East Passyunk Feast of 7 Fish Dinners, Christmas Eve and New Year's Hours for East Passyunk and South Street Bars and Restaurants

Restaurants along East Passyunk Avenue and South Street Headhouse District are celebrating Christmas Eve in Italian style with special menus, prix fix dinners and the traditional "Feast of the 7 Fish" dinner. 

Mamma Maria Ristorante (1637 East Passyunk Avenue) - Spend Christmas Eve with South Philly’s most famous “Mamma” and her long-standing Christmas Eve Seven Fish Dinner featuring: Antipasto di Pesce, Chestnut Soup, Fettuccine alle Vongole, Baccala Codfish salad, Calamari Stuffed squid, Sogliola Flounder, Salmone Salmon, Merluzzo Smelts, Conchiglia large stuffed clams, Capo Sante Scallops, salad, sides, coffee, dessert, complimentary wine and after-dinner cordials. Each guest is $65.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Seatings at 3:00pm, 6:00pm and 9:00pm. Call 215 463-6884 for reservations.

Noir Restaurant (1909 East Passyunk Avenue) - Noir celebrates the Feast of the 7 Fish with a three-course meal for only $40.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity), including choice of Seafood Bouillabaisse or Mediterranean Salad; Squid Ink Linguini Del Mare, Mosaic Trio or Seafood Risotto; Limoncello Mascarpone Cake, Crème Brulee Cheese Cake or Tira Misu. Call (267) 319-1678 for reservations. Reservations for 9:00pm seating are available.

Palladino’s (1934 East Passyunk Avenue) - East Passyunk’s newest restaurant opens just in time for the holidays (12/18) with steak, seafood, Italian, desserts and more. On Christmas Eve, dinner patrons will enjoy complimentary Punzone Poinsettia compliments of Chef Luke Palladino. The dining room and full-service bar will be open to celebrate the holiday. For reservations, call 267-928-4339 or book through OpenTable.

Paradiso (1627 East Passyunk Avenue) - Christmas Eve “La Vigilia Di Natale” Feast of the 7 Fish includes delicious offerings from Chef Lynn Rinaldi that include Baccala Mantecato, Fritto Misto, Black Bucatini with Rock Shrimp, Linguine with Clams, Penne with Lump Crabmeat, Whole Dover Sole, Stuffed Skate with Crabmeat and more. Antipasti di Pesce, sides for the table and dessert choice included for $75.00 per person. Call 215.271.2066 for reservations.

SliCE (1740 Sansom St. or 137 Egg Harbor Rd) - Celebrate Christmas Eve with the Pizza of the 7 Fishes, featuring mozzarella, clams, mussels, shrimp, tuna, crab meat, anchovies and sardine all sauteed with fresh olive oil and garlic, and topped with fresh lemon and basil. This unique pie is a twist on the Italian tradition of Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes Dinner. Rittenhouse and Washington Township locations are open through 6:00pm on Christmas Day. Rittenhouse will deliver anywhere in Philadelphia that day by calling (215) 557- 9299.

Spitalieri's (613 East Passyunk) - Celebrate Christmas Eve with a four-course prix fixe that includes choice of soup or salad, appetizer, entree and dessert. Highlights include Zuppa di pesce (Fish Soup),Shrimp Scampi Flatbread, Baby Neck Clams in Garlic Butter, Jeanie's Code and Shrimp, Salmon Cakes, Frutti di Mare, Jeanie’s Homemade Cheese Pie with Fig Sauce, Chocolate Bread Pudding and more. Glass of wine or soda included for $50.00 per person (not included gratuity). Reservation required by calling (267) 324-3144. Hours 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

Stogie Joe’s (1801 East Passyunk Avenue) - Place your order now for a Tavern Style Christmas Menu that you can pick-up for your family. Enjoy offerings like Clams Casino, Crab Sauce, Crab Cakes, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp Cocktail, Calamari, Salad and more. All orders must be placed by Friday, December 20, 2014, by calling 267-767-5701. Pick-up by December 24, 2014 by 5:00pm.

