Three Things That Are Worrying Us

Chef shakeups, youth and questionable locations.

Christina DeSilva at Taproom on 19th | Photo by Lauren Mame Thomas

Christina DeSilva at Taproom on 19th | Photo by Lauren Mame Thomas

Christina DeSilva is the new executive chef at South Philadelphia’s Taproom on 19th. DeSilva is just 21-years of age and promises “upscale stoner food.” Though cool ranch fries with chipotle-lime mayo and a spiked malted brown butter sage milkshake with brûléed figs appeal to us, we can’t help but worry that most 21-year olds we know are much more stoner than executive.

Meal Ticket was the first to report that chef Rob Marzinsky has left Fitler Dining Room. The restaurant was ranked number 11 in Philadelphia magazine’s 50 Best Restaurants list and Marzinsky received much of the praise. Owner Dan Clark says Fitler isn’t announcing a replacement yet and that they’re “staffing from within the company.” That’s at least slightly reassuring, as Fitler, Pub & Kitchen and Avalon’s the Diving Horse are all part of the same organization. Marzinsky tells us he has something planned for February and then will do some travelling. Here’s hoping the restaurant keeps performing at a high level.

Michael Schulson (Sampan, Izakaya, Independence Beer Garden) is opening Double Knot at 120 S 13th Street. The coffee shop, sushi bar and Japanese robatayaki will be manned by Kevin Yanaga. Yanaga has a beautiful Instagram account and we’re excited to see his food. What has us worried? 120 S 13th Street is the adult movie theater, Sansom Cinema. We’re just gonna leave this right here.