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The Phanatic Around Town program has been very popular all summer long, but like all great things, it must eventually come to an end.

The 20 custom-painted Phanatic statues will be removed from around the city during the week of August 30th, leaving a little more than a week to snap your photo with them in their current locations.

After the statues are collected, they’ll be on display on “Phanatic Walk” at Citizens Bank Park beginning September 3rd through the remainder of the season.

Also… if you haven’t already, check out our time-lapse video in which we visit all 20 Phanatic statues around Philadelphia.

Phanatic Around Town Summer Promotion [Visit Philly]

The newest Phillie, All-Star pitcher Roy Oswalt — who was acquired in a trade yesterday — will make his Phillies debut tonight against the Washington Nationals.

Welcome to Philadelphia Roy!

Go Phillies!!

Phils get Oswalt for Happ, two prospects; Right-hander to make debut against Nationals on Friday [Phillies.com]
With Love Philadelphia XOXO [Visit Philly]
Philadelphia Phillies [Visit Philly]

Read more about Philadelphia native Kristin Haskins Simms, a contestant on the new season of Lifetime’s Project Runway, here.

And then there’s this:

Just sayin’.

With Love Philadelphia XOXO [Visit Philly]

Philadelphia Flyers [Official Site]

Phillies left fielder, #29, Raul Ibanez. (Photo courtesy of the Phillies)

Welcome back to our Q&A series on uwishunu called “With Love Letters,” in which our With Love Philadelphia campaign interviews notable Philadelphians in order to learn more about their relationship with the city and why they love it here.

Here, we talk with Phillies left fielder Raul Ibanez.

Note: links were added to the interview during editing.

Introduction:

When veteran left fielder Raul Ibanez joined the Phillies after the 2008 season (you know, the one where they won the World Series) loyal Phillies fans were thrilled to welcome a hard-hitting, athletic player to the mix. And we weren’t disappointed: the 2009 season saw Raul put up career numbers in home runs, slugging percentage and OPS (on base plus slugging percentage) on his way to playing in his first Major League All-Star Game. It was a good year for Raul and the Phillies, who went on to play in their second consecutive World Series (we all know how that turned out).

A first-generation American with Cuban roots, Raul was featured in CNN’s recent Latino in America special. “I remember being three years old,” he recalls in the program, “and I wanted to be a baseball player. That, and Spiderman.”

Ever-popular with the fans, Raul has introduced Philadelphia to a new cat-call — “Raaaaauuuuul” — which we’re looking forward to yelling when the Phillies play their home opener today at 3:05 p.m. against the Washington Nationals. Go Phils!

The “With Love Letters” Q&A:

With Love: Raul, as hardcore Phillies fans, we’re ecstatic to be speaking with you. Let’s start off with a few easy questions. First off, have you ever run up the Rocky Steps?
Raul: Not yet, but I will.

With Love: Fair enough. The Phillie Phanatic — great mascot or greatest mascot?
Raul: Hands down greatest mascot of all time.

With Love: We love him too! If you weren’t playing in the game, how many hot dogs would you try to eat during a Dollar Dog Night at Citizens Bank Park? Don’t be shy.
Raul: Five.

With Love: Nice! We never made it past four. Now, we won’t make you answer the “Pat’s or Geno’s or Tony Luke’s” question, but when you do order a cheesesteak, what do you like to get on it?
Raul: Everything.

With Love: Bold. Let’s say you have a day off between home games. How do you enjoy your day in the City of Brotherly Love?
Raul: The kids dictate that! Great zoo and nearby theme parks.

With Love: It’s no secret that you’ve really hit your stride since signing with the Phillies in 2008, achieving career highs in home runs, slugging percentage and general popularity with the fans (“Raaaauuuuul” t-shirts are commonplace in Philly these days). Do you think this great city has anything to do with your recent success?
Raul: Absolutely. As a player we feed off of their energy. It’s a great place.

After the jump, Raul clues us in on his favorites restaurants, the philosophy of Philadelphia sports and just how dedicated Phillies fans can be.