** OTHER RESTAURANTS AND BARS OPEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE ** 

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 11:30am to 8:00pm with happy hour specials 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

Jim’s Steaks South Street (400 South Street) - Open until 9:00pm.

Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub (150 South Street) - Open 11:00am to 3:00pm for lunch and bar.

Pizzeria Stella (420 South 2nd Street) - Dining room and bar open 11:00am to 9:00pm.

Ela (627 S. 3rd Street) - Dining room and bar opens at 4:00pm regular a la carte menu.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk) - Open 7:00am to 2:00am - one of Philadelphia's earliest spots to put the jolly into your Christmas Eve. 

Redwood Bistro (340 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 2:00pm to 8:00pm.

** OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY **

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 5:00pm to 2:00am.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk) - The bar opens at 7:00am with a shot of Wild Turkey for only $3.00, open until 2am. Come in before the screaming kids and annoying aunt arrive, or escape the minute they leave. 

** NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENTS, DINNERS AND HOURS **

Brauhaus Schmitz (718 South Street) - Silvester Party from 9:00pm to 1:00am with four hour top shelf open bar, exclusive winter German import beers, live entertainment, grand buffet, champagne toast and party favors for $125.00 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.brauhausschmitz.com. Kitchen will also be open for regular menu from 11:30am to Midnight (with free champagne toast) and the bar will be open 11:30am to 2:00am.

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 11:30am to 2:00am.

Delicias (526 S. 4th Street) - New Year's Eve seating anytime 5:00pm to 7:00pm with three courses for $35.00, and seating anytime 7:00pm to 10:00pm with four courses for $55.00. Music and complimentary champagne will be offered. Make reservations by calling (267) 687-7631.

Ela (627 S. 3rd Street) - New Year’s Eve four course prix fixe menu for $75.00 with an optional $30 wine pairing, or a six course prix fixe menu for $100.00 with an optional $45.00 wine pairing. Hours 4:00pm to 10:30pm. Highlights include Hamachi Tartare (passion fruit, caviar, cucumber), Lobser Risotto (lobster ceviche, winter citruses, saffro), Foie Gras (warm cinnamon brioche, ginger, candied butternut squash), Wild Sturgeon (roasted spicy golden beets, smoked green apple, cipollini onions) and Crème “Brûlée” Cheesecake (meyer lemon, hazelnuts, anise). Call 267.687.8512 for reservations, or visit www.elaphilly.com/events.

Jim’s Steaks South Street (400 South Street) - Open until 3:00am.

Nick’s Roast Beef Bar and Grille (16 S. 2nd Street) - Stop by Nick’s annual New Year’s Party before and after the 6:00pm and Midnight fireworks in Old City. Enjoy champagne toast, noisemakers and more. Hours 11:00am to 2:00am.

Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub (150 South Street) - Open regular hours 11:00am to 2:00am.

Palladino’s (1934 East Passyunk Avenue) - Ring in the New Year with a complimentary glass of Prosecco with dinner.  The dining room and full-service bar will be open to celebrate the holiday. For reservations, call 267-928-4339 or book through OpenTable.

Pizzeria Stella (420 South 2nd Street) - Dining room and bar open 11:30am to 10:00pm. Enjoy sparkling cider toast at 6:00pm.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk Avenue) - Open 7:00am to 2:00am with a party featuring drinks, noisemakers, hats and much more in the evening counting down to Midnight. 

Redwood Bistro (340 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 4:00pm to 2:00am.

Spitalieri's (613 East Passyunk) - Open 5:00pm to 10:00pm with complimentary champagne toast while dining, reservations required (267) 324-3144.

The Good King Tavern (614 S. 7th Street) - Open 5:00pm to 2:00am with St. Sylvestre Prix Fixe and "No Corks Eve" Party. Space is limited and the prix fixe will be reservations only by calling (215) 625-3700.

** OPEN ON NEW YEAR'S DAY ** 

Brauhaus Schmitz (718 South Street) - Kitchen open 11:30am to Midnight, and bar open 11:30am to 2:00am. All-day special Roast Pork with Sauerkraut and Mashed Potatoes for $15.

