Manayunk Magazine | Spring 2017 by Manayunk

MANAYUNK LIVE|SHOP|DINE|PLAY

SPRING 2017

Through Hell And High Water

51 Winners Are Revealed CoverSpring17.indd 1

AL EDITIO I C PE

The long awaited reopening of Jake’s & Cooper’s is over.

Editors’ Choice Awards

Sprucing Up Pretzel Park 3/7/17 4:00 PM

W hy only the

work in M 1

3 1 C

CMY

anayu n k

SOAK IN THE SUNSET

The bridge over the Schuylkill is one of our favorite new date spots in town. It still feels like we’re breaking some rules. GET YOUR CULTURE-FIX

Paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more! Every June the two-day Manayunk Arts Festival hosts some of the country’s best fine arts and crafts. TAKE THE DAMN TRAIN

It’s easy—just hop on board and come say hello. We’re just a quick 20-minute ride from Center City and we’ll even meet you at the station! GO ON A TREASURE HUNT

Find your next can’t-live-without antique or just a really good cup of coffee. Down Main Street there’s a little something for everyone. TASTE A RAINBOW OF FLAVORS

Don’t forget the Manayunk StREAT Food Festival—it’s a can’t miss! From Philly’s best food trucks to homemade jams, your taste buds will thank you. WORK HARD AND PLAY HARD

Few things are better than a cold beer, and Manayunk’s got some great ones. Let’s meet up at one of the many bars, pubs or the local brewery—first round is on us!

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+610 917 3700 4149 Station Street Manayunk, PA 19127

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4312 MAIN STREET MANAYUNK, PA 19127

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215.483.9990

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5/25/16 3/8/16 11:28 4:35 5:42 AM PM 5/11/15 8/19/16 11/3/16 3/5/17 11:22 12:56 9:50

MANAYUNK magazine

contents APRIL/MAY 2017

LIVE SHOP DINE PLAY

Mark Your Calendar

What’s happening this spring in Manayunk.

Best Barber

Mark, John & Bryan (Make Your Mark Barbershop)

Sneak A Peek

21 Best Stylist

What you missed this winter.

Dana (Salon L)

Cover Profil

The Bruce Cooper story.

DINE.

Best Server/Best Bartender

Best Of Manayunk

Lucky’s Last Chance & Winnie’s LeBus

Best First Date Spot

Bourbon Blue

The votes are in and here’s your guide to the winners.

Now Open

What’s new in Manayunk.

LIVE.

10 Best Place To Bring Four-Legged Friends

Pretzel Park

Best Taco

Taqueria Feliz

Best Tap List

Union Taphouse

Best Customer Service

Volo Coffeehouse

PLAY.

Best Place To Work

RichardsApex

SHOP.

Best Place To Shop - For Her

46 Best Place To Get Workout Gear

Threads On Main

16 Best Place To Shop - For The Wedding

Nicole Miller

18 Best Speciality Shop / Best Artist

JD’s Hero Complex

Philadelphia Runner

Best Personal Trainer

Joey DeMalavez

READERS CHOICE.

Manayunk Superhero MDC Maintenance Team

Best Manayunk Instagrammer @dogsofmanayunk

Editorial + Production Editors Jane Lipton, Caitlin Maloney, Megan Douress, Joan Denenberg, Leo Dillinger, Rachel Jenkins Design Cantor Design, cantordesign.com Sales M7 Media • 610.417.9261; bauerjim7@gmail.com Photography Ian Sterling (iansterlingphoto.com) JPG Photography - jpgphotography.com Alexa Nahas - alexanahas.com 4

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Manayunk Magazine

is published 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 susanbearddesign.com

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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o l o C r f t u y l l a E

Anniversary BEST OF MAIN LINE AND WESTERN SUBURBS

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

sunday

april 9th Spring StrEAT Food Festival + Restaurant Week Grab everything from savory BBQ to sweet desserts from the area’s favorite food trucks and participating gourmet vendors. Enjoy tasty treats to the satisfying sounds of live music and visit local businesses in between each of your StrEAT food stops. This event kicks off Spring Restaurant Week—Monday, April 10 to Friday, April 21—which will feature Manayunk’s restaurants at fixed price menus.

thursday evenings

june-sept 6-9pm Stroll the Street Walk, shop, and eat along Main Street in Manayunk during Stroll the Street. This year, we’re theming each night with food trucks, vendors and specials from our neighborhood merchants! Keep an eye out for summer programming coming soon!

saturday/sunday

june 24th 11am-7pm june 25th 11am-6pm Manayunk Arts Festival Celebrating 28 years of the best variety of fine arts and crafts f om across the country, nearly 300 artists will line Main Street to showcase their best work. Don’t forget to take a peek inside the Emerging Artist Tent where we will be featuring a wide range of local talent making a name for themselves in the art world. 6

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SNEAK-A-PEEK The holidays in Manayunk were one for the books this year. Every weekend in December brought something new and exciting for our businesses and residents. From shopping on Small Business Saturday to competing at our first-ever P omenade of Trees, the neighborhood was ripe with holiday cheer. This past February, the winter sky over Main Street got a lot more colorful at the Mummers Mardi Gras parade. For the third year in a row, Manayunk residents and families were treated to the music of 16 Mummers string bands as they raised money to support this unique Philadelphia tradition. Photography by JPG Photography www.jpgphotography.com

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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4330 Main Street Manayunk, PA 19127 | 920 Montgomery Ave. Narberth, Pa. 19072 Spring 2016 | manayunk.com

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LIVE

Best Place To Bring Four-Legged Friends

Pretzel Park “It’s Always a Good Day in Pretzel Park” By Megan Douress Photography By Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahasphotography.com)

n any given day, Pretzel Park is buzzing. In the fall, you’ll find dogs and children in their designated play areas crunching leaves and clinging onto the last warm days of the year. In the winter, it’s a snowball fight between kids who have the day off from school. In the spring, you catch up with your neighbors taking in fresh air after a day at the office. And in the summer, that’s when it’s at its peak—families stopping by the farmers’ market for their weekly dose of fresh, local goods, friends gathering for an afternoon picnic or game of Frisbee, and live music that fills the air once night falls

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The park has all of the qualities of a neighborhood hub. It finds itself in a central location, nestled in the middle of Cresson Street, Cotton Street, Silverwood Street, and Rector Street. Even on the hottest days, the trees make it a cool and quiet area for those who need some time to relax. And, it has its fair share of family-friendly activities, like the occasional story time and the Halloween parade. But, the park as a whole has seen better days. Pretzel Park went through its most recent renovations in the early 2000s under then Councilman Nutter’s watch with the help of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and a former state representative. New playground equipment was placed, a dog run was dug up and fenced in, and benches were installed. Kevin Smith, president of the Manayunk N eighborhood Council (MNC), was another key player who got involved with the community when he moved to Manayunk 20 years ago. “Pretzel Park was pretty run down at the time,” Kevin said. “We met a few people who had done cleanups in past years and really, just as part of MN C, we put together a Pretzel Park group and just started doing cleanups and basic, simple maintenance in the park. That led to the renovations.” And thus, the Friends of Pretzel Park was born. The organization is entirely made up of volunteers and is solely responsible for maintaining the park on a day-to-day basis. They also run all of the events, like the farmers’ market and summer concert series, and even fundraise when they find the time Some may say Kevin has a sidekick in his community efforts. Dave Bass moved from Germantown in 2008 and got involved a year later when he heard there were threats to shut down the post office “I originally went to the Manayunk Development Corporation and was connected to MNC. That’s when I ran into Kevin,” Dave said. “We talked about trying to develop a sense of community again—what could we contribute to building a sense of community in the area? We talked about doing music in the park and it took off from there.” Dave has been overseeing park operations since then. He often communicates with the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department, organizes events, and writes grants for the park with Councilman Curtis Jones’ office Flash forward to spring 2014 when Yenssy Goyins moved to the neighborhood, just before welcoming her first child. Yenssy and her husband didn’t frequent the park until their son got older. When they took a closer look at the playground equipment, they were surprised to say the least. “I would put him on the swing and think, ‘Wow, these swings could really use some work,’” Yenssy recalled. “At the same time, I started meeting other moms and heard stories about children getting their foot stuck between the flooring—the rubber squa es.” What was once an innovative, safe play area has dwindled down to just a few staple pieces of a playground—a “shell of what it used to be,” according to Yenssy. Rumor has it playground equipment often gets hauled away instead of repaired when a report is filed with the city. She was determined to have a nice playground for her son to play on as he got older and started to make phone calls to the parks and recreation department. “I got a hold of this woman, Barbara McCabe,” Yenssy recalled. “Barbara had told me that it’s important to look at the park holistically. She said, ‘You really need to think about the seniors who sit on the benches, and the dog owners, and the farmers’ market, even different vendors along the way, and how to get them involved.’” Yenssy was eventually connected to Dave, who referred her to Councilman Jones’ office. He encouraged her to speak with the Community

Design Collaborative (CDC) as the first step to enovating the park. “He told me working with the CDC accelerates the project and makes it a priority. The work the city would normally take years to do would already be done,” she said. The issues addressed in the grant included the worn down playground equipment and flooring, separate play areas for small dogs and large dogs, and general improvements—including more benches, picnic tables, new fencing and plantings. In August 2015, Yenssy received good news. All 74 pages of Pretzel Park’s new plans included sketches and images of beautiful renovations that would make for the ultimate neighborhood hub. The vision of the playground included a natural play area, an imaginative play area, an embankment slide, and even a possible spray garden. The dog run would expand to include separate small dog and large dog areas, and boulders would be installed to retain terrain elevation at the bottom of the hill, which will solve the problem of the low wall along the sidewalk that many dog owners complain about. The park itself would receive new lighting, new fencing, a meditation garden, and an improved entryway, among many other features. A year and a half later, all Kevin, Dave, Yenssy and the rest of MNC need are the funds to make their dream a reality—and an army of people to help them get it done. “There was a point where there were about 30 people at a meeting,” Yenssy said. “There were a lot of people who said they would be involved but slowly it dwindled, and I knew that would happen.” As any long-time Manayunk resident can tell you, the demographic of the neighborhood has changed in recent years. Young families are moving in and staying here—something that Dave is heavily relying on. “We’re looking for people who aren’t looking for glamor in the job description,” he said. “Doing this stuff, it’s not glamorous. You have to connect with people and it’s a lot of work.” “We have to have people. We need a volunteer wrangler,” Kevin echoed. For now, the plan is to get more funds in place for bigger projects while knocking off smaller projects grant by grant, such as spreading mulch around the dog run and putting in new plants around the park. The Manayunk Development Corporation has decided to step in and make Pretzel Park the beneficiary of the Best of Manayunk cocktail party by donating a portion of proceeds from tickets sales to Friends of Pretzel Park. “It helps with fundraising to show that you’re active and actually doing things,” Kevin said. “Getting to the point where we’re actually sending schedules on the program is where I’d like to be so we can put that in front of people and say, ‘This is happening!’” “Parks and recreation has put a lot of work into the park over the years, and we appreciate that,” Dave added. “We also appreciate all of the support MDC has given us over the years. Not a lot of people know this, but they pay the electric, supply doggy bags, promote our farmers’ market, and so on.” As for the future, Kevin, Dave, and Yenssy all agree the improvements to the park are great, but they would like to see more of the same—a bigger and better farmers’ market, more businesses and organizations utilizing the park for their own events, and of course, getting residents together at their new community hub. “I’m excited about the features in the park, but I’m most excited about getting an interest from the community,” Yenssy said. “We want to encourage that as much as possible,” Kevin added. “The park is a resource—it’s not just us. As I say, ‘It’s always a good day in Pretzel Park.’” Spring 2017 | manayunk.com 11

