MANAYUNK LIVE|SHOP|DINE|PLAY
SUMMER 2015
Sneaker Feat
Literally Running a Business One Step Ahead of the Competition Top 10 Reasons To Raise Your Family In Manayunk A Heads Up On The Top Manayunk Hair Stylists The Lowdown On BBQ, Brunch, and Bread
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Ask Us About Catering Your Next Event 215.470.5045 CATERING@LEBUSMANAYUNK.COM
Locally Sourced Fresh Food
Great Wine List • Craft Beers on Tap • Artisan Bread Full Catering Menu • Market Menu • Outdoor Dining Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner–every day
4266 Main Street, Manayunk, PA 19127 • 215.487.2663 • LeBusManayunk.com
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BARBEQUE & ROTISSERIE • WHISKEY • CRAFT BEERS
HOURS: Mon & Tues: 12pm–10pm Wed & Thu: 12pm–11pm Fri & Sat: 12pm–12am Sun: 12pm–9pm 4258 MAIN STREET, MANAYUNK, PA 19127 • (267) 858-3000 • SMOKINJOHNSMANAYUNK.COM
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MANAYUNK JUNE / AUGUST 2015
magazine
LIVE SHOP DINE PLAY
contents 06
Mark Your Calendar
You won’t want to miss this summer’s events.
08
Sneak A Peek
Mummers and food trucks hit Main Street.
32
Cover Profil
The men behind the Philadelphia Runner Empire.
Community shops still going strong.
24
Glitz & Glam
Main Street’s finest stylists
DINE.
It’s all in the Rubb.
42
Taste This. Your weekend brunch lineup.
38
Business Savvy
Conversation With The Chef
Now Open
From pizza to vintage and everything in between.
46
Taste This
LIVE.
The best bread you’ve ever had.
Why you should raise your family in Manayunk.
14
Expert Advice
Around Town
Meet our Manayunk professionals.
Editorial + Production Editors Jane Lipton, Caitlin Maloney, Shannon Geddes, Joan Denenberg, Leo Dillinger, Design Cantor Design, cantordesign.com Sales M7 Media 610.417.9261; bauerjim7@gmail.com Photography Susan Beard Design - susanbearddesign.com JPG Photography - jpgphotography.com Stephanie Nolt - snfoto.com Alexa Nahas - alexanahas.com
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SHOP.
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4
PLAY.
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Local A&E
Opera comes to Manayunk.
52
What’s Happening
Ladies on a market mission.
Manayunk Magazine
is published quarterly by the Manayunk Development Corp. Manayunk Development Corporation 4312 Main Street Philadelphia, PA 19127 215.482.9565 | info@manayunk.org
COVER Photographed by SUSAN BEARD (pictured) / SUSAN BEARD DESIGN (susanbearddesign.com). Assisted by Leah Macdonald & Erika Smith
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4312 MAIN STREET MANAYUNK, PA 19127
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215.483.9990
WWW.CANALHOUSE.COM
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center Summer Activities
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VIPARC has a full schedule of activities and performances planned for the summer season so stay tuned for updates. Events include movie nights, outdoor beer gardens, opera performances and youth programming.
Cheer on the best international cyclists as they pass through Manayunk and climb The Wall on this 12 mile circuit throughout Philadelphia.
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Browse vintage collectables, original art, handmade crafts, housewares, jewelry, and more at this open air artisan market outside at the Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center.
Photography by JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)
june 7 International Cycling Classic
june 13 sept 12 oct 10 Philly Mart
june 20-21 Arts Festival
sept 13 StrEAT Food Festival
Come celebrate our 26th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival with 300+ artists from around the country lining Main Street.
Indulge in all types of delicious food at the StrEAT Food Festival which kicks off two weeks of Manayunk Restaurant Week which runs from September 13– 25.
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MANAYUNK ARTS FESt 2015
JUNE 20th 21st ARTWORK BY MICHAEL MADZO
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SNEAK-A-PEEK
Photography By JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)
Manayunk has been keeping busy in the first hal of 2015. Over 15 Philadelphia Mummer’s string bands marched down Main Street in February for Philadelphia Mummer’s Mardi Gras. With the help of visitors, over $20,000 was raised for the Philadelphia String Band Association. Then in April over 50 food trucks pulled up along Main Street to dish out strawberry themed items at the Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival which kicked off Manayunk Restaurant Week.
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Photography By JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)
Doyle reno | Moon Over Damask and Kudu | 48” x 48”
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LIVE: AROUND TOWN
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THE TOP
Photography By Carolyn Clement Photography (carolynclementphotography.com)
When settling down with a family, the possibilities are seemingly endless. You want your child to have everything - a close-knit community, academic prestige, and a scenic and safe environment all at their fingertips. Since my childrens’ births, I’ve chosen Manayunk as the neighborhood to give them the very best start in life. I’ve been continuously impressed with Manayunk’s vibrant community and all it has to offer for my family, and I’m not alone in that experience. Manayunk has become a hotspot for urban parents looking for the optimal neighborhood to raise their children. Read our top 10 reasons you should consider Manayunk as a home for your family, with quotes from local parents who have been thriving here for years. 1 – Greenspaces Enjoying the banks of the scenic Schuylkill River and Manayunk Canal may not be a typical part of an urban child’s daily experiences, but they can be when that child is a mini-Yunker. Located right along Main Street, the Canal’s Towpath is a gorgeous opportunity for children to ride bikes, run, and walk along the water and parents can enjoy those same benefits, as well. Local children might even catch a sight of the ducks, geese, heron, and turtles that choose to live here in Manayunk’s waters. “Our many Manayunk greenspaces provide our children and families outlets to connect with nature and build a community we are proud of. From farmer’s markets to bike paths, there is always somewhere fun to meet with our friends outdoors!” - Sarah Kurliand, Manayunk Parent & Blogger at Our Spirited Life (ourspiritedlife.com) 2 - Children’s Activities & Programming Year-round, parents have a vibrant selection of fun and educational classes for children of all ages. Favorites of local children include Merge Dance Studio, Miss Jackie’s Tot Gym, Miss Jeanette’s School of Dance, Soccer Shots, and more. Extensive programming is also available through North Light Community Center, a non-profit which offers karate, yoga, art, choir, and more. “Having access to numerous children’s activities really helps to make Manayunk a true community. Within walking distance of our house we take our kids to dance classes, tot gyms, soccer classes, story time, and art classes. Hav-
10 REASONS TO RAISE
A FAMILY IN MANAYUNK
As told by Manayunk families raising their children on the hill. By Elyse Castillo
ing the ability to do all this without leaving our community allows both children and parents to make new friends with families in our neighborhood, strengthening our community.” - Jason Blank, Manayunk Parent of Two 3 - High-Quality Schools Manayunk’s public school system has an active group of supporters from locals who love their schools. With well-respected public schools like Greenwoods Charter School, Dobson Elementary, and Cook-Wissahickon Elementary, children and their parents have academic excellence at their fingertips “We are very happy to send our son to Dobson Elementary School. I love that my son is attending a public school in our neighborhood, with other kids that he’s grown up alongside at the playground. It makes Manayunk and Roxborough feel very much like a small town when we can send him to a school with other families that we already know.” - Mollie Ashley, Manayunk Parent of Two
4 - Welcoming Parenting Groups & Resources It takes a village, and Manayunk is just that. MOMS Club of N orthwest Philadelphia, Manayunk-Roxborough Parent Network, and Manayunk Moms Meetup all offer support, resources, and friendship to local parents through organized events and meetups. «Manayunk Moms (Meet Up) helps connect parents in Manayunk & the surrounding area. So many of our members are in all different stages of parenthood and we offer a wide range of meet ups, such as play dates at a home, music classes, meeting at child-friendly Manayunk events, & so much more. Everything from parenting advice, swapping child-friendly recipes, emotional support; we have become a community on this journey of parenthood, together. I am so thankful to be a part of Manayunk Moms & to connect with so many fabulous caregivers and their sweet kids!” - Melissa Marcolina, Manayunk Parent & Official Organizer Of Manayunk Moms Meetup 5 - Accessibility To Healthful Foods Children in Manayunk have plenty of opportunities to know their farmer and enjoy nutritious, whole foods. Pretzel Park Farmer’s Market and the Gorgas Park Farmer’s Market are just a couple ways for local families to get their freshpicked fruits, veggies, and specialty items such as raw honey, molasses, and even handmade soaps. Organic CSA Henry Got Crops is a local favorite, as well, offering a place for Manayunk residents to bring compost and participate in their CSA program or farmstand - and children love viewing the many horses, sheep, and cows grazing on their urban farm. “My family looks forward to the Pretzel Park Farmer’s Market all year long and almost never misses once it starts. I look forward to supporting the local farmers and buying delicious food, and my kids look forward to scooting around the park with their friends. It is my favorite free family activity in Manayunk and has really made us feel like a part of a community. We have met lots of people and made many new friendships by spending Saturdays at the Pretzel Park Farmer’s Market.” - Anne Politz, Manayunk Parent of Two 6 - Close-Knit Community With playgrounds, greenspace, schools, and the Main Street business corridor all within Summer 2015 | manayunk.com 11
