January 13, 2014

East Passyunk Restaurant Week Returns to 24 Award-Winning Restaurants with Three Course Meals for $15 to $35

January 13, 2014/ Kory Aversa

East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) announces the return of East Passyunk Restaurant Week on Sunday, February 23 through Saturday, March 1, 2014. Twenty-four award-winning restaurants along Philadelphia’s “Best Dining Neighborhood of 2013” will serve up three course, value-priced brunch, lunch and dinner menus for $15, $25 and $35 each. From low key BYOBs to elegant candlelight dining to Italian “red gravy” joints to Mexican street food, East Passyunk Restaurant Week boasts a diversity of dining experiences and cuisines that offer something for everyone. East Passyunk top chefs will offer special off-menu surprises in addition to their standard signature dishes. Select restaurants will further personalize the experience with drink pairings, add-on specials, dessert debuts, extended hours and day of operation, and other rewards to delight foodies from around the region – and the country. Specific menus and restaurant availability will officially start to roll out live starting on January 29th at www.eastpassyunkrestaurantweek.com. Reservations are being accepted starting this week at most restaurants. Mark your calendars and remember to come hungry!

December 12, 2013

Serrano Restaurant Hosts Special Five Course Beer Dinner

December 12, 2013/ Kory Aversa

Serrano Restaurant, 20 S. Second Street in Old City District, will host the dinner that beer lover’s dreams are made of on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, starting at 6:30pm. Executive Chef Gina Rodriguez and Eulogy’s Christopher Topham have created five courses that are as eclectic as they are adventurous. Seating is limited for this special one night only partnership that also serves as a memorable farewell to Topham before he moves to Denver, Colorado. Reservations are required. Tickets are $60 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and available by calling 215-928-0770.

November 27, 2013

East Passyunk Rocks Around the Christmas Tree with Tree Lighting Party at the Singing Fountain

November 27, 2013/ Kory Aversa

East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) and Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation (PARC) kick off the holiday’s with the annual Tree Lighting Party at the Singing Fountain (Tasker and EPA) on Thursday, December 5, 2013, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The free celebration will include carolers from Alphabet Academy, music by students from Andrew Jackson School, a visit from Santa Claus, holiday cupcakes for sale from Ms Goody Cupcake truck. Free food and drink samples will be provided by Belle Cakery, Black n Brew, Noord, Stateside and other restaurants to be announced. At 7:00pm, revelers are invited to the first Deck the Ave kick-off with free candy canes and treats at the shops, extended shopping hours, specials and sales, giveaways and other festive surprises. The Joe King Trio will stroll down the Avenue, leading shoppers to seasonal fun. Select restaurants and bars will offer dinner and drink specials, including Noord’s Chef Joncarl Lachman preparing Kabritu Stoba (whole braised goat).

November 22, 2013

Spirits and Suds Bar Crawl with Santa Jingles into 14 East Passyunk Restaurants and Bars

November 22, 2013/ Kory Aversa

Forget the cookies and milk! This year, St. Nick is getting his holly jolly on with seasonal craft beer and merry cocktails during “Spirits & Suds with Santa Bar Crawl,” on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Enjoy $3 seasonal craft beers, $4 merry cocktails and $5 discounted snacks (select locations) at 14 award-winning bars and restaurants along East Passyunk Avenue. Five dollar admission also includes a Santa or Elf hat, and a Santa’s Sipping Stamp Card. Collect five or more stamps to be entered to win a gift certificate prize package worth $350.00. Registration will be held at South Philly Bar & Grill (9th and Wharton) from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Stamp cards will be collected at Noir (1909 EPA) at 9:30pm. Advance tickets are on sale now for only $5.00 at www.visiteastpassyunk.com. All proceeds will benefit local needy families this holiday season through East Passyunk Crossing's holiday giving program.

November 08, 2013

Sassafras Brings Lunch Service to Old City District

November 08, 2013/ Kory Aversa

Your pals at S assafras (48 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia) in Old City District will open their doors for lunch service starting on Monday, November 11, 2013. Pull up a stool at Philadelphia’s “Grande Dame” of neighborhood bars for an eclectic menu that has something for every palate. Inexpensive dishes will include award-winning burgers, traditional fish and chips, smothered steak sandwich, perogies, salads, soups and more. Popular local bartender Danny McCloskey has been brought on board to serve up great conversation and a world-class assortment of bottled beer, draft beers and wines, and a splendid selection of Single Malt Scotches, Whiskies and Bourbon. Rumor has it that lunch regulars may be privy to “secret” handcrafted cocktails only available during lunch service. As always, beloved mascot John Deer will preside in seasonal garb. Lunch will be offered Monday through Friday, 11:30am to 5:00pm. Menu offerings average $7.95 to $9.95.