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LIVE Best Place To Work

RichardsApex By Leo Dillinger

Photography By Ian Sterling (iansterlingphoto.com)

hat makes a great place to work? A decent-sized paycheck? An affordable benefits package? Paid time off? For the 36 employees at RichardsApex, it goes even further than that. It’s a sense of belonging. Brothers David and Drew Richards have worked tirelessly to run their family’s company while maintaining the tradition of making their employees feel like an integral part of the team. “We’ve tried not to change what has been great about working here, which is the family environment,” David said. “Our family has always put a lot of value in treating our employees like they are truly family. So, Drew and I spend a lot of time trying to keep that family feel alive.” RichardsApex is a fourth generation family business that manufactures lubricants for metalworking applications around the world. The company comes as the result of a 1997 merger between two long-standing, family-owned companies: G. Whitfield Richards Co. (1902) and Apex Alkali Products Co., which was founded in Manayunk in 1933. Despite the changing landscape of the manufacturing industry over the last century, this small business has continued to make a significant impact with a large international presence. “Looking back on the last 25 years, we’ve accomplished a lot,” David said. “We’ve created a livelihood for a lot of people in a respectable way. We take a lot pride in knowing there are people here that worked for our father and people that have worked for multiple generations—and they continue to work with us.” The workforce at RichardsApex comes from all kinds of backgrounds and walks of life. Some live as far away as New Jersey, Reading, and Bucks County, and others live right here in the hills of Manayunk and on the Main Line. Some work in the plant, some work in the lab, some work in the office. Some are new employees while others have been there for decades. There’s even one family at the company that has more employees on the payroll than the Richards do. But at the end of the day, they’re all looking out for the company’s best interest. Both David and Drew believe in the importance of a symbiotic relationship between employer and employee. Sometimes the simple things, like having an open door policy and checking in on staff from time to time, go a long way. They want their employees to take responsibility in their roles and make a career for themselves as valued stakeholders within the company. Unfortunately, the new labor trends among many 12

recent graduates can make it hard to find good help these days. “I would say the biggest challenge has been the change in the workforce in general,” David said. “People don’t look to make a career where they get hired right out of college. Today’s kids come out of college where someone throws $5,000 at them and they jump ship onto the next thing. You look at resumes and see they take a new job every two years. That’s a big red flag to me, but it’s mo e of the norm in today’s world.” David and Drew like to reiterate the idea that employment at their family’s business isn’t just about getting a paycheck or treating it like a “get rich quick” scheme. They want their employees to prove their worth in order to help them grow with the company. Some employees have started out as part-time bench chemists looking to make some money while attending college and have gone on to retire from the company as senior executives. Though it’s been difficult to find people who want to work hard, David admits he and his brother have been quite fortunate in finding quality people “Previous generations of my family were successful at surrounding themselves with excellent people,” David said. “Since Drew and I have taken over the business at this point, we’ve spent a lot of time building the team around ourselves.” Carol Roby, Administration Manager at RichardsApex, has worked at the company for the last 23 years. She has witnessed firsthand how this company treats employees like family. She emphasized that the overwhelming sense of caring and compassion among employees is one of the most rewarding parts of her job. “There’s a genuine concern here. It’s real. It’s not just a superfluous ‘Oh how was your day?’” Carol said. “They’re all very interested in what’s going on in your life and concerned for everybody’s well being.” Manayunk hasn’t been the easiest place to run a manufacturing company these days, but the team at RichardsApex knows how to get it done. David and Drew recognize the success of their family’s company would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of all their employees. “Our number one asset is our people,” David said. “So we need to keep up with what our people need and the changing environment that drives happiness for people. Most people we find, it’s not just about money. They want to be happy. They want to participate. They want to be empowered to make a difference on a daily basis. To me, being in tune with people and allowing them to be a part of the decision-making process day to day is one of the most important things.”

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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SHOP Best Place To Shop - For Her

Threads On Main By Caitlin Maloney

Photography By Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahasphotography.com)

hreads on Main hasn’t even been open for a full year, but local ladies are already falling in love with their threads, which is why it’s no surprise the women’s apparel store won Best Place To Shop - For Her in this year’s Best of Manayunk competition. It was a little over a year ago when owner Anna Purcell, who was living in Manayunk at the time, was getting her nails done with a friend at Christie’s Nail Salon on Main Street. Anna overheard Brandy, owner of The Little Apple, talking about her plan to move her store a few doors down into a building she was purchasing. Anna chimed in, asking Brandy about the soon-to-be open space and telling her about her desire to open a women’s clothing boutique. With encouragement from Brandy, Anna called the landlord the next day and a month later, in January 2016, Anna had signed the lease. That summer, she opened her doors in the old location of The Little Apple at 4353 Main Street. Before opening the boutique, Anna had experience working in the fashion industry after graduating from St. Joseph’s University. She worked as a clothing representative, did public relations for a designer, and managed another boutique. She quickly realized that the 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. life was not for her, and that she had energy for something other than sitting behind a computer all day. In the meantime, she fueled her creativity by starting a blog, “Thoughts on Threads,” which focused on finding quality fashion pieces and affordable trends on a post-graduate budget. As for the name, it has more meaning to Anna than just clothing. As most college graduates struggle with, Anna felt like she wasn’t finding her place and, as she described it, she felt like she was “hanging by a thread.” So when it came to the store, Anna wanted to keep with the “threads” theme and named her store Threads on Main, with the idea that she could change the “on Main” piece to other locations if she were to ever expand. When it came time to buy inventory, Anna wanted to focus on the store being a one-stop shop with pieces to fill a woman’s entire ward14

robe—from great denim and classic white t-shirts to party dresses and cashmere sweaters. “I really want every woman to come in and get a great piece to add to their wardrobe, and feel really comfortable and confident,” she said. Anna also looks for modern, but timeless pieces and focuses on what women are wearing now. “I don’t want someone to feel like they bought something they will never wear again,” she said. “When I buy, I look for timeless pieces mixed with indulging in seasonal trends.” Offering pieces in a variety of price points is also something important to Anna, but she stresses that quality over quantity is how to grow a strong wardrobe that will last. “Maybe you will spend more on a high quality piece of cashmere or a really great black dress, but those pieces will last years,” she said. “If you go out of your comfort zone price wise and it’s a splurge, make sure it’s in black and in a simple silhouette so it can be timeless.” Some of the key brands she carries are DL 1961, Hudson and AG jeans, Splendid, Michael Stars, Parker N Y, Pam and Gela, and Alo Yoga. For spring, she’s bringing in Zadig and Voltaire, a line for the person who understands fashion and wants an edge. Speaking of spring, Anna said uneven hems and fringe will be huge for Spring 2017. Designers are going back to the 80’s and early 90’s with high-waisted and cropped fla es, and are featuring tops with cold shoulders, ruffles and emb oidery. “Spring is such a great time in Manayunk, so I can’t wait for the transition on the street and to transition the store,” Anna said. Because Main Street is a destination, Anna said she gets customers from all over. Connecting with them and finding them the perfect pair of jeans or styling them from head to toe is what fuels her. As for the future, Anna is hoping to grow the shop’s online presence and wants to focus on doing more YouTube styling and seasonal trend videos.

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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SHOP Best Place To Shop - For the Wedding

Nicole Miller By Caitlin Maloney

Photography By Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahasphotography.com)

icole Miller Manayunk has been calling the corner of Rector and Main Streets home since 1994. Though it’s always carried Nicole Miller’s Bridal Collection, the Manayunk location has recently become a go-to destination for Nicole Miller bridal in the region. With only six other Nicole Miller boutiques in the country, brides from all over flock to Main Street, Manayunk to get the wedding gown of their dreams. Though some other regional boutiques may carry Nicole Miller’s gowns, the Manayunk location carries the full bridal collection and has something not many other stores have—experience. “We pride our business on customer service and experience,” Store Manager, Samantha Sciolla, said. “We know the brand, so if you’re looking for a Nicole Miller gown in the Mid-Atlantic region, we are the place to come for it.” N icole Miller’s Bridal Collection is renowned for its unique cuts and modern styles that are versatile and effortlessly chic. Though they appear simplistic, the gowns are not without embellishments. Nicole’s designs naturally enhance a woman’s figu e with details such as eyelash lace trim, illusion necklines, and jewel-lined straps. “The N icole Miller bride wants a sophisticated, elegant gown in a non-traditional style,” Samanda added. “They want a dress that feels as good as it looks. We sell designer gowns at an attainable price point from $485-$2,800.” If you’re looking to really stay on budget though, here’s a tip: once a year, Nicole Miller hosts their White Friday sale on Black Friday where they sell all of their sample gowns and any discontinued gowns just for that day. Everything is $1,000 or less—yes, you heard that right! Some gowns are even 90 percent off and sell for as low as $100. They also have six bridal trunk shows a year where they offer 10 percent off and goodie bags from some of their favorite local wedding vendors. If you’re in the market for a wedding gown, call to schedule a bridal appointment. You and your entourage will be given the red carpet treatment (literally) in the upstairs bridal suite by the Nicole Miller team. “When I talk to a bride, I ask them questions about their wedding—their venue, if they’ve worn Nicole Miller before, what they are looking for, and

what they’ve seen online that they like. Then, I get to work picking out five or so d esses I think will be what they’re looking for,” she said. Samantha joked that Nicole Miller is either a bride’s first or last stop in the dress buying process. The winning dress is often the first dress a bride tries on when their appointment begins. While most brides begin gown shopping eight or more months in advance of their wedding date, one benefit of shopping at Nicole Miller is their quick tu naround time. “If the gown is available in your size and style, we can get almost anything within seven business days, but I don’t recommend waiting,” Samantha said. “Checking things off your list is the best part of the planning process and we are happy to store wedding gowns for our brides until they are ready to be picked up for alterations.” Those who are familiar with past Nicole Miller bridal lines will be seeing a whole new look coming in her Spring 2017 collection. “The new collection is little more bohemian than what we’ve ever done, but in a good way,” Samantha said. “There are some great new details and silhouettes that are perfect for an outdoor or destination wedding.” Though the new collection will be in stores this spring, the current line, including best-sellers ‘Dakota’ and ‘Abigail,’ will remain. “I have sold hundreds of these gowns because they never look the same on each bride,” she said. “We are stylists at the end of the day, so we can help you accessorize your dress to make it your own.” Besides having a great selection of wedding gowns, Nicole Miller Manayunk also carries separates, beachwear, day dresses, cocktail, and evening wear—perfect for “brides to be” shopping for their shower, bachelorette, rehearsal dinner, and honeymoon. Samantha added, “We also cater to wedding guests, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride and groom.” But, as a bride-to-be herself, helping brides find their perfect gown will always be Samantha’s favorite. “It’s very important for you to feel like yourself on your wedding day and find something that is the pe fect complement to who you are. It’s a magical thing when you put on a Nicole Miller gown and it feels right for you. You just have to trust your instinct in this process.”

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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SHOP Best Specialty Shop/Best Local Artist

Johnny Destructo (JD Korejko) By Noel Bartocci Photography By Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahasphotography.com)

ohnny Destructo (a.k.a. JD Korejko), local artist and owner of the comic book boutique, Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex, is soft-spoken and sharp with the cadence of an individual who listens before he speaks. He’s a contemplative man with a quick and sometimes appropriately caustic wit. Essentially, having a conversation with him is a pleasure, which must be one of the reasons why the customers that file into his shop linger and feel comfortable launching into any discussion. On any other night, this would be wholly welcome, but JD keeps trying to step away for five minutes to take a quick trip up the street to give his wife Su-Shan, stylist and owner of Starshine Salon on Grape Street, the cupcake and card he bought her for Valentine’s Day. You wouldn’t be able to tell on his face, though, because every person receives his full attention. But we’re not here to just talk about his comics and collectibles shop or the Manayunk power couple status of he and his wife—we’re here to talk about his art. “It all started when I would make terrible drawings and my mom would say, ‘These aren’t crap, kid,’ and put them on the fridge—feeding my love of art,” JD explained. JD sprinkled sincerity with irreverence, adding, “My brother would mimic art from comics and stuff, which really made me want to [keep going]. So, I went to the Tyler School of Art for illustration.” Things weren’t that simple for the burgeoning artist, though. “You couldn’t just major in illustration! You had to major in graphic design with a minor in illustration, and thank God for that. It paid the bills for many years,” he said. The skill set allowed him to work as a graphic artist for 15 years. However, his passion was always in illustrating original art. After being nearly burnt out by the homogeneity of corporate culture, he turned his part-time job selling comics into a full-time one—managing a shop and spending time surrounded by pop culture-loving people and natural storytellers. That was when he set a higher priority on his creative passions. During this career transition, he started leaning on his illustrative talents and reached out to other artists he met on forums or at conventions. He eventually brought many together to collaborate on an anthology comic series titled “RagTag,” distributed through his own label, PunchThroat Productions. As a stark comparison to his corporate days, JD was now an independent comic book creator. As he built upon the Johnny Destructo name, with projects such as designing and illustrating alternative movie posters as well as a steady stream 18