(more…)

Musical mastermind and Philly enthusiast RJD2 (Photo by Dan McMahon)

Welcome back to our Q&A series on uwishunu called “With Love Letters,” in which our With Love Philadelphia campaign interviews notable Philadelphians in order to learn more about their relationship with the city and why they love it here.

Here, we talk with Philly-based DJ RJD2.

Note: links were added to the interview during editing.

Introduction:

Since releasing his first full-length album, Deadringer, in 2002, Oregon native/Philadelphia convert Ramble John “RJD2″ Krohn has been in the spotlight for his blend of danceable beats, live instrumentals and genre-defying, musically intellectual samples. He’s even been known to sing a song or two.

On January 19, RJD2 released his fourth full-length album, The Colossus, which Spin Magazine says “should remind everyone how talented DJ-producer Ramble John Krohn was before he crafted the award-winning Mad Men theme.” And while the sexy, 60s-era track may introduce a new set of listeners to the Philly-based DJ, his loyal Philly fans will be lining up to catch his March 5 show at the First Unitarian Church, which kicks off a national, month-long tour.

These days, RJD2 lives in West Philly, enjoying its laid-back restaurants, artistic vibe and tight-knit community of DJs — while consistently churning out epic tracks.

The “With Love Letters” Q&A:

With Love: First, some fun questions: Have you ever run up the Rocky steps?

RJD2: Yes. I looove the Art Museum. It’s amazing.

With Love: Right on. How, and where, do you take your cheesesteaks?

RJD2: Tommy Dinic’s [at Reading Terminal Market]: pulled pork with the broccoli rabe, sharp provolone. Best Italian sandwich in the city. Easily.

With Love: And if Philadelphia were a song, what would it be? Or if it were a mixed tape, what songs would be on it?

RJD2: I’d say “Drop It Like It’s Hot” is an analogous song, cause on its surface, it seems pretty simplistic and almost primitive, but underlying is a pretty sophisticated chord progression. It’s smarter than it looks, basically.

With Love: And Philadelphia’s pretty sharp-looking to begin with, let’s be honest. So, you were born in Oregon and raised in Ohio. What made you decide Philly was the city for you?

RJD2: It was a trifecta of sorts; cheap real estate, friends and good people, and proximity to the rest of the eastern seaboard. They all were important things — I was having to go to NYC a lot for work, but knew that I didn’t want to live there. I have no buyer’s remorse whatsoever.

With Love: Well we’re certainly glad to have you. Now, you’re about to go on tour to support your fourth full-length album, The Colossus. And you’re starting right here in Philly, kicking off March 5 at the First Unitarian Church. What can our readers expect from this upcoming tour?

RJD2: I’ve got my turntable/sampler rig, as well as a band setup — keys/bass/guitar/drums, plus visuals and a costume change or two. It’s a fun show, I can honestly say.

With Love: You’ve performed at venues all over the region, everywhere from the Starlight Ballroom to Haverford College. Do you have a favorite place in town to DJ?

RJD2: Really, the [First Unitarian] Church is always fun. But I’ve had great times at Silk City as both a DJ and “attendee,” so it’s tough to say. But the Church is always a riot.

With Love: Seeing as Philadelphia’s often called the “Birthplace of Freedom,” it’s only fitting that you recently started your own record label, RJ’s Electrical Connections. Do you think there’s something in the air in Philly that encourages independence in its artists?

RJD2: Yea, cheap rent! There does seem to be an adverse reaction to bosses. I might have a skewed perspective cause of the folks I hang around, but it does strike me as the kind of place that people are good at “making their own way,” as far as earning a living.

After the jump, RJD2 tells us about his favorite ice cream, contributing the opening track to Mad Men, and what cannolis and Philadelphians have in common. (more…)

Chef Marc Vetri at Osteria (Photo courtesy of the Chef)

Welcome back to our Q&A series on uwishunu called “With Love Letters,” in which our With Love Philadelphia campaign interviews notable Philadelphians in order to learn more about their relationship with the city and why they love it here.
 
Next up is Chef Marc Vetri.

