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Small Bites Radio – Episode 184

Small Bites Radio has been named Top Hospitality Shows on the Planet from 2020 – 2024, #Bluejeanfood.com named Top Philadelphia Best Philadelphia Lifestyle Blogs and Websites from 2021-2024, Best Philly Food Blogs and Websites 2023-24, Top 25 Philly Food RSS Feeds in 2024, nominated by Metro Philly Newspaper 2022-24 Best of Philadelphia Arts & Entertainment, and WINNER of Metro Philly Newspaper 2023 Best of Philadelphia Arts & Entertainment. Our latest show is so big it is 3 hours long with some of the biggest names in the food and entertainment industry!!!

We were thrilled to chat at 01:49:23 of the episode with Anthony Gargano of PHLY Sports and ‘The Anthony Gargano Show’. A legend in Philly’s sports and culture landscape, Anthony “The Cuz” Gargano made his triumphant return to the Philly sports talk landscape again exclusively on PHLY Sports. We chatted about stadium food,  East Greenwich Little League fresh cut fries, moving to a fully digital platform and much more.

Had lots of fun at 44:45 of the episode with Lisa Lucas and Debrianna Mansini, known for their work in Hollywood’s entertainment industry, co-host Corona Kitchen, a weekly Facebook Live and YouTube cooking show. Lisa Lucas is a professional writer/producer/actor who has worked on over 37 TV series including The Bachelor on ABC, Work of Art on Bravo and Emmy winning My 1st Time on NBC. Debrianna Mansini is an actor, writer, and activist known for her role as Fran in AMC’s Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, and playing opposite Oscar winner Jeff Bridges in Crazy Heart. These dynamic women have recently released a captivating cookbook, ‘That Time We Ate Our Feelings’ from Apollo Publishers.The book celebrates the bond between food and friendship.This quirky, hands-on volume features original recipes for all meals of the day, plus snacks, side dishes, cocktails and mocktails, and options for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.

Enjoyed talking to Chris Harrop the General Manager of The Morris. Restaurant and Klara Ladyzhensky the Assistant Manager of The Morris. Restaurant at 01:19:20 of the episode. The Morris Restaurant rebranded and reopened its doors in 2023 after closing during Covid. It was previously known as “The M. Restaurant”. The restaurant is attached to The Morris House Hotel, a hotel, wedding/event venue, and historical landmark. It’s completely new ownership and they have no affiliation with The M. The Morris. Restaurant serves classic American fare and handmade craft cocktails. Guests can dine in their newly renovated dining room, or the outdoor heated courtyard that doubles as an event space. They are well known at The Morris Restaurant for their weekend Brunch service. Some of the brunch menu highlights are Find the Bottom Mimosas: finish your first bottle of champagne, and the second is on the house! A savory hit is the Eggs “Bennies” with toasted english muffin, pork roll, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce. A sweet hit is the French Toast with thick cut brioche, cinnamon batter, whipped cream, blueberries, and maple syrup.

At 21:50 of the episode a great new opening talking to Rey Reynosa of Mamajuana Café Philly. Mamajuana Café, located at 1000-1032 Frankford Avenue is 10,000 square feet and consists of 350 seats in the dining area, plus 30 bar seats and a patio that will seat 60 people to be opened in time for summer. They are known for their mouth-watering Latino cuisine, Mamajuana Cafe boasts an array of dishes that celebrate the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean, Hispanic, and South American culinary heritage. From scratch-made sauces that evoke the essence of the Dominican Republic to Colombia, each plate is a testament to their unwavering commitment to authenticity and quality. The menu, carefully curated by Executive Chef Alexis Rosario, who has been with Mamajuana Café for over 15 years, and Chef Jose Zarazuela.

Then at 02:06:15 of the episode Michelle Miller and Molly Kiriacoulacos really ‘grew’ on us discussing The Ground Rittenhouse. The Ground Coffee, Plants, & Gifts opened their first location, nestled in Olde Kensington, and it swiftly became a local favorite, with now a second location in Rittenhouse Square and they open its doors in spring 2024. Philadelphia’s coffee and bubble tea scene is about to get a lush addition with a new gorgeous plant-filled cafe in the heart of Center City. Long-time friends and business partners Michelle Miller and Molly Kiriacoulacos new Center City local based coffee shop, bubble tea cafe, plant store and gift shop is double the size of their first location, with room for an even larger selection of curated food, drink and plant offerings. The 1,500 square feet space was transformed from top to bottom into an urban oasis with features that include a refinished coffee and espresso bar, eclectic and comfy cafe seating, unique new interactive bubble booth, Parisian vibes and a hand-painted wall mural of Rittenhouse Square. For the beverage program, patrons will find exclusive locally roasted beans, a brand new house roast “The Botanist,” an expanded bubble tea program and whimsical seasonal specialty offerings. From the kitchen, look for a selection of fresh French sweet and savory flaky pastries, unique breakfast sandwiches and the famous Croffle (South Korean treat that brings together a French Croissant and a Belgian Waffle). For plants, look for everything from petite succulents to trailing vines to statement-making fiddle leaf figs and monsteras – in every size and variety. The Ground soft opened on Earth Day as a nod to its dedication to sustainability.

