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Food & Drink

Artisan cheese, bagel shops opening near 50th and Baltimore

June 8, 2023

Here’s some great local business news from the area around 50th and Baltimore.

Third Wheel Cheese Instagram photo.

If you have missed Milk & Honey Market since its closure in 2020, this news may excite you. Third Wheel Cheese Company, which was established in 2018 as a wholesale operation, has opened a new retail shop at 705 S. 50th St. The company, run by local foodie, food justice advocate and entrepreneur Ann Karlen, features a variety of artisanal, locally-made cheeses. The shop, which is located at the front of its warehouse, will hold its grand opening celebration on Thursday, June 15, from 1-6 p.m..

The shop will also carry regionally-made meats, crackers, jams and preserves, mustards, honey, olives, and other fresh and organic products, according to a report by The Philadelphia Inquirer‘s Michael Klein.

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‘Parks on Tap’ beer garden returns to Clark Park Wednesday for Memorial Day weekend

May 23, 2023

Parks on Tap, the traveling beer garden that pops up at various Philadelphia parks in the spring and summer, will be back in Clark Park at 43rd and Baltimore on Wednesday, May 24 and stay through Memorial Day. The menu includes beers on tap, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and fresh food and snacks.

The hours of operation are:

Wednesday – Friday: 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Monday (Memorial Day): 12:00 – 10:00 p.m. Continue Reading

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Saturday pop-up shops at VIX Emporium to present local Black-owned businesses

May 3, 2023

Photo courtesy of VIX Emporium/Chrissie’s Tea Cup.

VIX Emporium, the West Philly business specializing in unique handmade gifts and local crafts, will feature three local, Black-owned businesses at three pop-up shops on the first three Saturdays in May.

First up, on May 6, it will be Chrissie’s Tea Cup. Inspired by her late mother’s love of a good cup of tea, maker Wydia Becton combines organic herbs and traditional tea leaves to create her signature blends. Stop by the shop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to try popular Zodiac teas as well as tea brewing and serving accessories.

Then Tote Jawn will appear at VIX on May 13. This local business offers an alternative to single-use plastic bags with their stylish canvas tote bags, all Philadelphia themed! They have different bags featuring each Philly neighborhood. Continue Reading

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Ice Cave dessert shop reopens under new ownership

March 15, 2023

Here’s some great news for shaved ice fans. Ice Cave, the popular Baltimore Avenue Taiwanese dessert shop, reopened earlier this month under new ownership. We reported a month ago that the former owners, Po Chang and Jessica Wang, had decided to close their store after more than six years in business due to family matters. However, less than two weeks later, a new family took over the space at 4520 Baltimore Ave, continuing the old tradition.

The new owners haven’t updated the business social media pages yet, and the website is offline. We’ll let you know more details as soon as we have them.

The hours of operation are: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. on weekdays (closed on Thursday), and 2 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday.

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Two University City restaurant closings announced

March 3, 2023

Unfortunately, there have been reports of two more food establishments closing in West Philly.

• University City’s iconic City Tap House unexpectedly announced permanent closing after 13 years  in operation at 3925 Walnut Street on Feb. 23 and closed three days later. The following message was posted on City Tap House University City’s Instagram page:

“It is with a heavy heart that we are informing you that the last day of service will be Sunday, February 26th. This was a difficult decision, as this location was the launchpad for our company’s growth over the last 13 years.”

Following the announcement, numerous messages of support followed in the comments. Continue Reading

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Ice Cave closing after more than six years of business on Baltimore Ave (updated)

February 16, 2023

Ice Cave owner Po Chang and dessert chef Jessica Wang in 2016 (Photo by Rana Fayez)

UPDATE (3/11/2023): Ice Cave has reopened under new ownership. More details are coming soon.

(2/16/2023): The local favorite, Ice Cave dessert shop, is closing after more than six years of operation.

The family-owned business opened its first shop serving Taiwanese shaved ice treats in 2016 at 4507 Baltimore Ave., and then moved across the street to 4520 Baltimore in 2020. Ice Cave received a lot of support from the community during the move and was able to survive through the COVID pandemic.

The reason for the shop closing is personal. The owners, Po Chang and Jessica Wang, are moving away from Philadelphia and want to spend more time together as a family, which has been very difficult while running the business. Here’s a part of the message posted on Ice Cave’s Facebook page by Chang: Continue Reading

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