Note: links were added to the interview during editing.

Introduction:

 
Marc Vetri is the James Beard Award-winning Chef and Owner of two of Philadelphia’s most highly regarded restaurants, Vetri and Osteria. This winter he will open his third restaurant, Amis, a Roman-style neighborhood trattoria in Washington Square West.

Chef Vetri knows Philadelphia — he grew up just outside the city in Abington, Montgomery County and spent many weekends as a child cooking with his Sicilian grandmother in her South Philadelphia home. He then spent four years in University City while attending Drexel before traveling to Italy to train as a chef.

When he returned to Philadelphia, he set about to open his own restaurant, which he did to rave reviews in 1998. By 1999, he was named one of ten “Best New Chefs” by Food & Wine Magazine. In 2005, Vetri won the prestigious James Beard Award for “Best Chef Mid-Atlantic.” In 2007, Chef Vetri opened his second restaurant, Osteria, also to rave reviews. And in 2008, he published his long-awaited debut cookbook, Il Viaggio Di Vetri.

Today, Chef Vetri is working on his latest venture, Amis, a restaurant that he promises will be lively, fun and inviting — the perfect place for “amis” or “friends” to get together.
 

The “With Love Letters” Q&A:

 
With Love: Hi Chef, Thank you very much for taking the time to talk to us. Ok, let’s start with a few warm-up questions. Be honest: have you ever run up the Rocky Steps?

Marc Vetri: Of course.

With Love: Iconic Philly snack preference — a Philadelphia soft pretzel or a Tastykake?

Vetri: Tastycake… Butterscotch Krimpets to be exact.

With Love: How about the Philly cheesesteak vs. the roast pork sandwich vs. an authentic Philly hoagie — which do you prefer?

Vetri: Geno’s, wiz wit.

With Love: Wiz wit all the way…

Ok, You grew up just outside the city and went to college in University City, so you’ve been around Philadelphia for a while now. How have you seen it change and grow? And what excites you about Philadelphia as a restaurant/food town today?

Vetri: Philly has really become a destination place. When I went to Drexel, it was just that city between Washington and New York. Over the last 20 years, it has become an epicenter for culture, the arts and food and wine. The restaurant scene has exploded within the last 10 years. We have so many great chefs and restaurants popping up in all areas. I love that there are so many neighborhoods and that the scene keeps growing.

With Love: Speaking of neighborhoods, we know you spent some quality time as a youth in South Philadelphia learning to cook with your Sicilian grandmother — are there specific influences from those early days in South Philly that you retain in your cooking today?

Vetri: I would say those influences are more about the philosophy of my cooking than any specific style. For me, an evening out revolves around family and friends, that’s what sticks with me about those days. Sitting around a big table, laughing, talking and eating great food.

With Love: We’ve also read that you try to use local ingredients in your kitchen as much as possible. Why are local ingredients so important to your cooking philosophy?

Vetri: I think it’s important to make the most use of the land around you and support the efforts of farmers in the area. It keeps the cycle going. Anytime you can substitute a locally farmed product from an industrial farmed product, you’re doing the environment a favor, you’re creating jobs and you’re assisting your community. It’s really that simple.

With Love: Your next project, Amis, is going to be a Roman-style neighborhood trattoria in Washington Square West. Will simplicity and local ingredients be prevalent themes there as well?

Vetri: Absolutely, great Italian food is always about ingredients and simplicity, it’s really the definition of it.

With Love: Sounds delicious. Ok, when you’re not working on your next project or at your own restaurants, where are some of your other favorite places to eat in Philadelphia? Any under-the-radar neighborhood gems?

Vetri: I always love to go Amada in old city. Morimoto is a favorite when we’re in the mood for sushi. Zahav is so original and always great. There are so many great places I wouldn’t know when to stop listing. Meme, Bibou, Xochitl, Blackfish… I mean the list could just go on forever!

With Love: You’re right, the list could go on and on… but that’s a problem that we’re happy to have.