Bru Craft & Wurst (1318 Chestnut Street) - Spend New Year's Day in Midtown Village with the bar opening at 9:00am and lunch, brunch and dinner service. 

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 11:30am to 2:00am, with $4.00 Bloody Mary's 11:30am to 3:00pm.

Jim’s Steaks South Street (400 South Street) - Open until 1:00am.

Nick’s Roast Beef Bar and Grille (16 S. 2nd Street) - Enjoy Nick’s annual New Year’s Day party with Joey Dog’s family recipe pork and sauerkraut for only $8.50, plus Mimosa, Bloody Mary and cocktail Specials. Warm-up on your way to Two Street with special Italian and Irish coffees. Open 11:00am to 2:00am.

Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub (150 South Street) - Open regular hours 11:00am to 2:00am.

Palladino’s (1934 East Passyunk Avenue) - Kick off the New Year inside East Passyunk’s newest restaurant with steak, seafood, Italian, desserts and more. The dining room and full-service bar will be open to celebrate the holiday. For reservations, call 267-928-4339 or book through OpenTable.

Pizzeria Stella (420 South 2nd Street) - Dining room and bar open 12:00pm to 9:00pm.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk Avenue) - Open bright and early to start the new year from 7:00am to 2:00am with all-day party and great spot to celebrate with Mummers. 

Redwood Bistro (340 South Street) - Brunch served 11:30am to 4:00pm, happy hour 4:00pm to 8:00pm, and closes early at 8:00pm.

Taproom on 19th (19th and Ritner) - Brunch served starting at 11am and bar and dining room open until 2:00am.  Great spot to hit after the Mummers' Parade!

The Good King Tavern (614 S. 7th Street) - Enjoy either St. Sylvestre Prix Fixe or No Corks Eve Party. No Corks Eve Party will feature sparkling cocktails, champagne by the glass and free pour at Midnight, and is open to all. St. Sylvestre Prix Fixe will feature seatings at 5:30pm, 7:30pm and 9:30pm for $65.00 per person that includes amuse bouche, appetizers, from the garden, entree and dessert. A la carte seating available at the bar. Space is limited and the prix fixe will be reservations only by calling (215) 625-3700. Open 5:00pm to 1:00am for the kitchen and 2:00am for the bar.

** OTHER FOODIE CELEBRATIONS THIS HOLIDAY ** 

Monday, December 22, 2014

The Good King Tavern (614 S. 7th Street) - Glenfiddich Holiday Event. Enjoy a flight of scotch (15 year, 18 year, retro), a lesson with brand ambassador Bradford Lawrence and house made charcuterie and cheeses to accompany. Two seatings at 8:00pm and 10:00pm at the community table.  Limited to ten people per seating for $30.00 each. Call (215) 625-3700 to reserve now.

December 12-23, and December 26-30, 2014

Bistrot La Minette (623 South 6th Street) - A Traditional French Christmas Dinner: Dîner de Noël. Enjoy five courses for $65 or $100 with wine pairings. Though the French tend to eat rather modestly most of the year, at Christmas dinner, traditionally served from 8:00pm until well after midnight on Christmas Eve, they pull out all the stops and feast on luxurious food and lots of it. Chef Peter Woolsey’s dinner would be at home in any neighborhood bistro in France, or in a French home. In his wife’s family they actually expect us to eat 2–3 dozen oysters, a couple dozen escargot and two types of foie gras (duck and goose) and that is just the appetizers. Highlights include: Velouté de Cèpes et Châtaigne (Porcini and chestnut soup, seared foie gras, crispy leeks, parsley oil), Huîtres au Citron (Five Little Shemogue oysters, Meyer lemon, chives, cracked pepper), Tournedos de Chevreuil Sauce Périgueux (Bacon-wrapped venison loin, pommes purée, seared Brussels sprouts, black truffle Perigueux sauce) and Bûche de Noël Traditionnelle (Pistachio jaconde yule log, chocolate butter cream pistachio ice cream, meringue). Call 215-925-8000 for reservations or visit ww.BistrotLaMinette.com. Regular menu is also available on these days.

