While we roll out the nominees for The Tasties on Instagram this week (follow @deliciouscitypodcast to be the first to know), we’re in the studio getting ready for one of the biggest foodie holidays of the year: Thanksgiving. Plus, we run down all the great spots we’ve been eating and drinking as Philly embraces autumn.

(00:00) Marisa’s out, but the boys have leftover whiskey from last week’s episode, so what could go wrong? And, in another life, what would Eli’s rapper name be?

(02:37) Whatcha Been Eatin’: Dave’s Wagyu fat-washed dirty martini, Eli’s Indian restaurant revelation, and the pros and cons of seafood towers (spoiler: there are no cons)

(32:38) Delicious City producer Sara hosts Would You Rather: Thanksgiving Edition! Eli and Dave debate a few tough choices, and Chef Eli offers his turkey tips (rest your bird, people!)

(50:18) The Sauce: restaurant news on bakery openings, a highly anticipated cookbook, Venezuen cuisine, and a beloved West Philly spot that’s evolving… And get your tickets for The Tasties on February 2nd at Live Casino before they’re gone!

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

• For the most tasty, healthy, and satisfying salads and noodle dishes in Philly, click here to order Honeygrow
• 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 episode of Delicious City is fueled by whiskey with notes of crabs, canine and corpses… sounds wild, we know, and the stories behind each of those whiskeys are just as intoxicating as the spirits themselves. Steven Grasse is today’s guest, and his agency Quaker City Mercantile has created brands like Hendrick’s Gin and Sailor Jerry. Now, there’s a few new beverages in the works, which we get to taste in the studio - and he brought some extra for you, DC fam, to potentially win!

• (00:00) A cucumber a day keeps the doctor away!
• (05:07) Steven Grasse of Art in the Age is here, and he tells us about his past projects, one of which was so impressive that the Gallagher Brothers of Oasis called him up
• (07:10) The genesis of Sailor Jerry Rum and Hendrick’s Gin and the subsequent success of those brands
• (12:12) Steven shows the gang his latest creations, including Smoked Trout Brandy and Green Crab Whiskey - plus, how the latter helped to control and invasive green crab population
• (23:52) The stories behind a trio of spirits: Siege of Wolves, Graverobber, and Dunce
• (37:33) In It to Win It: Art in the Age is giving us these wicked cool bottles of whiskey to give to YOU! Steve gives us a very cheeky keyword - DM it to @deliciouscitypodcast on Instagram for a chance to win
• (41:57) Best Bites: The Philly chef who can make durian (notorious for its awful smell) taste absolutely phenomenal. Plus: Eli’s suburban find, and a late night dessert special
• (54:12) Events and Pop-Ups: We’re announcing the nominees for The Tasties this week; get your VIP tickets before they’re gone! And Friendsgiving dinners to take cooking off your plate later this month

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

• For the most tasty, healthy, and satisfying salads and noodle dishes in Philly, click here to order Honeygrow
• 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.

Hungry for a getaway? This episode of Delicious City may inspire wanderlust… We cover local getaways, regional hot spots and must-visit restaurants across the country with our guest, Ernest Owens. He tells us which new places he’s curious about, and the classics that he goes back to again and again (and why!). Plus: Ernest breaks down the new Eater app, a must for any foodie’s phone.

• (00:00) The Tasties are happening on February 2nd, 2025, and tickets are on sale now!
• (04:10) Eater Philly editor Ernest Owens explains how, as one of the longest running online foodie resources, they create and rank their lists of restaurants, and tells us what sets them apart from other publications
• (16:19) Eater’s official app now maps out all Eater-approved recommendations, leading you right to your next dining destination. Maybe we can get a Delicious City Best Bites map on the app soon…!
• (21:42) Whatcha Been Eatin’: Ernest dishes out a ton of recs for us, and the gang discusses how different Philly neighborhoods have evolved over the years
• (26:17) Eli praises an upscale classic in the heart of the city, Dave tastes another Chinese restaurant that’s BYO and gives his menu picks, and Marisa has a new favorite vegan meatball
• (43:05) Restaurant News: Dave goes to New York to eat Taco Bell (yes, you read that right), WMMR's Camp Out For Hunger is setting up in South Philly in a few weeks, and a few restaurant openings to keep you satiated til our next episode!

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

• For the most tasty, healthy, and satisfying salads and noodle dishes in Philly, click here to order Honeygrow
• 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.

Happy Halloween! In this fully masked episode, the Delicious City team talks to Craig LaBan himself—a man truly dedicated to his craft. For over 25 years, this acclaimed restaurant critic and writer has eaten his way across town and back in relative anonymity, which is quite a feat in the digital age. His reviews in The Philadelphia Inquirer have shaped the city’s food scene for decades, and he reflects on all this and more in a special interview with Delicious City that peels back the curtain…

• (00:00) We’re all wearing masks today, but not only because we’re in the Halloween spirit… Check our Instagram this week to see how bizarre we all look (@deliciouscitypodcast)
• (06:45) A conversation with Craig LaBan: we dive into his most impactful pieces, memorable meals, and why he’s chosen to keep his face off of the internet. He breaks down “The 76,” a comprehensive guide from the Inquirer on where Philadelphians are eating and drinking.
• (30:17) Does a critic like this get threatened for doing his job? Craig spills the tea
• (38:23) Craig divulges what his last meal would be… It's probably not what you think
• (42:00) A tasting of Bird Gang bourbon… What's Craig's take?
• (48:37) In It to Win It: Get the secret word you’ll need to DM to us on Insta, and you could win a gift card to Royal Tavern, serving up some of the best burgers and desserts around
• (54:19) Bookmark this episode for a ton of Best Bites! Craig tells us what’s resonated with his palate recently, Dave has an adventurous dinner, Eli revisits a Chinese seafood classic and Marisa has her first-ever Milanese experience
• (01:09:52) Event and Pop-Up teaser: a quick rundown of what’s happening this week. Follow us online for all the details, posted weekly!