Below we find out where Chef Vetri likes to picnic, where he goes to satisfy a pho craving, and what new addition at Osteria will give you front-row access to all the action in the kitchen… (more…)

Need we say more?

The Phillies kick off their National League Championship Series today against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Naturally, we want to give the Fightin’ Phils as much support as possible. To that end, we’re trying to send 1,000 Phanatic e-postcards today and we need your help.

Click here to send a postcard.
 
It’s quick and easy and will remind whomever you send it to that the Phillies are awesome.

And don’t just send one, send five. Or better yet, send 10.

Bonus: for each e-postcard you send, you’ll be entered to win one of ten $100 Stephen Starr or Jose Garces restaurant gift cards. (Official rules.)

GO PHILLIES!!

With Love Postcards [Gophila.com]

Philly's Top Chef destroyer, Jennifer Carroll (Photo courtesy of 10 Arts)

Welcome back to our new post series on uwishunu called “With Love Letters,” in which our With Love Philadelphia campaign interviews noteworthy Philadelphians in order to learn more about their relationship with the city and why they love it here.
 
Next up is 10 Arts Chef de cuisine and current Top Chef “Cheftestant” Jennifer Carroll.

Note: links were added to the interview during editing.

Introduction:

 
Jennifer Carroll is a hometown girl — she grew up in the Somerton section of Northeast Philadelphia and went to Mount St. Joe’s High School. After flirting with a career in law while attending Catholic University in Washington, DC, Carroll followed her heart back home to Philadelphia to attend the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in University City.

From there she went on to work in the kitchens of restaurants in San Francisco, Philadelphia and New York City. It was in New York City where she worked as sous chef at Eric Ripert’s prestigious Le Bernardin. When Ripert opened 10 Arts at the Ritz Carlton here in 2008, he hand selected Carroll to lead the kitchen of the restaurant on a day-to-day basis.

She is now a “Cheftestant” on Season 6 of Top Chef on Bravo. Her restaurant, 10 Arts at the Ritz Carlton Philadelphia, hosts a viewing party during the show every Wednesday night. So stop by tonight and cheer her on.
 

The “With Love Letters” Q&A:

 
With Love: Hi Jennifer, Thank you very much for taking the time to talk to us. Ok, to start, a few warm-up questions. Be honest: have you ever run up the Rocky Steps?

Jennifer Carroll: Of course I’ve run up the Rocky steps! One of my fondest memories growing up is racing up the stairs with my sisters when we would visit the art museum.

With Love: The Phillie Phanatic — great mascot or greatest mascot?

Carroll: Greatest ever, who couldn’t love a big green furry creature?!

With Love: Probably no one. Ok, the Philly cheesesteak vs. the roast pork sandwich vs. an authentic Philly hoagie — which do you prefer?

Carroll: Tough question, but I can’t go two days without eating a hoagie. I wish Sarcone’s was open 24 hours a day so I could get my fix after work every night.

With Love: You’re right, tough question but great answer. We would totally sign a petition supporting a 24-hour Sarcone’s…

Ok, so you are currently competing on Top Chef Las Vegas on Bravo — congratulations on an impressive run to date — representing yourself, 10 Arts and, by extension, Philadelphia and the Philadelphia food scene. Were you excited to be one of the first Philadelphia chefs to be on the show?

Carroll: Yes, absolutely! I’m very excited to be one of the first Philadelphia chefs on the show. I’m hoping to live up to everyone’s (Philadelphians) standards and want to make everyone proud.

With Love: Well you’ve clearly already done that — you’re kicking butt out there — so Philadelphia is already very proud. Now, you grew up here in Philadelphia, which often has or is perceived to have to have an underdog mentality. Did that provide you with any extra motivation?

Carroll: I have a very competitive spirit. I always want to win! My dad taught me to always aim for first place.

With Love: Smart man. Ok, so you grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, went to the Restaurant School in University City, and are now the chef at one of Center City’s more popular restaurants — what do you really love about Philadelphia’s restaurant and food scene today? And how have you seen it change and grow?