East Passyunk's Flavors of the Avenue Returns with a Top Chef, New Restaurants, VIP Perks and More

Flavors of the Avenue is back and bigger than ever! East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) welcomes a record-setting 27 restaurants to South Philadelphia’s largest outdoor food and drink festival on Saturday, April 26, 2014, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Enjoy a true taste of East Passyunk as award-winning restaurants and bars offer samples of their signature dishes and drinks under the cover of a big top tent between Morris and Dickinson streets. Exciting debuts this year include Laurel BYOB by Top Chef Nicholas Elmi, plus previews of yet-to-open restaurants Townsend and Brigantessa. Outside the Flavors tent, guests will enjoy a free street festival with vendors and live music. At the Singing Fountain, Crafty Balboa presents the annual April Showers craft market from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. The event is rain or shine. VIP tickets are $50 per person and include early access and special perks.  General admission tickets are $30.  Tickets are on sale today at www.visiteastpassyunk.com/flavors.htm or by calling (215) 336-1455. Save $5.00 off each ticket when purchased before March 19, 2014 at 11:59pm.  The event sold out last year, so act fast!  

In 2014, Flavors of the Avenue will feature more food and drink than ever before from an expanded roster of restaurants that include:

*  Belle Cakery 
*  Birra 
*  Brigantessa (debut)
*  Cantina Los Caballitos 
*  Chiarella's 
*  El Zarape 
*  Fond 
*  Fuel 
*  Garage
*  Ippolito’s
*  Izumi 
*  Laurel BYOB (debut)
*  Le Virtù  
*  Lucky 13 
*  Mamma Maria Ristorante 
*  Marra’s 
*  Ms. Goody Cupcake 
*  Noir 
*  Noord 
*  Paradiso 
*  Plenty
*  POPE (debut)
*  Stateside
*  Stogie Joe’s
*  Townsend (debut)
*  Tre Scalini 
*  Will BYOB 

Four restaurants will make their Flavors debut, including the yet-to-open Brigantessa and Townsend, as well as recently opened Laurel BYOB by Bravo’s Top Chef Nicholas Elmi.  POPE will also join the Flavors fun for the first time this year.

In addition to the above line-up, EPABID Executive Director Renee Gilinger says, “Stay tuned for an exciting surprise announcement. Guest chef? Special collaboration? New restaurant? You’ll have to wait and see!”

Other exciting news for this year includes an extra 100 VIP tickets on sale, bringing the total to 400 for the first time. VIP perks include early access to the main tent, all-day access to a new VIP-only tent sponsored by Beneficial Bank, plus premium menu items, Pollyodd liqueur samples, and Pinnacle Vodka and Bai cocktails.  VIP tickets are $50 each and include access from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.  As of today, more than 50% of VIP tickets are already sold as a result of EPABID’s Top Chef Finale “Twitter Party.”

Free valet parking for VIP ticket holders will make the food fun even easier, courtesy of ParkOps. The valet stand at East Passyunk Avenue at Morris Street will also be open for general admission ticket holders for only $8.00.

General admission tickets are $30 each and include access from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. All tickets are $5.00 off when purchased before 11:59pm on March 19, 2014 at www.visiteastpassyunk.com/flavors.htm. This event is rain or shine.

In conjunction with Flavors of the Avenue, Crafty Balboa will preset April Showers craft market at the Singing Fountain between 12:00pm and 5:00pm.  Crafty Balboa will feature a record-breakig 40 crafters and artisans this year.

Flavors of the Avenue is an annual benefit to raise funds for EPABID’s public safety programs.  Special thanks to our sponsors Olitsky Family Foundation, Aversa PR & Events, Bai, Beneficial Bank, Gold Medal, Origlio Beverage, ParkOps, Philadelphia Weekly, Pinnacle Vodka, Skinny Girl Wine, South Philly Review, Urban Jungle, UBER, Where Magazine and Yelp.

For more information and directions, like East Passyunk Avenue on Facebook, follow @epassyunkave on Twitter, pin East Passyunk Avenue on Pinterest, visit www.visiteastpassyunk.com or call 215-336-1455.