of commissions and t-shirt designs, JD was presented with another opportunity. Su-Shan was expanding her salon into a larger space, so she suggested he take over her storefront and convert it into the shop it is today. Of the lightbulb moment, JD simply implored, “I love my wife so much! She’s the best-est.” Since opening JD’s Hero Complex, he has been able to cultivate the perfect combination of his art, his passions, and his fandom with groups he helped shed light on in Manayunk. “I’ve built a really nice little community here with people I never would’ve met otherwise,” JD said. “They inspire not only my store, but my art too.” In reference to inspiration, JD makes note of the monthly Drink n’ Draw at Lucky’s Last Chance where artists enjoy food and drink specials while they sketch. He also hosts the Graphic N ovel Book Club in his shop. These collaborations with his neighbors and colleagues informs his art thematically and emotionally, as well as literally. For instance, he learned that he can do pet portraits after doing a commission request from local Kat Cares, a dog walking and pet sitting operation. As he flipped through his portfolio of prints (all for sale), he mentioned what he loves about making art—it’s when someone notices the flouris es and creative touches that he applies to his work. “Even if people don’t buy my stuff, it’s making people smile. Having someone come back to my table or store to show their friend something I did, that’s what it’s all about,” he explained. Like any good person with intuition and empathy, JD thrives on the connections he makes through his work. He shared a story about a picture he received from a customer depicting their child reading a comic with JD’s art displayed on their bedroom wall. The scene conjures an indescribable emotion that can only come from sharing one’s passion. It’s a fulfilling and encouraging circle of which to be a part, because maybe—just maybe—that kid is mimicking JD’s work in his notebook. One day, that kid’s mom may say, “Hey kid, this doesn’t stink,” and puts it on the family fridge. And, well, you know the rest. Art isn’t just aesthetic—it can be an investment, and JD understands as much. You can check out more of Johnny Destructo’s work in a weekly web comic titled PBTHH! (which is the phonetic spelling of that sound your mouth makes during a “raspberry”), the four podcasts on his CultPop! network he produces, as well as the occasional Foe Show episode online that he co-hosts with Manayunk’s Terry Leahy of TERRYLEAHYFILMS. The man keeps busy...but when you love your job, you don’t work a day in your life.

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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SHOP Best Barber

Mark, John & Bryan (Make Your Mark Barbershop) By Leo Dillinger

Photography By Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahasphotography.com)

et’s face it: Some men are very particular about where they get a haircut. Deciding between an old-school barber that might not know what style younger guys are looking for and the pricey, pretentious setting of an upscale hair salon can be an uncomfortable predicament. When 29-year-old Mark Anthony Schilling first opened Make Your Mark Barbershop in June 2015, his goal was to provide a service nobody else around Main Street had to offer. By blending the traditional concept of a neighborhood barbershop within a 21st century setting, Mark has attracted a following of both local residents and out-of-towners hailing from areas like Northeast Philadelphia, South Jersey, and even as far as Quakertown and Reading. “I thought Manayunk had a good demographic. It was an easy fit for who I am and what I was trying to do,” Mark said. “I felt like there was something missing down here. There wasn’t really an authentic barbershop run by someone younger.” Make Your Mark embodies this hybrid of conventional and modern day vibes: dark wooden furnishings, the signature barber pole, a leather sofa facing a flat screen TV, and mug shots of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jimi Hendrix on the walls. While waiting their turn, guests are offered complimentary beer and the latest sports games on PlayStation 4 to occupy their time. From the music that’s playing to the light-hearted banter among barbers and patrons alike, Mark always wants to make sure his shop feels like home. “Most people nowadays, they try to recreate what it used to be like in the barbershop as far as the ambiance, the feel, and all that good stuff,” Mark said. “I’m trying to bridge the gap with a little more of the modern day but with that same feel.” Mark started out cutting his friends’ hair back in his hometown of Perkasie, PA when he was 13. Admittedly, he wasn’t very talented back then, but as he got older, Mark found his hobby could eventually turn into a legitimate career. While taking courses at Bucks County Commu-

nity College, he came across Modern Male Barbershop in Sellersville and learned they were offering apprenticeships. Mark jumped at the opportunity and by the time he turned 23, he was cutting hair full-time at Modern Male. While working there, Mark met two of his future employees, John and Bryan. Mark used to cut John’s hair and Bryan had been working at Modern Male before Mark got started there. After spending three years working at the Sellersville location, Mark felt he was ready to branch out and create a shop of his own. With just one barber (himself) and one barber chair, he opened Make Your Mark on June 10, 2015. Since that day, Mark has expanded his business from operating five days a week to six with Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays being appointment only. After gaining recognition on Main Street, Mark added two more chairs and hired John and Bryan to cut down on the wait time for his customers. Though all three barbers range in experience levels, their easygoing, respectful, and witty personalities in conjunction with their talent truly define what it takes to be a successful barbe . “We just try to be the best we can be as a business, as people, as barbers,” Mark said. “Customer service is huge for me and if I notice that anybody is unhappy, I try my hardest to fix the p oblem.” Now approaching two years here in Manayunk, Mark’s business has grown organically through positive Yelp reviews, word of mouth, social media, and curious passersby on Main Street. Even though he’s thought about expanding his business to a second location, he wants to be sure it will be in a neighborhood that will welcome him and the service he intends to provide. Mark likes to describe Make Your Mark as “A personable environment with a great product.” It’s easy to assume many of Mark’s patrons agree with that statement. “Manayunk is great,” Mark said. “Everyone has been very kind. It’s a very tight-knit community where people want to see each other be successful. It’s just a good place to be. Everyone is so full of life and happy to be here. To be honest with you, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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SHOP

Best Stylist

Dana (Salon L) By Rachel Jenkins

Photography By Ian Sterling (iansterlingphoto.com)

tep in the doors of Salon L at 4120 Main Street, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by muted light and a floor of busy stylists. It’s an impressive space, with floo -to-ceiling windows and three massive light fixtu es hanging above. “It makes you wonder how many chandeliers the law allows per square foot,” General Manager, Meredith Hankins, joked. Salon L’Etoile had been a fixtu e in Manayunk for over 20 years, but last year, owner Michael O’Connor moved from their original location at 4360 Main Street and expanded in the large, airy space that once housed Restoration Hardware. He also made the decision to update the name to match his other salon in North Wales: Salon L. “It was time to start a new chapter to bring out more creativity in our day-to-day work,” Meredith said. “We don’t fit the brand of a regular salon. Of course we’re always onto the next big thing, but there’s no snobbiness. You can feel it as soon as you walk in the door.” It’s true, Salon L is “a big small business” that looms large in the world of hair styling on Main Street. But one conversation with an employee, and you’ll see that it runs on down-to-earth client services—especially from this year’s Best Stylist winner, Dana Tobin. Dana has spent her entire 13-year career with the salon. She began her journey through a high school co-op program in the beauty industry, and at just 19, landed her job at what is now Salon L. Like every budding stylist, she started as an assistant shampooer to learn the ropes. But her talent and top-notch customer service were obvious. Within a year, she was given her own stylist’s chair. “In our world now, people value their time and don’t want to be kept waiting,” Meredith said. “Dana’s here on time and she runs on time. She gets you in and out the door with the most quality service.” Dana’s strengths go far beyond her styling talent and timing. She excels in forming long-term relationships and meeting the changing needs of a variety of clients. “Dana is reliable to the nth degree, it’s crazy,” explained Meredith, “She’s

one of those people that a client could easily talk to, but if they’re not in the mood to talk, she doesn’t force them. She can read people really well.” True to the Salon L philosophy, Dana was confident in her specialities and diverse styles. “I specialize in cutting, color, and hair extensions,” she said, “And my style is trendy, edgy, creative, and conservative all in one. I think that’s why I can cater to so many different kinds of people with different personalities.” Dana believes that the best part of her job is the feedback that she gets from her clients. Giving a great haircut doesn’t just leave people smiling. It starts a trusted relationship that lasts, and Dana’s clients depend on it. “One client got up and said, ‘You can never leave me!’ No one has ever made me feel that good about myself,” Dana said. “It’s an amazing feeling hearing things like that from someone who’s a complete stranger.” So what keeps her clients coming back for more? One might say it’s because Dana is a style chameleon. She strives to stay educated on the latest trends, and techniques that bring classic looks to life. This year, all of Salon L is excited by what the spring season has in store. “Right now we’re learning more natural coloring techniques like balayage, which is a freehand type of coloring,” Dana explained. “And of course, bobs and asymmetrical cuts are always in—rounded underneath, and a little longer in the front.” Honing her craft and making a career in Manayunk has been a rewarding experience for Dana. Besides loving the convenience of the restaurant scene and coffee shops, she has found comfort in the people she’s encountered as a hair stylist on Main Street. “I love that Manayunk has become my home. I’ve made a lot of friends just from working on the street and seeing familiar faces every day,” she said. Even with her Manayunk clients, Dana thinks making friendships is easy from the very first visit to her chai . “You just need to make sure you come across as confident and communicate well in the consultation,” she explained. “Then let me do my magic!” Spring 2017 | manayunk.com 21

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COVERSTORY Best Wine List

Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar “Through Hell and High Water” By Leo Dillinger Photography By Susan Beard Design (susanbearddesign.com)

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ruce Cooper woke to an alarming phone call around 4 a.m. on Friday, July 15, 2016. In his 29 years of owning a restaurant, Bruce had never received such shocking news. “My tenant called me and said there was water shooting out of the sidewalk,” Bruce said. “Then, the fi e department called. It’s never a good sign when they say they need to get into your basement. All I could think was ‘Holy crap. It’s more than like a foot of water.’ I walked across the cement out front and the sidewalk felt like it was going to collapse beneath me.” A massive water main break left his building without power, a restaurant covered in water and mud, a flooded basement, and a façade on the verge of caving in. Bruce had no other option but to indefinitely shut down Jake’s & Cooper’s Wine Bar due to circumstances beyond his control. “I came in and looked at it, and it was pretty emotional because you have no clue what’s about to happen in your life,” Bruce said. “You just think to yourself, ‘This could be it.’” Even though seven months of closed doors was difficult for both his staff and customers, the incident gave Bruce the opportunity to take a step back from the day-to-day of running a restaurant and make some changes he felt were long overdue. After some reassuring calls from his insurance agent and the strenuous process of cleaning, redesigning, permitting, and construction, Bruce and his team are finally back up and running as they approach their 30th anniversary on Main Street. Bruce has worked in the food industry since 1969, starting out setting up tables for banquets and meetings while attending high school in Syracuse, NY. After graduation, he went on to earn a degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY in 1974. Bruce spent a few more years working at a hotel in downtown Syracuse before relocating to Philadelphia and taking a job in the doctors’ dining room at Lankenau Medical Center in 1977. While at Lankenau, Bruce researched numerous available properties and collected ideas from the finest dining establishments around the Philadelphia area in hopes to conceptualize a restaurant of his own. Eventually, he managed to stumble upon a space at 4365 Main Street and after nearly a decade at Lankenau, Bruce gave notice and opened “Jake’s Restaurant” on Black Monday, November 19, 1987.