Another recent opening we discuss is at 02:25:35 of the episode is with Richie Romero the Partner- Chief Hospitality Officer at Simplevenue and talked about Sushi by Boū is presented by simplevenue, a NYC-based hospitality group specializing in micro restaurants, and in bringing incredible concepts to underutilized spaces across the country. The company is led by Founders Michael Sinensky and Erika London, alongside newly appointed Partner and Chief Hospitality Officer Richie Romero. Its flagship brand Sushi by Boū changed the sushi counter experience in America, it offers a modern take on the classic old-school sushi counter, providing a glimpse at the hustle and bustle of Japan’s food culture, combined with a truly unique, personalized culinary experience. To date, there are currently 16 locations for Sushi by Boū in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Florida, Puerto Rico and now Philadelphia too! Fishtown guests will enjoy ambiance inspired by the Hip Hop Era of the 90s, with graffiti covered walls, dozens of suspended vinyls overhead, playlights dedicated to the best of 90s Hip Hop and murals of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Hip Hop legends.

Last, but certainly not last at 02:49:30 of the episode,  Sam Eckstein Co-Founder of Springbone Kitchen just launched a new burger concept in NYC called Springy Burgers & Fries. It’s a radically healthy take on the classic American burger joint. They’ve got grass-fed beef tallow in their deep fryer (just like McDonald’s used to do it back in the day!) and of course their beef is 100% grass-fed; even their burger buns are gluten free. The concept is an offshoot of their first restaurant venture, Springbone Kitchen, which was an early leader in the bone broth movement. They now have 8 Springbone locations around the NYC area which are doing amazing. They used to serve a burger at their original location which was insanely popular, but they realized that to do anything well in this business you need to be a specialist. So they axed the burger and hoped to come back and do it right one day. Well that day is now!

Again, in 2023, Small Bites with Donato Marino and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com was blown away by winning the Best of the Best in the Philadelphia Region Arts & Entertainment category out of 80,000 votes tallied in total through Metro Philly’s Best of Philadelphia for 2023. Truly appreciate everyone who voted for us. We would be thrilled if you voted for us again in 2024. Vote by clicking below:

https://bestoftheboro.secondstreetapp.com/og/3404cb77-3204-4794-a8af-46ac4a01d04b/gallery/439098138

You say you STILL NEED MORE!!! The Small Bites team consists of many segment producers and correspondents. Expect culinary tips and events from celebrity Chef Barbie Marshall who was awarded the title of Pennsylvania’s most influential chef by Cooking Light Magazine, Season 10 Hell’s Kitchen Finalist and appeared on Season 17 Hell’s Kitchen All Stars. You’ll be provided with latest food news and happenings from John Howard-Fusco who has been featured in the Courier-Post South Jersey (a Gannett newspaper), as a contributor for NJ Monthly Magazine, and a New York Times recognized blogger for Eating in South Jersey. The latest trends and food concepts from Chef Beth Esposito the Chef/Owner of Pink Garlic Private Events and Butcher’s Pantry in the Reading Terminal Market and has been spotlighted on The Rachael Ray Show, The Food Network programming, multiple appearances on Fox 29 Good Day, and many more television and radio outlets. Enjoy a funny joke from legendary joke teller Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling, the former head writer for “The Howard Stern Show”. Last but not least we also have freelance writer William Knowles, the personality behind “Around Town” for Bluejeanfood.com doing coverage and blog posts about events.

As usual don’t forget to listen to the #1 listed “Food Radio Show Philadelphia” and the #1 listed “Food Radio Show South Jersey” Small Bites Radio. For a list of guests who have appeared on the show and more information click below:

www.bluejeanfood.com/smallbitesradio

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Small Bites Radio – Episode 184