Rayaki, Ship Inn, Parmigiana, Charlie was a sinner, Empanada Alley, KOP Restaurant Week, and so much more!
Happy April, foodies! The weather is perfect and there are good eats to be found in the region. Here are a few stories I thought you might like.
This week I received my first vaccine shot. I had a brief feeling of relief wash over me, knowing that I am doing what is right to protect myself and protect others. While I am consoled by the fact that the vaccine provides safety against the worst symptoms of COVID-19, the pandemic isn’t over by a long shot. I will slowly return to doing some things as normal such as dining at restaurants while continuing precautions such as mask-wearing, social distancing in crowds, and washing hands frequently. With nicer weather here, dining outdoors will be so welcome, especially since I did so little of it during the pandemic. Are you vaccinated? Are you going out more? Let me know what it’s like out there! :)
Rayaki Northeast Philly Opens
Japanese street food and ramen restaurant Rayaki opened their latest eatery in Northeast Philly at 2818 Cottman Ave last week. With locations in Cherry Hill, Edison, and Glassboro, NJ, this is the first Pennsylvania location. The Anime-inspired restaurant features ramen, robatayaki (Japanese bbq), bao, curry platters, and more. I’ve been to the Cherry Hill location and it is very good. Are you a fan of ramen or Japanese food?
Restaurant Impossible Filming at Exton’s Historic Ship Inn
Suburban blog Chester County Ramblings reports that Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible will be working its magic on the historic Ship Inn Seafood & Steak Restaurant located in Exton, PA. The landmark restaurant is inviting the public to make reservations for its grand unveiling on April 20. Host Chef Robert Irvine will be on-premises, and production will be filming for a future episode. Rumor has it the building built in 1796 is haunted! Sounds like a good time. :)
Reader Tip! Parmigiana Restaurant in Northern Liberties
I got a hot tip on a new restaurant in NoLibs by reader Justin B. on Twitter. Parmigiana, an Italian restaurant located at 501 Fairmount Avenue, opened in February 2021. If you recall, the location had previously been Indian Cafe & Grille, Popolino, and Lafayette Bistro. Dinner is served Tuesday-Sunday 4:00-9:00 PM. Check it out and let me know your thoughts!
New Spring Menu at Charlie was a sinner.
Vegan cafe and bar Charlie was a sinner. has added 9 new menu items for Spring. Dishes include zucchini squash blossoms with lemon-scented ricotta and sundried tomato pesto, spring heirloom carrots with macadamia puree, and dandelion salsa verde, and a new shareable vegan Mediterranean board with vegan cheeses, spiced peanuts, and other delicious bites. Located at 131 S. 13th Street, it is part of Marquis & Co. which is a vegan restaurant group founded in 2012 by Nicole Marquis. HipCityVeg and Bar Bombon are the other restaurants they run. What’s your favorite vegan dish?
Upcoming Restaurant Weeks
King of Prussia Restaurant Week- April 11-15, April 18-22
Media PA Restaurant Week - April 18-20
Stay tuned for more information about Philadelphia Restaurant Week coming soon!
News Roundup!
It’s time to round up some Philly food & drink news stories you might have missed during the week.
Cuba Libre Launches Empanada Alley
https://phillygrub.blog/2021/04/08/empanada-alley-by-cuba-libre/
Eclat Chocolate on Food & Wine’s List of Best Chocolate in America
https://www.phillyvoice.com/eclat-chocolate-west-chester-best-food-wine-united-states-pennsylvania/
https://www.foodandwine.com/lifestyle/best-chocolate-shops-america
Lil Pop Shop & Weckerly’s Ice Cream Create New Partnership
https://www.phillyvoice.com/lil-pop-shop-weckerlys-ice-cream-partnership/
Forgotten Boardwalk Creates Two New Beers for McDowell’s Pop Up at Cherry Hill Mall
http://southjerseyfoodscene.com/forgotten-boardwalk-brewing-mcdowells-popup-beer-garden/
Black-Owned Two Locals Brewing Debuts First New Beers
https://whyy.org/articles/philly-black-owned-brewery-debuts-its-first-beers/
https://www.inquirer.com/food/two-locals-black-brewing-philadelphia-beer-20210406.html
That’s it for this week. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Let me know some food stories to share!
Until next week — much love!
Marilyn
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