Delicious City Philly

Happy Holidays and Happy Victory Monday (GO BIRDS!) Delicious City will be back in the studio in January with fresh finds and lots of food news for 2026. In this special bonus episode, legendary food critic Craig LaBan turns the tables and interviews Eli, Marisa, and Dave in front of a live audience.

The conversation, recorded on stage at The Fillmore during Philadelphia Inquirer Food Fest in November, dives deep into the podcast origins and everyone's unique culinary journeys. Craig also asks for Michelin picks, since the guide hadn't hit Philly yet at the time of recording - listen to find out whose predictions were on point!

• 00:00 Thanks for another great year!
• 01:32 We're live at Inquirer Food Fest
• 03:33 Delicious City origin stories
• 18:40 How restaurant culture has evolved in Philly
• 26:06 How will Michelin affect the food scene
• 39:47 Recent Best Bites
• 44:27 Michelin predictions

We are so excited for 2026 and look forward to continuing to bring you tasty content for your food loving ears as well as great events such as The Tasties – Philadelphia's Biggest Night in Food – Delicious City tailgates, and of course, Hoagie Throwdown 2.0!

Cheers to an incredible 2025 and we look forward to an even more thrilling 2026! 🥂

It's been another year of unforgettable meals. From friends' living rooms to Philly's luxury hotels, we scoured the city for the best bites of the year so we could bring them to YOU to share. Thank you to our podcast family for a great 2025! Listen as we recap the highlights of the year, announce The Tasties People's Choice nominees, and catch up with Trashy Wall Art creator Braden Young.

• 03:27 Eli's gifts
• 10:30 Braden Young of Trashy Wall Art
• 26:45 Our Best Bites of 2025
• 48:48 Vote Now for The Tasties People's Choice Nominees
• 54:52 The Sauce: events and dinners around Philly

And of course, we could not do this without our amazing partners who are as passionate about food and drink as we are:

• In the mood for fresh, fast and healthy? Then you need to be dialing up the Honeygrow App and ordering your favorite salad or noodles. And if you're a Sriracha lover, Honeygrow has just launched their seasonal Sriracha Tahini Stirfry. Use discount code DCPodcast to get $3 off any order of $20 or more when you order from the Honeygrow app.
• If your restaurant or company wants to be in the headlines for all the right reasons, click here to discover how Peter Breslow Consulting and PR can take your business to the next level
• Social media and digital content are two of the most important things you can create for your brand. Check out Breakdown Media, a one stop shop for all of your marketing needs.

Greg Vernick is in the studio with a major exclusive: Emilia, his new Italian restaurant, is coming to Fishtown. Years in the making, Chef tells us all the details - plus his Philly-rooted culinary journey, what makes Fishtown such a special neighborhood, and how he builds an all-star team. Eli, Marisa and Dave also run down where to score the best pasta sauces, salads, and chocolate chip cookies in the city.

We've also got updates on The Tasties, Philly's biggest night in food, happening on February 1st at Live Casino and Hotel. Listen for the list of amazing bites you'll be treated to at the ceremony and afterparty. There's also a brand new award and grant for up-and-comers in the industry: the Future Tastemaker Award. Nominate the next food and hospitality star now at DeliciousCityPodcast.com.

• 00:00 Dave doesn't do salads
• 08:29 The Tasties: Submissions Open for Future Tastemaker Award
• 12:06 Greg Vernick
• 23:45 Details on Emilia, Greg's new restaurant
• 42:52 Best Bites
• 59:19 The Tasties: Food Vendors & more
• 01:02:49 The Dish: So many Seven Fishes dinners!

And of course, we could not do this without our amazing partners who are as passionate about food and drink as we are:

• In the mood for fresh, fast and healthy? Then you need to be dialing up the Honeygrow App and ordering your favorite salad or noodles. And if you're a Sriracha lover, Honeygrow has just launched their seasonal Sriracha Tahini Stirfry. Use discount code DCPodcast to get $3 off any order of $20 or more when you order from the Honeygrow app.
• If your restaurant or company wants to be in the headlines for all the right reasons, click here to discover how Peter Breslow Consulting and PR can take your business to the next level
• Social media and digital content are two of the most important things you can create for your brand. Check out Breakdown Media, a one stop shop for all of your marketing needs.

The Tasties are back with even more nominees, because there's so much to celebrate in the Philly food scene! Eli, Marisa and Dave tell us who's up for Chef of the Year, Best New Restaurant, Craft Cocktail Excellence, the Icon Award and more. Get tickets at DeliciousCityPodcast.com, walk the red carpet on February 1st, enjoy the best bites in the city, and be with us LIVE to see who takes home the Golden Pig. Plus: follow @deliciouscitypodcast on Instagram for updates on how you can nominate the best in the biz in a few special categories.