Carroll: The restaurant scene has evolved so much in the past 10 years — I love how diverse it’s become. You can get awesome Mexican food, fantastic food in Chinatown … even Israeli street food. The Philadelphia food scene has it, whatever craving you may have.

With Love: Not sure we could have said it better ourselves. So we did our research and already know you love Osteria, Zahav, Amada and Tony Luke’s. When you’re not working at your own restaurant, where are some of your other favorite places to eat in Philadelphia? Any under-the-radar neighborhood gems?

Carroll: I love Mémé, which is a great little place. And, it’s not so under the radar, but Bibou is also one of my favorite restaurants.

With Love: More great choices… Chef David Katz at Mémé just got a big shout out from Esquire by the way.

Below we find out what dish Chef Carroll is craving right now, one of her favorite Bloody Marys in the city, and who’s the secret behind the delicious desserts at 10 Arts. (more…)

Jane Golden sits before the "Seasons of Youth" mural (at Blaine Elementary School), one of 3,000+ murals she's helped to produce in Philadelphia.

Welcome to a new post series on uwishunu called “With Love Letters,” in which our With Love Philadelphia campaign interviews noteworthy Philadelphians in order to learn more about their relationship with the city and why they love it here.

Today we’re talking with Jane Golden, Executive Director of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program.

Note: links were added to the interview during editing.

Introduction:

Since the Mural Arts Program began in 1984 as a component of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network, Jane Golden has been the driving force, overseeing its growth from a small city agency into the nation’s largest mural program, a catalyst for positive social change and a model for replication across the country and around the globe.

Under the direction of Golden, the Mural Arts Program has become a successful hybrid of a city agency and nonprofit organization, creating innovative works of public art in partnership with various community stakeholders, public schools, local nonprofits and city agencies, and educating over 20,000 underserved youth in its first 25 years. In that time, the Mural Arts Program has created more than 3,000 murals that are an integral part of the civic landscape and a source of inspiration to the thousands of residents and visitors who encounter them each year, earning Philadelphia international recognition as the “City of Murals.”

The With Love Letters Q&A:

With Love: Hi Jane, Thank you for taking the time to talk to us. Ok, let’s get started with a few warm-up questions:

First up. Be honest: Have you ever run up the Rocky Steps?

Golden: Yes!

With Love: Preferred way to explore the city — on foot or by bike?

Golden: By bike – and several times a year I even lead a mural tour by bike — it’s a great way to see murals especially.

With Love: Public art plus fresh air? Sounds good to us. Now: A Philly cheesesteak vs. an authentic Philly hoagie — which do you prefer?

Golden: No offense to Pat’s or Geno’s, but I’m going to have to say Veggie Hoagie.

With Love: Fair enough. We love veggie hoagies too. Ok, so you once said that Philadelphia is a “wall city” with “so many blank canvases.” What about Philadelphia is particularly prime for the mural arts? Why does it work so well as a canvas for your artists?

Golden: Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, of diverse communities — it’s full of authentic voices of people who want to be heard. And Philadelphia is an old city — which means as buildings are torn down or rebuilt, new blank canvases are constantly being created. This has created a city with good “wall stock” as I like to call it, with a natural affinity for art.

With Love: We love our natural affinity for art. Ok, October is Mural Arts Month — which also marks an end to a yearlong celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the Mural Arts Program. Looking back on 25 years (and counting) of Mural Arts, what about the program’s impact on the city makes you the most proud?

Golden: I must say, it has truly been a privilege to do my job. I am constantly inspired by the thousands of murals that we have created throughout the city — and the fact that we are now considered the “Mural Capital of the World.” Our artwork is visible in every community and has truly given Philadelphia an international presence.

I am also so proud of our less visible work — our free art education programs for kids. In the past ten years, we have provided not only quality art classes, but have changed the lives of thousands of at-risk kids. I have always said that “art saves lives” and I see it every day in the faces if our students.

With Love: Speaking of Mural Arts Month, can you share a few event highlights with our readers?

