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The celebrated chef has brought infinite acclaim to Philadelphia's dining scene over the years. (Photo courtesy Daniel Stern)

In honor of this fall’s Center City District Restaurant Week, which kicked off yesterday, we’ll be running a short series of Q&As with some top Center City chefs whose restaurants are participating in the biannual promotion.

First up, Daniel Stern, Chef of R2L (and MidAtlantic, which is located in West Philadelphia and therefore not a part of CCD Restaurant Week).

Chef Stern has received high-gloss accolades from outlets as various as Esquire, Food & Wine and Condé Nast Traveler, most recently landing the title of “Best Service” by Philadelphia Magazine.

We got the chance to chat with him about sourcing locally for his restaurant kitchens, Philadelphia’s thriving culinary scene and more: Check it out:

Uwishunu: An exciting new aspect of this fall’s Restaurant Week, in partnership with Philly Homegrown, is the inclusion of a fresh, local dish on each participating restaurant’s menu. What’s your favorite local ingredient to use or local dish to make?

Chef Stern: It’s hard to choose a favorite dish, as everyone’s preferences change with time or the weather or just what you’re craving right then. Fortunately there is enough variety, and so much available to us, that we are able to offer a range of tastes and flavors.

Uwishunu: Philly’s restaurant scene is thriving more than ever before. What do you think makes it great?

Chef Stern: Philly’s restaurant scene is thriving and it continues to grow and change. Almost like the ingredients available from local producers, there is so much variety and so many different people opening restaurants and creating experiences that our food and restaurant culture continues to explode.

Uwishunu: When you’re off the clock during Restaurant Week or otherwise, what is one of your favorite places to go for a bite?

Chef Stern: I have two favorite taco stands: one in West Philly and one in South Philly. One is very close to MidAtlantic and one is easily accessible from R2L. Forgive me for not telling the names, but the lines are already long enough!

Uwishunu: What Philly spots do you take out-of-towners to, food-related or otherwise?

Chef Stern: Definitely Reading Terminal. Hopefully a Phillies game or Eagles game (for food and “not food”). And then the tour varies based on time and personalities.

Check out R2L’s Restaurant Week menu here.

Center City District Restaurant Week
When: September 12-16 and September 18-23
Where: Center City District
Cost: $35 for dinner, $20 for lunch
More info: www.centercityphila.org/restaurantweek