November 08, 2013

Homemade Pies Debut and Thanksgiving Stuffing Waffle Return at Chhaya Cafe

November 08, 2013/ Kory Aversa

Chhaya Café, 1823 East Passyunk Avenue, is now serving tasty treats very dear to Chef Varnana Beuria — her fabulous pies. Once reserved only for guests in Chef Beuria’s home, these delicious pies with delicate crusts are now available at her café on East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. Stop in for pie, baked goods, desserts, coffee and other treats this holiday season.

October 03, 2013

SliCE Debuts New Seasonal Pies During Freebie Friday

October 03, 2013/ Kory Aversa

SliCE celebrates the finest flavors and ingredients of the season with the introduction of new monthly and seasonal dishes. Starting in October, SliCE will complement its robust menu of Trenton-style pies, gluten-free pizzas and fresh salads with new offerings like The Granny Pizza and Chicken Caesar Pizza. During the entire fall season, SliCE will offer a new Green Goddess Gluten-Free Pizza, Sausage and Peppers Pizza and Fall Beet Salad. New monthly specials will debut on the first Friday of the month during “Freebie Fridays” where new and returning SliCE fans can be the first to taste-test each creation. Free samples will be offered in-store from Noon through 7:00 PM every first Friday. SliCE has three locations that include Rittenhouse (1740 Sansom Street, 215-557-9299), South Philadelphia and Italian Market (1180 S. 10th Street, 215-463-0868) and Washington Township (137 Egg Harbor Road, 856-302-5099).

September 24, 2013

Nick's Roast Beef Debuts New Bacon Burger with Bespoke Bacon

September 24, 2013/ Kory Aversa

Nick’s Roast Beef in Old City (16 South 2nd Street) is already famous for their “best of” roast beef and pork sandwiches, laid back vibe and unbeatable values. Nick’s owner Joseph Schultice, aka Joey Dog, has his sights set on a new prize – king of the burger. Schultice has partnered with local bacon purveyor Bespoke Bacon to reinvent the concept of the hamburger using a special ground bacon and beef blend. Nick’s Bacon Burger debuts during Old City “Bacon and Beer Fest” on Saturday, September 28, 2013, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The pay-as-you-go offerings will include the new Nick’s Bacon Burger, Bacon Nachos with pan-fried bacon crumble, Beer and Bacon Flights, Tomato and Crimini Mushroom Salad with Pancetta Tesa, and a savory ending with Bacon Cheesecake. Yards Brewing Company, Prism Brewing Company and Philadelphia Brewing Company will pair four seasonal with the bacon-centric menu.

September 11, 2013

Mt. Airy Announces List of 45 Food Trucks and Restaurants for Street Fare

September 11, 2013/ Kory Aversa

Street Fare: Sip, Savor, Stroll (formerly Mt. Airy Night Market) will dish up tasty bites and unique beverages from 45 food trucks, carts and local restaurants on Thursday, September 19, 2013, from 6:00pm to 10:30pm. (Rain date is Thursday, September 26, 2013.) Additionally, Mt. Airy USA announces a special outdoor simulcast of the Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Andy Reid’s homecoming game at which Donovan McNabb’s number will be retired. Other festivities to be stationed along Germantown Avenue, between Sedgwick and W. Mt. Airy Avenue, will include two stages of live entertainment, an artisan craft fair, a fashion truck and a new family activity zone. This annual street food festival, organized by Mt. Airy USA, attracted over 11,000 people last year. For more information visit gomtairy.com, call 215-844-6021, follow @gomtairy on Twitter and like “Go Mt. Airy” on Facebook. For a full list of restaurants, food trucks and menu, visit link below.

February 10, 2013

East Passyunk Launches New Restaurant Week

February 10, 2013/ Kory Aversa

East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) cooks up the first-ever East Passyunk Restaurant Week on Sunday, February 24 through Saturday, March 2, 2013. Twenty-one award-winning restaurants along Philadelphia’s “Food Neighborhood of the Year” (Zagat) will serve up three course, value priced brunch, lunch and dinner menus for $15, $25 and $35.