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walking distance, it’s easy for children and their parents to make friends in our neighborhood. “Living in Manayunk/Roxborough is like living in a small town within a big city’s limits. I can spend days without getting in my car; we walk to playgrounds, school, play dates. My children know they will bump into a friend almost every where we go, and I have a close-knit group of friends only minutes away. The community in this neighborhood is very special.” - Becky Noone Ries, Manayunk Parent of Two & Usborne Books & More Consultant 7 - Engaging Cultural Events & Development Manayunk has numerous family-friendly events throughout the year, including Manayunk Arts Festival, Bike Race, and the semi-annual Manayunk StrEAT Festival. The neighborhood is continuously improving, thanks to the work of local volunteers within the Manayunk Civic Association, the Manayunk N eighborhood Council, and the Manayunk Development Corporation. The new Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center was recently completed, featuring a home for the Manayunk Theatre Company and a splash park for children. Also in the works - the highly anticipated Manayunk Bridge Trail, which will connect the Cynwyd Heritage Trail to the heart of Manayunk. “Within Manayunk we have access to incredibly scenic paths that lead to the city via Art Museum Circle, the country via Schuylkill River Trail, and deep in the woods via Wissahickon Trail and Forbidden Drive - not to mention our own world famous Manayunk Wall. I’ve spent many hours bicycling with my kids around the Manayunk tow path, pointing out wildlife and helping them make their own connection to nature. And by the end of this summer I look forward to the opening of the Manayunk Bridge Trail - a crown jewel which will provide us with even
more access to parks and trails. It’s a great way to stay in shape while having fun with your kids and teaching them a great life skill.” Todd Young, Manayunk Parent of Two & Founder of BikeDiddley.com 8 - Proximity To The Library & It’s Events Another asset to our community is our proximity to the Free Library of Philadelphia (Roxborough Branch). Story times, cultural events, book clubs, homework assistance and more are frequently hosted by this active library. “The library is a vital part of our community, providing a variety of free programming and resources to people of all ages. Story times, held twice weekly, teach our children that books are fun, that reading is pleasurable, and that reading is a community activity to be shared with friends and loved ones.” - Jackie Merchant, Roxborough Parent of Three & President of Roxborough Library 9 - Accessibility To High Quality Children’s Healthcare Healthcare is a must for young children, and Manayunk has a wide variety of options, including CHOP Roxborough and the new On Demand Urgent Care within just a few minutes drive. “The pediatricians at CHOP Roxborough have really made being new parents a lot less scary. They are always available to answer any questions we have and their office hours are the best I’ve ever seen. Whenever my husband and I have been concerned about our son in any way, they were able to give reassuring advice over the phone or have us run over, (they’re two minutes away!), to be seen right away. When Ryan was having some more serious issues, the pediatrician got us seen by a specialist at CHOP that same day. I can’t say enough about the local pediatricians!” - Taryn Homolash, Manayunk Parent & Educator
Vive the
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10 - Small Town Feel In Big City In addition to all of the benefits Manayunk holds for families, one of it’s most appealing qualities is it’s proximity to Center City Philadelphia. Just a short train ride allows locals to take advantage of all the theater, restaurants, and cultural events that Philly has to offer. “Living in Manayunk and raising our young child here has so many benefits. N ot only are we able to experience all the great restaurants and local shops, but we so often run into our friends along the way and get the sense of really belonging to this community. Being able to walk everywhere has been fantastic and now that our son is getting older, we can easily expand our day trips to include Center City and all it has to offer. We love it here!” - Carolyn Clement, Roxborough Parent & Owner at Carolyn Clement Photography Okay we couldn’t just pick 10 so here’s one more… 11 - Opportunity To Support Small, Locally-Owned Businesses A truly unique aspect of Manayunk is the local business corridor along Main Street, with many business owners choosing not only to have their businesses along Main Street, but to reside and raise their children here, as well. Families are able to feel confident in frequenting these local shops, as it’s common for Manayunk business owners to be in their shops daily, welcoming and getting to know their patrons. “My family and I greatly benefit from having accessibility to small, locally-owned businesses. We value the relationships that we have with the store and restaurant owners, who know us by name and vice versa. There is a real sense of community in Manayunk which is fostered by these relationships. I also like the feeling of directly supporting the owners of these small businesses as opposed to large nameless, faceless companies.” - Liz Briganti, Manayunk Parent of Two
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LIVE: EXPERT ADVICE
S L A N O I S S E F O PR
Meet The
Meet the professionals behind two Manayunk small business who are doing big things. By Shannon Geddes & Leo Dillinger
Manayunk is known for its small businesses. Besides our owner-operated retail stores and restaurants, Manayunk is also home to many small service businesses who are doing big things. This series will introduce you to the many service business professionals who call Manayunk home. We’ll learn about their stories, their experience in the field and why they love servicing Manayun residents and other local businesses. For this issue, we spoke with realtor Jennifer Colahan McIlhenny from Re/Max Eastern, Inc. and insurance agent Brian McCollum of McCollum Insurance Agency.
Realtor
“Whether you are a first time buyer or an experienced seller, I have the knowledge and expertise to get the job done,” Jen said.“Many times buyers and sellers need help more than one time in their lives. I want to work with clients now and for the next five, ten, 15 and 20 plus years down the road.” Jen chose Manayunk for her business because of the incredible location, the neighborly environment, and the variety of communal amenities. Jen particularly loves that everything is walk able, and for her, it makes a great location for business because she can get to clients located in all sections of the city and the surrounding counties. “One of the reason I love selling homes in this area is the history and architecture, which have always been very special to me,” Jen said.“After touring many, many homes over the years, I love that each home is unique and different. Walking through homes in Manayunk is always a fun experience. Each home has its own character and charm.”
Re/Max Eastern, Inc. jencolahan.remaxagent.com
Jennifer Colahan McIlhenny has worked as a realtor in Manayunk for the past 12 years after her family, friends, and clients brought her here. After learning all that Manayunk had to offer, she decided to move here herself 11 years ago and has been in love with the community she calls home ever since. “That was 11 years ago and I still love this local community just as much as I did the first day I moved here,” Jen said. A native of Philadelphia, Jen found an interest in real estate from her father, Jim Colahan, who was a realtor for as long as she can remember. After graduating from Bloomsburg University with a business degree, she decided to get involved with the family business at Re/ Max Eastern, Inc. because it seemed like the perfect fit for her. Jen now has her certific tions in CRS and GRI and has hit many real estate milestones including being in the Re/ Max Hall of Fame, Re/Max 100% Club and Re/ Max Million Dollar Club. As a realtor, Jen has worked with people of all trades, including mortgage lenders, bankers, insurance agencies, construction companies, interior designers, landscapers, home staging companies and more. She offers her home buying services to young professionals, families, empty nesters and young families who are just starting out. “While I work with clients all over the re14
gion, I find that Manayunk attracts all different types of people varying in age, profession and lifestyle,” Jen said. “One thing we all have in common is that we love the location and all that is has to offer.” Jen started the website RealEstateAroundPhilly.comto educate the community about the intricacies of the real estate process. The conversation continues on their Facebook page at Real Estate Around Philly and on Twitter at @ REaourndPhilly.
Insurance Agent Brian McCollum McCollum Insurance Agency mccollumagency.com
Brian McCollum has worked in the insurance industry for the last 17 years, startinghis own agency in Manayunk in 2002. McCollum Insurance Agency primarily works with families looking for insurance protection for their automobiles, homes and investment
Photography By Christa Frassetto
Jennifer Colahan McIlhenny
manayunk.com | Summer 2015
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Photography By Christa Frassetto
properties. They also work with many local young professionals who may be purchasing insurance for the first time. And when it comes to other small businesses, they love working with new and established businesses in their community including doctors, accountants, restaurants, retail stores, bakeries, contractors, plumbers and more. Brian’s team is dedicated to finding above-average home insurance, auto insurance, business insurance and investment property protection for their clients. Brian became interested in insurance while studying at Temple University, where he studied risk management and insurance. He held several field- elated jobs during his time in college and found that he really enjoyed sales, meeting new people, and helping them find the best coverage available. Brian quickly knew that opening an independent insurance agency was the best path for him. “ As an Independent Agency, we partner with a few carefully selected insurance companies to provide our clients with the best coverage options, service, and price,” Brian said. Several years later and Brian has obtained a Certified Insurance Counselor (CID) Designa-
NATURE’S CALLING...
tion and is a Licensed Agent in lines of authority-property, casualty and live, and accident and health. There are numerous reasons Brian chose Manayunk for his business. The location is perfect for an agency that caters to not only this community, but Center City and the neighboring suburbs as well. “We do a fair amount of business in Manayunk,” Brian said. “But we are also only a short ride away, when we need to meet clients in Center City, Delaware County, Montgomery County, or Chester County.” Manayunk’s variety of restaurants, retail shops, and parks along the Schuylkill River all add to the neighborhood’s small town charm. Brian’s agency even deals with some local shops like Style of Man, Sweet Elizabeth’s Cakes, Sardine Clothing Company, NorthGreen Associates, and Michael’s California Detail. “The staff at McCollum Insurance lives in and supports the local community,” Brian said.“We understand the needs of our neighbors and local small businesses. We know how strong word of mouth advertising is, that is why we focus on pleasing our customers, one at a time.”
