Neighborhood Chatter: Putting it in cruise control

By Bill Gelman

The East Passyunk Avenue 12th annual Car Show and Street Festival will have plenty of cars — we are talking 140 muscle, classic, antique, custom and show cars, trucks and motorcycles will line the avenue — on Sunday (July 30) 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of food available for purchase, too. Kobe beef tacos from Pistola Del Sur, Italian favorites, (including that famous gnocchi) from Mamma Maria, cheesesteak bao buns, sake sangria and Shiner Ruby Redbird beer from Bing Bing Dim Sum, porchetta sandwich from Townsend are just a small sampling of what’s on tap — yes, there will be plenty of wine, beer and margaritas, too. All of the excitement will take place on East Passyunk Avenue, between South Broad and Dickinson streets.
“The 12th Annual Car Show and Street Festival is back and bigger than ever with more space for cars, a new family fun area at the Gateway and more street food specials from our restaurants,” East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District executive director Pam Zenzola said. “Families from around the tri-state area flock to the East Passyunk to cruise the cars, enjoy live music on every block and taste authentic South Philly cooking. We are thrilled to bring back South Philly’s largest annual summer tradition!” ….

The Christ Church South Philly, 229 Moore St., is hosting a summer festival at Dickinson Square Park on Saturday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The free food and fun will include lawn games, a bounce house, kids’ activities, music and more. The morning fun will include a scavenger hunt (10:30 a.m.) and dog showcase (11:30 a.m.). There will also be a basketball tournament at 1 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/christchurchsouthphilly. …

Heading out on a road trip before the end of summer? AAA Mid-Atlantic will be offering free battery, tire pressure and car maintenance checks to ensure motorists’ vehicles are road ready for the remainder of summer. The free Summer Car Care event is open to the public and will be held at the South Philadelphia AAA Car Care Center, 1601 S. Columbus Blvd., on Saturday (July 29) from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. …

Andy’s Fried Chicken is setting up shop on South Street, more specifically 2108 South St., with a targeted fall opening. The eatery, known for its Korean Fried chicken, will be run by owner Andy Choi and business partner Eric Yoon. If you don’t feel like waiting, head over to the original location in Fishtown. …

South Philly Cheesesteak lovers, this one is for you. Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept 23 as Philly’s Cheesesteak and Food Fest is returning to Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way. This is the chance to sample offerings of the popular Philly food groups — cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, hoagies, water ice, soft pretzels and more. There will be carnival games, a craft beer garden and live entertainment, too. We can’t forget about the cheesesteak eating contest. Vendors will be announced in coming weeks. Tickets are $45 (10 tasting tickets) and $65 (15 tasting tickets and early entry). Visit cheesesteakfest.com. …

Since we are on the hot foodie topic, The South Philly Review’s 8th Annual Pizza Palooza (formerly known as the Pizza Olympics) is fast approaching The date is Aug. 24, 6–9 p.m. at Penns Landing Caterers, 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. Come out and sample slices from City Pizza (both the Front Street and 16th Street locations will be there), Millie’s Burgers Steaks and Shakes, South View Pizza, SliCE, Cacia’s Bakery, Chickie’s & Pete’s and Key Pizza will all be there. The event is being presented by Liscio’s Bakery. King Arthur will provide the music, Here’s the best part: Tickets are only $10.

Have event info or news to share? Email news@southphillyreview.com.