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“When I opened, it was a simple recipe—just open a restaurant that people come back to over and over again,” Bruce said. “And that’s sort of what has happened. It was just something I wanted to do and that I loved doing.” Even though he was the new kid on the block back then, Bruce saw the success of Jake’s take off in an instant. Some staples like crab cakes, salmon, and cake pudding have been on the menu since the very beginning with minor alterations due to their popularity. But even in his early moments of prosperity, Bruce had already set his sights on expanding his business to the neighboring property at 4367 Main Street. For years, he chased down the owner and made offers to rent or buy the space. Bruce likes to refer to it as “the largest game of chicken I’ve ever played.” It wasn’t until 2008 when Bruce had finally made a suitable offer and purchased the property to begin his second project: Cooper’s Brick Oven Wine Bar. By that time, the restaurant industry had changed dramatically in the two decades that Jake’s had already been open. Bruce recognized the fine dining days of old with white-linen tablecloths had transitioned into a much more casual atmosphere. Bruce wanted his second project to reflec just that. When Cooper’s opened over Labor Day weekend of 2008, it was treated as a totally separate entity to the longstanding Jake’s with a unique layout and menu of brick oven pizza, light bites, and small plates. “I was going to turn it into a gastropub or something like that because the costs of running a small business were getting greater and greater, and my prices weren’t going up,” Bruce said. “Everything has gone up since I first bought Jake’s—health insurance, electric, water. The price 24

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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of a salad and an entrée haven’t gone up like everything else. So my options were to either enlarge or scale down.” Before the end of 2008, Bruce discovered some of Cooper’s customers wanted to order entrées off of the Jake’s menu while Jake’s customers were eager to try the pizza and small plates from the Cooper’s side. He ultimately decided to fuse both restaurants together by cutting an archway into the wall between buildings to form Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar. To this day, Bruce still has steadfast customers who refuse to sit on the Cooper’s side, and some who refuse to sit on the Jake’s side, even though it’s all the same restaurant now. Bruce has managed to master the art of adapting to the times while maintaining a consistent product. For the grand reopening, he and his team revamped their wine list to feature all hand-selected, organic small batches at very affordable prices. He unraveled a new happy hour menu with specialty items only available during those hours. Bruce is also excited to showcase his new brunch items, seasonal entrées, and small plates for the spring. “I try not to be trendier than my customers because then I’m only hurting myself,” Bruce said. “Understanding what they do and what they’re looking for is the single most important thing.” What makes Bruce such a successful entrepreneur is how his passion for cooking has transpired into a greater compassion for both his employees and patrons. One of Bruce’s longtime employees, Abdoulaye “Chef T” Soumah, has worked at the restaurant since 1999. As an immigrant from Guinea in West Africa, Chef T came to America to start a better life. Though he hardly spoke English at the time, Bruce gave him a chance to prove himself as a dishwasher. Sure enough, he did just that—so much so that Chef T climbed the ranks from dishwasher to prep cook, to line cook and finally, a Chef de cuisine. Though the last 18 years haven’t been an easy journey for him, Chef T attributes much of his personal success to his boss and friend. “Bruce is a wonderful man. He’s like a godfather to me,” Chef T said. Spring 2017 | manayunk.com 25

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“He always helps me no matter what the situation and he always puts the customer first. Every day that I tell God, ‘Thank you,’ I tell Bruce Cooper, ‘Thank you,’ because he gave me the opportunity to have my American Dream.” Manayunk can attribute much of its success to Bruce as well. He served on the board of the Manayunk Development Corporation for 25 years with the last six years (2010-2016) being President. He was vital in overcoming the days of the infamous Manayunk restaurant moratorium and helped reach an agreement with the neighborhood that paved the way for new businesses to open in Manayunk. During his time in Manayunk, he’s witnessed the baby boomers come and go, the slow rise of Generation X’s presence and leadership on Main Street, and now a brand new crop of millennial entrepreneurs looking to make a name for themselves in the neighborhood he’s thrived in for nearly three decades. “When I come down here in the morning, it feels like my home,” Bruce said in a solemn tone. “Thirty years in this neighborhood is a very long time. I’m here more than I am at home. There are a lot of neighborhoods that have been up and down. This is still one that’s been strong for a long period of time. Not many places can say that.” After the long hiatus, Bruce, Chef T, and the 25 employees who work at Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar are thrilled to be serving the community once again. For the first time since the merging of Jake’s with Cooper’s in 2008, Bruce feels like he’s opening a brand new restaurant. What’s more impressive is that after 29 years on Main Street, Bruce has endured through the good times and the bad—and still retains a passion for his craft. “I still love doing it,” Bruce said. “I hadn’t stopped thinking about work even when I was closed. I’ve got to figu e out how I’m going to work the next 10 years, because I thought I would be done at 60, but I wouldn’t even know what to do. I’d wake up and go, ‘What do I do now?’” 26

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Canal Lounge at

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The Canal Lounge is Manayunkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier event space. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect for groups of 25 to 125 people, for any and every event. Contact our event coordinator, Melissa at mgregory@bourbonblue.com for more information.

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Best Of Manayunk 2017 The votes are in! Best of Manayunk is back to celebrate our diverse businesses and community, and everything our historic neighborhood has to offer. Within a one mile corridor of Main Street and the surrounding side streets sits Manayunkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vibrant business district. From specialty shops to high-end boutiques, from craft beer and fine dining scenes to outdoor recreation and an entire fitness community, Manayunk has it all. With so much diversity, we wanted to put the call out to you, the public, to nominate your favorite Manayunk businesses in 51 different categories. Nearly 10,000 individuals casted more than 125,000 votes, and here we bring you, the Best of Manayunk 2017. On March 23, Manayunk businesses and community members gathered to celebrate the Best of Manayunk with a cocktail party at the Manayunk Brewing Company. Guests enjoyed food samples from Manayunkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winning restaurants, drinks, and live entertainment with ticket proceeds benefiting the Friends of P etzel Park and their future plans for our community hub.

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LIVE: BEST OF MANAYUNK

LIVE

Best Outdoor Recreation Activity The Manayunk Towpath

Along the Manayunk Towpath, visitors will find historical signage about the industrial heritage of Manayunk and its canal. The Towpath is part of the Schuylkill River Trail which runs from the Philadelphia Art Museum, through the Manayunk neighborhood and ends at Valley Forge.

Honorable Mention: Manayunk Beer Runners

Best Place to Bring Four-Legged Friends Pretzel Park Dog Park

Pretzel Park Dog Park is a place for young pups to mingle and old dogs to learn new tricks. Located in the heart of Manayunk, bring your fun-sized friends to run, fetch, and play. New renovations are coming soon too! [Read more on page 10.]

Honorable Mention: Latitudes and Longitudes

Best Family Activity

Best Place to Work

Brunch on Main Street Manayunk is the place to be when it comes to Sunday brunch! With Main Street breakfast staples like Winnie’s LeBus, Greg’s Kitchen, and The Manayunk Brewing Company, there is something for everyone in the family.

Honorable Mention: Pretzel Park Farmers’ Market

RichardsApex

RichardsApex represents more than 150 years of experience in developing and manufacturing lubricants, cleaners, and coatings. When you work here, you’re part of the family. 4202 Main St #24, (215) 487-1100. [Read more on page 12.]

Honorable Mention: Delphic Digital

SHOP

Best Place to Shop - For Him

Best Place to Shop - For the Home

Greene Street is a retailer of both men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, but have become a destination for menswear at an affordable price in Manayunk. They also have other locations throughout the city. 4313 Main St, (267) 335-5478.

Pineapple on Main is a home decor and gift boutique offering furnishings for the modern household. Come in to browse their sweet selection and get something new to spruce up any room in your house. 4347 Main St, (267) 437-4014.

Greene Street Consignment

Honorable Mention: Armen’s Clothier

Best Place to Shop - For Her Threads on Main

Threads on Main is a high-end women’s clothing and accessories boutique that recently opened in Manayunk. DL 1961, Michael Stars, and Pam & Gela are just some of the designer brands they carry. 4353 Main St, (215) 482-2917. [Read more on page 16.]

Pineapple on Main

Honorable Mention: Nadeau

Best Place to Shop - For the Kids The Spiral Bookcase

Purveyors of the printed page, The Spiral Bookcase offers new and used books for children and adults alike. The shop owner’s daughter even has her own collection of recommendations on display for kids in the neighborhood. 112 Cotton St, (215) 482-0704.

Honorable Mention: Spectrum Scientifics and

orn Yesterday

Honorable Mentions: LILA Fashion International and Remix on Main 32

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Best Place to Shop - For the Wedding

Best Window Displays

Nicole Miller Manayunk is the destination for brides throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. You’ll get the red carpet treatment in their upstairs bridal suite and walk out with your dream dress from Nicole Miller’s Bridal Collection. 4249 Main St, (215) 930-0307. [Read more on page 16.]

You can’t walk by The Little Apple without window shopping and looking at the beautiful displays designed by owner, Brandy. She knows how to draw people into her gift shop by perfectly capturing themes for every season. 4361 Main St, (267) 335-4968.

Honorable Mention: Ashe B. & Co.

Honorable Mention: Pineapple on Main

Best Place to Buy Gifts - For Him

Best Customer Service

With a vast selection of cigars from around the world and a variety of hookah flavors all selected by owner Kosta, you a e guaranteed a relaxing evening at SMoKE. 4453 Main St, (267) 362-9865.

Main Street Music offers an extensive collection of affordable new and used vinyls, CDs, and DVDs. The staff are the most knowledgeable music lovers on Main Street and always have the perfect recommendation for their customers. 4444 Main St, (215) 487-7732.

Nicole Miller

SMoKE Cigar & Hookah Lounge

Honorable Mention: Philadelphia Runner

Best Place to Buy Gifts - For Her Latitudes and Longitudes

Latitudes and Longitudes is a go-to gift shop on Main Street featuring hand-crafted jewelry, greeting cards, barware, candles and other unique gifts. Owner Meredith with help you find the perfect p esent you’re looking for. 4325 Main St, (215) 482-0417.

Honorable Mention: The Little Apple

Best Place to Get Pampered Christie’s Nails

Christie’s aims to deliver a relaxing manicure or pedicure experience with your satisfaction always in mind. You’re sure to see someone you know in a chair when you stop by Christie’s! 4436 Main St, (215) 508-1224.

Honorable Mention: Cinderella Nails

Best Stylist

Dana (Salon L)

The Little Apple

Main Street Music

Honorable Mention: Millay and The Spiral Bookcase

Best New Store/Salon

LILA Fashion International Step inside the wide world of fashion! LILA has been offering women’s fashion from talented designers from around the world including their homeland of Greece. Main Street’s new favorite store has been bringing their eclectic style to the neighborhood since the summer of 2016. 4386 Main St, (267) 331-5993.

Honorable Mention: Salon L and Threads on Main

Best Art Gallery/Studio Space Artesano Iron Works

Located in the heart of Manayunk, Artesano Iron Works is an architectural design and home accent company, which has been crafting pieces for over a decade. Their unique venue is a beautifully restored historic warehouse built in the early 1900’s. The 10,000 square-foot premiere event space is decorated with magnificent hand-forged works of art. 109 Green Ln, (215) 483-9273.

Honorable Mention: Orbit Gallery and Bazemore Gallery

Though there’s many stylists at Salon L, Dana is a customer favorite who has been styling her clients hair for the past 13 years. Cut, color and hair extentions are some of her specialities. 4120 Main St, (215) 483-2500. [Read more on page 21.]

Honorable Mention: Su-Shan (Starshine Salon)

Best Barber

Mark and John (Make Your Mark Barbershop) With a line out the door, it can be hard to claim a chair at Make Your Mark Barbershop, but we promise it’s worth the wait because you’re always guaranteed a personal experience. 4257 Main St, (267) 335-5400. [Read more on page 20.]

Honorable Mention: Ledina (Style of Man)

Best Pet-Friendly Business Top Tails

Top Tails believes your pets are family members. When you can’t be home, you want them taken care of with the same love and personal attention you’d give them. Tanya and the Top Tails team treat your pets like their own. 4374 Main St, (215) 508-1903.

Honorable Mention: The Animedic Veterinary Clinic

Best Specialty Shop

Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex JD’s Hero Complex is a boutique-style comic book store that features new and vintage collectable comics along with artwork by the shop owner himself. JD also won Best Local Artist in the Readers’ Choice category. 4456 Main St, (215) 4827700.[Read more on page 18.]

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DINE Best Tap List

Union Tap House Union Tap House is a no-frills bar with a wide variety of craft beers on tap— including a selection of local brews—to cater to their loyal customers. They also offer tavern food, including chicken wings with 10+ different wing sauces, homemade burgers, and fresh cut french fries. 4801 Umbria St, (215) 482-8980. [Read more on page 42.]

Honorable Mention: Pitchers Pub

Best Wine List

Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar

fall. 4266 Main St, (215) 487-2663.

Honorable Mention: Manayunk Brewing Company and Bourbon Blue

Best Comfort Food

Steak Mac ‘n Cheese (The Goat’s Beard) The Goat’s Beard is a comfortably bold and sustainable corner bar and restaurant featuring domestic small plates including customer favorite, the steak mac ‘n cheese. Made with Painted Hills grass-fed sirloin, potato gnocchi, asiago, parmesan, and cheddar cheese, let’s just say this mac ‘n cheese is to die for. 4201 Main St, (267) 323-2495.

For nearly 30 years, Jake’s and Cooper’s has strived to provide a quality menu and a diverse, yet affordable wine list. Owner Bruce and his staff are wine connoisseurs and can help you pick the best glass to compliment every item on the menu. 4365 Main St, (215) 483-0444. [Read more on page 22.]

Honorable Mention: Brisket Platter (Deke’s Bar-B-Que)

Honorable Mention: The Couch Tomato Bistro

A multi-sensory Japanese restaurant and sushi bar, Yanako features classic Japanese dishes made with fresh ingredients. Though all of the menu items are full of flavo , most are light in calories and will keep your body healthy and happy. 4255 Main St, (267) 297-8151.

