Candis R. McLean
MilkBoy Is Back! Both Iconic Philadelphia Locations Re-Opening
MilkBoy Philadelphia is back! The Philadelphia-born brand that includes a legendary recording studio in Northern Liberties and bar-and-restaurant concepts MilkBoy Philly and MilkBoy South Street is thrilled to announce its restaurant concepts are opening for socially-distanced dining.
MilkBoy Philly on Chestnut Street reopened its doors this week, boasting fresh interior renovations alongside its list of classic cocktails, expanded selection of draft beers, and comfort food favorites!
Additionally, every weekend through the end of October, MilkBoy South Street will be serving up an all-new menu that features new bites, cocktails, canned beers, and a unique menu of housemade seltzers as part of the Open Dining Room Program, which will block off the 400 and 700 blocks of South Street. The location has more than 80 socially-distanced seats and will be serving great meals and drinks Fridays from 5 p.m. until Sunday evening.
“We’re thrilled to have both MilkBoy locations opening back up! It’s great to see the outdoor dining area spilling into South Street on this iconic corner, and we are looking forward to welcoming guests back to the original MilkBoy Philly Chestnut Street location for both outdoor and indoor drinks, dining, and takeout,” said co-founder Jamie Lokoff.
MilkBoy Philly will operate during the following special hours: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
See the full menu here. MilkBoy South Street is also operating under new hours: Wednesday to Thursday from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Additionally, in response to the uncertain climate created by COVID-19, MilkBoy is offering guests the chance to directly support frontline essential workers: For every $750 raised with the Front-Line Food Pledge, MilkBoy Philly will donate 50 meals to the medical staff at Jefferson Hospital, located nearby. Guests are encouraged to check out MilkBoyMerch.com to pledge a donation, or to browse the selection of MilkBoy branded hats, hoodies, and more.
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New Lunch Menus at Fork and a.kichen
Starting this week, Fork is going back to its roots and offering lunch, which served as a respite for residents, small business owners, and the courthouse from 1997 to 2013. The new lunch menu, debuting after a 7-year hiatus, has nourishing and hearty favorites such as Crab Louie with Maryland crab meat, gem lettuce, fresh herbs, thousand island dressing, and the Roasted Beet Salad with seasonal stone fruit and almond dukkah are perfect for dining outside in Fork’s Market Street streetery in the last few weeks of late summer weather.
Other more traditional lunch choices will include a Dry-aged Brisket Burger with gruyere and pickled shallot served on a High Street bun with a side of fries. Sandwich selections include house-roasted turkey, heirloom tomato, and smoky bacon or a vegetarian grilled eggplant sandwich on sesame semolina and olive tapenade. New seasonal options like the Tomatoes, Peaches, and Grilled Birchrun Hill Halloumi or Crispy Shishito Peppers will evolve with the seasons. The Restaurant Week menu offers a choice of any two dishes. Fork lunch will be served outside and/or indoor during inclement weather.
Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Fork is also participating in Restaurant Week’s dinner programming; menus for lunch and dinner can be found here.
Reservations can be made here.
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a.kitchen has also re-launched their lunch program for Thursdays and Fridays only, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., plus brunch on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Their extended menu is available for lunch and dinner served in their extended outdoor streetery on Rittenhouse’s closed blocks of 18th Street as well as their limited indoor dining. A.kitchen is also participating in Restaurant Week for dinner Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in addition to lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday.
Guests can expect Chef Eli Collins’ expertly prepared and utterly seasonal veg-forward dishes like the Beet and Melon Salad and Chilled Watermelon Soup, plus French-inspired plates like the Ricotta and Sesame Sourdough Tartine and Crab Croquettes.
Reservations can be made here.
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BLVCK Takes Over Irwin’s
A cool pop-up will be taking over Irwin’s in BOK Building this week as part of their ever-changing lineup of chef residencies.
Chef Khoran Horn, the mastermind behind Philly’s beloved acai bowl spot Stripp’d Juice, is popping up with his culinary collective, BLVCK, in partnership with Gerald Allen. BLVCK champions diversity, inclusion and education amidst elevated culinary experiences that tell a story.
BLVCK will be at the helm of Irwin’s kitchen every Wednesday through Saturday, from September 24 through October 9th, serving their signature veg-heavy, fish-forward fare to dinner guests. The menu below will be available a la carte OR a six-course prix-fixe set up at $85/pp. In addition to BLVCK’s downright delicious menu, Irwin’s crew will be providing cocktail pairings to perfectly complement the meal, plus beer and wine options. An ultra-luxe Hungarian Honey Truffle add-on ($35) is available to round out the meal. The dessert menu is to come.
Folks can reserve their BLVCK experience here.
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Oktoberfest To-Go
Raise your virtual glasses because it’s officially Oktoberfest season at Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant. The return of their German-inspired menu and Oktoberfest Lager returned to the taps last week. New this year, diners will be able to take their German feast home with them via Iron Hill’s online ordering system for either curbside pickup or delivery. Menu items will also be available to enjoy for seated dine-in service, following all local COVID-19 dining protocols.
The Oktoberfest menu features delicacies prepared with Iron Hill beers like:
- Oktoberfest Egg Rolls: Bratwurst, Vienna Red Lager bacon sauerkraut, cheddar cheese, green onion, and beer mustard dipping sauce.
- Huhner Schnitzel: Pan-fried chicken cutlets, haricots verts, almonds, buttery egg noodles, lemon herb sauce.
- Jaeger Schnitzel: Pan-fried pork cutlets, herbed spaetzle, haricots verts, and roasted mushroom Wee Heavy Ale sauce.
In addition to the smorgasbord of classics, Iron Hill will be offering its Oktoberfest Lager on taps at all locations. The German-style festival beer is medium-bodied with a wonderful malty and bready aroma, and a firm malt flavor, balanced with mild bitterness along with a clean, dry finish and 6% ABV. Oktoberfest Lager will be available for takeout in 16-oz cans for $16.75 for a four-pack, while supplies last. Iron Hill also has Pumpkin Ale, brewed with the spices of the season, a touch of vanilla bean, and, of course, real pumpkin available now in four-packs for $16.75 and on tap.
The deals run through Sunday, September 27.
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Loews Philadelphia Hotel’s POD Market Celebrates International Coffee Day
POD Market, located at Loews Philadelphia Hotel is celebrating International Coffee Day from 8 am-noon on September 29. Guests can enjoy a medium drip La Colombe Coffee Roasters coffee for only $1! And if you need another reason to stop by, enjoy a homemade coffee muffin cake with vanilla glaze for $2. We promise this will be the best $3 dollars you spend all day.
Located in Center City at 1200 Market Street POD Market features organic locally sourced grab and go items along with fresh-made sandwiches and salads by Executive Chef Thomas Harkins.
So, if you’re searching from that extra jolt to get you through the day, stop by POD Market on Tuesday, September 29.
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WEEKLY EVENTS
Each week, Philly Influencer picks the best parties, events, and social gatherings the area has to offer.
• Center City Restaurant Week Continues: Center City District is offering up three-course lunches for $20 and three-course dinners for $35 through Friday. Don’t miss your chance to taste these special menus and dishes.
•University City Dining Days Continue: University City Dining Days will continue to serve amazing food through Sunday, October 4. Don’t miss your chance to support several local eateries as they serve up specialty menus, to-go cocktails, takeout deals, and have outdoor dining options.
• Green Legion Home Opener Tailgate: Come to Cavanaugh’s River Deck this Sunday for the Green Legion tailgate party with Hollis Thomas. There will be tremendous drink specials, food, and more.
You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
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