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Jen Colahan McIlhenny
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Main Office 215-961-6005 Direct Cell: 215-266-4549 jencolahan@remax.net
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Community Cornerstones Manayunk’s specialty stores offer something more than their products. By Leo Dillinger Photography By Alexa Nahas (alexanahas.com) By the latter half of the 20th century, record stores and bookstores could be found in practically any neighborhood. Located next to the soda shop or the five and dime, these stores served as social centers for the community. Convenient enough to walk to, customers would wander aimlessly among bookshelves or record bins and converse with the clerk over the latest recommendations. Employee-customer rapport became something more important than a monetary exchange as relationships 20
rooted in mutual interest flourished Unfortunately, this camaraderie got lost in the shuffle of the Digital Age. Many independent stores closed their doors after failing to compete with the online market, many of which were record stores and bookstores. But Manayunk residents saw the aesthetic value of having these institutions in their community and supported local business during such tribulations. Both Main Street Music and The Spiral Bookcase maintain an iconic image of Main Street, USA by catering to niche markets with an emphasis on customer engagement. They give Manayunk a certain je ne sais quoi that chain stores can’t compete with and close-knit communities desire. Pat Feeney, owner of Main Street Music, has always been a self-proclaimed record fanatic. In his youth, he loved spending whatever disposable income he had on the latest LPs. After moving to Philadelphia from the Pittsburgh area, he became a frequent visitor to a record store in the Northeast called the Record Cellar. Pat became such a regular that he befriended the owner and was offered a job in 1984. At the time, Pat’s wife feared her husband would be “playing with records all day,” but he knew this was a business to feel passionate about. After spending six years working at the Record Cellar, Pat finally understood the business and realized he wanted to venture out on his own.
Photography By Alexa Nahas (alexanahas.com)
SHOP: BUSINESS SAVVY
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Photography By Alexa Nahas (alexanahas.com)
“We looked at a lot of different locations,” Pat said. “But there was something about [Manayunk] that I just had a good feeling about.” The original Main Street Music opened on October 24, 1991. The store was a tiny hole in the wall that Pat compared to “working out of a closet,” but he began establishing a name for himself and his business. As the district expanded, so did Main Street Music and after five years at the original location (now a part of Taqueria Feliz), Pat relocated to 4444 Main Street and officially eopened the shop on January 6, 1997. “When we first moved here, I was worried because it was at the end of the street,” Pat said. “But the first year or two we were here, we had so many people coming in asking how long we had been here…So the new location helped a lot and now I’m not going anywhere.” As the craze of illegally downloading music ensued in the early 2000s, Main Street Music felt the backlash. The industry made a dramatic change and Pat needed a way for his business to stay afloat. If not for the steadfast allegiance of his regulars, Pat’s story might have ended then and there. But as the storms of change subsided, a music trend from the past emerged from dusty attics, closets, and crawlspaces. Among Baby Boomers and Millennials alike, the last five years have seen the epic resurgence of vinyl. For a time, Pat said Main Street Music’s inventory comprised roughly 80% CDs and 20% vinyl. N ow, he believes the ratio may have finally shifted this year to 60% vinyl and 40% CDs. But now that music has become more convenient than ever before, why return to such a nostalgic form of listening? “I think it has to do with the original reasons, you know?” Pat elaborated. “It’s something to own. It’s a piece of art. I do think they sound better. I always have because they do sound warmer.”
Pat acknowledged the possibility of a “hipster quotient” where younger customers see their record collections more as a form of cultural capital. But in any case, this vinyl revival is “breathing a new shot of life” into Main Street Music and Pat said he never saw it coming. Even some of his longtime regulars have switched to purchasing only vinyl, just like every new face that drops by the store. “[Manayunk] has become hipper lately,” Pat said. “It’s helping us because hipsters are buying vinyl and that might be some of our new customers.” It’s safe to say that no matter how stressful the job may be, Pat hardly views Main Street Music as work. From the posters lining the walls to the soundtrack of the shop, every aspect is meticulously crafted to reflect Pat’s eclectic musical taste. More importantly, his customers have also become some of his closest friends, to the point where it’s hard to decipher his work life from his social life. “I think it’s kind of cool that my livelihood is supplied by my first love,” Pat concluded, reclining in his chair. “The fact that I could actually make a living off of what my hobby was, which was buying records, I think I count my blessings for that.” Pat Feeney isn’t the only one in the district doing what he loves. In fact, Main Street Music formed a bond with another Manayunk business that thrives on a similar clientele. The Spiral Bookcase has worked with Main Street Music from cohosting events to trading employees. Both stores have become so close that Pat said it’s a shame they aren’t right next door to each other. Now that The Spiral Bookcase approaches its fifth anniversary, owner Ann Tetreault has taken a great deal of pride in establishing an independent bookstore in the community she calls home. Summer 2015 | manayunk.com 21
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impression on the community,” Ann said. This sense of community has always been the focal point of Ann’s business. She promotes the works of her favorite authors from the Philadelphia literary scene like Andrew Ervin and Robin Black. She orchestrates events both in and outside the store like her upcoming Alice in Wonderland Tea Party at Pretzel Park, the Author Brunch in September, and the most exciting of all: The Spiral Bookcase’s fift anniversary in July. Even the metaphor behind “The Spiral Bookcase” shows how heavily invested Ann is in the Manayunk community. As Ann says, her husband is very math and science oriented and the ‘Golden Mean’ is very spiral in nature. Ann on the other hand really likes mythology and the literary life. “The spiral is in Celtic mythology and Native American mythology, so it’s kind of a coming together of our backgrounds to create one space,” Ann said. “It’s supposed to mean the inclusion of people from a lot of different backgrounds and a place to gather together.” Perhaps the greatest appeal of both the Spiral Bookcase and Main Street Music is how their employees guide customers to expand their literary and musical tastes. As Ann puts it, she likes to help her customers “find the book that you we en’t looking for but that you need to have.” And it’s this give-and-take relationship between employees and customers that both Ann and Pat admire so much about their stores. It gives them both an indescribable feeling that they affected someone by inspiring them to read again or listen to a record they’ve never heard before. Sometimes it’s just a simple recommendation, but it could be as huge as turning someone on to a new favorite author or band. “From my youth and growing up, I always pictured the bookstore as the cornerstone for any vibrant Main Street community,” Ann said. “And I like to think that we do have a hand in that.”
Photography By Alexa Nahas (alexanahas.com)
“It was kind of a childhood dream. I loved used bookstores growing up,” Ann said. “My parents always took me to independent bookstores and used bookstores on our travels. I felt very at home in that environment.” Prior to opening The Spiral Bookcase, Ann served as a copyright specialist at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., where she worked alongside numerous publishers, authors, and other “creative types.” Ann knew she wanted to continue her passion for literature by opening a bookstore of her own in Philadelphia. When she and her husband began looking at houses in Manayunk, Ann immediately fell in love with the neighborhood, reminding her of when she lived in Cork, Ireland for a year. The couple also loved the idea of living in a neighborhood with a record store. After finally settling in Manayunk, Ann eventually came across an available space on Cotton Street. “Just peeking through the window, I remember my excitement like ‘Wow, it’s perfect! It will be so easy to move in and reimagine it as a bookstore,’” Ann said. In January 2010, Ann began planning the bookstore and after months of renovations, she opened The Spiral Bookcase on July 17, 2010. By November 2010, she ended her job in D.C., committing her full time and attention to the bookstore. The benefit to starting her business during the “Great Recession” was Ann’s foresight in assessing the changes of the literary industry. She found that local bookstores were on the rise again because they helped neighborhoods thrive aesthetically and promote a greater sense of community. And now, she’s been told that the Spiral Bookcase was a deciding factor for new residents moving to Manayunk. “The people who spend their money here or the people that come to our events, the people who trade books with us, they acknowledge that shopping local is something important in that they are leaving a lasting manayunk.com | Summer 2015
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Photography By Alexa Nahas (alexanahas.com)
SHOP: GLITZ & GLAM
Chopped: Main Street Edition Introducing Manayunk’s top hair stylists and the salons they call home.
One thing is for sure, Main Street has no shortage of hair salons and talented stylists to go with them. Whether you’re looking to chop off your locks or need a color overhaul, these ladies have you covered. Meet some of Manayunk’s top stylists and where you can find them on Main St eet. Make an appointment, sit back and relax in their chairs and let them work their magic.