Best Specialty Cocktail

The Friendly Neighbor (The Goat’s Beard)

Best Healthy Menu Yanako

Manayunk is known for it’s friendly neighbors. This cocktail, created by The Goat’s Beard, blends all the wonders of vodka and champagne with the flavors of elderflowe , lemon juice, simple syrup, and muddled cucumber and mint. 4201 Main St, (267) 323-2495.

Honorable Mention: The Juice Merchant

Honorable Mention: Three Chiles Margarita (Taqueria Feliz)

Nestled under the bridge at the end of Main Street, Greg’s Kitchen aims to bring you all the comforts of a home cooked meal in your own kitchen. Their brunch menu is full of classic breakfast staples, but Greg always has unique specials on the menu each weekend that are a must try. 4460 Main St, (215) 482-4734.

Best Lite Bite

Tomato Bisque (The Couch Tomato Cafe)

Best Brunch Menu Greg’s Kitchen

You can’t go to The Couch Tomato Cafe without getting their classic tomato bisque. This soup is on the menu year-round (because most of us wouldn’t survive without it) and it’s served with either a homemade roll, crackers or croutons, take your pick. 100-102 Rector St, (215) 483-2233.

Honorable Mention: Winnie’s LeBus

Honorable Mention: Fried Pickles (Craft Manayunk)

Since 1955, Franzone’s has been a pizza tradition in Philadelphia, but just a few years ago, Charles Franzone III continued his family’s tradition by opening up a shop in Manayunk. Franzone’s has a signature sauce that will keep you coming back for more.114 Levering St, (215) 508-1050.

Best Late Night Snack

Chocolate Chunk Cookie (Insomnia Cookies)

Best Place to Grab a Slice Franzone’s Pizzeria

Insomnia Cookies is a rapidly expanding late-night bakery that specializes in delivering warm, delicious cookies to your door. The ooey, gooey chocolate chunk cookie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth at any time of the night! 4319 Main St, (877) 632-6654

Honorable Mention: Riverside Pizza

Honorable Mention: Cheesesteak (The Tent at Chloe’s)

On a Friday night, there’s no better to place to head to than the brewery to sip on few of their house beers and enjoy live music on their indoor or outdoor stage during the warmer months. If DJ’s are your thing, head up stairs where the dance floor is filled all night. 4120 Main St, (215) 482-822

Best Al Fresco Dining Winnie’s LeBus

On a bright spring day or crisp fall afternoon, there’s nothing better than sitting outside eating brunch or dinner at Winnie’s LeBus. People watching is always a welcome activity and you’ll be sure to see a face you know walking by while you dine. Though the spring and summer are prime al fresco dining months, Winnie’s also installed outdoor heaters so you can enjoy al fresco dining well into the late 34

Best Place to Go on a Friday Night Manayunk Brewing Company

Honorable Mention: Manayunk Tavern

Best First Date Spot Bourbon Blue

The charm and beauty of Bourbon Blue’s revamped mill building takes your

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breath away before you even taste the American food with a New Orleans twist. The food, atmosphere, and welcoming staff make it the perfect spot for a first date. 2 Rector St, (215) 508-3360. [Read more on page 40.]

Honorable Mention: Yanako

Best Food to Go Deke’s Bar-B-Que

Deke’s Bar-B-Que has been serving up locally sourced, slow-cooked BBQ since 2009. With a separate spot for to-go orders and catering on Ridge Avenue, Deke’s has the convenience of fast food with the quality of a true Southern BBQ joint. 4901 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128, (215) 588-7427.

Honorable Mention: Binto Market & Cafe

Best International Cuisine Maya.J

Chef Craig Wilson’s MAYA.J features small globally inspired cuisine (taken from Craig’s adventures traveling around the world as a chef) served in a two-story storefront with a cozy bar and an art-filled dining oom. Although its sister restaurant, Gigi, is taking over the Maya.J space, some of their famous Mediterranean small plates will remain on Gigi’s menu. 4371 Main St, (267) 297-8961.

Honorable Mention: Chabaa Thai Bistro

Best Main Street Dish

PB & Bacon Burger (Lucky’s Last Chance)

Best Taco

Fish Tacos Ensenada Style (Taqueriz Feliz) Taqueria Feliz offers a classic Mexican inspired dining experience. Their “Ensenada” style fish tacos a e a customer favorite made with tempura battered blue tilapia, avocado, chipotle mayo, cabbage slaw and topped with sliced radish. Get them fried or grilled. 4410 Main St, (267) 331-5874. [Read more on page 41.]

Honorable Mention: Pork Carnitas Tacos (Union Taco)

Best Dessert to Ruin Your Diet

Red Velvet Cupcake (Sweet Elizabeth’s Cakes & Bakeshop) Although Sweet Elizabeth’s Cakes & Bakeshop just closed its doors, Liz and her team had already swept this category for their red velvet cupcakes. Made with fresh beet juice, these moist red velvet cupcakes are topped with mascarpone cream cheese icing and a candied beet. We know you’ll miss these just as much as we will.

Honorable Mention: Frozen Yogurt (Whirled Peace)

Best Bartender

Ashley (Lucky’s Last Chance) Though Ashley was always a cocktail drinker to start, working at Lucky’s has turned her into a craft beer drinker and now she’s one of the most knowledgeable bartenders on the block. 4421 Main St, (215) 509-6005. [Read more on page 38.]

Lucky’s Last Chance is a neighborhood favorite serving up unique gourmet burgers paired with craft beer. Their most unique burger yet? Their award-winning PB & Bacon Burger, which is a childhood favorite with an adult twist that is unexpectedly delicious. 4421 Main St, (215) 509-6005..

Honorable Mention: Tara (Winnie’s LeBus)

Honorable Mention: Cheesesteak (Sorrentino’s)

Whether this is your first visit or you consider yourself a egular at Winnie’s LeBus, you’ll always feel at home at Winnie’s with friendly faces like Lisa to welcome and serve you. 4266 Main St, (215) 487-2663. [Read more on page 38.]

Best Sandwich

Belly of the Beast (Smokin’ John’s Barbeque) Smokin’ John’s Barbeque borrows the best techniques from across the American Barbeque belt. Several months in the making, the Belly of the Beast is packed with 10 delicious ingredients including pulled pork, beef brisket, pulled chicken, baked beans, mac & cheese, caramelized onions, shoestring fries, burnt ends, and cheese sauce, all smothered in Smokin’ John’s sweet BBQ sauce. 4258 Main St, (267) 858-3000.

Honorable Mention: The Angry Bird Sandwich (AG Jameson’s U.S. Hotel Bar & Grill) and Hoagie (Sorrentino’s)

Best French Fries

Main Street Fries (Lucky’s Last Chance) Not only are they known for their signature burgers, Lucky’s Last Chance also serves up delicious nostalgic krinkle cut fries. Their Main Street fries are topped with cheesy Old Bay goodness featuring a mix of secret spices. 4421 Main St, (215) 509-6005.

Honorable Mention: Burnt End Fries (Smokin’ John’s Barbeque)

Best Spicy Dish

Dan Dan Noodles (Han Dynasty) If spicy foods are your thing, look no further than Han Dynasty, whose menu includes a full range of Szechuan style Chinese food prepared from mild to spicy all marked with a spice level 1-10. Though you can adjust spice levels of each dish to your liking, their Dan Dan Noodles are perfect just the way they are at a level 7. 4356 Main St, (215) 508-2066.

Honorable Mention: Suicide Wings (Union Tap House)

Best Server

Lisa (Winnie’s LeBus)

Honorable Mention: Genevieve (Lucky’s Last Chance)

Best Customer Service - Food Service Volo Coffeehouse

Volo Coffeehouse is a bright, airy cafe providing La Colombe coffee, a variety of teas, pastries, bagels, and sandwiches. The welcoming staff greet you daily and invite you to sit down and stay a while. 4360 Main St, (215) 483-4580. [Read more on page 44.]

Honorable Mention: Sweet Elizabeth’s Cakes & Bakeshop

Best New (or Reinvented) Restaurant

Chabaa Thai Bistro In August 2016, Chabaa Thai moved its beloved BYOB down the street to a larger space to accommodate their growing customer base. Chef Moon also added a new Asian market, Binto, next door so customers could pick up their favorites on the go.

Honorable Mention: Gigi Italian Bistro and Maya.J

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Best Workout

PLAY

Spin Barre Fusion (The Wall Cycling Studio) The Wall Cycling Studio is dedicated to providing intense, calorie-burning workouts that not only keep you fit physicall , but mentally as well. The 50-minute class is a full body workout—combining spinning and barre exercises instructed by the most inspiring and competitive enthusiasts in the game. 107 Cotton St, (267) 336-7928.

Honorable Mention: Row and Flow (RowZone)

Best Personal Trainer

Joey DeMalavez (Joltin’ Jabs) Joltin’ Jabs is run by Manayunk native, Joltin’ Joey DeMalavez, who follows a lifestyle of promoting fitness, energ , and self-confidence. His boxing classes and personal training sessions will push you beyond what you thought possible. 4303 Main St, (610) 256-5789. [Read more on page 48.]

will help you meet attainable goals. Chances are, if you try out a GoalsFit boot camp or running class, you will get hooked for a lifetime. 4450 Main St, (610) 457-5424.

Honorable Mention: SWEAT

Best Place to Get Workout Gear Philadelphia Runner

Philadelphia Runner has gear for whatever workout you fancy. The experienced staff will help you find the perfect fit for shoes, app el, and accessories to give you the best workout possible. 4358 Main St, (267) 336-7409. [Read more on page 46.]

Honorable Mention: HumanZoom Bikes & Boards

Best Place to Take a Visitor Manayunk Bridge A neighborhood staple since 1918, the historic Manayunk Bridge was restored and renovated into a pedestrian walkway in the fall of 2015. The popular attraction offers the perfect view of the neighborhood, whether you’re taking a friend, a loved one, or a furry friend for a stroll.

Honorable Mention: Chew Philly Food Tours

Honorable Mention: Erin Hall (The Wall Cycling Studio)

Best Live Music Scene

Best Place to Get Your Sweat On

The Grape Room’s intimate atmosphere and wide variety of local talent gives fans an entertaining experience six nights a week. The venue is just steps from Main Street with live music, open mic, and comedy nights. 105 Grape St, (215) 930-0321.

GoalsFit

Along with making sure you achieve your fitness goals, GoalsFit takes pride in ma ing all fitness fun! Their personal trainers always have your best inte est in mind, and

The Grape Room

Honorable Mention: Dawson Street Pub

READERS’ CHOICE

Best Place to Live Canal House

Canal House offers beautifully designed, upscale apartments located in an urban village that’s convenient to everything in Manayunk. It features a gated, landscaped courtyard, oversized windows, and views of the historic Manayunk Canal from most apartments. 4312 Main St, (215) 483-9990.

Who knows where Manayunk would be without with the Manayunk Maintenance Crew? The hard-working trio go above and beyond to keep the streets of Manayunk clean. [Read more on page 50.]

Honorable Mention: Dave Scarpello

Best Local Artist

Honorable Mention: Lofts at Chimney Hill

Johnny Destructo

Best Day in the Neighborhood

Owner of Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex, JD does it all. His original illustrations and T-shirt designs can be found in store, and he also offers graphic design work though commissions. [Read more on page 18.]

StrEAT Food Festival

From sweet frozen treats to tacos and BBQ, there’s something for the thousands of attendees to enjoy at the StrEAT Food Festival! There’s also live music on three different stages and promotions from the variety of local businesses.

Honorable Mention: Susan Beard

Best Manayunk Instagrammer

onorable Mention: Manayunk Arts Festival

@dogsofmanayunk

Best Manayunk Superhero

Putting the spotlight on all of the four-legged friends in the neighborhood, @ dogsofmanayunk features the daily lives of dogs while at home, work, and play. [Read more on page 52.]

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Honorable Mention: @millayvintage

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EDITORS’ CHOICE Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Lifetime Development Award

Bruce Cooper / Jake’s & Cooper’s Wine Bar

Gary + Norma Mann

After a water main break and flooded basement in the summer of 2016, Bruce Cooper proved hard work and a lot of patience goes a long way when he reopened his restaurant in January of this year. Bruce showed us owning a business isn’t easy and can’t be done alone. We know the time and dedication he put in over the past six months has not gone unnoticed as his restaurant now features a revamped menu and updated wine selection. It’s only fitting that Bruce is our Entrepreneur of the Year.

