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Barrel’s Fine Food: A South Philly Family Food Tradition
Story by: Maureen Cunningham / Photos: Provided by Barrel’s Most Delaware Valley natives alive long enough to remember life before not only smartphones, but also cell and/or car phones, knows that South Philadelphia was always renowned for delicious, authentic Italian cuisine. Long before the hipsters invaded the diverse neighborhoods that border Center City below South Street (Washington Avenue or Tasker Street, depending on who you ask), appetites have been whetted just walking down the street on any given Sunday by the aroma of gravy (yes, I said it) wafting out of homes. Ensconced in this tradition on the corner of a tiny street of row homes on 1725 Wolf Street is…
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Get Your Squab on at Hungry Pigeon in South Philly’s Fabric Row
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler We stumbled upon this chef at Feastival in Philly where we scarfed down a quick sample they were slinging like all the other vendors. However, it was so memorable that we snagged a card and emailed them. Without a storefront location, Scott Schroeder told us to check back. And that we did. Most journalists will wax on and on about Scott’s chef background talents but we went in blind… and followed our tastebuds instead (which have never led us astray so far minus that hella spicy Indian gratuitous appetizer after too much red wine). This is our first time eating squab, which is a young domestic pigeon. The…
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Bok Bar Mixes Hipsters, Booze, Vietnamese and Filipino Food with Stunning Views
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler General Manager Stephen Yaeger was working with Steven Starr before his restaurants were mega mogul money makers, about 12 years ago when there were only four fledgling restaurants. And when a powerhouse of that size starts looking to NYC for inspiration, it’s time to jump ship and start new ventures. That’s why we love Yaeger and his entrepreneurial spirit. He likes to take a risk… and get shit done. Previously they had a seasonal pass from the city for the hippest buzz of last season named Le Bok Fin (a pun on the now closed French restaurant Le Bec Fin). Now they are officially Bok, the rooftop…
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Atlanta, Georgia’s Sweetwater Brewing Company Debuts Delicious IPA’s at Devil’s Den
Story by Elspeth Misiaszek, photos by Cassie Hepler Pop quiz: Which Extra Pale Ale is the second largest seller in the United States? If you guessed 420 Extra Pale Ale by Sweetwater, give yourself a pat on the back. With a limited line of craft brews, you’d never guess that Sweetwater Brewing Company has become the little brewery that could. Over the last several months, their phenomenal popularity has helped them break into more and more markets across the U.S. – and they’ve finally come to Philly. On Tuesday, Explore Philly joined Sweetwater representatives at the Devil’s Den in South Philly to give their delicious craft a warm welcome to our…
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America’s Next Top Model Alum Cory Wade Presents Fashion Under The Shambles
Photos, story by Deja Cromartie The title “Fashion Under The Shambles,” might lead one to believe that it was a disaster, but the fashion was nothing but the latest in cutting edge street style. America’s Next Top Model 2nd runner up, on the show’s first co-ed cycle, Cory Wade Hindorff served of the Master of Ceremonies for the 2nd annual event.The weather was slightly cool, but perfect for attendees to show off their fall style.The outdoor fashion show featured everything from clothing, accessories, and wigs from boutiques in the South Street District. The mood was set with decorative lighting and upbeat sounds from DJ Static Reach. The night started with…
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Fanastic Food Porn: An Epic Philly Restaurant Roundup List That Will Leave You Drooling
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler We’ve eaten our way though Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs, just to provide you with a stellar list of places – old and new – that serve just plain good food. And we’ve also done all the extra exercise that goes along with being a Philly phoodie! Philly is constantly churning through so many new restaurants (and we love and encourage all of them), however some are just classics that don’t get as much local love as they should. So cheers to a misfit food porn list that will certainly compel more than just your stomach to move. BonChon Chicken – 1020 Cherry Street (Chinatown)…
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The Mummers Parade: What the hell is a Mummer?
By Cassie Hepler Welcome to one of Philadelphia’s oldest and strangest traditions. It’s the only time of year where adult, uber-straight men can dress up in elaborate costumes – and women’s clothing – and strut down Broad Street in all their glory. And not surprisingly, the drag queens have been recently welcomed back to the show (hello Philly Drag Mafia) thanks to LGBT trailblazer Ian Morrison/Brittany Lynn. The official Mummers Parade is held each New Year’s Day in Philadelphia and is a day-long drinking and revelry occasion downtown and in South Philly, which is believed to be the oldest folk festival in the U.S. However, this year they added on ADVENT’s first Mummers…