By Caitlin Maloney Photography By Stephanie Nolt (snfoto.com)
Tara Acosta | Sulimay’s Studio on Main
Tara Acosta Sulimay’s Studio on Main 4233 Main Street 267-437-3616 sulimaysonmain.com sulimayshair.com How Long Have You Been Styling Hair? I have been behind the chair for over 18 years. I grew up in my dad’s barbershop - literally we lived upstairs. My grandfather was a Barber and between myself and my cousins we have eight salons. It must be in our blood. The Sulimay Stylists from all eight salons are starting a video documentary blog. So be sure to look out for it. We will be offering styling tips and classes for everyone! How Long Have You Worked At Your Salon? After working at Sulimay’s Hair Design for the past 18 years, I figu ed it was time to take a 24
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Ashley Irwin | Fedora Salon
chance. An old friend of mine, who works on Main Street at another salon, was looking to do something different. She had been asking me for a long time to partner up with her, so this year I decided to do it! She on the other hand got cold feet at the last minute. So I opened up Sulimay’s Studio on Main on my own. We have an amazing staff that is skilled and talented in their craft. I have worked here at this location since opening in December 2014. I do split my days and work at Sulimay’s in the Art Museum area as well. What Do You Love Most About Working At Your Salon? The thing I love most about working at Sulimay’s Studio on Main is being behind the chair and having the opportunity to make people look and more importantly feel great! What Do You Specialize In? Myself
Caitlyn Campbell | Style of Man
and the staff here at Sulimay’s specialize in hair cutting for men & women, color, highlights, balayage, sombre, blowouts, formal styling, facial waxing, and my personal favorite Brazilian blowouts. What Is Your Favorite Product To Use? This is such a hard question to answer. It really depends on the hair type of the client as well as the desired look. Each guest that comes to Sulimay’s has a very personalized and customized experience. So you will have to come in and find out what product is specifically perfect for you What Is Your Best Pro Tip? My pro tip is simple advice...when in the chair never be afraid to speak up. If you are thinking you want something a little shorter or a little different you should say what’s on your mind. We are stylists not mind readers. I think it’s safe to speak for us all on this. Say what you’re thinking, we really want
to make you happy! Have You Ever Styled Any Famous Heads? A colleague makeup artist and friend and I used to host Beauty Boot Camp. We would style and educate the Newscasters on how to prepare themselves for onscreen. The newscasters were very receptive and it was great to see our work onscreen. If You Could Style Any Famous Person’s Hair Who Would It Be? Honestly I don’t really care. I have had so many amazing people in my chair over the years, from surgeons to judges to newscasters to nurses to moms and grandfathers. Each person has a story and I’m happy to hear all about it and make their live a little happier by giving them what they want to make them look and feel great! The Sulimay Stylists from all eight salons are starting a video documentary blog. So be sure to look out for
manayunk.com | Summer 2015
5/18/15 4:42 PM
ALL NEW
Private Event Space
Introducing the newly renovated Canal Lounge, Manayunk’s premier event space. It’s perfect for groups of 25 to 125 people, for any and every event. Contact our event coordinator, Melissa at mgregory@bourbonblue.com for details.
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it. We will be offering styling tips and classes for everyone to check out!
Ashley Irwin Fedora Salon 4167 Main Street 267-335-2876 fedorasalon.com How Long Have You Been Styling Hair? I became a hairstylist seven years ago, but have been working in the salon industry since I was 15.
Lauren Negron | Salon L’Etoile & Spa
How Long Have You Worked At Your Salon? I have been at Fedora Salon since the day we opened, which is over three years ago now! What Do You Love Most About Working At Your Salon? I love that my salon is a low key and relaxed environment. Our clients really feel at home and start to become more like friends to us. What Do You Specialize In? I specialize in all women’s color, cut, styling and makeup as well. My favorite thing to do in the salon is wedding parties. I love making a bride feel beautiful on her big day! It is definitely a gratifying experience. What Is Your Favorite Product To Use? I love any kind of root lifter! I would have to say my favorite out of all the products I’ve tried has to be Expanda by Unite. A little goes a long way with this product and it 26
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works wonders! What Is Your Best Pro Tip? Everyone should ask their stylist what shampoo and conditioner is best for their hair type! Most clients tend to see their own hair very differently than the professionals do, such as thinking their hair is dry, thin etc. A professional can recommend what would work best for you and it can make a world of difference! Have You Ever Styled Any Famous Heads? I have styled NFL cheerleaders
Working At Your Salon? I love the freedom we have to really work with our clients to find exactly what works for them. Nothing beats seeing someone surprised at how great a good haircut can make you look and feel! What Do You Specialize In? We all have been trained to really personalize styles to fit the guys and what would look best on them as well as suit their personalities and lifestyles. What Is Your Favorite Product To Use? My favorite product it Redken
Randi DiCicco | Beans Beauty
in the past which was so much fun! If You Could Style Any Famous Person’s Hair Who Would It Be? I think Jennifer Lopez would be a great person to style. Her hair color and style is amazing, I would love to get my hands on it!
Caitlyn Campbell Style of Man 4448 Main Street 215-487-2820 styleofman.com How Long Have You Been Styling Hair? I’ve been a hairdresser for nine years. How Long Have You Worked At Your Salon? I’ve been at Style of Man for eight years. The salon is getting close to celebrating 30 years in business! What Do You Love Most About
firm grasp. It s a pretty versatile product that works with all lengths of hair. It’s a Matte finish and has the ability to really show the different textures of a style. What Is Your Best Pro Tip? Find a stylist who isn’t afraid to try new things and that you feel comfortable communicating with. And get a haircut more often! Have You Ever Styled Any Famous Heads? There’s been a good amount of famous men that have been through our locations. Bradley Cooper, Jeffery Lawry, Colin Farrell, Gavin Rossdale, Brent Celek, Todd Harremens and Vince Lattanzio. If You Could Style Any Famous Person’s Hair Who Would It Be? I’m going to go with David Beckham. A lot of guys bring in pictures of his various haircuts and I would like to be able to say, “No problem, I created
that style for David!”
Lauren Negron Salon L’Etoile & Spa 4360 Main Street 215-483-2500 salonletoile.com How Long Have You Been Styling Hair? I’ve been in the beauty industry since I was 15 years old. After high school, I enrolled in Landsdale School of Cosmetology and graduat-
Su-Shan Lai | Starshine Salon
ed in 2007. I then became a full time stylist in 2008. How Long Have You Worked At Your Salon? I started at Salon L’Etoile in 2011 and have been there ever since! What Do You Love Most About Working At Your Salon? I really love the environment that I work in, from my co-workers to our clients to the community of Manayunk. What Do You Specialize In? Creating very unique and individualized looks for my clients. From balayage to extension services, I love helping my clients achieve a look that inspires them and makes them feel confident about the way they look. Specifically I specialize in balayage, maintenance colors, Hot Heads hair extensions, Great Lengths hair extensions, and women’s and men’s haircutting. What Is Your Favorite Product To
manayunk.com | Summer 2015
5/15/15 9:10 AM
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Use? Maximista by Oribe. I love how it keeps the hair looking and feeling soft while adding volume. What Is Your Best Pro Tip? If you want the look, invest in the quality and time it takes to get your hair how you want. Have You Ever Styled Any Famous Heads? We at Salon L’Etoile & Spa are the official salon of the 76ers Dream Team, and have a lot of local “celebrities” visit the salon often. If You Could Style Any Famous
to have access to lots of education and innovative techniques. Finally, along with our clients, I love the relaxing atmosphere of our salon. What Do You Specialize In? I specialize in hair color and cutting and have been recognized for each, including “Best of Philly” for natural hair color. My experience has given me an eye to identify subtle changes that can be made with someone’s color. I love to take them from a shade that may not be right for them to some-
Kim Taglienti | Art + Science Salon & Spa
Person’s Hair Who Would It Be? J Lo.
Randi DiCicco Beans Beauty 4405 Main Street 215-487-3333 beansbeauty.com How Long Have You Been Styling Hair? Over 30 years! How Long Have You Worked At Your Salon? 15 years! What Do You Love Most About Working At Your Salon? Along with Robert, who is also a 15 year veteran, the staff at Beans has decades of experience in the beauty industry and really knows their stuff. We have an enormous inventory of products and tools to satisfy today’s informed customers. We also have relationships with many companies that enable us 28
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or brands. Their products are always a step ahead of any new trend that comes along. What Is Your Best Pro Tip? The best way to style your own hair: Use a microfiber towel to absorb the moisture. Apply your favorite styling product. Mold your hair into the desired finished style Air dry for a few minutes. Blow dry and style with an ionic blow dryer, a great brush, and phenomenal
Jacqueline Doucette | Ground Zero Main Street
thing that is exceptional. My passion is tweaking highlighted hair and “shading a haircut.” This means using hair color to take the look to the next level. I combine shades of light and dark to enhance the shape. Our salon is also Deva / Ouidad certified, whic enables us to offer a special technique for cutting and styling curly or textured hair. My co-worker Andrea is the “curl whisperer”. She is a master craftsman of curl and her attention to detail is infectious. She brings a passion and integrity to all her clients. What Is Your Favorite Product To Use? My favorite product is the Wella International hair color that we use in our salon. It affords us such freedom to achieve and address all our clients’ needs. One product, Color Touch, is wonderful for covering gray and adding dimension to the hair without fading and degrading it like other col-
products. Don’t be afraid to use your best tool…your fingers Have You Ever Styled Any Famous Heads? I have done some local news people and a few singer songwriters, but I think of all my clients as celebrities. If You Could Style Any Famous Person’s Hair Who Would It Be? Jennifer Aniston because of her beautiful color, Jennifer Lawrence because she is not afraid to make a dramatic change, and maybe just for fun, Kelly Osborn for her edgy look.
