Your guide to Philly's diverse creative scene, nightlife, music, food & more
Our friends at uwishunu.com launched a video series called Philly 101. They're creating 101 videos with Philadelphians asking them what they wish people knew about the city.
Today, they released a video with one of Philly's most accomplished dance talents - Sammy Reyes. Maybe you've taken one of his hip-hop classes at Koresh Dance Studio, or maybe you caught him when he trained with Rennie Harris. He also toured with and choreographed for Disney star Raven Symone. And, here's an insider fact - he also choreographed for newly named Creative Ambassador and Insterscope recording artist Cody Wise.
Now that you know a little bit about this talented Philadelphian, find out what he wishes you knew about Philly.
Philly is serving up some hot new dining spots where every foodie is guaranteed to get their fix. Foodies, bring your appetites.
1801 Daly Street
Two South Philly natives are upping their cheesesteak game with 2 Guys Grub, a shop serving thin-sliced filet mignon topped with combinations such as grilled tomato and mozzarella or spinach and provolone.
1700 E. Passyunk Avenue
This new restobar from Barclay Prime and City Taphouse vet Gordon Dinerman, specializes in brick-oven pizza.
627 S. 3rd Street
Philly chefs Jason Cichonski and Chip Roman (Mica) team up for their second collab, Ela. This Queen Village hideaway serves artisan cocktails and contemporary dishes.
Mobile
There’s a new food truck on the Love Park strip, and this one’s got some soul. What makes this food truck a new fave? They make slammin’ burgers with locally-grown ingredients, and play hot jazz joints. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Insider Tip: Check out our profile on this food truck here.
111 Garden Golf Boulevard
North Wales
If grilled cheese is a comfort food staple for you, head to North Wales to try some specialty grilled cheeses, like the Melt-akopita (spinach, feta and onions), the Maryland Crab (with seasoned lump crab meat) and the honey apple (sharp cheddar, apple, honey, red onion and dijon mustard) and their the signature grilled ice cream sandwich.
600 N. Broad Street
Restauranteur Stephen Starr brings New England to North Philly at his 20th restaurant Route 6. If you're into seafood, this is the place for you.
440 S. Broad Street
Top Chef winner, Chef Kevin Sbraga just opened his first restaurant Sbraga. The restaurant will feature the chef's renowned modern American cuisine. The intimate 65-seat dining room features a $45, four-course prix fixe menu of Chef Sbraga’s artful dishes.
Insider Fact: Chef Kevin Sbraga was named in Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 list.
1536 E. Passyunk Avenue
A spinoff of the popular Green Eggs Café, Stateside is a tiny whiskey bar and restaurant serving small plates, including housemade charcuterie, family-style platters and craft beers.
Ulivo
521 Catharine Street
Italian cooking with a twist is the concept at Ulivo, the Queen Village BYOB from former Sovalo and Agiato chef Joseph Scarpone.
Insider Tip: Open for dinner and Sunday brunch.
In Riva
East Falls
Native Philly chef Arthur Cavaliere (El Vez, Amada) brings Napoletana-style pizza and antipasta to his brand-new venture In Riva. The affordable menu will feature a liquor license, Italian and New World wines and specialty cocktails.
Heirloom
Chestnut Hill
Emphasizing American regional cuisine and native ingredients, Heirloom, coming in early winter, will serve dishes like beef short ribs with sassafras glaze and heirloom grits-crusted salmon.
Ella’s American Bistro
Devon will soon see the opening of Ella’s American Bistro, a farm-to-table outfit serving casual bistro cuisine.
Jamonera
Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran are transforming their Indian BYOB Bindi into Jamonera, a Spanish bar specializing in boutique wines and Iberian-style snacks.
La Calaca Feliz
Fairmount
Fort Washington’s Cantina Feliz is getting a city sibling when La Calaca Feliz opens in Fairmount later this winter, serving traditional and modern Mexican cuisine.
In case you were waiting for a typical apple, pumpkin or sweet potato pie recipe, we decided to turn up the heat a little bit. For our Thanksgiving Thowdown, we were determined to cook up some unconventional grub that would leave you and your guests craving for more. And, now we’re down to the sweetest treat. What’s for dessert? Apple Crostata with Cheddar Crust.
It may sound like a strange combination, but true foodies know that apples and cheddar are a delicious pair. It’s even better with locally grown apples and locally produced sharp cheddar cheese. You’ll definitely want to change up your plans for Thanksgiving dessert once you try some of this. Check it out!
Shout Out: This one’s from Martha Stewart Living. Good looking out, Philly Homegrown, for another bangin’ recipe!
