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Mardi Gras Pop-Up Bar in Center City

The joint was jumping this past week as Craftsman Row Saloon, at 112 S. 8th Street, debuted their Mardi Gras theme bar/eatery on Thursday. It had all the feels of a great New Orleans party. As with their pop up Christmas themed bar, decorations got you in the mood for some delicious southern delights.

Wednesday night they hosted a media/influencer dinner.

Craftsman Row Saloon is owned by brother-and-sister restaurateurs George and Vasiliki Tsiouris, co-owners of Midtown Village’s popular Drury Beer Garden that currently features their beloved Greek cuisine with the Opa Pop-Up.

Guests enjoyed Dirty Rice with Shrimp, Ground Beef, Peppers and Onions, which was delicious. Diners were delighted with King Cake Sweet Potato Fries, which really tasted like pancakes at dinner. Sweet was an understatement. Regular menu items are also available like the Dorito coated mozzarella sticks, award-winning burgers, and fiery buffalo mac-n-cheese.

Martin Alfaro , Al Dia News and friends . I’m excited to quietly announce that I will be having a new
photo column at Al Dia. I had one about 5 years ago with Liberty City Press, which was an insert in Al Dia, but the editor I worked with left the field. I’m so grateful for Martin to reach out to me as I love delivering great content to the Latino community, and all those who read Al Dia. They have great content, and a beautifully organized website.
Amaris Pollock who dined with Chef Barbie Marshall
Jamarcus Henderson dining with media magnificent Ernest Owens

Craftsman’s Row Over-theTop Theme Milkshakes were transformed for the season: King of Bourbon Street – Bassetts vanilla ice cream, king cake, white chocolate, cinnamon, powdered donut, caramel drizzle, beads, festive sprinkles (boozy option also available) Bourbon Street Inspired Cocktails Cereal Milk Punch – bourbon, cereal-milk, nutmeg Masquerade Hurricane – light and dark rum, orange, pineapple, lemon Smudge Kit Margarita – tequila, sage, triple sec, lime

Michael Newmuis, Chief of Staff at Visit Philadelphia at Craftsman Row Saloon. Of course I tried to get him to move his head ever so slightly to the left without him knowing… hehehe
It was an enjoyable night trying all the new dishes and shakes.

NBC10 co workers Sheila Watko and Lucy Bustamante celebrate the evening, and were still sporting smiles hours later despite Lucy’s car being towed and the dynamic duo had to bail her out of the PPA impoundment. I want these two at my next party. They knew the assignment.

Also in on the assignment sisters Alyse Scaffidi and Lexi Scaffidi with Alyse ‘s husband 𝐊𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 (c)

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Around Town With HughE

Main Line Restaurants Which Remind Me Of Spring

Terrain Cafe, Devon, Pa.

If it wasn’t exciting enough that Main Line Today and Today Media announced the 2022 Main Line Today Restaurant Week running February 21st through March 6th, 2022. The 14-day culinary celebration will bring together and showcase the talents of top chefs, restaurants and purveyors in Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties, I found a few spots which will remind you of summer while we ride out the winter weather.

Autograph Brasserie

Over 30 restaurants are lined up for this 14-culinary festival that was designed to support the restaurants during these challenging times, raise up the suburban dining scene in the Philadelphia region, and bring attention to the culinary riches from BYOs to full service restaurants – and everything in between.

Lola’s Garden, Ardmore, Pa.

The 14-day culinary celebration will bring together and showcase the talents of top chefs, restaurants and purveyors in Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties. Participating restaurants will offer special three-course prix fixe menus for lunch ($26.95, plus tax, beverage and gratuity) and dinner ($39.95, plus tax, beverage and gratuity). Restaurants can choose what works best for them, offering lunch, dinner, or both—dine-in or takeout. Foodies from across the tri-state area are invited to save the date, make their reservations, and come hungry for the tastiest weeks of the spring. 