Su-Shan Lai Starshine Salon 4456 Main Street 215-483-8180 starshinephilly.com How Long Have You Been Styling Hair? I’ve been a licensed cosmetolo-
gist since 2000, but my grandmother had me applying her perms since I was 14 and I starting being hired as a make-up artist at 16. How Long Have You Worked At Your Salon? Since I opened it in December of 2012! What Do You Love Most About Working At Your Salon? I equally love being my own boss, catching up with current clients and meeting new people. What Do You Specialize In? Makeovers and hair coloring! What Is Your Favorite Product To Use? This can be an ever changing answer, but right now Flex Shaping Hairspray by Living Proof. It keeps the hair touchable and smells like vanilla instead of hairspray. What Is Your Best Pro Tip? Use a heat protectant if you put hot tools to your hair and apply a little hairspray to your hair before curling, (but make sure it’s dry in your hair before you curl). Have You Ever Styled Any Famous Heads? Yes. Which you might hear about if it organically comes up in conversation from a tale of my three years styling in LA, but never for the sake of name dropping. If You Could Style Any Famous Person’s Hair Who Would It Be? That’s a tough one, there are so many people I find inte esting...it would be Bjork because I believe she’s someone with whom creative collaboration and experimentation could happen.
Kim Taglienti Art + Science Salon & Spa 4259 Main Street 215-482-2242 artplusscience.com How Long Have You Been Styling Hair? I’ve been styling hair since 2002, so for 13 years, but as a team we have over 75 years of combined experience. We have an amazingly talented team. Follow me and the salon on Instagram to see our work @ tagyourhair and @artplusscience! How Long Have You Worked At Your Salon? I’ve been working at Art + Science since May of 2005, so for 10 years now! What Do You Love Most About Working At Your Salon? I love
manayunk.com | Summer 2015
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2 LOCATIONS
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working here because we truly have an amazing team, who work very well together. I love all of the Aveda products, from our color line, which is up to 99% naturally derived, to our shampoos and conditioners, to our styling products. I also love what both our salon and Aveda stand for; they are both green companies that care about the environment and the world around us. What Do You Specialize In? I specialize in women’s hair and I love doing all types of cuts, colors & styling. What Is Your Favorite Product To Use? My favorite product to use is our control force hair spray. When styling hair, I love that I can use the spray and control the hold by how much I use, it can go from a light to strong hold, depending on how much I layer it. It also has a 24 hour humidity defense, which is great especially with summer coming up! What Is Your Best Pro Tip? My best pro tip is how to curl your hair, giving it a nice beachy wave: Curl your hair with a 1” curling rod, in horizontal
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rows starting from the nap of your neck going up. Each row, you want to alternate the direction you curl your hair. After you’re finished, flip you head upside down & rake your fingers through your hair to break it up. Finish with the Aveda control force hairspray to get an all night hold! Have You Ever Styled Any Famous Heads? At the salon we have a few clients who are local celebrity newscasters, so it’s fun to see our work on television! If You Could Style Any Famous Person’s Hair Who Would It Be? I would choose Jessica Biel. She always has beautiful hair and is on top of all hair color, cut and style trends.
Jacqueline Doucette Ground Zero Main Street 4151 Main Street 215-930-0394 groundzerosalons.com How Long Have You Been Styling Hair? I have been a licensed cosmetologist since 2007. This summer will
be 8 years. Our staff combined has around 70 years of experience! How Long Have You Worked At Your Salon? I have been at this location for almost five years What Do You Love Most About Working At Your Salon? I love our location! We have such a great big window right on Main Street. We have a really great staff as well. We all work together so well and really vibe and inspire each other every day! We have the best job in the world! What Do You Specialize In? I specialize in formal styles and cutting. I also love color! We all really love color. It’s where we get to be the most creative. Then to tie it all in with a great specialized cut to match, doesn’t get much better! What Is Your Favorite Product To Use? My favorite product right now is Aquage sea salt spray. I have very curly hair and with the summer approaching I love embracing everyone’s natural texture. It’s also great for women who have not much body going on to fake it! The perfect spray
for laid back summer days! What Is Your Best Pro Tip? A couple girls in our salon use this tip. It’s truly amazing. After washing, use a cotton t-shirt to dry your hair instead of a towel. It’s absorbent and gentler. It helps calm frizz and prevent breakage! Your hair just becomes healthier and shiny over time! Have You Ever Styled Any Famous Heads? I have cut two famous athletes actually! Brent Celek from the Eagles and J.J. Redick from the Clippers! It was pretty hilarious because I had no idea who they were until half way through their haircut. I’m also only 5’4” so they both had at least a foot on me! They had to scrunch down in their seats! If You Could Style Any Famous Person’s Hair Who Would It Be? I would love to style Rihanna’s hair! She has a fun sexy style and she seems willing to do anything! I feel like she would sit down and say, “do anything!” which is always a stylists favorite I think! You should trust us to know what’s best to be the best you.
manayunk.com | Summer 2015
5/17/15 8:57 AM
FOOD | DRINKS | MUSIC| FUN Look for our truck on the streets and our beer on the shelves
Weekly Specials | Live Entertainment Live Jazz Sunday Brunch | Sushi Private Parties 4120 Main Street Philadelphia, PA 215.482.8220 www.manayunkbrewery.com
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Running A Business Philadelphia’s premier running store now calls Manayunk home. By Shannon Geddes Photography By Susan Beard Design (susanbearddesign.com)
Bryan Mahon and Ross Martinson’s passion for running brought them together many years ago as teammates on Saint Joseph’s University Cross Country team. After running countless hours together on the track and around Philadelphia, they worked together at a local running store before deciding to open up a shop of their own. Fast forward a few years and three stores later, Philadelphia Runner now calls Manayunk home to its fourth location. Philadelphia’s premier running business is much more
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than just a retail sneaker store. From offering a wide selection of the best running and fitness gear out there, to hosting energetic group runs, to receiving tips from knowledgeable staff who are running and fitness junkies themselves, Philadelphia Runner is a hub for the local fitness communit . We had a chance to sit down and get to know the guys who built this running empire and more importantly a running community.
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MM: Tell me about your running career. Bryan: I come from a huge family of runners. There are 10 kids in my family so the joke is that most of us became competitive runners to make sure we got a seat at the dinner table before everything was gone! Almost all of us ran in high school in Southern California where we grew up, and then several of us ran competitively in college. Ross: I ran competitively at SJU and after college I continued to run and compete. I was lucky to receive coaching advice from Bryan’s brother, who coached a few American record holders, and was able to finish in the top five a few times at th Broad Street Run, and in the top 25 of the Boston Marathon. Now I coach Team Philly race training, with a group of around 200 runners from beginners to Boston Qualifiers MM: What’s the longest you’ve ever ran? Bryan: I’ve run several marathons – 26.2 miles, but one time I did get lost during a long run out of town and I’m guessing I ran for close to 30 miles non-stop. Ross: 26.2 miles and that certainly felt long enough! I once did 30 miles, but that was split between two runs.
MM: What was your fastest mile time? Bryan: 4:15 Ross: 4:20 MM: Who is your favorite sports icon? Bryan: Growing up it was Tony Gwynn, a baseball player for the San Diego Padres who was super consistent and underrated by the media in my opinion, but arguably one of the greatest pure hitters in baseball history. Ross: I like guys who play incredibly hard and have a good time doing it like Charles Barkley, Lenny Dykstra, John Kruk, or runner John Walker. MM: What’s your favorite running trail? Bryan: There are so many great trails in Philadelphia. But hands down I would have to say the Wissahickon Trail. With the entrance right at the end of Main Street, it is truly a hidden gem in this city. You can run seven miles or more one way on the main trail and even more on the side trails. Plus, how can you not love the beautiful scenery and a calming creek right by your side while you go for a run! Ross: That’s easy – anywhere with shade! The Manayunk Towpath has a great shady portion of the trail with beautiful scenery. The Towpath is great because it can take you all the way downtown or
out towards Conshohocken. MM: What makes you passionate about running? Bryan: Running is such a great activity that has the ability to bring together a group of people. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow of a runner you are, but the simple act of running can make anyone feel good. The running community in Philadelphia is so passionate about the sport you can’t help but not feed off the energy. I’ve gained so many friends from running. Ross: I love how great it makes a person feel. Just from feeling good during a run to feeling good after a run is awesome. That drive to keep pushing how far you can run or how fast you can run is a passion that fuels not just me but all runners. But I have to say I also think it makes us all a little saner. I also have an obvious passion for great running shoes. It can be hard enough to run or workout in the right shoes, so the wrong shoe can make it even harder. We get a decent number of shoes to try out, plus I’m my own best customer. So between my wife, who is also a runner, and I we have quite the collection. I had to put shelves in my garage to store them all.
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5/15/15 9:12 AM
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to live. With the towpath in our backyard, we knew it would be a great store to go out on a run from!
