcomers like Melissa Etheridge, Cowboy Junkies and Paul Westerbrook on a local program called “Live at the World Cafe.” Today, that little station has its own nightclub called World Cafe Live (apparently it was a stretch coming up with the name). Like its namesake radio show, the place has a coffeehouse vibe to it; it features top-rate concerts on the first floor and local and regional acts on the more casual and intimate second floor. Just a couple of years old, this newcomer is a welcome addition to the scene.

World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, 215-222-1400.

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