AMDG Exterior Contracting
AMDG shows up when they say they will, communication is easy and clear, and if there is anything you’re unhappy with—which is highly unlikely—they’ll come back out and deal with it. For work one of our editors needed done, AMDG also offered the lowest estimate by far; the end result, our colleague gushes, is impeccable. 2377 Haverford Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, TRUSTAMDG.COM.
Chez Yasmine
The tofu-stuffed vegetarian bánh mi here is as packed as a 10-inch Wawa hoagie but light-years better. But the best part—besides Tunisan-born owner Jihed Chehimi, who makes hearty bowls, salads and sandwiches—is the free bottled water and fruit that comes with every order. 37th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104, .
Malena's Vintage
This is where designers and stylists for brands like Free People come to score vintage inspiration. Ask nicely, and Malena might walk you around the corner to her new, semi-secret private showroom, packed with treasures (arranged by decade) that will make vintage hounds go weak in the knees. 101 West Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380, malenasboutique.com/.
Fette Sau
With a judicious use of smoke, well-chosen brown liquors and stay-all-day outdoor seating, Fette Sau is still the champion when it comes to American barbecue in Philly. The cafeteria-style ordering means leftovers, making this the meal that keeps on giving. 1208 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, fettesauphilly.com/.
Indy Hall
If group feedback and hanging with like-minded design-types is what keeps you motivated, nothing can top the energy level at Indy Hall, where it's first-come, first-serve for space and anyone is welcome to join in the events. 22 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, indyhall.org/.
The Arden's Play-in-a-Day Workshop
Your kids (and a dozen or so other K-to-second-graders) spend five hours inside the Old City theater, concocting, writing and rehearsing an original play. Afterward, you come back to witness the too-cute fruits of their labor. Don't forget the camera. 40 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, ardentheatre.org/classes/.
Brauhaus Schmitz
Modern German isnt exactly the easiest trick to pull off, even in this golden age for multi-ethnic cuisine. But chef Jeremy Nolen is wickedly skilled when it comes to getting his food onto the minds and into the mouths of Philadelphians who wouldnt know a stopfleberwurst from a schinkenbrot. The dirndls on the waitresses dont hurt, either. 718 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, brauhausschmitz.com.
Tammy Arbeter
This certified birth doula coaches expectant moms and dads on birthing options and what to expect in the delivery room, and sticks around come D-day to make sure all goes smoothly. (Well, as smoothly as these things go.) Her clients say they wouldn't deliver without her. 00000,
Fork
This upscale American bistro helped coax serious eaters to Old City when it opened back in 1997. And now that chef Terence Feury is behind the line, his cooking seasonal, but just slippery enough to keep things interesting has given 'em a reason to come back. 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, forkrestaurant.com.
Barclay Prime
They come in a cheeky pair, wrapped in paper and served simply with cheddar, mustard, onions and pickles, but that's where -Barclay's walk on the low-rent side ends: The two so-worth-it $20 patties are made of dry-aged strip, rib eye, filet and of course Kobe. 237 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, barclayprime.com/.
Fat Salmon
Dozens of innovative maki will lure you in, but what will keep you coming back to this sleek modern venue are the hand rolls-simple, delicious, and so fresh that every single piece seems to melt in your mouth like a luscious dessert. 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, fatsalmonsushi.com/.
Johnny Goodtimes
Whether you find him at Frankford Hall in Fishtown or 118 North on the Main Line, this positively geeky guy (who’s also co-owner of vintage sports clothing company Shibe Vintage Sports as well as host of the Best of Philly-winning podcast The Philly Blunt) simply comes up with the best, most unexpected questions every week. We’re not sure how he does it. But all other local Quizzo hosts pale in comparison. johnnygoodtimes.com/.
Perla Lara, Editor-in-Chief of <em>Impacto</em>
Perla Lara, editor in chief of Impacto. Photograph by Colin Lenton Lara is producing the best community journalism around right now, with a keen eye into the Latinx community. While we’ve come to expect diverse media from the likes of WURD, the Tribune and Al Día, this media leader offers a timely and promising alternative. Notably, she’s working with staff from the Caribbean, South America, and the Greater Philadelphia area to cover Latinx issues more holistically. impactomedia.com.
The Breakfast Den
Ditch your usual BEC for one with house-made pickles, herbs and eggplant pâté on a baguette, a.k.a. a banh mi op la. Come back again and again to this homey spot showcasing American Vietnamese breakfast comfort food, for the chao ga (a rice porridge dish with a poached egg, bits of crispy chicken skin and fresh herbs), Momma’s egg rolls, and Caphe Roasters Vietnamese coffees. 1500 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, thebreakfastden.com.
Trace Shop
Come for the cool wares — like cement-and-geode planters or Lord Jones CBD — but stay for the pillar of Marny Baxt’s business: the art. The former talent management exec dreamed up Trace after the passing of both of her parents, when she was faced with sorting through their personal art collection. Baxt wants to connect the community with creatives and make it easy to obtain and custom-frame one-of-a-kind works. 80 Rittenhouse Place, Ardmore, PA 19003, thetraceshop.com.