MM: You have a big following – you can the Philadelphia Runner shirts everywhere in the city – how did you grow such a big community of runners? Bryan: Our goal has always been to grow the Philadelphia running community, as opposed to just growing the number of tickets that we ring through the register. Everything we do at Philly Runner is designed to invest in our community, as opposed to just taking from it and not nurturing it. When you have that genuine intention to create something special - in our case to encourage people to start running or become more active and fitness oriented - that same community will inherently take care of you as well. Ross: We have always tried to do a lot of work with events as well as running and fitness g oups in the city. Our stores host several group runs on different nights of the week. Over the last 10 years the number of these groups has really taken off with groups like the Beer Runners, West Philly Runners and November Project. The running community is such a welcoming group and we’re lucky to have so many friends in all of them!
door recreation in addition to all its other amenities. Between the amazing trails and the steep hills, we knew Manayunk was the next neighborhood we had to have a store in. Ross: Manayunk was a part of the city that we really wanted to have a presence in! It is such a unique area. In addition to the great shops and restaurants, the trails make it such an ideal place for the runners
MM: Your staff seems like a big part of your stores’ success, how do you find such g eat team members? Bryan: Our staff is the main reason for any success we achieve. Without their hard work and dedication we wouldn’t be able to survive against chain sporting good stores, let alone thrive. We find our sta f through friends, recommendations, running, and returning customers. We do as much as we can to train and develop our team as much as possible. We want to empower them and give them the freedom to learn new skills and get better at what they do every day, not just to help our business, but to help themselves in their career. Ross: We would not be where we are today without our staff! They are the sole reason for our stores’ success. Our team is constantly
MM: So you have three other Philadelphia Runner stores. Why did you choose Manayunk as your fourth location? Bryan: The better question is how could we not! Manayunk is a prime location for fitness and ou 36
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growing! We employ about 40 dedicated and passionate people and we’ve met them through a variety of ways. We actually met Neil, who’s the manager of the Manayunk store, while running. We can’t thank our employees enough for their enthusiasm and commitment to not just our stores, but to our customers and the fitness communit . MM: The Manayunk store has a really unique look, how did you get to that unique design? Bryan: As part of our
‘brand refresh’ project, we wanted to use the new Manayunk store as a template for possible future shops, such as our new retail concept ANTHYM in State College, Pa., as well as updating our existing shops in the area. We hired a local retail design and architect firm, Canno Design, to help with this co cept. There has been tremendous positive feedback, and our goal is to start incorporating these features into our existing shops. Ross: We wanted to give this store its own look. When we planned to open in Manayunk, we knew this was the perfect opportunity to start fresh and show how we felt about the store and the fitness community. MM: What’s your favorite Philly Race? Bryan: The Philly 10k of course! But I also really love the Broad Street Run and have run that many times. There’s nothing better than running down the middle of Philadelphia. Ross: I’ll have to say The Philly 10k as well. But I also work for both the Broad Street Run and The Philadelphia Marathon.
driving force and inspiration behind that. He had a vision that this was something the city was starving for, and he executed it perfectly. While it was a big financial risk, we believed in him and what he was capable of doing. He put on an event that over 10,000 people tried registering for within the first hour of egistration. But all of this comes back to his intention which was to produce an event for the city and by the city which was authentic and genuinely Philly. We partnered with local Philly businesses and hired local designers. The turnout was incredible and all the positive feedback has us making the next race even better. Ross: The Philly 10K was the first major race that we had put on by ourselves. Our team wanted to do something that celebrated some of the great neighborhoods in the city that don’t usually get seen during a typical city race event. We chose a packet pick up location that runners would want to attend, a new course they would want to run, and a party to celebrate at afterward. We also partnered with only local Philadelphia businesses too!
MM: Tell us more about the Philly 10K and what do you hope to do in the future? Bryan: The Philly 10K is a perfect example of how amazing our employees are. Ross and I can take absolutely no credit for the success of this awesome event. Our marketing director at the time was the
The 2015 Philly 10K is scheduled for August 30th and you can stay up to date on all Philadelphia Runner’s events at philadelphiarunner.com .
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DINE: CONVERSATION WITH THE CHEF
No Need To Rubb It In
How one restaurant is taking the BBQ experience to the next level. By Leo Dillinger A wise man once said, “Anything worth doing, is worth doing right.” And Rich Rivera, pitmaster at Rubb, understands that better than anyone. Rich and his three kids (Tammy, Brandon, and Lauren) don’t need to brag about the excellence of their restaurant. Whether it’s behind the bar or back in the kitchen, the work speaks for itself. Rubb is not merely a place to consume food and drink. It’s an experience for any connoisseur of barbecue, beer, or brown spirits. After “Q crawling” across the country with his family and tasting the finest BBQ that each state has to offer, Rich crafted a style to call his own. “Rubb” is certainly indicative of the simple method that they use to cook their meat. “The only thing I can say about our style is that it’s dry rub, low and slow,” Rich said. And when Rich says slow, he means slow. Their pork is smoked for 12 to 14 hours. Their brisket? 16 hours. By keeping the temperatures low on the beef and pork smokers and maintaining a five-ing edient limit, the kitchen staff emphasize exceptional flavor in their food without overwhelming your taste buds. This is also why you won’t find any BBQ sauce on your meat. Sure, you can add sauce once your meal has reached the table, but the Rivera family recommends first trying the food as is to truly appreciate the savory goodness. After eating a half rack of the St. Louis ribs without adding one drop, I couldn’t 38
have been happier to heed their advice. The food at Rubb is always fresh and never frozen. In fact, the only freezers in the entire establishment are the Kold-Draft ice machines located behind the bar. They order the finest Angus beef, Berkshire pork, and free-range, organic chicken and cut them on site in the butcher shop beneath the restaurant. From hand-cut fries to homemade mac and cheese, every aspect of the meal is treated with the respect that your food deserves. There’s no need for processed proteins or factory-made fixings in this kitchen “Our concept is simple,” Rich told me. “Buy the best available ingredients as fresh as possible and execute.” Every delicious barbecue meal should be paired with one of the numerous drink options Rubb has to offer. With 24 world-class beers on tap, 100 different bottled beers, and a liquor shelf loaded with 200 of the fines brown spirits, Rubb has one of the largest drink selections in Philadelphia. “The bar in general is focused on the next level of presentation and execution, whether it’s the barware or the way we make our drinks or the ingredients we use,” Rich said. “We’re not trying to compete with Main Street. We’re trying to compete with the city.” The numerous amenities behind the bar allow the bartenders at Rubb to craft the perfect cocktails. The juices are freshly squeezed. The simple syrup is made in-house. The Rivera family assured there’s no free pouring drinks as they showed me the best tools in the trade. There are weighted tin shakers, strong enough to withstand the high-end cocktail ice. The seamless Japanese mixing glasses with a pineapple cut bottom actually cooks the cocktail as it’s being stirred. There are 3 oz. glass beakers used for pouring singles and doubles with accuracy. Let’s not forget the prohibition-style glassware that the drinks are poured into. As they revealed one top-of-the-line apparatus after the next, I began to see the bar more like a chemistry lab. The craft beer selection is just as impressive. You’ll find bottles of
manayunk.com | Summer 2015
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DINE: CONVERSATION WITH THE CHEF
beer that you’re familiar with, but the real thrill lies in the exploration of Rubb’s uncharted beer-drinking territory. The esoteric beers on tap reflect the many styles across the brewing spectrum that fluctuates throughout the seasons. It doesn’t matter if you prefer pilsners or pale ales. There’s always something new to try. “We try to make sure we cover as many beer styles as possible,” Rich said. “What we have here, if you like that style, you’re going to like that beer.”
At Rubb, Rich and his family want their customers to have a dining experience that will keep them coming back for more. With fresh, high-caliber barbecue and an endless array of drink possibilities, there is enough at Rubb for anyone to leave satisfied. “This is a fun family concept that’s everybody food.” Rich said. “I don’t care if you’re three or 83. Barbecue is good ole American everybody food and it’s a perfect concept for a family business.”
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DINE: TASTE THIS
RISE v SHINE
THE GOAT’S BEARD
Mouth watering brunch dishes served at your favorite Manayunk joints on weekends.
WINNIE’S LEBUS
By Caitlin Maloney Photography By JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com) Brunch isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. It’s two hours or more of indulging. It’s the best meal you’ll have all week. It’s where you meet your friends and catch up on life around the table. It’s what Saturdays and Sundays were made for and Manayunk is the place to do it. Here’s our roundup of some of the best brunch dishes on Main Street and where and when you can get them. We know you’ll be waking up this weekend having dreamt of one (or all) of these dishes.