Rosalie 139 East Lancaster Avenue – Just last week Rupert Grint was spotted eating here. He’s in town filming M Night Shyamalan’s Servant Season 4

“Main Line Today Restaurant Week is a 14-day celebration of our region’s top chefs, restaurants and purveyors,” said Main Line Today Associate Publisher Marie Edwards.  “We couldn’t be happier with the final list of restaurants that really showcase the amazing culinary talent in every pocket and corner of the Main Line and Western Suburbs. We want to make a real and genuine difference to the smaller and independent mom-and-pop restaurants that have been profoundly affected by the pandemic.

Pizzeria Vetri KOP – Opens Tomorrow

For its second year, the Main Line restaurant community joins forces with local media and businesses to showcase the culinary talent that makes the Main Line and western suburbs such a diverse and rich dining destination. Efforts are designed to rally diners and foodies from around the region to support the most notable restaurants, bars, eateries, BYOBs and takeout spots. While all restaurants in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties are invited to participate, there is a special focus on independent and locally operated restaurants.

Amis Trattoria 138 W. Lancaster Ave., Suite 140, Devon, PA 19333

Main Line Today Restaurant Week is supported by sponsors Firstrust Bank, Comcast Business, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and others. Save the dates and follow @mainlinetoday #MLTrestaurantweek on social media for updates and previews. For more information and registration forms, visit www.MainLineToday.com/Restaurant-Week or call (610) 325-4630.

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The Russian Ballet Theatre brings ‘Swan Lake’ To Our Area

Photo by AMAL KHALIKOV

RUSSIAN BALLET THEATRE LAUNCHES STUNNING NEW PRODUCTION OF BELOVED SWAN LAKE WITH FOUR PERFORMANCES COMING TO PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW JERSEY

The updated classic will feature unforgettable engagements in Sewell, Trenton and Newark, New Jersey, as well as a stop in Reading in Central Pennsylvania

Photo by MIKHAIL MOROZOV

Russian Ballet Theatre is thrilled to hit the road and tour with Swan Lake for the first time since 2019. Swan Lake is presented by Co-Producers Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick. The production team includes Choreographer Nadezhda Kalinina, Production Designer Sergey Novikov, SFX Makeup Designer Irina Strukova, and Principal Ballet Mistress Tatyana Linnik. Prima Ballerina Olga Kifyak will dance the lead roles of Odette (The White Swan) and Odile (The Black Swan) – a unique and bold casting choice for the American 2022 tour. The cast also includes the amazing talents of Evgeny Svetlitsa as Prince Siegfried, Mikhail Ovcharov as Jester, Vasili Bogdan as Rothbart.

Award-winner Irina Strukova’s grand artistry will give a magical touch to this already magnificent production. Known for her film makeup creations (Netflix, HBO, Crazy Rich Asians), Strukova has created hair designs and special effects makeup that, together with the dazzling costumes, further enlighten this whimsical and glittering fantasy.

Photo by AMAL KHALIKOV

According to the press release Russian Ballet Theatre’s production of Swan Lake is replete with the visual splendor and virtuoso dancing global audiences have come to expect from classical Russian dance. The 2022 tour delights by pairing time-honored Russian traditions with some delightful new inspirations.

“Although we are telling the classic story of ‘Swan Lake,’ there are tweaks here and there that make the show new and exciting,” said co-producer Gulya Hartwick. “We have all new choreography. Usually there is one jester, we have five of them. We did what we could to make the production more lively and more colorful.”

Photo by MIKHAIL MOROZOV

RBT’s international ballet corps will draw talent from ten different countries for this new tour. The dancers will bring Kalinina’s choreography to life along with new exquisite hand-painted sets and 150 new hand-sewn costumes, all designed by the young, accomplished Sergei Novikov (Mariinsky Theatre, Omsk State Music Theatre, St. Petersburg State Music Hall) in the century-old tradition of the great theatrical masters.

“Swan Lake” takes one of Tchaikovsky’s most popular scores and mixes it with a love story inspired by Russian and German folk tales.

“Swan Lake” will be hitting the stage in each city for one night only. Tickets are now on sale for the dates, which include Sunday, Feb. 13, in Newark, New Jersey, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center; Tuesday, Feb. 15, in Trenton at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial; Wednesday, Feb. 16, in Sewell, South Jersey, at Investors Bank Performing Arts Center; and Thursday, Feb. 17, in Reading at the Santander Performing Arts Center. All theaters have amble parking nearby.