• 00:00 Nominee party recap
• 03:33 Tasties Gift Box: get yours before 12/10!
• 04:50 Tasties Nominee List for 2026
• 28:27 The Sauce: Chef and Restaurant News

And of course, we could not do this without our amazing partners who are as passionate about food and drink as we are:

• In the mood for fresh, fast and healthy? Then you need to be dialing up the Honeygrow App and ordering your favorite salad or noodles. And if you're a Sriracha lover, Honeygrow has just launched their seasonal Sriracha Tahini Stirfry. Use discount code DCPodcast to get $3 off any order of $20 or more when you order from the Honeygrow app.
• If your restaurant or company wants to be in the headlines for all the right reasons, click here to discover how Peter Breslow Consulting and PR can take your business to the next level
• Social media and digital content are two of the most important things you can create for your brand. Check out Breakdown Media, a one stop shop for all of your marketing needs.

Michelin stars have officially been awarded in Philadelphia, and Delicious City has a lot of thoughts… Congrats to everyone who was recognized! Eli, Marisa and Dave share highlights from the ceremony, and name the chefs who they think were overlooked this year. Plus, Sydney Adams and Tom Caruso of Pray Tell Wines bring their playful and classy sips to the studio and let us in on their winemaking process, and what's making their blends resonate here in Philly.

• 00:00 Marisa is back!
• 04:29 Pray Tell Wines
• 12:25 Fishtown vs. Kensington
• 34:03 Best Bites from New Restaurants
• 46:58 Michelin Hot Takes: Celebrations, Snubs and more

And of course, we could not do this without our amazing partners who are as passionate about food and drink as we are:

• In the mood for fresh, fast and healthy? Then you need to be dialing up the Honeygrow App and ordering your favorite salad or noodles. And if you're a Sriracha lover, Honeygrow has just launched their seasonal Sriracha Tahini Stirfry. Use discount code DCPodcast to get $3 off any order of $20 or more when you order from the Honeygrow app.
• If your restaurant or company wants to be in the headlines for all the right reasons, click here to discover how Peter Breslow Consulting and PR can take your business to the next level
• Social media and digital content are two of the most important things you can create for your brand. Check out Breakdown Media, a one stop shop for all of your marketing needs.

"Teach a man to fish, and he'll learn how to fish fry." Chef Chaz Brown has a tasty way to fight invasive species and help the environment: eat the fish! He tells Eli and Dave where we can devour his Fish Fry platters and shrimp hoagies at his new concept, Rumblefish. (sneak peek on Sunday, November 30 at Amy's Pastelillos) The gang also cover the conclusion of the Google scam review drama, the perfect takeaway container and crisping method for French fries, and where to go the week of Thanksgiving in and around Philly. (As a bonus, go back and check out the last time Chaz was in studio with us on Episode 118 )

Get the ultimate holiday foodie gift box right here. Order by December 10 for free delivery!

• 00:00 The magical allure of a roadside fish or burger shack
• 04:33 Tasties Gift Box: On Sale Now!
• 05:47 Chef Chaz Brown in studio
• 12:47 What sets Rumblefish apart
• 25:26 Whatcha Been Eatin': chicken, pasta and a lemongrass cheesesteak
• 46:16 The Sauce: Chef Moves and Restaurant News

And of course, we could not do this without our amazing partners who are as passionate about food and drink as we are:

• In the mood for fresh, fast and healthy? Then you need to be dialing up the Honeygrow App and ordering your favorite salad or noodles. And if you're a Sriracha lover, Honeygrow has just launched their seasonal Sriracha Tahini Stirfry. Use discount code DCPodcast to get $3 off any order of $20 or more when you order from the Honeygrow app.
• If your restaurant or company wants to be in the headlines for all the right reasons, click here to discover how Peter Breslow Consulting and PR can take your business to the next level
• Social media and digital content are two of the most important things you can create for your brand. Check out Breakdown Media, a one stop shop for all of your marketing needs.

This week we'll finally find out which restaurants in Philadelphia get a Michelin Star. Eli and Dave make their predictions on which spots and chefs will receive the honor. Then they welcome George Murkowicz of 1906 in Longwood Gardens, who brings some amazing osetra caviar from Caviar XS and make-your-own Wagyu hand rolls to spoil the cohosts. Chef George talks about acclimating to Philadelphia, the fresh ingredients he uses in his dishes at the Garden, and everyone shouts out their Best Bite of the week.

Get your 2026 Tasties tickets HERE! You do not want to miss Philadelphia's Biggest Night In Food

With the holidays nearly upon us, get your gift shopping done early and snag a Tasties Holiday Box stuffed with Philly treats at DeliciousCityPodcast.com!

• 00:00 Michelin predictions
• 16:14 Chef George Murkowicz
• 32:52 Best Bites: Eli discovers some delicious new Thai food that just hit Philly this past year and a full discussion around soup season ensues
• 48:13 The Dish: Events, Pop-Ups and Collabs in November

And of course, we could not do this without our amazing partners who are as passionate about food and drink as we are:

• In the mood for fresh, fast and healthy? Then you need to be dialing up the Honeygrow App and ordering your favorite salad or noodles. And if you're a Sriracha lover, Honeygrow has just launched their seasonal Sriracha Tahini Stirfry. Use discount code DCPodcast to get $3 off any order of $20 or more when you order from the Honeygrow app.
• If your restaurant or company wants to be in the headlines for all the right reasons, click here to discover how Peter Breslow Consulting and PR can take your business to the next level
• Social media and digital content are two of the most important things you can create for your brand. Check out Breakdown Media, a one stop shop for all of your marketing needs.

