Patch Picks—Father's Day Ideas And Events

1. ’s Father’s Day Brunch, 90 Haddon Ave., Haddon Township

Cork has a jam-packed agenda of fun on Father’s Day this year. Starting at 10 a.m., they’re offering an ala carte brunch menu featuring all of your favorites like eggs Benedict, pancakes, French toast and omelets, plus, the first 20 dads who come in will receive a free book, The Defenders of Freedom by George Skypeck. That’s not the only giveaway though. Each adult who purchases a meal will receive a complimentary mimosa to toast Dad. If dinner is more your style, from 3 p.m. onward, you can chow down on some whole roast pig, then enter to win four free tickets to the Phillies game on June 24. Ex-Phillies ballplayer Ricky Bottalico will be on hand to sign autographs and take photos of your family too! Live music starts at 7 p.m. featuring singer-songwriter Dave Kelly. With all of these activities, maybe you should plan to stay the whole day!

2. Let Nostalgia Reign, , 138 Kings Highway, Haddonfield and , 220 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield

Everyone can benefit from becoming a kid again, even if it’s for a few hours. Try something different this Father’s Day and take Dad for a stroll down memory lane. Pop into Postgame Memories and let Dad pick out his favorite piece of sports memorabilia. They’ve got everything vintage that's sports-related, like trading cards, signed posters, toys, and ephemera. After shopping, take a walk down the street and go candy shopping for the sweets of his youth at the Candy Buffet. Take a try on their gumball pinball machine, and check out the yummy offerings like Mars, M&M’s, Wonka, Swedish fish, Twizzlers and more.

3. Have An Experience You’ll Never Forget

Not all gifts have to be tangible. Sometimes memories mean more than things, so this Father’s Day, why not do something extra-special with Dad, like taking in a ballgame, going fishing, taking a day trip, playing a few rounds of golf, hitting the casino or simply taking a walk and telling him how much he means to you? Maybe this is the time to cross something off the bucket list, like skydiving, a hot air balloon ride, or mountain-climbing. Whatever you choose, record your experiences in a journal or a letter to Dad, so you’ll never forget your special time together.

4. Steak on the Grill

If Dad’s a carnivore, make him a filet mignon on the grill. The first step to a perfect filet on the grill is to get the right piece of meat. If you have a butcher you like, ask them for their best aged cut. Then, make sure you let it come to room temperature before grilling. This will ensure that the filet won’t cook too fast or too slow. It’s critical to never pierce the meat when handling it, as this will allow all of the juices to run out, resulting in a dry steak. Use tongs instead of a fork to transfer the meat at all times. Before you put the steak onto the grill, rub it down with olive oil, pepper and minced garlic or your favorite dry rub. Do not use salt before you grill though, as doing so will pull moisture out of the meat via osmosis. Make sure the grill is at medium-high heat before placing the filets. Cook them for about three minutes on each side over the hottest part of the grill to sear the outside, then move them to a cooler part of the grill and finish them to your preference (rare-one or two more minutes, medium-four minutes, well done-six or seven minutes.) Serve with some grilled corn on the cob, baked potatoes, a crisp green salad, and a chianti or merlot. It will be a meal Dad won’t soon forget!

5. Brunch at Casona of Collingswood,  563 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Bring Dad in for some Latin fare this Sunday from 11-3pm. Brunch will be ala carte and offers up hearty dishes for Dads with big appetites, like a three-egg omelet stuffed with three fillings, tropical French toast, Cuban pizza with chicken, chorizo and cheese and lots of other yummy Cuban delights. Visit their Website for more information at mycasona.com or call 856-854-5555 to make a reservation.