Gary and Norma Mann have operated a successful jewelry store on Main Street for 30 years. While they run their jewelry store, this dynamic duo has always had Manayunk’s best interest at heart. They consistently advocate for a strong retail community, and have always been willing to connect potential businesses to property owners. Their commitment to rebuilding the street and years of dedication to the community don’t go unnoticed.

Main Street Milestone Award

David Decca / Orbit Gallery

Michael Rose / Manayunk Brewing Company This past year, the Manayunk Brewing Company celebrated it’s 20th anniversary, and behind its success is owner Mike Rose. Mike has worked to expand both the brewery operation and restaurant portion of the business over the years, which has led the business to remain a mainstay in Manayunk. Through multiple floods and renovations, Mike trudged on to bring the brewery back to it’s feet and even better than before. We hope to see Mike and the brewery thrive for many more years to come.

District Visionary Award Gwen McCauley / Manayunk Development Corporation Gwen has served as the Director of Operations for the Manayunk Development Corporation (MDC) for nearly seven years. Gwen wears many hats in her role—she oversees the maintenance team, works on streetscape projects, and manages the day-to-day finances of the office. Her true passion lies in making the district clean and greener through planting and street beautification p ojects. Her latest plans include new parklets, bike corrals and pedestrian plazas both on and off of Main Street. Gwen does a thankless job every day, and the MDC staff is grateful for her!

Lifetime Service Award William O’Brien / Manayunk Law Bill is the owner of Manayunk Law Office, located at 4322 Main St eet. Bill is someone you can count on when Manayunk businesses need legal services. He specializes in city codes, building permits, and offers general legal council. Bill has also served on the MDC Board of Directors and is often seen lending an extra hand on event days. Manayunk would not be where it is today without Bill’s guidance and legal advice along the way.

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Main Street Ambassador Award David is a passionate and engaged retail and community member who has called Main Street home for decades. He has helped spearhead the retail committee, served as Vice President of the MDC Board of Directors, and is always one of the first to get involved while having business owners’ inte ests at heart. David can often be seen talking about the latest projects and events outside his gallery, and is always one of the first people to make new Manayunk business owners feel welcome.

Manayunk Leadership Award Brendan McGrew / Bourbon Blue Brendan is someone who is always willing to step up to the plate; he leads the district’s Restaurant Committee with MDC by contributing to events and projects, including both Manayunk Restaurant Weeks, Cocktail Week, and Manayunk Meals & More. He is also active on the MDC Board of Directors and is always one to volunteer his time, restaurant, or services for the greater good. On top of it all, Brendan is an entrepreneur who is always coming up with innovative ideas and creative menu items to keep his customers coming back for more.

Community Spirit Award Kevin Smith & Dave Bass / Friends of Pretzel Park Kevin and Dave are the force behind the Friends of Pretzel Park and the Manayunk Neighborhood Council. The pair can often be seen organizing events and beautifications at P etzel Park, and leading community initiatives whenever there is an issue or new project. We admire Kevin and Dave’s commitment to the community and the many hours of their time they dedicate.

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DINE Best Bartender/Best Server

Winnie’s LeBus / Lucky’s Last Chance By Ainsley Maloney Photography By JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

et’s say you’re walking down Main Street, and a young woman stops to ask you a question. “Excuse me,” she says. “My husband and I just moved to Manayunk. Where would you recommend we go to eat?” Oh boy. The pressure is on! This place will be the first impression of their brand new neighborhood! Okay. Think. You gotta take food out of the equation. (Food’s too hard. Everywhere’s great.) Instead, you picture the moment the couple walks in. Which place will make them feel the most at home? What servers will give them the warmest welcome? Your answer, then, comes easily. Even if it is a tie. “You can’t go wrong with Winnie’s for brunch and mimosas,” you say. “Then later, hit up Lucky’s for some great burgers and beer.” Done and done. You’ve just created two Main Street regulars. The staffs at Winnie’s LeBus and Lucky’s Last Chance swept the Best Server and Best Bartender categories in this year’s Best of Manayunk competition. Both create a culture of customers and co-workers who feel like family. “We make our customers feel like they’re in our home,” said Winnie Clowry, owner of Winnie’s LeBus. “We have one tagline that says, ‘When a new customer walks in the door, you have one opportunity to turn them into a regular.’ And that’s how we work. That’s what we do. We really care.” Marketing is minimal at both establishments, and that’s because word of mouth keeps their places packed day in and day out. Regulars come 38

in not only for the food, but for “their” server. Take Lisa Miller, voted Best Server, who’s been with Winnie’s LeBus for 15 years. “If she goes on vacation, people ask, ‘Where’s Lisa?’ She’s awesome,” Winnie said. Lisa feels like she was meant for this job. “I’m a natural server–both at home and at work. I like taking care of people,” she said. Lisa has been working the brunch shift every Monday through Friday to be home by 3:30 p.m. in time for her 15-year-old son, Oliver, to get home from school. “Being a working mom, this has been great,” she said. “I have a lot of regulars, and I remember when people like special things. I go out of my way to make sure everything comes out just how every customer likes it.” Behind the bar is Winnie’s kid sis, Tara Murphy, who won Honorable Mention for Best Bartender. A teacher at Archbishop Wood High School, Tara has worked nearly every Saturday and Sunday Brunch for four years (missing just three shifts ever). “I have so many regulars, and seeing the same people come in, it’s like family,” Tara said. “I have the same great Saturday and Sunday crew that come in to see me. They all try to sit at the same place, in the same seats, week after week. It really has become a family thing here at Winnie’s. You get to know people, the small things going on in their lives, like where they’re going on vacation. It’s just fun. Main Street’s a great place.”

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You can already envision the couple’s next move as they head a few blocks down to Lucky’s Last Chance for dinner. And in your mind, you know the minute they walk through the door, every server and bartender will be looking in the same place. Up. “We’re anti-phone and our staff knows it,” said owner Chris Barnes. Rumor has it, the first time Chris caught a bartender texting at work was the last. The phone? Flushed down the toilet. “I’ve had customers tell me at other places, ‘People ignore you when you walk in the door.’ That doesn’t make any sense,” Chris said. “If you’re too aloof, too cool–why? The key for us is that it’s a simple process. You invite people in, say, ‘Hi,’ show them a memorable time, and say, ‘Thank you’ when they leave. That’s it.” Ashley Tatam, who won Best Bartender, echoed Barnes’ attitude exactly. “I want customers to be entertained and having fun when they come here—and that goes above and beyond just having a good drink,” Ashley said. “It means not sitting on your phone, texting away, while you’re right next to your friends. I’ll jump in and try to involve customers in conversation—whatever it takes. Be friendly, have a good time!” Ashley, who’s been at Lucky’s Last Chance since it opened, was a cocktail drinker for years before tending at one of the most popular craft beer bars on Main Street. It took one sip of a Unibroue La Fin du Monde an Abbey Tripel to turn her onto beer. “It hooked me right away,” Ashley said. “I learned everything about beer from managers Anthony Imperiale and Chris Pelusi. They took me under their wing. N ow, I love explaining beers to customers. I went

from Belgian styles to double IPAs, to now being a sour fan.” (Lucky’s bartenders taste 95% of the beer they serve; Beer Advocate ratings do not justify a draft space.) “The great part about Ashley is how relatable she is to customers,” Chris explained. “She can talk to someone who’s getting a nicer beer for the first time. She’s educated enough to know all the nuances and details, but she can still relate to people trying things for the first time. The staff at Lucky’s Last Chance are tight–—they have each others back, and they live and breathe what Lucky’s is all about. Genevieve Newberry, who received Honorable Mention for Best Server, was a regular for a year before joining the staff five years ago “I strive to offer the best service I can—to just be friendly, natural— and I want you to have a good time,” Genevieve said. “I take pride in our food, our product and our beer.” “There has never been a day I’ve dreaded coming to work,” she added. “I love my coworkers, and that’s what makes it worth it.” In December 2016, Lucky’s Last Chance branched out and opened a new location in Queen Village. Chris has been at that location, closing almost every night since. He can do that, he said, solely because of his team at the Manayunk spot. “We ended up with some really great employees who really care about our customers, our business, and what we do,” Chris said. “There are a ton of people on our staff who have been with us for a really long time. They are the only reason we’re able to open a second location. They treat Lucky’s like their own. And I’m grateful every day that we have them.” Spring 2017 | manayunk.com 39

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DINE Best First Date Spot

Bourbon Blue By Ainsley Maloney

Photography By JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

hen you think of a first date, what words come to mind? “N erve-racking.” “Anxious.” “Awkward.” Rarely would you find yourself describing your first Match.com date using words like “relaxed”’ or ‘“comfortable.” With one exception, that is: if your first date happened to be at Bourbon Blue “It’s a comfortable meeting point, and I think that’s because we have a mix of everything,” said Owner and Head Chef, Brendan McGrew, of his New Orleans-inspired American restaurant. “You can come in for a happy hour, get an appetizer, or if things go well, move into the dining room.” A lot of places on Main Street are either a bar or a restaurant. Bourbon Blue is a little bit of both, with a section of cocktail tables in the bar divided off from the dining room. “Getting a cocktail table isn’t as formal as sitting down for dinner,” Brendan said. “There are still people around, so it’s casual, but you’re not at the bar with people leaning over you, listening to your conversation. It gives you a level of privacy to talk and get to know each other.” Bourbon Blue is ideal for those “see where the nights takes you” dates—it’s elegant enough to impress, yet laid back enough to not worry if your date shows up under-dressed. “If you walk in wearing a cocktail dress from a wedding, you’re going to be as comfortable as the person wearing jeans and a tank top,” Brendan said. “There isn’t a dress code, and because of that, you can really be yourself.” And if the spark is there, you can easily extend the conversation over a four-course meal in the dining area, which is a sure-fi e way to impress. The warm lighting, dark wood, and wrought iron decor offers a romantic ambiance. “There’s a lot of natural warmth that comes from the building that makes people comfortable,” Brendan added. “It has an old-school feel.” In the spring, couples can move out to the patio with the glow of lampposts reflecting off the canal below. (It’s no surprise that Bourbon Blue also won Honorable Mention for Best Al Fresco Dining). When asked what the best first date dinner is, Brendan put together his very own chef’s menu. He recommended starting with an appetizer of oysters on the half shell (a known aphrodisiac), followed by a wedge salad. As for the main course, he suggests ordering one of their best-selling dishes and perfect comfort food: southern fried chicken. He advises

ending the date with Banana’s Foster bread pudding. And he has a word to the wise. “Whatever you do, nothing with garlic!” he laughed. The fact that Bourbon Blue won Best First Date Spot two years in a row is an honor, Brendan explained. “For me, personally, it’s one of the more desirable categories,” he said. “It speaks to everything about the place, from the food, to the level of service, to the atmosphere. It means we’re doing things right. That the consistency is there.” The title is also fitting. Bourbon Blue is where Brendan had his last first date just over 10 years ago. Back in 2007, Brendan was working at the restaurant when he met a girl at the bar named Melissa Gregory. They started dating, and two years later, they bought Bourbon Blue. They’ve been together ever since, with Mel by his side both as his girlfriend and as the restaurant’s event coordinator. “It’s fortuitous for others,” Brendan said about meeting the love of his life at his very own restaurant. After their relationship was spotlighted in Manayunk Magazine’s Fall 2015 cover story, patrons have expressed feeling an even deeper connection to the establishment. “So many people come up to me and say, ‘Hey, I saw you in the magazine. You’re the owner. That’s a really cool story!’” Brendan explained. “First dates are so awkward as it is. The fact that one of us, if not both, is always here—that you can say, ‘Hi,” see a friendly face, and that we’re not a nameless corporation, it lends to that comfortability.” Something funny happens when you’re voted Best First Date Spot two years in a row—you naturally become Manayunk’s unofficial Best Proposal Spot, too. “We’ve had so many people propose here,” Brendan added. “So many couples come in for engagement photos and want a photo op at their ‘first date table.’ Bourbon Blue also hosts countless wedding showers, rehearsal dinners, and even small weddings of up to 50 guests. But, for Brendan, knowing that his restaurant was the starting place of that elusive spark that has changed the trajectory of so many customers’ lives, is humbling. “Looking back, to think of how big of an impact we have had on people’s lives,” he said, “it’s an awesome thing.”