Darnel's Cakes is a Philadelphia bake shop powered by a mission: to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and support local organizations who are working to fight the virus, disease, and stigmas attached. Chef Kyle Cuffie-Scott tells Delicious City how the cafe was born from tragedy after the loss of his cousin Darnel gave him a new purpose. Then, the gang dives into the sweet stuff, literally, and learns that the shop is more than cakes - they've got breakfast and lunch covered too.

Did you save your seat for The Tasties yet? Get your tickets now for Philly's Biggest Night In Food at DeliciousCityPodcast.com!

• 00:00 Feeding Time TV origins
• 07:54 Kyle Cuffie-Scott from Darnel's Cakes
• 28:33 Dave's beef with oatmeal raisin cookies
• 33:19 Whatcha Been Eatin': a South Philly Serenade, tacos, and best leftovers
• 49:29 The Sauce: Chef and Restaurant news in Philly

And of course, we could not do this without our amazing partners who are as passionate about food and drink as we are:

• In the mood for fresh, fast and healthy? Then you need to be dialing up the Honeygrow App and ordering your favorite salad or noodles. And if you're a Sriracha lover, Honeygrow has just launched their seasonal Sriracha Tahini Stirfry. Use discount code DCPodcast to get $3 off any order of $20 or more when you order from the Honeygrow app.
• If your restaurant or company wants to be in the headlines for all the right reasons, click here to discover how Peter Breslow Consulting and PR can take your business to the next level
• Social media and digital content are two of the most important things you can create for your brand. Check out Breakdown Media, a one stop shop for all of your marketing needs.

Nothing beats freshly baked bread: it's comfort, warmth, and a vessel for everything from chocolate to cheeses. Chef Christina McKeough is with Delicious City to talk about Philly's newest bakery, the Bread Room. By day they offer their signature breads and pastries, and by night they teach the techniques that have made their bakery one of the most anticipated openings of the season. Plus: Best Bites, The Dish, and tickets for The Tasties go on sale this week!

• 00:00 Dave's ticket rant
• 06:33 Christina McKeough from The Bread Room
• 31:02 Best Bites: BBQ, custard pie and mackerel
• 43:56 Tasties Tix On Sale!
• 46:36 The Dish - Events and Pop-Ups

And of course, we could not do this without our amazing partners who are as passionate about food and drink as we are:

• In the mood for fresh, fast and healthy? Then you need to be dialing up the Honeygrow App and ordering your favorite salad or noodles. And if you're a Sriracha lover, Honeygrow has just launched their seasonal Sriracha Tahini Stirfry. Use discount code DCPodcast to get $3 off any order of $20 or more when you order from the Honeygrow app.
• If your restaurant or company wants to be in the headlines for all the right reasons, click here to discover how Peter Breslow Consulting and PR can take your business to the next level
• Social media and digital content are two of the most important things you can create for your brand. Check out Breakdown Media, a one stop shop for all of your marketing needs.

Eli, Marisa and Dave hit up a ton of new spots in and around Philly over the past few weeks, and in this episode, they'll tell you which ones should be at the top of your list. Then they welcome the newest Delicious City partner, Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley. He's a newcomer to Broad Street, but a seasoned connoisseur of soul food, and he brings a taste of his menu to the studios (along with a few strong drinks!).

And drumroll, please… The Tasties are BACK! Early bird tickets for Philly's biggest night in food go on sale November 4th at 9am at DeliciousCityPodcast.com. The awards ceremony and party will return to Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia on Sunday, February 1st, 2026. If you thought last year was epic, wait til you see what we've got in store this year - you don't want to miss it.

• 00:00 Ever been drunk on air?
• 04:21 Whatcha Been Eatin': Sake, soups, and Virginia eats
• 22:41 Kitchen + Cocktails by Kevin Kelley
• 39:46 The Tasties: Ticket Info
• 44:04 The Sauce: Food news and restaurant moves

Thank you to our partners Peter Breslow PR and Kitchen + Kocktails for fueling this episode

And of course, we could not do this without our amazing partners who are as passionate about food and drink as we are:

• In the mood for fresh, fast and healthy? Then you need to be dialing up the Honeygrow App and ordering your favorite salad or noodles. And if you're a Sriracha lover, Honeygrow has just launched their seasonal Sriracha Tahini Stirfry. Use discount code DCPodcast to get $3 off any order of $20 or more when you order from the Honeygrow app.
• If your restaurant or company wants to be in the headlines for all the right reasons, click here to discover how Peter Breslow Consulting and PR can take your business to the next level.
• Social media and digital content are two of the most important things you can create for your brand. Check out Breakdown Media, a one stop shop for all of your marketing needs.