Starting this month, you can enjoy free music shows at some West Philly restaurants as part of Weeknights Live, a new program by the city’s Department of Commerce that aims to support local artists and neighborhood businesses.

Local artists will perform from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday at the following Baltimore Avenue restaurants:

• Booker’s Restaurant & Bar (5021 Baltimore Ave)
• Carbon Copy (701 S. 50th St)
• Dahlak (4708 Baltimore Ave)
• Renata’s Kitchen (3940 Baltimore Ave)

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One of West Philly’s biggest annual community events, Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is returning in June.  Two Strolls will be held this summer – on Thursday, June 4 and Thursday, Sept. 3.

The event draws thousands of visitors each year to enjoy deals from participating local businesses and community vendors.

The Dollar Stroll is a great opportunity for local businesses and community vendors to sell food, beverages, and merchandise for some valuable exposure. The price levels vendors can offer are $1, $3, or $5.

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Kenny and Nina outside of their restaurant (Facebook photo).

Longtime owners of Pasqually’s, a popular Spruce Hill pizza and beer shop, are saying good-bye after more than 23 years. Kenny and his wife Nina have shared their news of leaving the restaurant in a long and emotional Facebook post.

“Pasqually’s has been more than just a restaurant to us,” reads the post. “It’s been our second home, and in many ways, it’s been where life happened. We came in every day to cook and serve, but what we really found was a community that embraced us, supported us, and grew alongside us here in the West Philly neighborhood.”

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There are some exciting happenings in the local cafe/restaurant scene:

Cleo Bagels‘ owners opened a cafe, Little Bean, next door to their bagel shop at 50th and Baltimore last month. The cafe has some additional seating so you can b.y.o. Cleo bagel and enjoy it with an espresso! It’s open daily 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

There are a few new restaurant/cafe openings in University City:

Korea Taqueria, a Korean-Mexican fusion spot, has recently opened at Franklin’s Table Food Hall (34th and Walnut). The business started as a beloved food truck and then opened hugely popular shops in South Philly and Fishtown. Korean-Australian chef Alexander Sherack and Head Chef Rene Lopez from Metztitlan, Hidalgo have created a menu inspired by childhood memories of Korean and Mexican flavors. The Franklin’s Table location is serving up their signature burritos, bowls, and tacos, like slow cooked bulgogi beef tacos and gochujang chicken bowls, plus crispy house fried tortilla chips and guacamole. For more info, visit: www.korea-taqueria.com.

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Manakeesh, the Lebanese cafe and bakery at 45th and Walnut, has permanently closed after 15 years of operation due to a “sharp increase in rental costs,” according to an Instagram post. The cafe’s last day of operation was Tuesday, Feb. 17. The closing was timed with Ramadan, which began on Tuesday evening.

However, there is some good news: Manakeesh is looking for a new location and will temporarily operate as a cloud kitchen accepting online orders.

“One silver lining from this, we are not totally going away,” reads the post on Instagram. “We will be moving and continue to offer our menu online and for extended hours in Ramadan and thereafter insha’Allah. We are hoping to keep Manakeesh up an running for the next generation with your support, and not just a memory.”

Named for the Lebanese flatbread sandwiches it serves, Manakeesh opened in 2011 in the renovated bank building at 45th and Walnut (see photo).

A new eatery specializing in halal chicken shawarma, Barakat Chicken, is in the works for the northeast corner of 43rd and Walnut. The space was previously occupied by a Chinese restaurant. While more details are currently not available, it looks like the new restaurant should open soon as the signage is already there.

The area around Walnut between 43rd and 45th Streets is known for halal food, featuring Muslim-owned food markets and restaurants. We hope that Barakat Chicken will be a great addition to the local halal restaurant scene.