201220931
There is plenty of buzz along the avenue these days. Some of it is good news (the recent openings of Sate Kampar and Perla) and some not so good, including the bankruptcy filing by celebrity chef Luke Palladino. Here’s the burning question: What could possibly fill the void at Palladino’s place at 1934 E. Passyunk Ave.? This is the gateway to South Philadelphia’s foodie row — one that has earned national acclaim.
Enough with playing the waiting game. Here are 10 ideas of what to put at 1934 E. Passyunk Ave.
10) Open a beer garden: Seasonal pop-up beer gardens — fuggedaboutit! We are talking about an all-seasons place to meet up with the group before dinner. This would be a great place to sample local craft beers. Add live entertainment, and this could easily transform into the newest hot spot. Heat lamps will take care of that fall chill in the air.
9) South Philly Walk of Fame — OK, South Philly doesn’t exactly have the A-list talent like the one along Hollywood Boulevard, but there are certainly enough people who once called South Philly home deserving of induction into this shrine. We are not talking Rocky Balboa here — he’s fictional, people (and he was from Kensington, anyway). One thing is for sure — it would not be difficult coming up with a list of worthy candidates (Avalon, Darren, Bishop, Anderson, Lanza …) who are long overdue for such an honor. Getting some of those handprints, though, is another story.
8) South Philly’s Got Talent: Who needs Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B and Heidi Klum? The rising stars of South Philly would take advantage of this newly minted space to showcase their entertainment talents — singing, dancing or magic — before a local panel of judges with a chance to earn a one-night engagement at the Wells Fargo Center.
7) Take the ‘Que: The avenue’s dining scene has earned plenty of acclaim thanks to a constantly expanding list of international culinary offerings. It’s time for a celebrity chef to set up shop and join the booming foodie row. Here’s a name: Guy’s Bar-B-Que Joint, where patrons could enjoy some mouthwatering Blue Ribbon chicken or championship Pork Butt. Imagine what the line would be like if Guy Fieri showed up to greet his fans?
6) The Jon Dorenbos House of Magic: Face it, now in his 14th season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jon Dorenbos is eventually going to retire from the NFL and he will likely be focusing on his other talent that has earned national acclaim: magic. Yes, he’s a perfect fit for a residency on the Las Vegas Strip, but Philly is home. This intimate space is a perfect spot for a dinner theatre where guests can enjoy a great meal while being mesmerized by Dorenbos’ amazing tricks. Has anyone seen the five of spades?
5) Stephen Starr sighting: I’ve lost track of the number of times this restaurateur has been rumored to be opening a spot on the avenue or South Broad Street. Let’s start a new one: Starr has been seen around South Philly scouting out the former Palladino’s on Passyunk space. Well, not really, but it sounded good.
4) “Chopped: South Philly Edition”: “Imagine if the Food Network decided to relocate its hit reality competition show in which contestants turn baskets of mystery ingredients into a three-course meal to Philadelphia. Except in this case, the show would be filmed in front of a live studio audience. Who wants to be a judge?
3) Beat Mamma Maria: Move over Bobby Flay, it’s time to put a fresh South Philly spin on a show in which others try to take down this superstar celebrity chef. There are so many great chefs on the avenue, but since opening in 1992, Mamma Maria continues to earn high culinary marks for her authentic dishes, including the hand rolled gnocchi. Do you think you have the skills to challenge this native of Abruzzi? Stay tuned for the casting call details.
2) Yo Cuz: Before Steve Martorano starting building his national restaurant empire, this former Grays Ferry resident started small by making sandwiches out of his house. His namesake establishment would be a perfect addition to the avenue scene. Besides enjoying his meatballs, which would likely become the talk of South Philly, the dining experience of watching “Casino” while listening to John Coltrane or Frank Sinatra would be unlike any other. Since this one will likely not come to fruition, make a reservation at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City.
1) Dash South Philly: It’s time to take a whole new approach by opening Philadelphia’s first DASH store — the contemporary boutique owned by Kourtney, Kloé and Kim Kardashian. Good luck finding parking when this one opens, as the paparazzi will be waiting for Kim and Kayne to arrive. As a result, an E! network television crew will be seen hanging around town filming the latest spin-off to its hit reality series: “Keeping Up with the Kardashians on the Avenue.” SPR
Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@bsmphilly.com.