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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DINE Best Taco

Taqueria Feliz By Caitlin Maloney

Photography By JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

ike most restaurant menus, some dishes may come and go, but there’s one staple item on Taqueria Feliz’s menu that has remained a customer favorite since day one: the fish taco. “It’s by far our number one selling taco,” Anthony Gualtieri, manager of Taqueria Feliz said. “And that runs true not just in Manayunk, but at our other locations in Fairmount, Horsham, and Fort Washington.” Though the fish taco isn’t actually his favorite—he prefers the pork carnitas—he sees why customers go crazy over their fish tacos. “Texturally, it’s really nice—the crisp, fresh cabbage slaw with the hot, fresh fish, then the chipotle mayo with a little bit of spice, and the avocado with radish on top for more texture—it all works really well together,” he said. Describing it further, Anthony said it’s a pretty standard Ensenada style fish taco, which is a town on the Baja coast of Mexico “In that area of Mexico, they catch a fish off a boat, drench it in batter, and throw it in the fryer. Then, they basically top it with something similar to what we top it with—some type of slaw, mayo, and slice of lime,” he said. “It’s tempura battered tilapia that is fried in a gluten-free fryer, so it’s great for people with Celiac or who prefer to avoid gluten,” he added. “Though, we typically serve it with a flour tortilla because the vessel is larger. Those who want it gluten-free can also get it served in our housemade corn tortillas.” If fried is not your style, you can also opt to have your fish marinated in a little lemon vinaigrette and thrown on the grill instead. Either way you like it, Anthony said blue tilapia will always be the fish of choice for the Ensenada style fish taco “Tilapia just works really well with the batter and adapts pretty well with the cabbage and other flavors,” he explained Taqueria literally means the “taco stand” or “taco restaurant” in Spanish, so it’s no surprise that they specialize in—you guessed it—tacos. From traditional tacos to what Anthony calls “taco derivatives” (fajitas and enchiladas), Taqueria Feliz has it all.

Besides their number one seller, Taqueria Feliz has several other customer favorites, including the chicken tinga. For the vegetarians, the restaurant rotates between cauliflowe , brussels sprouts and mushroom taco options, which hardly lack in flavor and textu e. If you’re more of the adventurous type, go for the crispy chicken skin tacos (served with guacamole, house hot sauce, onions, and cilantro) or the Tacos de Chapulines (crispy grasshoppers served with onion, cilantro, and guacamole). They also create their own spins on other cuisines as seen in their Korean BBQ shrimp tacos (with kimchee, cilantro, and radish). Whether you’re getting the best-selling fish taco or a more adventurous option, Taqueria Feliz’s focus is always on consistency. “They work really hard in the kitchen and are super consistent. I want people to know that everything, every single sauce, is made back there from scratch,” Anthony said. “If you go somewhere six times and it’s great, and the seventh time it’s ‘eh,’ you might not go back for several months, so that’s why consistency is so important for us.” Freshness is also key. The staff at Taqueria Feliz is obviously not catching their tilapia and other fish from the Schuylkill River behind the restaurant, and they aren’t located on the Baja coast, but they do get it fresh from South Philly’s well-known seafood provider, Samuels & Son. “The freshness of everything really shows in all of the tacos, whether it’s the fish taco or one of our other tacos,” Anthony said. When it comes to what to pair with your fish taco, Anthony suggests pairing it with Best Cocktail runner up, The Three Chile Margarita— made with silver tequila, fresh lime and lemon juice, and a house chile blend. If happy hour is your thing, you can stop by Taqueria Feliz from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. and get a one-piece order of the “Ensenada” fish tacos for just $5 to pair with your margarita, or stay for dinner and get a twopiece order for $13.95. With just one bite, you’ll feel like you’re lounging on the beach in Ensenada. Spring 2017 | manayunk.com 41

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DINE Best Tap List

Union Tap House By Rachel Jenkins

Photography By JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

fter a long work week, thousands of people across the city are on the prowl for a fresh, cold beer to hit the spot, and any pub worth its liquor license had better deliver with the perfect tap list. For bar owners Bill Newman and Stephanie Pappas from Union Tap House, finding that spot-on combination of brews has been their holy grail—and it’s brought them success over the past two years. Bill had been a part-time worker at the Union Jack Pub at 4801 Umbria Street since 1999. Fast-forward to 2015, and Bill and his wife, Stephanie, were faced with an exciting opportunity to make the bar their own when it up for sale. It was a risk, but Stephanie foresaw plenty of potential to expand the food and beer offerings. “Steph saw value in it that I didn’t see,” Bill laughed. “We had many long talks about it. She won.” Today, they’re the proud owners of Union Tap House (renamed in 2015), and this year’s winners of the Best Tap List category. You could say their gamble has paid off. As the pub’s name suggests, much of the magic of Bill and Stephanie’s establishment is in the tap list. For years, they have poured their heart and soul into crafting the perfect mix of brews every night. Bill doesn’t believe there’s any secret formula. It’s simple: give the people what they want. “I very much listen to the customers. I feel like you could really have any beer, and as long as you listen to your customers, you’ll always have the best draft list,” he said. Despite this humble philosophy, there’s no denying that the bar owners have great instincts. From the very start of their journey, Bill and Stephanie felt a strong need for a local brew at the root of their bar. “We made a conscious decision about local beers. We both love Yards, so that’s a mainstay. We probably sell more Yards than anything else,” Bill explained. “The other ones rotate through. Weyerbacher, Tröegs, and Free Will Brewing all see the lines every once in awhile.” The pub was built on a solid foundation of standby brands, but lately, the average Manayunk bar-goer has hopped on the IPA trend. As beer lovers, Bill and Stephanie try to stay on top of the wave of popular brews—but they’re careful about maintaining the right balance. “Without even looking at the draft list, the first question out of everybody’s mouth is, ‘What IPAs do you have on tap?’” Bill said. “I might do two lines of IPAs, then I’ll also have a stout or an amber beer. We’re fortunate in that we have 14 tap lines, so there’s something for everybody.” Having been a neighborhood guy for years, Bill has built a rapport with his Manayunk customers. The pub runs on his knack for people. “Bill knows almost everybody by name,” Stephanie explained. “That’s a huge deal— being able to recognize what somebody likes, and making the extra effort to say ‘Oh, Joe Smith loves this stout beer.’ Then when it becomes available, he knows that Joe is going to come looking for it.” Creating this kind of relationship with their customers was Bill and Stephanie’s plan from the beginning. For them, it’s all about cultivating a “cozy charm.” Taking the cues from Manayunk itself, they wanted their bar to have a neighborly, family feel. “We like to tell the people who work with us that this is like an extension of our living room, and everyone’s invited in our house,” Bill said. “Everybody’s always very kind when they come through the door.” This kind of atmosphere comes easy to a Manayunk bar. Bill welcomes customers like family because he knows they’re good people who care about the neighborhood. “The neighbors are the best part of this job. Ivy Green volunteers come by every season, pull all the weeds, and pick up all the trash on the Fountain Street steps right across from Union Tap. No one’s paying them. They do it because it’s part of their neighborhood, and we love that kind of thing,” Bill said. “Then they come in here every Tuesday night after they’re done cleaning up to get wings and beer, and just relax.” Patrons of Union Tap House can expect big things from the pub in 2017, including a private outdoor beer garden and a surprise that will be unveiled mid-year. No matter how the humble local bar grows in the new year, Bill still believes in the same ideas that brought Union Tap House its success in the first place “Listen to your customers and employees. Stay true to yourself. Don’t try to be something that you’re not. In the end, it’ll come through, and you’ll be a successful business.”

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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DINE Best Customer Service

Volo Coffeehouse By Megan Douress

Photography By Ian Sterling (iansterlingphoto.com)

ven on the coldest days, there is something that makes you warm and cozy at Volo Coffeehouse. It’s a feeling you can’t get from a fresh, hot beverage in your hand—it’s much more than that. It’s the welcoming feeling you get when you are instantly greeted upon entering the quaint shop—the constant light chatter from the corner, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and, of course, the friendly smiling faces behind the counter saying, “Hi! How are you doing? What can I get for you?” Perhaps that’s why Volo Coffeehouse was voted Best Customer Service (Food Service) in the Best of Manayunk competition this year. Owner Akos Racz has been in the food industry for the majority of his career. He’s worked in all kinds of settings, from restaurants to grocery stores and corporate coffee shops. As one would assume, he’s always had a love for food. “I would watch cooking shows after school at a really young age,” Akos said. “I like the industry because I’m around people all of the time. I don’t ever get bored. I once tried to do house painting and I hated it because it was solitary.” It had been a long time coming when Akos landed at 4360 Main Street. Back in 2010, La Colombe called that location home, and as a 12-year employee, Akos decided to purchase the cafe and make it his own. According to the coffee shop veteran, the space was just one aspect to creating a positive customer experience in his new business. “The windows here are really nice, but it’s a small space so people are on top of each other and are forced to talk to one another,” Akos said. “The way we have our fixings set up, you’re kind of trapped there for a while, so there are more chances for interaction.” Volo keeps things simple, too. You won’t find fancy flavo ed drinks or much more than paninis, pastries, and yogurt parfaits on the menu. In fact, the coffee shop doesn’t even have a website or a large social media 44

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presence. It’s the quality of the products the staff puts out every day that has given them their organically-built following. “We take a lot of pride in the way we make our drinks,” Akos explained. “Every drink is special to us and we want that to come through. If customers see that we have a lot of pride in our work, that’s going to keep them coming back.” But, what is the biggest factor in creating the best customer service on the street? “The employees—just having a fun and friendly experience. That’s number one,” Akos explained. “Without that, I don’t think you can create an atmosphere that is inviting and where people want to be.” “I’ve been really lucky,” he added. “My employees really enjoy the job and take a lot of pride in their work. I look for people who fit that mold. We’re a family here.” Volo Coffeehouse barista, Kelly Monahan, can attest to that. “We take a lot of pride in our work, and I think a lot of it has to do with being friendly, being happy, and being genuine,” she said. “None of this is a façade—everyone is genuinely very nice!” Anyone who has stepped into Volo Coffeehouse can get a sense of the community its environment, products, and staff have created for itself. It sure has its share of loyal customers—even ones that feel comfortable enough to “spill their guts” every once in a while. And, that could be partly due to the fact that the staff is also loyal. So, how does Akos keep them around? “I don’t know—you’ll have to ask them!” he laughed. “I really like working here,” Kelly answered. “Everybody I work with are my good friends in and out of work. I think we all really care about the job. I’m trying to think why that is—it’s because we take a lot of pride in this place. We know customers keep coming back and we really care about that. It’s a good feeling.”

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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PLAY Best Place to Get Workout Gear

Philadelphia Runner By Noel Bartocci

Photography By Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahasphotography.com)

ince 2004, Philadelphia Runner has established their brand across the Philadelphia area with locations in Center City, Glen Mills, and University City. For the last two years, they’ve also called Manayunk home—specializing in workout apparel for all weather conditions as well as providing the proper footwear for whatever gets you on your feet. Despite being purveyors of specialty running gear in town, Philadelphia Runner prides themselves on carrying apparel that works for people at any level of physical activity—providing gear that fits their customers’ needs, literally and figuratively, is the goal. A good deal of their stock also blurs the line between comfort and functionality for all seasons. Neil Townsend, the store manager who’s been with the company since 2010, noted the versatility of their stock. “We specialize in running gear, yeah, but our activewear combines lifestyle,” Neil said. Adding his personal enthusiasm for the store’s items, “Listen, I can honestly say that even if I didn’t run, I would shop here. I spend way too much money here!” he laughed. On top of the fitness and lifestyle clothing, getting sized for the right pair of athletic shoes isn’t just a game-changer for a runner, but the kind of out-of-the-box solution for anyone with an aching back, knees, ankles, or whatever the case may be. The right shoes make all the difference—whether it’s during a 5K or traversing the King of Prussia Mall. Philadelphia Runner offers an interactive shoe sizing and fit process that finds the proper foot support to prevent shin splints from flaring up, and joints from prematurely aching. It’s true—the right shoes really do make that big of a difference. Our local Philadelphia Runner storefront isn’t just another retailer on Main Street, but also an active participant in the community. Fitness groups meet up twice a week at the shop—Thursday nights starting at the shop and Sunday mornings starting at the Valley Green Inn—to take full advantage of all the great paths and running routes in Manayunk. They’ve even partnered with the hiking group, Chasing Trail, a club focused on literal trailblazing within the safety and shared enjoyment of a group. The frequency of these group runs increase during the spring and closer to the area’s larger races—the Broad Street Run, The Philadelphia Marathon, and the Philly 10K, just to name a few. 46

“We embrace the non-runner, too,” explained N eil when discussing the future and potential of Philadelphia Runner in Manayunk. “I can see us integrating with other businesses and groups more, combining efforts with our neighbors, and being open to all levels of runners and just active people.” The staff at Philadelphia Runner also participates in local hiking groups, such as Chasing Trail, a club focused on literal trailblazing within the safety and shared enjoyment of a group. They meet on Sunday mornings at the Valley Green Inn, and spend the next few hours exploring three to five miles worth of Pennsylvania trails, just up the hill from the heart of Manayunk. “We embrace the non-runner, too,” explained N eil when discussing the future and potential of Philadelphia Runner in Manayunk. “I can see us integrating with other businesses and groups more, combining efforts with our neighbors, and being open to all levels of runners and just active people.” I can personally attest to this sentiment after taking my dad to be properly sized for shoes at the store this fall. He could only complain about his lower back after extended walks for so long until he decided to be proactive about it. The staff at Philadelphia Runner patiently helped my 65-yearold father with different pairs of sneakers and shoe inserts, in all manners of combinations, until the right ones were found. He still gushes about his special sneakers nearly six months later. That’s just an example of the magic you get when you combine the right product with the right staff. Many may experience an uneasiness when walking into a specialty or sports apparel store, which can be just as stressful as taking that first fitness class in a room full of professionals. There’s an inherent anxiety in not knowing enough or doing the wrong research, and the only thing that can fill that gap is trust—trust in the store and what they carry. No one wants to invest in an item that won’t help, but may ultimately hurt in the long run. The knowledgeable staff at Philadelphia Runner not only renders these concerns null, but also take it a step further and encourage a deeper exploration of their offerings by merely inviting you in with open arms. They aren’t concerned with proving their know-how by talking down to you, but figuring out how they can help by simply listening and offering help.