Adapted from Martha Stewart Living
Cheddar Crust Ingredients
Makes two 11-inch disks
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Salt
2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
1 3/4 cups shredded PA Noble Cave Aged Cheddar Cheese
All-purpose flour, for surface
1 large egg, lightly beaten for egg wash
Coarse sanding sugar, for sprinkling
For the Filling
2 tart Granny Smith, plus 2 Macoun apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon, plus an additional dash of ground cinnamon
1/4 cup apricot preserves, warmed
Directions
For the Cheddar Pastry Dough:
Pulse flour and 1 teaspoon salt in a food processor until combined. Add butter, and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal, about 10 seconds. Drizzle 1/4 cup water evenly over mixture. Pulse until mixture just begins to hold together (dough should not be wet or sticky). If dough is too dry, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse. Add cheese; pulse until just combined.
Shape dough into 2 disks, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Make the crust:
Roll out one disk of dough to a 13-inch round, about 1/8 inch thick, on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
For the Filling
Toss together apples, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread filling over dough, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border. Fold edges in to form a crust; brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Refrigerate until edges are firm, about 30 minutes.
Bake crostata until apples are tender and crust is golden, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Let cool slightly. Brush apples with apricot preserves.
For more sweet details, visit the Philly Homegrown website. And, don’t forget to check out all of our previous Thanksgiving Throwdown recipes for some last minute goodies.
Some call it a sub. Some call it a deli sandwich. But in Philly, this beloved sandwich is known as the hoagie—and nobody does hoagies like we do in Philly. So, in honor of National Sandwich Day coming up on November 3, we have a listing of where to get this classic Philly sandwich.
Here are some (not all, because there are so many good ones) of our picks on some of Philly's best hoagie spots.
214 Market Street
Campo's is a hoagie and cheesesteak institution. It was established in 1947 and has been keeping customers coming back for more ever since. You can find Campo's in Old City, the Wells Fargo Center and at the home of the Phillies, Citizens Bank Park. And, it gets better—they ship to cities nationwide.
Insider tip: You can't go wrong with a classic Italian hoagie from here. But, if you're looking to mix it up a little bit, try their Wing Ding on a seeded roll.
Carmen’s Famous Italian Hoagie
12th & Arch Streets
Located in one of Philly's food mecca's—Reading Terminal Market—Carmen's stand is your stop if you're looking for an authentic hoagie that doesn't shy away from loading on the meats.
12th & Arch Streets
Speaking of the Reading Terminal, they have another good hoagie spot inside—Salumeria, a cheese emporium.
1014 Federal Street
Chickie’s Italian Deli is an award-winning hoagie spot that's known for its menu items. With rolls from Sarcone’s Bakery, you can't go wrong with getting a hoagie here.
Insider tip: Try the Original Veggie (baked eggplant, sautéed broccoli rabe, roasted peppers and Chickie’s own blend of sharp provolone).
501 S. 8th Street
Family owned and operated since 1932, Cosmi’s is a corner deli with a legendary reputation for hoagies hot and cold served on Sarcone’s rolls.
Insider tip: Try The Godfather (prosciutto, sopressata, roasted peppers, mozzarella, sundried tomatoes and green olives).
930 S. 9th Street
If you're looking for some seriously high quality hoagie fillings, Di Bruno Bros. is your place.
1017 S. 9th Street
152 W. Girard Avenue
Here you'll find a new school twist on classic hoagies.
901 S. Delaware Avenue
Shank's is a great stop for traditional hoagies, but if you're looking to mix it up, try one of their hot sandwiches.
8000 Horrocks Street
Whether you are getting made to order hoagies or picking up fixings to make your own from the Italian specialty market, Dattillo’s Delicatessen is delicious hoagie spot.
4633 Princeton Avenue
Dubbed the “King of Gourmet Hoagies,” Fink’s offers a signature hoagie with two secret weapons: cotechino (fresh pork sausage) and olive spread.
Brother's Old Style Deli
3492 Tilden Street
In the East Falls neighborhood of Philly, locals will agree that Brother’s Old Style Deli is a must-stop hoagie shop.
Insider tip: Try Three Brothers (Asiago, sharp provolone and Swiss); sharp provolone with roasted peppers; and the Sunnyside Special (mozzarella balls, roasted peppers and sliced prosciutto).
Lenny's Home Plate
6141 Ridge Avenue
Ask anyone in the Manayunk/Roxborough neighborhoods where to go for a quality hoagie, and most will tell you to go to Lenny’s Home Plate.
Insider tip: Try classics like the Soprano (genoa salami, capicola, cotechino, prosciutto, mortadella, soppressata, locatelli and provolone), served on Liscio rolls and available in Minor or Major League lengths.