On Wednesday, February 16th, Swan Lake dance within minutes of Philadelphia, in South Jersey with a one-night only stop in Sewell, New Jersey at Investors Bank Performing Arts Center. This stop is just minutes from South Philly, over the Walt Whitman Bridge, at a venue that is well-known for hosting local and regional dance and ballet recitals and competitions. Showtime for this performance is 7:30pm. Tickets range $39 to $89. The Investors Bank Performing Arts Center is one of the Philadelphia region’s largest indoor venues, located at 519 Hurffville-Cross Keys Rd., Sewell, NJ 08080. For venue and health updates, visit https://www.wtps.org/Page/15570

Tickets for performances listed are available at www.russianballettheatre.com/tickets and also by visiting Ticketmaster. All venues offer onsite or nearby parking. All venues are accessible by public transportation.

For more information visit Russian Ballet Theatre’s official website, at www.russianballettheatre.com

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Christmas Eateries to Get You In The Spirit

Bah Humbug, there are 12 days left before Christmas and you might have been busying yourself to get it all done before the big day, and like me, you might not be in the ho ho spirit yet. I’ve been busy shooting, and telling my readers about so many great hot spots to go this season, but just this week I am easing into the holiday spirit. One visit to the Christmas Pop-up at Craftsman Row Saloon should do it. They’ve really done a great job on decorating, and if you’re a regular like moi, you can appreciate all they done.

Now where is that Elf on the Shelf? It’s going to take me awhile to find it cause I’m too busy eating the new Christmas Dinner burger (they have Beyond burgers too), and washing it down with a giant Ugly Milkshake. Check out their menu for all the holiday fare.

I love the seasonal decor at Uptown Beer Garden, they really got it!! Philly, welcome to U-Ville! Uptown Beer Garden has transformed into a whimsical holiday wonderland for the first-time ever! This is officially Philadelphia’s largest ever Christmas Pop-up Bar and features indoor space inside the giant heated tent and every table has it’s own decorated Christmas Tree, plus a U-Ville lane and village.

Evil Genius lit a 20 foot tree inside their popular drinking spot. Outside, the Evil Genius Beer Garden was transformed into a little winter wonderland, where guests enjoy beer, hot cider, hot wine while picking out your Christmas Tree from Front Street Trees. Open everyday, plus Christmas Eve 12:00pm to 6:00pm, but closed Christmas Day so their employees can enjoy the day with their family and friends.

I experienced the Igloos at Figo Ristorante last week. Unlike other Igloos of last year, this Igloo was thinking about dining in comfort as they are spacious, heated and taller. No more ducking, or squeezing between the wall and the table to get comfortable. They’re also sound proof, we could really hear ourselves chit chat. They can be booked through the website and open table. Each Igloo can seat eight people, and comes with a fire pit, carpet, lite decor, protective barrier from the cold and winter wind, and enchanting views of the stars, night skies and the Northern Liberties Christmas Tree. Definitely order the bruschetta, you’ll thank me.

At Harper’s Garden the Greenhouses are back and all decorated for those December holiday nights under the stars – with a dazzling new chef, menu and drinks! Colder weather is coming, and Harper’s Garden is warming things up with an enticing new culinary program, enhanced ambiance, and an expertly curated seasonal cocktail and mocktail menu. 31 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Mainline’s hottest 2021 addition, Lola’s Garden has embraced the cold months with flavorful fare, warm drinks, and a heated, outdoor enclosure of their stunning trellis. Open 7-days a week for lunch, brunch, and dinner. Lunch is served Monday thru Friday from Noon – 3 PM. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM – 3 PM. Reservations and private party inquiries for Lola’s Garden are available through the website. For more information Lola’s Garden Ardmore, and/or call 484-412-8011