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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PLAY

Best Personal Trainer

Joey DeMalavez By Noel Bartocci

Photography By Susan Beard Design (susanbearddesign.com)

oey DeMalavez isn’t just a fitness instructor and personal trainer—he’s a genuine force of nature. In fact, Joey is a force whose presence in Manayunk predates the opening of his family-operated boxing gym, Joltin’ Jabs, located at 4303 Main Street. When you’re talking with Joey about one topic, it often branches off into other areas of interest—from the nature of Philadelphia and the neighborhood as it was decades ago, to his roots in the area and how its constant evolution is a pleasure to witness. “I grew up on Tower Street, and [Manayunk] wasn’t like this before,” Joey said about the past state of the streets—a rougher, more industrial town decades ago. Joey is energetic, enigmatic, and engaged in whatever is in front of him. He focuses his passion into the present—including conversation—which makes it easy to understand why he was voted Best Personal Trainer. When I sat down with him to talk, his son—also Joey—joined the conversation. The two Joeys instruct a total of 12-15 classes and private sessions a day between both of Joltin’ Jabs’ locations (the newer gym located in Center City), which consist of a mix of group and private sessions. I asked both gentlemen if they had a preference of class type—having the privilege of training both groups and one-on-one, as well as multiple experience levels. The eldest Joey offered his boister48

ous excitement for each. “With one-on-one private lessons, you can really focus in on technique. The strength training is still there, but that extra alone time lets you narrow in,” Joey Sr. explained about private sessions. However, both Joeys are quick to explain the magic of a group class and how a good trainer can juggle the intensity and level of passion in a room. “In a group, one or two people who aren’t pushing as hard can bring the whole group down,” Joey Jr. added. His father elaborated further and said, “The eyes and the body language tell me a lot, so it’s about doubling up the right people to help elevate each other.” They nod in agreement with one another, as if junior starting the statement and senior fi ishing it as intended was further validation of it being truth—and just like that, it’s revealed. The secret to being a great personal trainer is the ability to read people. Joey reads the energy of a person or a group and tailors each class to match. If you wrote down all of the exercises involved in a class, it may appear simple, but that’s not why you take the class. You sign up for the passion, the push you want or need, and the opportunity to elevate yourself and the people around you. Joey knows this, and he imbues this talent by being the perfect blend of motivator, instigator, and mentor— with a dash of curse words when necessary. “This is my passion,” Joey said. “As long as I see the smiles, I’ll keep going. Watching someone make progress is like...” Joey simply grinned, to perfectly finish his sentence—noting the often-unexplainable ways we make a difference in one another. Joltin’ Jabs and its larger than life proprietor, Joey DeMalavez, inherently understands the importance and honor of being able to be a positive change for someone else. It’s the fuel for their passion, and he drives that home every single day. As he succinctly stated towards the end of our conversation, “You get one body. You gotta do right by it.”

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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READERS CHOICE Best Manayunk Superhero

Manayunk Maintenance Crew By Megan Douress

Photography By Ian Sterling (iansterlingphoto.com)

hen asked what he likes about Manayunk, life-long resident Gerry Killian responded, “It’s a nice, clean neighborhood.” It’s an ironic answer, considering Gerry is part of Manayunk’s maintenance crew. Gerry, along with Torrey Hanes and Roy Harris, are the men you see sweeping our streets, removing trash and leaves, and cleaning up graffiti on a daily basis. At least one of them is out maintaining the streets every day, starting at 6:15 a.m. to ensure our neighborhood gets a good start to the day just like the rest of us. They cover Main Street from Leverington Avenue to Ridge Avenue, Cresson Street, and all side streets in between. They can also be found tidying up the Green Lane Bridge, the neighborhood’s various parking lots, and the towpath. They have part-time help, Barry Odyniec, who waters the rose bushes and does smaller projects from time to time. But keeping our neighborhood clean is a big job for such a small crew. “It’s a good job to have,” said Gerry, who has been working with the Manayunk Development Corporation (MDC) for three years. “It’s not an excruciating job where it beats on you, but I get a lot of exercise from the hills.” Torrey, a 15-year veteran with MDC, agreed. “When you’re out on the street, you’re almost your own boss,” Torrey said. “Unless we get a phone call about something specific, we do our own thing.” Torrey is referring to the flexibility of the job. They each have their own areas of the neighborhood for which they are responsible. While they do get their independent time, they’ll often spend it cleaning up each other’s areas, too. The maintenance crew’s manager and MDC Director of Operations, Gwen McCauley, has a lot of trust in “the guys.” She does a weekly street check to make sure our district is looking its best. “A supervisor from the Philadelphia Streets Department recently came into the neighborhood and told me our district is one of the cleanest in the city,” Gwen explained. “As long as the merchants are happy, I don’t 50

feel like I have to constantly check in on them. With that said, we always appreciate feedback and would love to hear from our merchants and residents if they see an area that needs attention.” While the district might be one of the cleanest in the city, the job certainly isn’t pretty, or at times, likeable—but someone has to do it. When asked what they don’t particularly love about the job, “parking in the morning,” “graffiti,” and “when people don’t clean up after their dogs on the towpath” were common answers. These days, they’re looking forward to the purchase and installation of new trash containers for the district—something they’ve been requesting for some time now. The crew believes individuals will do the right thing and dispose of trash if more containers are available. Roy, who has been doing the “dirty work” for over seven years now admits that he, along with his crewmates, are often on patrol even when they’re off-duty. “We’re protective of our street and our work,” Roy said proudly. But with the bad comes the good. Another thing they can all admit is that it feels good to be recognized for all they do in our district. “Without us, a lot of parts of the neighborhood wouldn’t be as nice,” Roy said of winning Manayunk Superhero. “A lot of people don’t clean up, but this feels great. I really feel appreciated.” “People do recognize what we’re doing out here,” Torrey echoed. “It’s not often, but it’s nice when they do. Recently, it’s been happening since we won this award, but no one really says anything to us. But, they appreciate what we do, obviously.” Gerry laughed when asked how it felt to be voted Manayunk Superhero. “I’ve been cleaning up this neighborhood long before I worked here! I don’t view it as a superhero thing—I view it as doing my job,” he said. While Torrey, Gerry, and Roy may be busy proudly keeping our neighborhood clean and welcoming, something tells me the humble crew will take a break to celebrate their big win at their favorite lunch spot, Sorrentino’s Deli.

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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READERS CHOICE:

Best Instagrammer

@dogsofmanayunk By Megan Douress

t’s no secret that Manayunk has its own community of dogs. A number of businesses in our district have shop dogs, and some even welcome four-legged shoppers. Main Street next-door neighbors Latitudes and Longitudes and Ashe B & Co. are both dog-friendly. Meredith Podob of Latitudes and Longitudes keeps dog treats on hand, while Brittany Ashe of Ashe B & Co. has an official door greeter, her Chihuahua-Puggle mix, Coco. One day last May, while Coco was lounging in the sunny window of Ashe B & Co, Meredith and Brittany thought it would be fun to start an Instagram account for Coco, as she admired many dogs that would pass by on a day-to-day basis. But, they decided to take the idea a step further—to make an account for the entire dog community in Manayunk.

“The neighborhood is really dog-friendly, and we’ve met so many dogs just by having businesses on Main Street,” Brittany said. “We originally thought we would just post photos of dogs that would come by our shops, but if they didn’t ever come by during business hours, we would never have the opportunity to feature them. So, we started pushing the hashtag #dogsofmanayunk for other users to submit their photos for us to repost on our account.” What started out as a fun side project for the twosome has turned into nearly 800 followers. Meredith and Brittany admit that dressed up dogs and dogs that are on theme (i.e. National Take Your Dog to Work Day) make the best posts and are responsible for the account’s large following. But while it’s become popular in just a matter of months, it certainly isn’t a popularity contest.

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RIGHT ON THE WATER WAY OUT OF THE ORDINARY Life at The Isle brings waterfront living to Manayunk. These brand new apartments feature upscale amenities and offer everything you want to fit your lifestyle. Enjoy scenic water views from your apartment or use the private resident pedestrian bridge to hop over to Main Street to dine at your favorite local restaurant or try one of Manayunk’s own brews from the Manayunk Brewing Company. Whether you want to work up a sweat in the state of the art fitness center or go for a jog along the canal, there’s no shortage of options for fitness fans. Located in the heart of Manayunk, you have easy access to nearby destinations like Center City and King of Prussia.

AMENITIES

FEATURES Studio, one, and twobedroom apartment homes Open floor plan living spaces with large windows Water views from every residence Stainless steel appliances Moveable kitchen islands

Wood-like flooring Electric ranges with sealed glass top Silestone kitchen and bathroom countertops Pantry storage

Private resident pedestrian bridge with direct access to Main Street Fitness center Easy access to canal towpath

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Modern clubroom and billiards room Waterfront deck with lounge seating on the river

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NOW OPEN By Melissa Anderson River City Outpost (4414 Main Street) Main Street has been aching for it, and now it’s here! The market and slow-food cafe offers fresh produce, hyper-local goods, and locally-made provisions. Stop by to grab a snack, pick up natural cleaning products, or sign up for their weekly food box!

Artur Kirsh Salon (4360 Main Street) No longer located only in Center City, Artur Kirsh Salon has put its roots down in Manayunk. The salon creates the perfect look for each of their clients, making sure they look beautiful and exceptional every day. Make an appointment online or stop in to the salon on Main Street.

The Spicy Belly (3847 Terrace Street) It’s the moment your tastebuds have been waiting for: The Spicy Belly is now open. Each dish is creative and vibrant, merging together flavors that p omise to make your belly smile. Experience the culinary fusion of traditional and contemporary Jamaican and Korean dishes for brunch or dinner.

Echo (4305 Main Street) It’s time to relax, grab a comfy seat and let the staff at Echo Nails and Spa do the rest. Offering manicure and pedicure services, the newly opened salon is focused on providing you the best treatment. The salon also offers various types of massage therapy if you want to relax more deeply. If you’re looking to get rid of any unnecessary hair, waxing services are provided as well.

Tubby Robot (4369 Main Street) The Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory is a homemade ice cream parlor that specializes in creating unique sundaes and fostering a love for great games. Stop in to taste fascinating new flavors that a e continuously concocted as well as refin ments of go-to classics. While you’re enjoying your sundae, stop in and play your favorite games on the shop’s WALL-O-VISION, the unique gaming system built just for Tubby Robot.

manayunk.com | Spring 2017

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MANAYUNK | 4249 MAIN STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19127 | 215.930.0307 BELLEVUE | 200 S. BROAD STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19102 | 215.546.5007 MKDANDASSOCIATES.COM MNYKMagazine-NicoleMiller.indd 1 CoverSpring17.indd 3

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