Various locations throughout Philly
Started in the Mt. Airy neighborhood, Lee’s Hoagie House now has 17 spots and has built its hoagie empire on simple meat and cheese combinations served on Liscio’s rolls.
Various locations throughout Philly
PrimoHoagies started out as a South Philly shop that has since grown to have around 70 locations.
Insider tip: We recommend that you order the Primo size, and if you like your hoagies to have some heat, go with their Diablo menu.
Various locations
Sarcone’s now has multiple locations—from South Philly to West Chester.
Insider tip: You'll love their freshly baked seeded rolls. Try the Italian Market (hot capicola, turkey breast, roasted peppers, sharp provolone) or the Junk Yard Special (turkey, prosciutto, sautéed spinach, roasted peppers, mozzarella, sharp provolone).
Various locations throughout Philly
Make sure you try Slack's signature Godfather Italian hoagie and a choice of seeded or plain rolls.
There’s a new food truck on the Love Park strip, and this one’s got some soul. The Lucky Old Souls Burger Truck hit the scene last week and it’s stirring up appetites. What makes this food truck a new fave? They make slammin’ burgers with locally-grown ingredients, and play smokin’ hot jazz joints. It doesn’t get much better than that!
After taking a trip for lunch with the foodies behind Philly Homegrown, we fell in love with the Los Burger (made with homemade bacon), and the Maple Black Pepper Milkshake (trust us, it’s off the chain). Lucky Old Souls is officially the spot for lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We’re getting hungry just thinking about it!
Check out Philly Homegrown’s full post here.
You know Nikki Jean for her music, but did you know that the girl can bake? Like, seriously bake.
One of our sister sites, Philly Homegrown got the chance to sit down with the singer/songwriter to talk about her passion for baking, Philly's food scene and her new album Pennies in a Jar. Plus, Nikki Jean even shared the recipe to her famous chocolate chip cookies!
Here are a few questions and answers from Philly Homegrown's interview with the talent. For the full interview, go here.
Philly Homegrown: What are some of your favorite foods in Philadelphia?
Nikki Jean: The French Toast at Café Lift, the burgers at Prohibition Taproom and the nachos at Dos Segundo’s or Johnny Manana’s.
Philly Homegrown: What dish would you rather buy than make yourself?
Nikki Jean: The Veggie Philly Cheesesteak with Polenta Fries at Sabrina’s – it’s seriously delicious and I’m not even a vegetarian!
Philly Homegrown: Where are some of your favorite Philadelphia spots for food shopping?
Nikki Jean: I head to Reading Terminal for vegetables and dairy from the Fair Food Farmstand and poultry from Godshall’s. I’ll also go to the Italian Market to pick up meats from the many wonderful butchers there, kitchen gear from Fante’s, my one-stop-shop for all my kitchen (equipment) needs, and spices at the Spice Corner.
For the full interview, go here.
Questlove of The Legendary Roots Crew has another food venture and this time, he's rolling out a new signature menu item at Japanese restaurant and sushi bar, Zama.
Questlove teamed up with Chef Zama to create a roll that mixes a Philly classic - the cheesesteak - with Japanese flavors.
The cheesesteak roll aka the "Questlove Roll" includes premium Japanese Wagyu beef, provolone cheese, sauteed onions and spicy mayo all rolled in a red pepper flaked soy paper.
Watch the drummer and Chef Zama make the "Questlove Roll" below.
The "Questlove Roll" will be available on the menu at Zama beginning next week. For each roll sold, $1 will go toward Questlove's chairty of choice, Harlem Village Academies.
128 S. 19th Street
There’s nothing like summer in Philly--especially when you're sitting outside, people watching, sipping on cocktails and having some delicious bites.
Philly is packed with outdoor dining spots---actually, the city has over 200 alfresco dining restaurants! So, I wanted to break down the list with a few top picks.
1030 N. 2nd Street
Bar Ferdinand is a Spanish tapas bar located in the ultra-trendy Northern Liberties. You can sit outside along Liberties Walk while enjoying tasty sangrias.
306 Market Street
The restaurant’s hip, stylish and sophisticated interior complements the contemporary menu and makes it a great spot for a business lunch, dinner with friends or a romantic dessert with cocktails.
1436 South Street
You will fall in love with the authentic Caribbean food and atmosphere here.
Insider tip: Jamaican Jerk Hut is B.Y.O.B. Try the Hut’s homemade juice drinks as mixers for a rum cocktails.
106 S. 13th Street
Lolita serves contemporary Mexican fare. And, it’s also a B.Y.O.T. ( Bring Your Own Tequilla) hot spot in Midtown Village.
Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant
4120 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
Sit along the river and sip a signature cocktail at the Brew Pub (locals' nickname for the restaurant) which offers everything from full entrées to sushi! The Brew Pub also offers live music, and with such a large venue it easily turns into a pretty happening night spot for dancing after dark.
1216 Spruce Street
Located in what used to be a neighborhood corner market, Mercato expands on its namesake theme by emphasizing fresh, local ingredients in its contemporary Italian menu.
401 S. Columbus Boulevard
Enjoy the Philadelphia skyline with your meal. During the warmer weather months, you can enjoy a drink or a meal on the historic ship’s multi-level decks and take in the Philadelphia skyline and the shimmering lights on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
212 Walnut Street
Surrounded by a serene backdrop reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, Positano Coast in Old City offers small-plate servings of modern Italian cuisine.
227 S. 18th Street
With Parc, famed restaurateur Stephen Starr brings a certain je ne sais quoi to Rittenhouse Square. Parc offers an authentic French bistro experience, fully equipped with a chic Parisian ambiance and gorgeous sidewalk seating overlooking the Square.
435 Spring Garden Street
Part diner, part bar and part dance club, Silk City is a favorite spot for a lot of our Creative Ambassadors in Northern Liberties.
1801 Chestnut Street
A re-creation of the highly-successful original Continental in Old City, this restaurant features cutting-edge chic martini bar off of Rittenhouse Square and a rooftop deck that sizzles in the summer.
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar
138 Market Street
The ever-popular Old City institution has creative cocktails and imaginative décor where a diner-made-martini bar creates an atmosphere all its own, making it one of the hottest night spots in Old City.
2nd Street & Germantown Avenue
A European-style open space surrounded by shops, restaurants and galleries; this is not your typical outdoor space. With tons of cool eateries, almost-daily outdoor events and other eclectic happenings in and around the Piazza, this is a must-do for the summer–or anytime!
Insider tip: Make sure you stop by P.Y.T. for burgers and adult shakes.
10th & Spruce Streets
Varga is Washington Square West’s newest late-night hangout. A neighborhood pub in the truest sense, they serve all-American comfort foods, American cheeses and more than 20 hard-to-find, American-made craft beers.
1400 S. Columbus Boulevard
There’s nothing like getting some good ol’ southern soul food at one of Philly’s best spots for live R&B and soul music. And, you can enjoy the Southern cookin’ at their outside seating. (They also have rooftop dining!)
Insider tip: Make sure you try their Rum Punch.
112 S. 13th Street
Zavino is a delicious new pizzeria and wine bar located at the epicenter of the city’s trendy Midtown Village neighborhood. The restaurant features a seasonal menu, classic cocktails, an approachable selection of wine and beer and the some of the best late-night menu offerings in the area.
The 2011 Philadelphia Vendy Awards took place this past weekend--and the top winner has soul.
Gigi and Big R Caribbean/American Soul Food was awarded with the top honor at this year's Vendy Awards, winning the first ever Philadelphia Vendy Cup for best street food vendor. Located in University City at 38th and Locust Streets, Gigi and Big R have been serving up soul food for the past 10 years. The owners are Philadelphia's own Thomas Bacon (Gigi) and Haiti native Elukene Rene (Big R). Their specialties include: BBQ Jerk from the Smoking Grill and the Fried Whiting Fish with Rene’s Special Spices
There was also a People's Choice Vendy Award which went to another University City food truck - Cucina Zapata. This truck is new but is already making a name for itself. The Thai-Mexican fusion truck is located at 31st and Ludlow.
Mayor Michael A. Nutter
Jennifer Carroll, from Top Chef and chef de cuisine at 10 Arts Bistro & Lounge
Drew Lazo, food writer for City Paper’s Meal Ticket
Brian McManus, Philadelphia Weekly food and music editor
Chef Michael Solomonov , winner of James Beard “Best Chef, MidAtlantic 2011″ winner
Jamie Shanker, editor of Midtown Lunch Philadelphia
Lindsay Lidge, wife of Phillies pitcher Brad Lidge and healthy eating advocate
Cucina Zapata - winner of People's Choice
Gigi and Big R Caribbean/American Soul Food - winner of the Vendy Cup
Guapos Tacos
King of Falafel
La Copine
Magic Carpet Foods
Sugar Philly
Sweet Box
If there’s anything that I like, it’s getting to sleep in on the weekend, and then going to one of my favorite brunch spots in Philly. There’s nothing like starting your day with a plate full of Southern goodness from Relish or having a tropical Mimosa at Cuba Libre for brunch.
