City Cast Philly
⭐ Philly gets its first Michelin stars
November 19, 2025 · — Adrian González
Good morning, friends! Philly’s culinary heavy hitters arrived at the Kimmel Center with high hopes last night for the Michelin Guide ceremony. It’s the first time “Oscars of the food world” has vetted Philly restaurants, and some local chefs walked out of there as royalty. Here’s who picked up awards:
Pietramala won a Green Star for excellence in sustainability, and was one of 21 Philly restaurants that received an official Michelin recommendation. And these restaurants received a Bib Gourmand, a recognition of places serving high quality dishes at moderate prices:
- 🏆 Angelo’s Pizzeria
- 🏆 Dalessandro’s Steaks
- 🏆 Del Rossi’s Cheesesteak & Pizza Co.
- 🏆 Dizengoff
- 🏆 El Chingon
- 🏆 Fiorella
- 🏆 Famous 4th Street Delicatessen
- 🏆 Pizzeria Beddia
- 🏆 Royal Sushi & Izakaya
- 🏆 Sally
What's CITY Talking About
🔀 Mayor Parker Pivots on DEI
The Parker administration got a lot of pushback last week when it was revealed that the city is ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative requiring that a set percentage of government contracts go to businesses owned by women, minorities, and people with disabilities. Yesterday, Mayor Parker explained herself. She said that a U.S. Supreme Court decision necessitated scrapping that DEI program, and that a new system created by executive order will favor "small and local" firms for city contracts. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
🎻 Middle East Orchestra Brings Harmony Amid Conflict
The Galilee Chamber Orchestra, based out of Nazareth and equally composed of Arab and Jewish musicians, will be at the Kimmel Center tonight as part of its first U.S. tour since 2022. The orchestra will perform classical masterpieces and music from contemporary Arab composers. [🔒 The Inquirer]
🚒 House Fire Turns Tragic in North Philly
An early Tuesday morning fire killed a 45-year-old woman and two young children in 3400 Block of Hope Street. The Fire Commissioner said there were no working smoke alarms in the residence. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. [CBS News Philadelphia]
- Need a smoke alarm? You can submit a request for the Fire Department to install one for free if you live in a one- or two-family home.
- If you’re a renter, your landlord is required to provide working smoke alarms on every level. Call 311 to report a violation.
⛪️ Mütter Museum’s New Gothic Digs
The College of Physicians, the organization that owns the museum, is expanding its campus into an adjacent historic church that it purchased in 2023 for $9.3 million. Phased construction will begin in 2026 and will include expanded galleries, a larger museum shop, and new education spaces. [Philly Voice]
- Related: The Mütter Museum’s Ethical Overhaul [🎧 City Cast Philly]
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Where Is It?
We’re back with another “Where Is It?” challenge, our game where you guess the locations of street art and landmarks around the city. Be sure to check the newsletter from last week for the answer to our last challenge!
The state marker stands right where nearly 3,000 students gathered after a walkout in 1967.
🏆 And congrats to Jaren from Bala Cynwyd for being the first person to correctly guess the location of Nov. 5’s “Where Is It?” challenge. The Pilgrim is located on Kelly Drive, across from 1 Boathouse Row.
What To Do
Wednesday, Nov. 19
- 🛍️ Makers Market at the Rotunda (University City)
- 🫂 Phunemployment Meetup at the Spruce Hill Community Association (Spruce Hill)
- 🚴 Spring Garden Connector Project at School District of Philadelphia (Spring Garden)
- 💘 Speed Dating with a Twist at Twisted Tail (Headhouse Square)
- 🎶 Philly Music Industry Career Summit at Drexel University (University City)
- 🖋️ Calligraphy Workshop at Haraz Cafe (Fishtown)
Thursday, Nov. 20
- 🍜 Taste of Fairmount at Founder’s Hall (Fairmount)
- 🍸 Drinkers & Thinkers at the Museum for Art in Wood (Old City)
- 🌼 Nature At Noon: Logan Square & Sister Cities at the SE corner of 18th and Cherry Streets (Center City)
- 💻 CTRL+ALT Philly Developer Meetup at Indy Hall Clubhouse (Northern Liberties)
- 🖼️ Benefit Art Show at Ridgeland Mansion (West Fairmount Park)
- 🚌 Transit Affordability Town Hall at Friends Center (Center City)
- 🎨 Alternative Printmaking at Fleisher Art Memorial (Bella Vista)
Something to read on your lunch break: Check out an excerpt from “Backbeats: A History of Rock and Roll in Fifteen Drummers,” a new book that includes Questlove’s rise from drumming prodigy to cultural powerhouse — with a mention of that time Lauryn Hill shouted him out at the 1999 Grammys.
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