Golden: We are so excited to close our year long 25th Anniversary celebration with this year’s Mural Arts Month! In addition to a host of mural dedications, painting activities and exhibits, we have some great tours planned including our Murals & Meals tours led by some of our favorite local celebrities.

This year’s celebrities include Philadelphia First Lady Lisa Nutter, Philadelphia Magazine editor Larry Platt, Comcast Sportsnet’s Michael Barkann, Shannon Doyle, Miss Pennsylvania 2009 and City Councilmen Frank DiCicco and Jim Kenney.

Our biggest event will be Muralissimo at the Piazza in Northern Liberties on Saturday October 17th from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Muralissimo is a day of free mural tours, mural-making, face painting, pumpkin painting, live music, and artwork for sale by Mural Arts Program artists. Check out our Web site for details!

Two murals in the "A Love Letter for You" series. (Photos courtesy of the Mural Arts Program)

With Love: Tell us more about the “A Love Letter For You” Mural project in West Philadelphia. (We’re a big fan of Love Letters ourselves…) What was some of the inspiration for that?

Golden: We are so thrilled about this project! I met the lead artist, Stephen Powers, years ago when he was a teenager — a young and talented graffiti writer, tagging walls all over Philadelphia. Despite my best efforts, and the mutual respect we had for each other, I couldn’t get him to trade in his spray cans for a paint brush and join the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network.

After going on to art school and making a name for himself in New York City and on the international art scene, he has come full circle, and has returned to his home neighborhood in West Philadelphia, to write a sprawling “love letter” to his home town. However, this time, he has opened up the process to community members and has incorporated their input as well.

In his own words the project is a “love letter meant for one but with meaning for all.” The project is comprised of 50 murals all painted along the Market Street Corridor in West Philadelphia that can be best viewed from the Market-Frankford train line, and there will be a Love Letters exhibition coming up in November. Check our Web site for more details.

After the jump, we find out some of Jane Golden’s favorite neighborhoods, some of her favorite restaurants, and a few great murals close to Center City for easy visiting. (more…)

Chef Michael Solomonov (Photo courtesy of Zahav)

Welcome to a new post series on uwishunu called “With Love Letters,” in which our With Love Philadelphia campaign interviews noteworthy Philadelphians in order to learn more about their relationship with the city and why they love it here.
 
Today we’re talking with Rising Star Chef / Restaurateur Michael Solomonov.

 
Note: links were added to the interview during editing.

Introduction:

 
Chef Michael Solomonov’s restaurants include Zahav, Philadelphia’s only modern Israeli restaurant where he’s Executive Chef, Xochitl, serving authentic Mexican fare, and the highly anticipated Percy Street Barbecue coming to South Street this Fall.

Since opening Zahav in May 2008, Chef Solomonov and the restaurant have received rave reviews including: #1 on Philadelphia Magazine’s 50 Top Restaurants 2009 (May 2009); Conde Nast Traveler’s 50 Hot Tables in the World (May 2009); Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best New U.S. Restaurants 2009 (May 2009); and Esquire – Best New Restaurants 2008 (November 2008).

In 2009, Solomonov was nominated for the James Beard Foundation’s prestigious “Rising Star Chef” award.

In Philadelphia, it’s clear that his star has already risen.

The With Love Letters Q&A:

 
With Love: Hi Michael, thank you so much for talking with us. Ok, first question — be honest: have you ever run up the Rocky Steps?

Solomonov: Of course! I thought that was a required activity for all Philadelphians…?

With Love: Yeah, you’re probably right about that. Ok, let’s dive right into some food-centric questions. What do you love about Philadelphia’s restaurant and food scene?

Solomonov: What’s not to love? I think that our restaurants are a perfect example of the best thing about our food scene: the diversity. Philadelphians weren’t always so open-minded, but today, ours is one of the country’s foremost restaurant cities, with excellent examples of just about any cuisine you’ve ever heard of, and even some you haven’t.

With Love: We love lots of choices too! Ok, so when you’re not working at your own restaurants, where are some of your favorite places to eat in Philadelphia?