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

• For the most tasty, healthy, and satisfying salads and noodle dishes in Philly, click here to order Honeygrow
• 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.

Connect with us on Instagram and, of course, share your eating adventures with us, as well as tag us in your posts so we can talk about them on air!

Announcing The Tasties, Philadelphia’s first-of-its-kind award show dedicated to celebrating an incredible year for the city’s vibrant restaurant scene! Join us as we honor the best-in-class chefs and hospitality professionals who make Philadelphia’s food culture so remarkable. In addition to industry awards, we’ll be featuring the People’s Choice category, where you can participate in the voting and help your favorite spots win the coveted bronze piggy award!

Early Bird Tickets are on sale now for $150, offering you access to the full awards ceremony and the post-event celebration, where you’ll have the chance to mingle with the stars of the city’s culinary world. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of recognition and camaraderie—early bird pricing is available for the first 50 tickets sold. Grab yours now and be part of the celebration!

Here's what else you're going to hear in this episode

• How to get the tickets
• When and where the event will be taking place
• Why we are all dressed up fancy for a podcast
• The award categories
• How many honks of the horn Dave allows himself each week to control his road rage

Can't wait to see you all there!

Which Philly chef would make the best Beetlejuice? How about the Joker? We pair our foodie friends with fitting Halloween costumes. Plus: Dave’s got serious beef with IHOP, and we’ve got a ton of picks for dining around town. Don’t listen to this episode hungry!

(00:00) Eli enlightens Sara, who’s in for Marisa, and Dave on the origin of the phrase “86”

(02:21) Eli names his top sandwich in America

(05:17) Whatcha Been Eatin’: Eli’s education in Thai cuisine, Dave has a whole duck at a new Chinatown restaurant, and the sandwich that saved Sara. Plus, the guys learn that you can do the Hot Ones challenge at home, and we start plotting a spicy future episode

(25:55) Wit Wez: Dave tells the story of an IHOP experience that leaves Eli and Sara in hysterics

(33:18) Culinary Costumes: the gang assigns classic and pop culture Halloween costumes to their chef friends in Philly. We pick the best Barbie and Ken, Deadpool and Wolverine, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, and more

(41:46) Restaurant News: A couple hot cookie spots, a South Philly pizza spot now offers delivery, and a new concept from BOTLD

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

• For the most tasty, healthy, and satisfying salads and noodle dishes in Philly, click here to order Honeygrow
• 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.

World’s Best Hot Dog. Oreo Pancakes. Gnocchi Mac and Cheese. Dane DeMarco has taken the best foods from their childhood and updated them for our “grown up” palate using top notch ingredients at Gass and Main. The small but mighty restaurant has been open for about two years now in New Jersey, an easy PATCO ride for city dwellers. We dive into the inspiration for the mid-century modern spot, plus a few brunchy and bizarre Best Bites…

(00:00) Soup season is on its way!

(05:15) Dane describes the ‘world’s best hot dog’ that’s served at Gass and Main and what makes it special

(09:15) Eli asks Dane how they approach food, and Dane explains that when they’re in a rut, they pick up an antique cookbook for inspiration. Plus: grown-up spaghetti-Os, and you can never have too many punch bowls

(28:50) In It to Win It: This week we’re giving away a gift card to Kiddo, which you can hear all about in episode 84 in our chat with Wyatt Piazza. Listen for the secret word that you’ll need to win, and follow us on Instagram to enter: @deliciouscitypodcast

(31:59) Best Bites: Dane’s favorite brunch, the spot that took Eli by surprise, and Dave eats… spinal jelly? Yup, and it’s delicious

(47:49) Events and Pop-Ups: there’s a ton of fall events happening, plus Eli finds out what “STFU” actually stands for…

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

• For the most tasty, healthy, and satisfying salads and noodle dishes in Philly, click here to order Honeygrow
• 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.

Sustainability is not always easy to commit to when you’re running a restaurant, but Wyatt Piazza and his team at Kiddo are making it a priority. He tells Eli and Marisa about the restaurant’s efforts to create an adaptable, seasonal menu that sources local ingredients, from regional produce to guinea fowl from a nearby farm. The result is a menu is full of colorful dishes that inspire childlike wonder.

• (00:00) More and more late night happy hours are popping up, and Marisa’s into it
• (05:06) Wyatt Piazza hit the one-year milestone with Kiddo, which has been a wild adventure, both challenging and rewarding. Located in Philly’s Gayborhood at 12th and Pine, they’re already racking up accolades for their vegetable-forward dishes (the menu is 85% veggies!)
• (09:05) Wyatt’s wife, Elizabeth, plays a major role in the restaurant’s operations, drawing on her background in sustainability. In addition to serving great food, Kiddo takes the time and care to manage waste and reduce gas use
• (17:09) The restaurant’s name, Kiddo, was inspired by wholesome moment in a garden that Wyatt managed California
• (23:25) Whatcha Been Eatin’: Marisa shouts out the catering team at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, Wyatt’s experience at Pietramala, Eli returns to Kalaya for new menu items and shouts out a New York slice shop
• (37:22) Marisa’s mishap at MMRBQ - she almost didn’t make it out of the festival!
• (43:33) Food News: chef moves, a crab fry lawsuit, night markets and disco omakase

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

• For the most tasty, healthy, and satisfying salads and noodle dishes in Philly, click here to order Honeygrow
• 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.

Connect with us on Instagram and, of course, share your eating adventures with us, as well as tag us in your posts so we can talk about them on air!