❚❙ Lombardi’s Prime Meats 1801 Packer Ave. 215.334.1212
Grilling this summer? Of course you are. Before you head for the shore, head to Lombardi’s for the best steaks, ribs, chicken, ground beef and the finest selection of meats in town. Look for a recipe from Lombardi’s in this (and every) issue!
❚❙ New York Bakery
2215 S. 11th St. /215.389.5912
RowHome writer Debbie loves this family-owned South Philly landmark established in 1926 and still going strong today. They are known for their tomato pie, also known as “church pizza” since it’s a stone’s throw away from Epiphany Church; attracting many customers on their way home from Mass. “The pie is made in a very large square pan and the nostalgic decor has never changed; that is a huge part of their charm. I was a regular on Sunday mornings on my way home from Mass and this bakery will always remain one of my dearest childhood memories,” she says. Also worth trying is their bread - light and airy, baked to perfection in a century-old brick oven. “This is what sets them apart from the rest,” Debbie says.
❚❙ Pastificio Homemade Pasta Co. 1528 Packer Ave. 215.467.1111
The food here is packed with flavor and you can’t go wrong no matter what you pick. But if you want a suggestion, the top choice from Dominique is their chicken parm sandwich. If you’re looking for some fresh, homemade pasta, this is absolutely the place. Numerous selections (ravioli, fetuccini, spaghetti, cavetelli) are available – all made on site with all-natural ingredients. Pick up some imported cheeses and try their various “inferno” sandwiches, too.
❚❙ Pat’s Steaks
1237 E. Passyunk Ave. (9th & Passyunk)
Are your out-of-town visitors overwhelmed and not sure what to order? Tell them they’ll fit in just fine with the simple “cheesesteak wit.” We don’t have to explain this
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one to you, do we? Take your loved ones to this landmark spot where the Olivieri family invented the iconic sandwich back in 1930. It’s a history lesson worth learning.
❚❙ Penrose Diner 2016 Penrose Ave. 215.465.1097
Our writer Charlie, as well as others on the RowHome staff, have had many business meetings here over the years. Charlie loves their omelettes and suggests trying one for breakfast, or their oatmeal! “It’s the best around,” he says, “I’d love to get their recipe!” If you’re going after breakfast, Dominique says a must-try is the French onion soup, well done. Our writer Joei says “Chicken Athenian over rice is my go-to. It has chicken in a scampi sauce with cheese, tomatoes, spinach and crusty garlic bread to dip.” Penrose Diner, according to RowHome writer Marialena, reminds her of home. She loves their buffalo chicken wrap. “When I would come home from college, I would eat that and it would be like I was tasting home! I also think they have the best fries anywhere.”
❚❙ Philadelphia Folksong Society
6156 Ridge Ave. / www.pfs.org
They don’t just put together the oldest continually-run outdoor music festival in North America! PFS’s newest office/venue is located on Ridge Ave. in Roxborough where weekly open mics, monthly concerts (most are free for members), and other unique events take place on a regular basis. Classes and workshops are also held throughout the year for music lovers of all ages.
❚❙ PHL Athletics
2017 Juniper St. /214.778.3259 www.crossfitphl.com Get fit at this 3000 square foot strength and conditioning facility in the heart of the neighborhood. The gym is great for any age and ability level with classes like CrossFit, bootcamp, sports and team training. Join them on July 29th for “doggy noses and yoga poses.” You do yoga while adoptable puppies from the Brandywine Valley SPCA roam around. On Labor Day, there will be a hero workout to honor the troops. Visit www.
| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2018
facebook.com/phlathletics for more upcoming events and info.
❚❙ Philadelphia International Records Headquarters 309 S. Broad Street www.Gamble-Huffmusic.com
Though now demolished with condos/hotel under construction, this address was once the site of the ’50s -’60s pop and rock of CameoParkway Records and the ’70s R&B and soul of Philadelphia International Records (Gamble-Huff Music). Philly’s music history is rich with many influential hits recorded here. Head across the street to the Kimmel Center’s Balcony Bar this summer, grab a drink, and pull out your phone to learn more about the historic record companies that once existed on Broad Street. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to create your next roadtrip playlist.
❚❙ Popi’s Italian Restaurant
3120 S. 20th St. / 215.755.7180 Charlie Sacchetti says all of their pasta dishes are great, so you can’t go wrong no matter what you order. RowHome Brenda loves the eggplant rollentini and Dominique is a fan of their delicious jumbo lump crab cakes. Cocktails, live weekend entertainment and a friendly staff serve authentic Italian dishes (lunch & dinner) at this local favorite in the heart of our city’s bustling Stadium District. Perfect for dinner before a game or concert.
iconic. David Bowie recorded Young Americans there in August 1974. Two years prior, in April of 1972, Billy Joel performed an hour-long concert at Sigma Studios. The recording of “Captain Jack” from that day received extensive radio play in our area which helped Joel establish a national following. The historic site marker is there, though, so take a photo with it and immerse yourself in the sounds of Philadelphia. Have lunch in Chinatown while you’re there!
❚❙ Tony Luke’s 39 E. Oregon Ave. 215.551.5725
Try the ham and cheese breakfast sandwich. RowHome’s Stephen has been getting one every weekend for the past 15 years and says “it’s the best!” Charlie loves the Roast Pork Italiano and recently stopped by with his daughter (the two of them share a birthday) to grab a sandwich en route to a Phillies game. Try their new burger on a pretzel bun!
❚❙ Uncle Tomy’s
1653 S. 27th St. / 215.271.0250 Family owned and operated since 1972! Sure the pizza is great, but the menu is vast and ranges from light fare like salads to entrees like meatloaf (and two sides!). Homemade soups are available in quarts to share at home...mmm buffalo chicken chili. There’s a lot of love and local ingredients in every order. Try some new menu items like the breakfast pizza, too!
❚❙ Pop’s Homemade Water Ice
❚❙ Yorkfest Fine Arts Festival
“Lemon is the best, with chunks right in the cup. This is our postPhillies game stop on the way back home to Jersey,” says Charlie. Joei says their iced tea flavor is “heavenly!” Family-owned since 1932, don’t leave without trying a gelati (water ice / ice cream combo). It’s a taste of Philly you’ll never forget.
Yorkfest is York, PA’s epic summer fine arts festival, taking place August 25th and 26th. The festival features 100 fine artists from all around the country as well as free family-friendly entertainment and hands-on arts activities, food and an evening community concert. Take a day trip down route 30 through Lancaster toward York.You never know what you’ll find on the way - small unique businesses, roadside stands, activities, local foods. Consider making this journey your final family getaway before summer comes to a close. More details can be found in their ad in this issue.
1337 Oregon Ave. 215.551.7677
❚❙ Sigma Sound Studios 212 N. 12th Street www.sigmasoundstudios.com
From Aretha Franklin to ZZ Top, the client list at this now defunct recording studio was long and
Downtown York, PA www.yorkcity.org
gohomephilly.com