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to surprise your mom to a delish brunch with the family. Or, toss on some Jackie O’s, grab some girlfriends, and get some quality girl time in over slammin’ food and drinks.
There are a lot of brunch spots in the city. Here are some of my top picks.
Insider tip/disclaimer: Bring your appetite.
10 S. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA
Get ready to go tropical for brunch at this Philly hot spot for its Weekend Tropical Brunch. Everything on the menu has Cuban flare, including the Torta de Cangrejo Benedict and their Mimosa Rojo.
Insider tip: Treat your Madre to a tropical brunch for Mother’s Day. Brunch begins at 10:30 a.m.
121 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA
When I’m looking to spice things up, El Vez is one of my first choices. Located on 13th Street, El Vez offers a totally different type of brunch experience by providing guests with an authentic Mexican cuisine in a fun, lively environment. If you want to abandon the traditional Eggs Benedict and surrender to dishes with Latin flare, El Vez is the ideal brunch location for you.
15 S. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA
FARMiCiA is the ultimate brunch destination with its simple décor and cheerful staff. It is definitely not a struggle to enjoy yourself on any given Saturday or Sunday as you select from their vast menu of brunch offerings.
Insider tip: My favorite item is their Brioche French Toast—simply amazing. Also, try their Barn Burner Bloody Mary.
800 N. 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Honey’s always offers great menu items fusing Southern and Jewish food. Honey’s is Philadelphia’s answer to the ultimate question: Where should we go for breakfast? At Honey’s you can get a little bit of everything.
Insider tip: Honey’s is a popular breakfast/brunch spot and fills up quickly, so you might want to start your brunch a bit earlier.
Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant
4120 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA
Manayunk is a dining mecca and located in the heart of this trendy neighborhood is the Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant. The Brew Pub (as many people call it) offers a great brunch in a relaxing riverside setting, and its fixed menu offers brunch specific options and budget-friendly morning cocktails. Who doesn’t love a chilled Mimosa during a relaxing Sunday brunch--especially if it is only $3.50! And, make sure you stop by the omelet station. Trust me on this.
Penn’s Landing
401 S. Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
The Moshulu is the must stop brunch spot for the champagne lover. They have unlimited champagne over their three-course Sunday brunch. Who’s ready for some bubbly over eggs?
200 S. Broad Street
19th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
If you’re looking to step it up with an upscale brunch experience, try Nineteen (XIX). Sitting on the 19th floor of the Bellevue, you’ll be dining with some of the best views of the city. My favorite XIX brunch feature is its “café table” menu options. They offer a café table full of tasty selections, which can be paired with items from their brunch menu.
Insider tip: XIX will be offering a special $65 buffet style brunch menu from 11am-4pm on Mother’s Day.
50 S. 16th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Be one of the first folks to stop by and enjoy their new brunch menu, as well as one of their spicy Bloody Mary’s. The R2L brunch runs from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Sunday. Stop by and feel free to settle in for awhile, as they will be leaving their bar open all day to service guests between brunch and dinner (which starts at 4 p.m.).
Insider tip: Chef Daniel Stern will have a three course, prix fixe brunch menu for Mother’s Day.
7152 Ogontz Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
If modern Southern cookin’ is more of your style, Relish Restaurant is the brunch spot for you. Located in Northern Philadelphia, Relish offers the ideal Sunday morning retreat. Their doors open at 11 a.m. so make a trip up North to get your Southern grub on.
910 Christian Street
Philadelphia, PA
and
1804 Callowhill Street
Philadelphia, PA
Creativity is the name of the game at Sabrina’s Café when it comes to their menu items. So creative in fact that reading the menu could be considered one of your Sunday Funday activities. The menu includes brunch specials such as the “DJ and Steve Spanish Study Session Special,” as well as the “Joey’s Cut-It-Out Omelet.” It is never a dull moment at Sabrina’s Café.
Insider tip: If you’re looking for a drink to go with your brunch, Sabrina’s is a B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bottle).
1400 S. Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
From Chicken and Waffles to Mango-Glazed Salmon, Warmdaddy’s will definitely hit the spot. I warned you in the disclaimer, but you better bring your appetite to this place. Once you try the food, you will go up for seconds, thirds and fourths.
4266 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA
Another Manayunk neighborhood brunch staple is Winnie’s LeBus. Visit LeBus for 6-grain pancakes and their Thai turkey salad or a classic Eggs Benedict. LeBus also offers sidewalk seating so guests can enjoy scenic Main Street and people-watch the day away.
Insider tip: Brunch is really their thing, so they keep it going longer than most places. Brunch happens on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.