🍜 Go soup mode

Flower Show Details Announced

“United by Flowers” will be the theme of this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show, which is set to take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 2 through 10. It’ll feature a spectacular garden at the entrance and expanded educational sessions. [Axios Philadelphia]

Philly Mourns Beloved Food Entrepreneur

Charisse McGill, founder of the Philly chain French Toast Bites, died last week at age 42. She was also the first Black woman to be executive director of the Farmers Market Coalition, a nonprofit that works to better farmers markets all over the country. [Eater Philly]

• McGill aspired to be the “Auntie Anne of French toast.” [Inquirer 🔒]

Doug Mastriano Faces Ethics Complaint

State Sen. Art Haywood, a Philly Democrat, filed an ethics complaint earlier this month against former gubernatorial candidate and fellow state Sen. Doug Mastriano, alleging that Mastriano helped incite the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection. [Spotlight PA]

Girl Scout Cookie Season Now Underway

Great news for lovers of Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, and the like: Philly Girl Scouts have started hitting the pavement to sell cookies, and prices are staying steady at $5 a box for most flavors. [6ABC]

• Scouts are setting up at SEPTA stations, grocery stores, and other spots around the city. Find a booth here.
• Did you know that Girl Scout cookie sales have some Philly origins? [ExplorePAHistory.com]

If last week’s cold snap still has you shivering, now’s as good a time as any to embrace cozy. And what better food is there to make you feel all snug and comfy than a nice, warm soup?

You’re certainly in luck, because there’s no shortage of good soup options in Philadelphia. Here are a few selections that City Cast Philly food contributor Dave Wesolowski (@feedingtimetv) was so kind to share with us back during the onset of sweater season.

Ray's Cafe & Tea House

What to order: Taiwanese beef noodle soup

This soup is made from a rich broth loaded with beef and bok choy. Ray’s is also known for their siphon-brewed coffee and dumplings.

141 N 9th St.

Forsythia

What to order: French onion soup

This twist on a classic has duck confit and foie gras croutons to make this hearty dish even richer, and the broiled cheese on top makes for a great cheese pull.

233 Chestnut St.

Kungfu Hotpot

What to order: “AYCE HOT POT,” said Dave.

Plus, it’s all you can eat. ‘Nuff said.

1008 Cherry St., 3rd floor

Jong Ka Jib

What to order: Sundubu jjigae

This Korean stew with spicy broth and silky tofu is served piping hot. Don’t forget to BYOB!

6600 N 5th St.

Famous 4th Street Delicatessen

What to order: Matzoh ball soup

“The matzoh ball itself is probably the size of a baseball, if not a softball,” and the broth is “like liquid penicillin” if you’re under the weather, said Dave.

700 S 4th St.

Should We Stop Calling Philly 'America's Poorest Big City'?

Philly is technically America’s “poorest big city,” a data point that’s often used by politicians, activists, and journalists. But this label may not actually help address the poverty that it describes. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Kenny Cooper, reporter at WHYY, about how this term can create stigma and whether it lets the city’s rich suburbs off the hook.