One of my favorite spots in Philly this past summer to dine was Juno 1033 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123. NOW my favorite Mexican spot has greenhouses for our dining pleasure. With the new enclosure Juno will offer 120 seats, with an additional 18 in their greenhouses. Tables are available for 1 to 14 guests (hello friendsgiving). Each greenhouse offers a private dining experience for up to 6 guests. There are no additional costs associated with booking a greenhouse, but given the limited quantity, reservations are strongly encouraged. Consider making your reservation early to take advantage of Juno’s 4 PM – 6 PM happy hour, featuring a delectable food menu, beer, wine, and cocktail selection for $5 each. Traditional tables and greenhouse reservations can be made by visiting junophilly.com or using the resy app. Walk-ins are welcome, space permitting.

Tried and true The Olde Bar in Old City is one of the most decorated and unique restaurant experiences in Philly for the holidays. The library nooks dining rooms have been given a festive make-over!  The Olde Bar, located at the former home of Philadelphia’s iconic Bookbinder’s Restaurant (I have stories, having worked for the Bookbinder family), is a celebrated space that once housed one of Philadelphia’s most famous seafood restaurants. The dining room currently is a library-inspired dining room that pays homage to the Bookbinder family. Patrons are invited to enjoy The Olde Bar’s favorite seafood and signature dishes while dining in the comfort of their own beautifully decorated, intimate library nook. The decorated library nooks are available for reservation by calling or booking through Open Table.  Happy Holidays and Bon Appetite!! Thanks

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Flight On Ice and Vintner Wonderland at Renault

Flight On Ice and Vintner Wonderland kicked off festivities last week at Renault Winery in Mays Landing. 

Experience our enlarged and improved outdoor Vintner Rink, open daily through February and designed for skaters of all ages and skill levels. 

Join our Renault family in giving back to the community. Our team members have decorated holiday trees that are displayed on our property and that will be auctioned off at our Festival of Trees Gala on December 16th. All the tree auction proceeds will benefit the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, spreading holiday cheer across the township and beyond. Along with the auction, we will be collecting cans throughout the season for the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.

Vintner Wonderland continues to offer even more. Parking, entry and movie viewing is always free but tickets must be purchased online or at the door for admission onto the 6,000 foot outdoor skating rink.

Vintner Wonderland was designed to be similar to a European Winter Festival, explained Josh McCallen, President of Renault Properties LLC and Executive with Vivamee Hospitality. “A ‘vintner’ is a winemaker. That’s why we call it ‘Vintner Wonderland.’ The hot or mulled wine warms your fingers, then your belly and heart. And because it is wine, it also helps you to feel jovial for the season.” (source)

Gather your friends and family around our fire pits situated amidst our holiday views or entertainment area. All Fire Pits accommodate up to 8 guests for a two hour reservation. Choose between Stage Fire Pit seating or Patio Fire Pit seating.

McCallen (2nd from right) had lived in Austria and he describes similar scenes of winter delight there and throughout Europe. McCallen, along with his wife, Melanie(3rd from right) and their ten children are often at Vintner Wonderland working behind the scenes and assisting in multiple ways. (source)

“When we purchased Renault in December of 2018, it was a national treasure with much tarnish on it,” said McCallen. ” Vivamee literally means reviving the soul and that is what we are doing with this 156 year old French Countryside Winery. We have kept every artifact and every piece of history during its restoration.” That also includes the French pronunciation of Renault where the t is silent. (‘Re-know’) . Go make some memories Vintner Wonderland you’ll thank me later…. 12 days til Christmas!! ChitChat with you Tomorrow.

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Boo at the Zoo 2021

The Halloween spirit is in full swing in our area, especially at the Philadelphia Zoo. First of all have you seen the Zoo’s PR Kory Aversa’s viral video with the hippos eating pumpkins. Look for the link at the bottom of this entry. This past weekend, Saturday specifically I stopped by to visit the hippos, giraffes, and especially the penguins with a whole bunch of people, many who were dressed in fun, spooky costumes for Boo at the Zoo. It was so nice to see so many smiling faces, and happy people enjoying America’s First Zoo.

