City Cast Philly
🍴 New restaurants to try as 2024 flips to 2025
December 16, 2024 · — Ava Wojnowski
Happy Monday, Philly. What a great Eagles win over the Steelers in the Battle of Pennsylvania last night. The Birds are 12-2, and tied for the best record in the NFC.
Today we have a rundown of the hottest new restaurants in the city. Scroll down for a list and listen to the podcast for the details. 🍽️ 😋
What's CITY Talking About?
🥊 City Council Protects Joe Frazier Gym
Joe Frazier’s iconic gym has been deemed “unsafe” by the Department of Licenses and Inspections, but City Council has intervened to prevent its potential demolition. However, if the building continues to deteriorate and reaches an “imminently dangerous” state, the city could then tear it down. [PhillyVoice]
🚨 24 People Shot in Philly This Past Weekend
Beginning with a Friday afternoon shooting at the Christmas Village next to City Hall, in which three teens were hit by gunfire, 24 people were shot in the city this weekend. Several were killed. [🔒 The Inquirer]
🎒 School Board Meeting Halted by Protestors
Protestors gathered at a public hearing for the Philadelphia Board of Education, marking the second board meeting in two months disrupted by demonstrators. The recent protest featured two students who criticized the board for approving the 76ers arena plan and for allegedly censoring teachers who expressed pro-Palestinian views. [ChalkBeat Philadelphia]
🚓 Could the Philadelphia Sheriff Be Removed?
A panel of six judges has given Sheriff Rochelle Bilal 90 days to address security issues in Philadelphia courthouses. If not, the legal process could lead to her eventual removal from office. [🔒 The Inquirer]
The Newest Restaurants, Bakeries, and Bars in Philly
December 2024
🥖 Downtime Bakery | 6624 Germantown Ave. (Mount Airy)
Who doesn’t love a new bakery? Downtime Bakery has opened its doors in Mount Airy, offering a selection of handmade bagels, focaccia, cookies, and more. Personally, the seeded breakfast bun with butter and cheese sounds to die for.
🦐 Scampi | 617 S. 3rd St. (Queen Village)
Liz Grother, the owner behind the newly opened Scampi in Queen Village, has quickly built a reputation for culinary expertise that was first showcased at home-based venture Couch Cafe. With Scampi, Grother brings the vibrant flavors of Italy to the neighborhood in a BYOB setting.
November 2024
🍣 Almanac | 310 Market St. (Old City)
Nestled above Ogawa, this Japanese-American cocktail bar is not to be missed. This bar’s exceptional cocktail program is led by Danny Childs, a James Beard Award recipient for his book “Slow Drinks.”
🌭 Cellar Dog | 258 S. 15th St. (Center City)
Following an initial location in New York City, Cellar Dog has now opened in Center City. Offering classic American dishes like hot dogs and smash burgers, you can satisfy all of your bar food cravings. But what truly sets this spot apart is the live jazz and games like billiards, ping pong, and shuffleboard. So grab a bite, and stay a while.
What To Do
Monday, Dec. 16
- ❄️ Made in Philly Holiday Market | 12-8 p.m. | Pay As You Go | Center City
- 🕎 Tribe 12 Hanukkah Celebration | 6-9 p.m. | $72 | Old City
- 💡 Christmas Light Walk | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Free | South Philly
- 🔔 Jingle Ball | 7:30 p.m. | South Philly | $400+
Tuesday, Dec. 17
- 🖌️ Painting with a Twist | 6 p.m. | $70 | West Philly
- ✨ Sequin Ornament Making | 6-8 p.m. | $25 | Kensington
- 🍽️ Blindfold Dining Experience | 6 & 8:30 p.m. | $64 | Society Hill
- 🥂 A Global Sparkling Journey | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | $75 | Conshohocken
- 🎤 Babyface Ray | 8 p.m. | $45 | Queen Village
- 🧑🎄 A John Waters Christmas | 8 p.m. | $50+ | North Philly
You’ve GOT to be kidding me, this clip is the cutest 🥹 Saquon Barkley really seems to be an MVP both on and off the field.
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