Solomonov: I’ve always been a fan of Osteria — it’s just a personal favorite, and I loved working with owner Marc Vetri at his first restaurant, Vetri a few years ago. I’m also hooked on Pho 75, which serves Vietnamese pho, a soup that is typically only eaten for breakfast. Finally, I guess I’m a sucker for the newest thing, because I love checking out the latest restaurant openings all over town.

With Love: Pho 75 is sooo good, it’s almost unfair. And you have to keep up with what’s new… it’s just too much fun. (Not to mention tasty.) Ok, how about when you host friends and family from out-of-town; where do you like to take them? Are you especially hot on any one Philly neighborhood right now?

Solomonov: I love taking guests to brunch at Fork, especially since my old friend and mentor Terence Feury took over the kitchen there this past year. While we’re in Old City, I’ll take them to see some of the neighborhood’s historic synagogues, or to a photo show at one of the galleries, much like the one we hosted at Zahav when we opened the restaurant, displaying my friend Michael T. Regan’s images from our inspirational tour of Israel as we brainstormed how to bring the flavors of that country to Philadelphia.

After the jump, we find out what food Chef Solomonov is craving right now, one of his favorite hotels in the city, and when he’s targeting for the opening of Percy Street Barbecue on South Street. (more…)

Chef Jose Garces at Amada (Photo courtesy of Garces Restaurant Group)

Welcome to a new post series on uwishunu called “With Love Letters,” in which our With Love Philadelphia campaign interviews noteworthy Philadelphians in order to learn more about their relationship with the city and why they love it here.
 
First up is Super Chef and Restaurateur Jose Garces.

Note: links were added to the interview during editing.

Introduction:

 
Chef Jose Garces rose to prominence in the food world after he opened Amada in Old City in 2005. In the four years since, Garces has changed the face of Philadelphia’s dining scene and, in the process, gained a lot of national recognition. To date, he’s opened five wildly successful restaurants in Philadelphia — Amada, Tinto, Distrito, Chifa and, most recently, Village Whiskey. Earlier this year, he won the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef Mid-Atlantic” award. And this fall, Chef Garces will compete on Food Network’s hit show The Next Iron Chef.

But for right now, he’s focused on Philadelphia…

The “With Love Letters” Q&A:

 
With Love: Be honest: have you ever run up the Rocky Steps?

Garces: I live near the Art Museum and I take my 2 1/2-year-old son Andrés up the steps all the time.

With Love: That’s great. Ok, with that question out of the way, let’s get down to business. What do you love about Philadelphia’s restaurant and food scene?

Garces: Am I allowed to say “everything”…?  Because I really do love it all — the little BYOBs all over the place, the grand restaurants for special-occasion meals, the classic hoagies and cheesesteaks, the late-night Chinese food in Chinatown, dollar dog days at the stadium, Sunday brunches complete with scrapple, and especially all the innovation with so many talented new chefs that’s growing all the time.  With this much culinary talent in one town, there is always somewhere new to eat — if you can keep yourself away from your old favorites long enough to try it.

With Love: We will certainly accept “everything” as an answer — we agree! Ok, so when you’re not working at your own restaurants, where are some of your favorite places to eat in Philadelphia?

Garces: I love to visit my friends at their restaurants, like Marc Vetri at Osteria and Morimoto [at Morimoto].  And sometimes there’s nothing better than kicking back with my staff after a long shift at David’s Mei Lei Wah in Chinatown for some salt-and-pepper shrimp.

With Love: Sounds delicious. How about when you host friends and family from out-of-town; where do you like to take them? Are you especially hot on any one Philly neighborhood right now?

Garces: I love bringing them to the Reading Terminal Market for lunch and then shopping for ingredients that we’ll cook that night for dinner.  And it just isn’t a trip to Philadelphia without seeing at least one of our beautiful parks — in the summer, we’ll play mini-golf in Franklin Square, and in the winter, Rittenhouse Square looks like a fairyland with all the Christmas lights in the trees.

After the jump, we find out what dish Chef Garces is craving right now, one of his favorite hotels in the city, and why he’s excited about the new Cantina at Distrito. (more…)