the phillies they have not cornered the market into dollar dogs. We will talk about four bars that spread the good deals throughout the season. Also This Week: An Honorary Chef in Philadelphia Goes home to Mexico and we share its story in words and photos, a gastronomic destination on the coast escape The Wrecking Ball, and a cat cafe serving Colombian snacks is on the way. Check it out! They are reigning cats and dogs.
⬇️ Keep reading for a quiz and restaurant news.
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Where is dollar dog day (almost) every day
the phillies scheduled only three dollar dog nights this season, which could be a good thing, given what has happened with them so far at Citizens Bank Park. The last one is on Tuesday. Colleague Jenn Ladd has found four bars that have been brought closer to the plate to happen on a much more regular basis. The deal at Jimmy’s Timeout in Northeast Philadelphia is one of the best around, to be frank.
Philadelphia has been nicknamed “Puebladelphia” as the city has become home to many talented chefs from the Mexican state. When Dionicio Jiménez of Cantina La Martina in Kensington, a James Beard nominee, made his first trip back since the pandemic, Inquirer critic Craig LaBan and photographer Jessica Griffin came along. The return home was predictably emotional for the chef, who had left San Mateo Ozolco as a teenager. The vivid words and photos weave a beautiful story. About a man and his dreams. 🔑
One by one, Craig recounts the 21 tastiest meals he had in Mexico: “Tradition and evolution working together, it seems, was always the secret seasoning for our favorite foods.” 🔑
The Pennsylvania Alcoholic Beverage Control Board is offering nearly 4,000 bottles of rare whiskeys to the public through an online lottery. The deadline to register is Friday.
A story of Manayunk’s bar/restaurant scene is your reward for reading Jenn Ladd’s article on Jake’s and Cooper’s, two very different Main Street establishments that merged into one over time. Without Jake’s, there wouldn’t be a Cooper’s, and without Cooper’s, Jake’s would be long gone. Where else on Main Street can you find “cheap wine” and delicious crab cakes? 🔑
Rittenhouse Square will have a beer garden this summer (and probably next) as developers plan a new building in the 1700 block of Walnut Street. Even the neighbors are cheering as this solves the problem of a ugly hole in the ground.
In fact, there will be a Smitty’s Clam Bar this season in Somers Point, NJ His fate has been up in the air since the marina came on the market. The owner, Patrice Popovic, says he will be open on Mother’s Day weekend.
Our beer city de Lancaster says he leased the ground floor of a new building at 1519 Ridge Ave. in Francisville for a tavern with a beer garden in back, expected to open in late summer.
Cider house 13 originals has publicly said that its closure is temporary; calls are not returned.
restaurant report
Jose Lorenzo, born in Camden he worked his way up from a dishwasher at Lamberti’s to cooking and managing several of the family’s restaurants. Just a few months after buying his first home, the pandemic hit and his hours were cut. To pay the bills, she started selling birria tacos out of his garage. That led him to open three taco stands in Clementon Park and now, a comfortable brick-and-mortar restaurant in Lindenwold, just a few blocks from his house.
AXO, by its nickname, fuses Mexican and Asian cuisine “to be different,” he said. “Everyone is making birria now.” But not everyone is making birria egg rolls, or Korean al pastor tacos (the pork gets a blast of gochugaru), or birria ramen bowls. It’s BYOB and cash only, and look at the calendar – it’s closed on Mondays and Wednesdays to accommodate your schedule at the amusement park.
AXO, 4 N. White Horse Pike, Lindenwold. Hours: Tuesday from noon to 9 pm, Thursday to Sunday from noon to 9 pm. Monday and Wednesday closed.
Briefly noted
In a weird move, A judge struck down the city’s zoning approval for Bankroll, the $25 million sports bar on the former site of the Boyd Theater in Center City. is open as The legal drama unfolds.
The owner of a sushi restaurant in Chestnut Hill. who defrauded workers out of wages agreed to a $1 million settlement with the government. That was four years ago. Not a cent has been returned.
The Ram’s Head Inn, a landmark outside of Atlantic City, has new owners in a sale that beat the wrecking ball for just a few days.
Cherry Hill Diner, which buzzed with neon lights for 55 years, closed on Sunday to make way for a car wash, just like the one in front
❓Surprise test❓
The 9th Street Italian Market Festival will take place from May 20 to 21 with a historical novelty. What is it?
A) A self-designed water ice stand
B) An oiled bare pole climb
C) A cheesesteak contest
D) A “sauce” or “red sauce” debate
Find out if you know the answer.
ask mike anything
Where is the best French dip in South Philly or in the Old City? — @tom_carlin_
French dip features thinly sliced roast beef (sometimes topped with cheese) on a loaf of bread, and is served with a bowl of juice for dipping. You could call it the American pub version of birria. I started my search through South Philadelphia and Old City, so I’ll guide you to the heart of Center City and ‘Vous: Locust Rendezvous (1415 Locust St.). The traditional neighborhood bar across from the Academy of Music does a juicy dip and other sandwiches, particularly the grilled Reuben.
📮 Do you know a good French dip in our area? Do you have any questions about food in Philadelphia? Email me at [email protected].
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