THE GOAT’S BEARD
THE TOMATO BISTRO BOURBON BLUE
Saturday Brunch: 11am-3pm Sunday Brunch: 11am-3pm Outside Seating: Yes Take Reservations: Yes Brunch Feature: Salmon & Soba Noodles (poached salmon, egg, snap peas, ginger sesame, radish, kimchi) Brunch Cocktail: The Goat’s Beard (rye whiskey, quartered lemon, mint, simple syrup, served on the rocks)
SO CREPE
THE TOMATO BISTRO
DEREK’S
Saturday Brunch: 11am-3pm Sunday Brunch: 11am-3pm Outside Seating: Yes Take Reservations: Yes Brunch Feature: Jumbo Lump Crab Salad (housemade mango salsa, grana padano, shaved asparagus, cilantro lime dressing, on a bed of arugula) Brunch Cocktail: Fresh Squeezed Mimosa (brut champagne from California, fresh squeezed orange juice, garnished with a strawberry)
BOURBON BLUE Saturday Brunch: 10am-3pm Sunday Brunch: 10am-3pm Outside Seating: Yes 42
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LUCKY’S LAST CHANCE Take Reservations: Yes Brunch Feature: Crab Cake Benedict (English muffins topped with a house made crab cake, covered in hollandaise sauce served with lyonnaise potatoes) Brunch Cocktail: Bourbon Blue Bloody Mary (their twist on a classic Bloody Mary complete with a Cajun spiced rim)
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WINNIE’S LEBUS
DEREK’S
Saturday Brunch: 8am-2:30pm Sunday Brunch: 8am-2:30pm Outside Seating: Yes Take Reservations: No Brunch Feature: Nova Lox Platter (leaf lettuce, tomato, cucumber, calamata olives, Bermuda onions, cream cheese, served with black onion bread) Brunch Cocktail: Raspberry Mint Lemonade (Stoli Razberi, lemonade, muddled mint, raspberries)
Saturday Brunch: 10:30am-3pm Sunday Brunch: 10:30am-3pm Outside Seating: Yes Take Reservations: Yes Brunch Feature: Banana’s Foster French Toast (thick cut brioche topped with dark rum and brown sugar banana sauce, garnished with whipped cream) Brunch Cocktail: Sparkling Strawberry Sangria (strawberries, rose cava, brandy and orange)
SO CREPE
LUCKY’S LAST CHANCE
Saturday Brunch: 11am-10pm Sunday Brunch: 10:30am-3pm Outside Seating: Yes Take Reservations: Yes Brunch Feature: So French (A French classic with swiss cheese topped with ham and two sunny side up eggs served with whipped ketchup and a side of bacon) Brunch Cocktail: Cappuccino (made with La Colombe coffee)
Saturday Brunch: 11am-2pm Sunday Brunch: 11am-2pm & Midnight Brunch 8pm-12am Outside Seating: Yes Take Reservations: No Brunch Feature: Chicken Cheese Biscuit Sammich (flu fy biscuit from Sweet Elizabeth’s with double battered boneless deep fried chicken and one egg, topped with cheddar cheese) Brunch Cocktail: Lucky’s Signature Bloody Mary (housemade and served with olives)
JAKE’S & COOPER’S
JAKE’S & COOPER’S Saturday Brunch: Brunch Not Served Saturday Sunday Brunch: 10:30am-3pm Outside Seating: Yes Take Reservations: Yes Brunch Feature: Jake’s Eggs Benedict (crab cake, chicken apple sausage, asparagus, with leek cream) Brunch Cocktail: Fizzy Palmer (deep Eddie’s hand pressed sweet tea, lemon vodka, club soda)
manayunk.com | Summer 2015
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WE ARE NOW OPEN!
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DINE: TASTE THIS
Breakin’ Bread and Makin’ Dough Breakin’ Bread creates handcrafted bread for the masses out of their 800 square foot bakery. By Ainsley Di Duca Photography By Alexa Nahas (alexanahas.com) 46
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O
Photography By Alexa Nahas (alexanahas.com)
n the next weekend morning you find yourself strolling down Main Street past the blocks between Grape and Levering Streets, it’s a safe bet you’ll run into a buzzing crowd of families, 20 somethings, and seasoned locals alike. Before your brain registers the culprit, your senses will give it away. It’s impossible not to inhale the mouthwatering aromas of fresh-baked bread being unlocked by patrons as they pull apart their warm pockets of artisan goodness right there in front of the shop. All you’ll have left to do is plead with the culinary gods that there’s time left to nab a spectacularly decadent sticky bun, before they’re sold out. Welcome to Breakin’ Bread Bakery, where every rustic creation has been handcrafted and baked within the past 8 to 12 hours by the head baker himself, Jim McAleese. The conservative menu features a consistent lineup of gourmet fare—your baguettes, ciabatta rolls, brioche buns, and croissants—sprinkled with exotic assortments, such as orange brioche strap and cider cherry rye. The sticky bun is a crowd favorite, second only to the best-selling baguette. Manayunk regulars may unknowingly be admirers of the baker’s delicacies already: Jim was the craftsman behind Agiato before it closed in 2013. Yep—that bread. The wholesome loaves with hints of nutty flavors that customers couldn’t forget, or frankly shut up about, in the two whole years after he left, often poking their heads into neighboring stores to ask: Where’s the bread? When’s it coming back? “We decided to come back to Manayunk to fill a community need for our bread,” Jim said. “Because that’s a pretty satisfied client base that can say, it’s 2 years later, and we’re still interested in what you’re doing.” Jim teamed with store manager Greg Wudarski to take over the 800-squarefoot bakery, covering the awning with a heavy-duty banner that reads: “New owner. Same great baker.” Breakin’ Bread’s philosophy is to produce handcrafted, consistent, community-based bread. Already, the shop is positioning itself to become a cornerstone of the community. It’s a place patrons are drawn to because it’s where their friends or neighbors buy their bread, attracted simply to the quality and consistency of the selection. “We always talk about the old-school corner bakery in South Philadelphia and the mentality that goes with it, kind of going by the wayside, being replaced by franchises. We want to bring that back,” Jim said. To do that, Jim and Greg dedicate all of their focus and energy into ensuring the quality of every pastry, bun, and bread roll they create. While Greg works the shop window Thursday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jim bakes overnight from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. to stock the bread by morning. With little room in the 800-square-foot-space for heavy-duty machinery, Jim is a true craftsman: his meticulous 12-hour procedure begins from scratch, with mixing the basic ingredients—flou , water, salt, yeast—to letting them ferment for three hours before shaping each item by hand. Of the baguettes, he said, “I shape each one until the dough goes from the size of your fist to the length of a full baguette,” which is approximately 26 inches. “I can shape two per minute. If I do 100, that’s one Summer 2015 | manayunk.com 47
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hour. It’s a process.” The next step, baking the bread, takes a full eight hours whether he’s making 15 or 200 items. Lacking the space for a large oven to auto-load the dough, Jim does that by hand, too. He explains, “I have 2-foot-by-5-foot wooden bagel boards the bread sits on. And you know that magic trick where you snap the tablecloth out from underneath the plates, and the plates don’t move? I slide the board off, and the bread stays put. Shaping is easy. That’s the hard part.” Jim, 46, has honed these skills over a 20-plus year culinary career with stints at Philly’s Le Bus, Le Bec, Parc and New York’s Balthazar. This fresh-baked process looks nothing like the mass-produced chains where employees defrost frozen dough on a timer and mark a checklist. “Unfortunately, they don’t learn how to actually bake,” Jim said. “With handcrafted, there’s a lot more thought, a lot more care, and a lot more integrity put into the product. One gentleman told me, ‘A lot of baguettes at these other places look good, but they don’t taste so good. Yours have flavo . I taste something here I don’t taste anywhere else.’” The bread’s exquisite taste is the reason sales have increased more than 50 percent since the bakery’s opening in September 2014. It’s the reason it took Di Bruno Bros. reps one taste to decide to stock Breakin’ Bread in four of its popular Center City locations. Their success has materialized, astonishingly, with zero marketing campaign to speak of. The bakery’s Facebook and Twitter pages fill mostly with retweets from satisfied customers, like @marinequeen: @ Breakinbreadbak best bread I have ever tasted. #brioche buns are heavenly. Sticky buns are unbelievable. #EdibleBakedArtistry. Or a quick post announcing they’re sold out of everything, which on a nice weekend, can happen as early as noon or 1 p.m. Their Yelp listing boasts 4.5 stars. The quality of their product, Greg said, sells itself. “We just wanna make great bread. That’s it. We want to build our business through cusC h r i S T i n e C ox A r t i s t i c D i r e c t o r & F o u n D e r M AT T h e W n e e n A n F o u n D e r
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tomer interactions and by making sure the quality and the consistency of our product is there, every day.” Of the catchy moniker, Breakin’ Bread, Greg said it came from an amalgam of ideas. “First, there’s the act of breaking bread, of sharing. It’s our philosophy,” he said. “When people come up to the window, we have samples of other products, and it’s like, try this, try that. It’s funny: customers often come and buy a bunch of bread for their neighbors. We really want sharing to be our mantra.” Second, Jim reminds people of AMC Breaking Bad’s Walter White, a high-school chemistry teacher who uses his skills to cook and sell crystal meth, as he similarly attributes the “science and alchemy of baking” as having ignited his passion for creating culinary concoctions that are less nefarious but perhaps equally as addicting. “Jim’s a perfectionist like Walt,” Greg said. “He works against himself. And the more effort he pours into getting better, the results come through in the consistency of the bread.” The difference, the guys said, is Walt’s ego eventually becomes his downfall, while their business model practically negates pretension. “Our whole goal is less,” Jim said. “I’d prefer to do 12 things really well than 25 things not so well.” That precision is paying off as customers appear to be discerning, given their largely word-of-mouth adoration, the exceptional flavors that can emerge when a baker puts such a high level of attention and passion into every one of his creations. “It’s not a transaction. It’s a transmission,” he said. “I’m giving something that I really care about to you. And if you like it, that’s awesome, because no one cares about it more than I do.” Ainsley Di Duca is a local freelance writer and is part of our new initiative to get local voices into the Manayunk Magazine. Interested in writing about your community? Email Shannon Geddes at sgeddes@manayunk.org.