You still have 2 more weekends left to enjoy Boo at the Philly Zoo October 23-24 and 29-31, 2021, families are invited to enjoy Philadelphia Zoo and enjoy an open-air Halloween celebration that features fall plants and foliage, spooky kid-friendly decorations, not-scary extinction graveyard, photo opportunities, and special treats.

Kids receive Trick or Treat bags when they enter.

They go to candy/gift stations through out the zoo and pick up treats.

Reserve your space for Boo at the Zoo Check out more photos from Boo at the Zoo at CBSPhilly

Which reminds ,me, have you ordered your Thanksgiving Dinner yet? Boston Market has a great deal!! I had it last year, it was so easy. Comes precooked you just have to heat it up !!

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Tick Tock #MLTRW Ending Soon

Main Line Today Restaurant Week is over in just a few days on Sept 5 , there’s still a chance for you to dine at 40+ spots in Delaware, Montgomery and Chester counties. This week is a wash in the weather and a win in places where you’ve been meaning to go to dine. Check out the list HERE. (PS PCC readers, this is my last post for a week as I am on vacation in the Smoky Mountains and in Charlotte. See you in September, September 7!!)

It was fun to join my fellow foodie Instagram friends on a tour of all many of the delicious restaurants participating in the preview nights including:

* Philly Chit Chat, Hughe Dillon 40,600 
https://www.instagram.com/phillychitchat/

* Alex Holley, Fox 29 270,000+

* NBC 10, Miguel Martinez Vale 5,800+

* NBC 10, Aunyea Lachelle 14,000+ 

* Aversa PR, Kory Aversa 4,700

* Main Line Today, Samantha Geiger Digital Editor 16,500

* Main Line Today, Marie Edwards Associate Publisher 

* Toi Time, LaToi Storr14,200

* What’s On Mimi’s Mind, Mimi Wong35,200

* Sip on What, Ellie/ Danielle Alvarez 8,500+ 

Philly Food Ladies

* Manayunk Made, Kait and Rory 4,800

* Influencer, Dhruvi Shah 7,000

Chef Joe Monnich and Justin Weathers owners of Stove & Tap with Alex Holley, Miguel Martinez Vale and Aunyea Lachelle

Thanks to Stove and Tap Malvern for a delicious meal (we also ate at Avola Kitchen + Bar [a hidden gem] and La Cabra Brewing and I will forever remember that it’s across from the train station parking lot as I passed it a few ties on my way there. Their food was amazing,)

. They have a vegan selections you’d never know they weren’t the real deal.
***
Congrats to NBC 10, Aunyea Lachelle on her new gig at B101 sharing the 411 on Philly every Friday.

Danielle Alvarez, Sip On This and LaToi Storr, Toi Time
Taylor-Brooke and Nate Weaver at Terrain Cafe

Congrats Nate Weaver on your new position with IHeart Radio :

nateweaverradio Ladies and Gentleman, the news is out! I officially started my new position as the Promotions director and on-air personality for iHeartMedia’s Wilmington and Salisbury Markets 🙌

On the first night we at at Terrain Cafe, Pizzeria Vetri, and Amis Tratoria

Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock what are you waiting for….. Main Line Today Restaurant Week P.S. After doing this partnership with Main Line Today, now I know how to spell Main Line, before this I thought it was spelled Mainline, LOL, as I bet a lot off people might think.

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What’s Everyone Eating During Main Line Today Restaurant Week ?

Hope you are enjoying your week wining and dining during Main Line Today Restaurant Week which runs through September 5. Last weekend I ate at Founding Farmers in KOP and it was delicious. Highlights were the Southern Plate with Ribs, Chicken, and potatoes, my friend had the vegan meatloaf which was very good. We tagged our post #MLTRW and today I’m going to feature a few of the folks who have done the same thing. Let’s go take a look.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTBMQT6M90l/

Thanks Dhruvi Shah for sharing your dining selections they look so good. I’d like to have two of those deserts.

siponwhat
Brussels Sprouts are one of my favorite veggies, and the Spicy Asian Brussels Sprouts at 333 Belrose Bar & Grill left me #mindblown. Made with peanuts, shishito peppers, and a ginger-lime aioli, those flavors come out in every bite!