Delaware Valley Opera Company
June 13–28
July 11–19
August 8–16
36th Annual Summer Festival Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center Tickets & Information: 215-725-4171 www.dvopera.org
manayunk.com | Summer 2015
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PLAY: LOCAL A&E
Ritorno!
The Delaware Valley Opera Company returns back to their roots in Manayunk. By Leo Dillinger
Schedule of Events Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II Saturday, June 13 @ 8PM Wednesday, June 17 @ 8 PM
Sunday, June 28 @ 3 PM Magic Flute by Mozart Saturday, July 11 @ 8PM Wednesday, June 15 @ 8 PM
Sunday, July 19 @ 3 PM Tosca by Giacomo Puccini Saturday, August 8 @ 8 PM Wednesday, August 12 @ 8 PM Sunday, August 16 @ 3 PM 50
After eight years of wandering from one venue to the next throughout the region, The Delaware Valley Opera Company (DVOC) has finally eturned to the area where they started.
The company will perform three operas this summer at the Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center for their 36th Summer Opera Festival. DVOC originated in Roxborough in 1979, performing at the Hermitage Mansion. Since then, the company has grown from a small group of 20 who scrambled about the community to find mo e performers to a collective of 300 to 350 people. That number not only includes performers, but set builders, costume designers, and other various task handlers who work behind the scenes as well. About eight years ago, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation started planning a major construction project that forced the company to leave the Hermitage Mansion and find a new venue. For the past several years DVOC has been looking for a home and this year they finally found it in the new state-of-the-art, 250-seat Performing Arts Center on Venice Island. “After being in the area for 28 years, we were here and there and all over the place,” DVOC President Sandra Day said. “It is such a wonderful feeling being back. It’s like our reward for all of our turmoil. And to come to such a gorgeous theater! The theater is just outstanding, the best facility we’ve ever performed in.” The Delaware Valley Opera Company serves as a stepping-stone for those who want to take part in the fine arts. Whether you’re a young, developing artist looking to add experience to their resume or an older adult who has developed an opera voice later in life, DVOC offers an opportunity to be educated and perhaps even begin a career in opera. Some former company members have gone on to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House and beyond. By showing their hard work and excellent showmanship, the DVOC hopes to inspire the Manayunk community to take part in their performances, be it on or off stage. It is an excellent way for locals to work with each other and become more engaged in the arts. Now that the company has traveled the region and returned to where it started, there’s no time like the present to get involved. “This is truly a homecoming in many ways,” DVOC Vice President Milo Morris said. “Being outside the city, we served a very different community and now we have an opportunity to engage with the Philadelphia community again.”
manayunk.com | Summer 2015
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www.saffronofphilly.com
145 Montgomery Avenue • Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 • 484-278-4112 60 East Butler Avenue • Ambler, PA 19002 • 215-540-0237 Monday-Friday 11:30AM-10PM • Saturday-Sunday 12PM - 10PM
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PLAY: WHAT’S HAPPENING
The Philly Mart Finds A Home On Venice Island
The outdoor open air artisan market brings unique vendors to Manayunk. By Anna McCarthy
When you come down to Main Street for Saturday brunch on June 13, September 12, and October 10, don’t forget to dip down Cotton Street onto Venice Island. You might be surprised at the magical hand crafted items you’ll find shaded by tents at The Philly Mart This gem of a market is just behind Main Street and is filled with a plethora of fine arts, pottery, jewelry, photography and textile goods. Artists like Vintage Meegan, who creates a new purpose for cool vintage finds, and The Tin Goat, who creates handmade bath and body products are among the over 30 vendors who participate in each of the markets. Longtime friends Renee Pedro and Kiersten Watson are the creators of the market. The two met in college while living in Manayunk and have been friends for over 20 years and in Manayunk for just as long. Renee, a home textiles and housewares designer had been participating in artisan shows for years, but wanted to push herself and do something new. At all of the shows she had been to she had studied the behind the scenes aspects of how to make a market successful. After discussing with Kiersten how she wanted to start her own market, they realized they had similar dreams to bring a consistent and fulfilling open air market to Philadelphia and as they say, the est is history. The two started looking around Philadelphia to find where to host the market. At the same time construction was beginning on the new Venice 52
Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center. After construction was complete, they knew the island was going to be their new home. “What’s really unique about The Philly Mart is that it’s on an actual island. You’re surrounded by green, yet you’re still in the city,” Kiersten said. “Where else are you going to find that? From the start the dynamic duo has tried to make each show special for both the artists and customers. “We try to make it personal for the artists,” Kiersten said. “They can call us if they have problems and we quickly respond to questions and issues. And we’re both on site all day at the market.” From the personal touch of helping artists who are new to outdoor markets to assisting with load in and set up the day of the event, Renee and Kiersten handle it all. It’s this hands on, authentic and caring atmosphere that separates The Philly Mart from the rest. “We remember when Manayunk was a great place for artisans and an area full of creative people,” Kiersten said. “We want to help bring that back to Manayunk. It’s a cool place to walk around on the weekend and it’s not like any other neighborhood in the city. We couldn’t have a better home.” This season there are over 30 vendors signed up for all of The Philly Mart dates, but Renee and Kiersten work on rolling acceptance throughout the season. The pair juries all vendors to ensure the quality is consistent. As they grow and expand, the market could potentially see 100 vendors.
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NOW OPEN By Meghan Gatti
From smoothers and sweet sauce to vintage and bridal, Manayunk has several new businesses who have opened their doors just in time for summer! Many Philadelphians have grown up on this local award winning pizzeria who just set up shop on the corner of Levering and Cresson Streets – Franzone’s Pizzeria has been around for almost 60 years, and known for their signature sweet sauce swirled to perfection and topped with the freshest mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Each bite is the ideal balance between thin crust, cheese and sauce. While they are famous for their pizza, don’t miss out on their delicious appetizers, sandwiches, sides and more. Fresh squeezed juices and smoothies have arrived on Main Street inside The Juice Merchant, located at 4330 Main Street. Lenny Bazemore, of The Bazemore Gallery, opened the shop to serve the local Manayunk fitness and health conscious community. The Juice Merchant will be serving up fresh, healthy choices including juices, hummus, smoothies, wraps, salads and desserts all created and managed by Chef Monica Sellecchia. Make sure you stop by and support because a portion of the proceeds from every juice and smoothie will be donated to Philabundance on a monthly basis. The recently opened Millay Vintage is bringing all things lovely to 4390 Main Street. Owner Mary Spears features a carefully selected collection of timeless one-of-a-kind finds for creative women who appreciate the past and want to make their mark in the future. Specializing in vintage clothing and home wares, the shop has a strong online following and now has a physical home in their first brick and mortar space. Call all brides! Ashe B & Co. has opened the doors of their new bridal and special occasion boutique on Main Street. They’ve filled the shop with gowns from designers all over the country. Their motto, rad dresses for rad brides, rings true when you see their collection. It’s not all about bridal though, the shop will also feature dresses and some accessories for other special occasions. Pineapple on Main, located at 4347 Main Street, joins the Manayunk community as a destination for event management, staffing, styling and floral design. The sha ed studio space meets multiple event needs all in one place. The design of the studio space alone is a testament to the talents of Pineapple’s stylists and floral designers. Pineapple on Main opened their doors April 1st and can meet all of the aesthetic and logistic needs for weddings, corporate and social events! Manayunk Roxborough Community Acupuncture just made a move from Lyceum Avenue in Roxborough to Main Street in Manayunk. They recently opened their new location at 4001 Main Street. This local practice offers clients a sliding scale payment system making acupuncture, and it’s many benefits, available and affordable to all community members. Sit back and relax in their comfy and cushy chairs while you listen to gentle and calming music.
COMING SOON: Tony Luke’s - The iconic South Philly cheese steak joint will open at 4307 Main Street. Wellness Co. - The new store on Cotton Street will soon be stocked with all of your favorite nutritional and health suppliments. Tubby Robot - Handmade ice cream is coming your way soon, just in time for warmer weather.
4320 MAIN ST. MANAYUNK, PA 215.482.4320 Summer 2015 | manayunk.com 53
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Gracious Living Creating Interiors Beyond Your Expectations
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Home Furnishings Store 5828 Rte. 202 Lahaska, PA 18938 215-794-4118
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Interior Design Studio 370 W. Bridge St. New Hope, PA 18938 215-862-3304
5/15/15 9:23 AM
From its chiseled grille to its automatic tailgate, the boldly styled new 2016 Acura RDX catches your eye the moment you see it, while its 279-horsepower engine, exhilarating torque, and LED taillights ensure your every exit will be just as impressive.
RDX with Advance Package shown. ©2015 Acura. Acura, RDX, and the stylized “A” logo are trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Call your local Acura dealer or visit DelawareValleyAcuraDealers.com
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MAtthew neDucsin MicheLe cooLey tyLer BrADLey Mobile 215.696.3119 | office 215.247.3750 Matthew.Neducsin@foxRoach.com
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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices
Fox & Roach, REALTORS
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