The other dish I enjoyed was the Pan-Seared Olive Oil Swordfish with warm white bean-olives & spinach, red pepper sauce, tender baby carrots.

Try these dishes and others during Mainline’s Restaurant Week! All participating restaurants are offering a special three-course menu for lunch priced at $24.95 and dinner priced at $36.95.

Thank you @333_belrose for hosting us and a huge thank you to @aversapr team for a lovely evening!
Thanks Josh Moore, Josh Eats Philly for sharing the salmon and pizza from Alessandro’s Wood Fired Italian & Bar, Wayne, Pa
Scroll through to see what they have to offer on the Main Line Today Restaurant Week Menu

Rosalie, is definitely one of my favorite spots on the Main Line. Beautifully decorated, and delicious food. Thanks Mel for tagging #MLTRW and allowing us to feature you on PhillyChitChat.

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Mainline Today Restaurant Week Kick Off Party and Info To Deliciousness

Kris Flynn, Main Line Today stands by a mock front page of Mainline Today magazine’s Dining on the Main Line issue at the Willows Park Preserve Mansion in Radnor.
The Main Line Today Team

Main Line Today Restaurant Week is a brand-new 14-day event that runs from August 23rd to September 5th at top dining destinations on the Main Line and in the Western Suburbs (f Chester, Montgomery and Delaware counties). Restaurants will serve up specially priced 3-course lunch and dinner menus, and offer a variety of dining situations, from indoor to outdoor, take-out to dine-in, and delivery. Participating restaurants will offer special three-course prix fixe menus for lunch ($24.95, plus tax, beverage and gratuity) and dinner ($36.95, plus tax, beverage and gratuity).

Main Line Today and Today Media hosted a kick off party on Tuesday at the Willows Park Preserve Mansion to launch their first ever Main Line Today Restaurant Week.

Marie Edwards – Associate Publisher, Main Line Today greets the guests enthusiastically exclaims how excited ML Today is to be spearheading the launch of Main Line Today Restaurant Week, firmly establishing the Main Line as a restaurant destination.

Jeremy Katz, Relationship Manager, VP at Firstrust Bank are proud sponsors of Main Line Today Restaurant Week.

Stove and Tap

Rustic American restaurant 🐻🍔🍺
📍Lansdale, PA 📍Malvern, PA
📍West Chester, PA stoveandtap.com

Richard Buoni, The Pennsylvania Distilling and Robert F. Martinelli, publisher of Main Line Today.

  • Estia Radnor

Main Line Today Restaurant Week August 23 through September 5 – Participating Restaurants can be found on the Main Line Today website. Post your favorite dishes, date night out, dinner with friends using the HashTag #MLTRW and we’ll share your Mainline Memories!!

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Coney Island Comes to Philly

Popular New York City Coney Shack has expanded to Philadelphia, bringing the taste of Coney Island to our area – in the company’s first expansion out of that market – with more Philly locations to come!

Chef, partner and founder Lawrence Mach (r) started as a small food cart in Coney Island, graduated to a food truck, then opened a brick and mortar, then opened a pod kitchen in partnership with Times Square Foundation. Then the pandemic set in, slashing his business, and several of his locations paused due to the pandemic, but he moved forward with the plans to open in Philadelphia. He’s partnered on this project with SET NoLibs’ owner Michael Tang to open his largest brick and mortar to date; his NYC business are slowly coming back on line.

Coney Shack is represented by Kory Aversa, Aversa Pr, who never seemed to pause during the pandemic.

Earlier this month Coney Shack held at media night tasting.

Coney Shack combines Mexican and American street food favorites, with a Southeast Asian twist.

One must-try dish is the Mach Dog, with Vietnamese caramelized pork, crispy onion strings, Mexican cheese melt, sweet chili spicy mayo, scallion and toasted sesame. The cheese is melted using a blow torch at the front of the open-air kitchen.

Coney Shack 3818 Chestnut St. opens 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Delivery currently is available through Grubhub, and will be available through Uber Eats, Postmates, Caviar and Doordash starting next week.