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Readers have proven their dedication to PrimoHoagies, 1528 W. Ritner St., by voting the Marconi sandwich shop and now 100-plus franchise №1 for best hoagie for the fifth-consecutive time.
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The readers have deemed the Social Scene as their favorite South Philly Review section.
Each week the section features a variety of celebrations that readers want to share with the rest of the community. Announcements vary from engagements…
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I am not a vegetarian. Actually, what I am is a guilty meat eater. I have never been able to overcome my carnivorous upbringing.
My family ate meat about six times a week. My American-born mother kept…
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It’s a phrase Philadelphians very rarely hear when talking about their pro sports teams: Defending champion. The Eagles were once described as the “gold standard” of the NFL but have yet to win Super Bowl. The current Phillies were built to win multiple World…
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While global governments strive to decrease taxes, funeral directors aim to diminish the pain associated with death — life’s two constants, according to an old saying. For 92 years, the Baldi and Jacovini families have striven to console and help grieving…
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With approximately 10,000 registrants from more than 3,600 families, St. Monica Church, 17th and Ritner streets, never lacks prayerful participants at its two daily and six weekend Masses. The worship site for South Philly’s largest parish has received readers’…
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Is it gravy or sauce?
Come on now, this is South Philly, and there’s only one correct answer.
“It’s always gravy. It’s the South Philly way,” Christian Varalli, chef and co-owner of Scannicchio’s Italian…
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When deciding to dine at Ristorante Pesto, 1915 S. Broad St., patrons must come prepared to have their mouths handle plentiful portions and to engage in copious conversations with their host, the Varallo family. Enough readers have already learned that lesson…
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When looking for inspiration to increase motivation, Frank “Roscoe” Natale relies on Abraham Lincoln, who declared, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” The 59-year-old also has garnered respect for his leadership skills, earning readers’ votes as the top high school…
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While wait times could run up to an hour-and-a-half during its busiest hours, patrons are more than willing to linger around for a seat at Green Eggs Café, which reserved top Sunday brunch destination.
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Welcoming hundreds of users daily, Guerin Recreation Center, 2201 S. 16th St., has developed a reputation as an athletic and creative haven, resulting in readers voting for the Newbold location as South Philly’s top recreation center.
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With Cristina Benigno continuing to make her father’s recipes and husband Matty Benigno starting a line of gourmet cupcakes recently, readers voted Potito’s Bakery, 1614 Ritner St., as top cupcake and co-winner for cannoli.
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Music filled the hall at Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School, 2407 and 2600 S. Broad St., and if one listened closely, he or she may realize the first-graders were singing in French. To some this may seem like a challenge, but to enrollees it is just another day…
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Who won for best diner?
Sorry folks, you’ll have to wait for that answer, as the category committee decided to have the popular, any-time-of-day eateries battle it out over one menu item: The waffle. While the Penrose Diner, 2016 Penrose…
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Its name derives from the French word for “black,” but since its June 18 opening, Noir Restaurant & Bar, 1909 E. Passyunk Ave., has proven red hot among patrons. By blending his Montreal upbringing and Italian heritage, chef Marco DeCotiis has designed dishes that have…
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Many sons seek to emulate their patriarchs, and John Lerro fulfilled his desire to do so, working with his father, Pasquale, as second- and third-generation overseers of Lerro Candy Co., 2434 S. Broad St. With his deceased dad on his mind each day, the businessman…
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On a brutally hot July morning a few years ago, a friend arrived at my door bearing a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. I had never tasted one, so I took a bite and immediately spit the offending piece into my napkin. This round pastry masquerading as a donut was so…
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I am sensing a lot of anger around the neighborhood. Many of you are fuming about that property tax increase the City graciously mailed out recently. Others have reached their boiling point with the…
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Although the category has not appeared on the ballot since 2008, Johnny Chang’s, 2601 S. Broad St., has remained at the top of the sushi chain, and owner Johnny Chang couldn’t be more ecstatic for his restaurant’s victory.
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For the second year in a row, readers picked Italiano’s Water Ice, 2551 S. 12th St., for well, having the best water ice in South Philly.
“It’s still surprising,” owner Nanci Italiano said. “It’s just amazing that people vote us for №1…
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Food and music undoubtedly sate some of the most sensual cravings. For Frank Borda, tending to such desires proves uniquely enjoyable, as he owns, performs at and serves as the executive chef for FrancoLuigi’s Pizzeria, 1549 S. 13th St. For its combination of quality…
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Having helped to helm operations during the entire 39-year history of Girard Academic Music Program, 2136 Ritner St., Dr. Jack Carr has bonded with thousands of colleagues and enrollees enamored with the flawless execution of notes. Their dedication in turn has…
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Over 113 editions, the Mummers Parade has helped performers and onlookers to part with the old and anticipate the new, and for its concentration on fun and fellowship, readers have dubbed it their top South Philadelphia tradition.
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While Termini Bros., 1523 S. Eighth St. and 1538 Packer Ave., won the cannoli title last year, the family is sharing it this time around, but Vincent Termini Sr. is still confident in his and his sons’ product.
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In this closing topic for the 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards, we asked our loyal readers to speak up and vote for the category not on this list. This was the chance to tell us what was missing from this year’s ballot. The funny thing is disk jockey recorded the…
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“What you see at DanceAdelphia is what comes out of DanceAdelphia,” co-owner Jason Douglas said of his site, 1100 Snyder Ave.
With 57 years in the community, the Lower Moyamensing location has become the city’s longest-running dance…
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Advice Ann Catania received at St. Agnes Hospital, formerly 1930 S. Broad St., has brought her much success across the street at Ten Pennies, 1921 S. Broad St., voted the go-to florist.
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With approximately 250 student-athletes across nine sports, Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., fosters focus on intense mental and physical preparation. Honor roll distinction for 22 of its 26 All-Catholic selections solidifies the former sort, and…
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The cheesesteak is king of the food chain in Philly. For the eighth-consecutive year, Geno’s Steaks, 1219 S. Ninth St., has taken the crown as South Philly’s best cheesesteak. In addition, it has earned top french fries this year.
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With nurturing instructors leading various classes daily, students feel at home at Wake Up Yoga, 1839 E. Passyunk Ave., voted best place to take a yoga class.
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If there were a category for restaurant with best parking, Popi’s Italian Restaurant, 3120 S. 20th St., would likely be a serious contender. Of course, the Packer Park eatery is better known as a place to enjoy a business luncheon/banquet. Popi’s has…
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While the Phillies are wielding wood in Florida, South Philly’s youngsters are longing for temperate days to match the Sunshine State’s slate of cozy afternoons. Once fairer weather finds them, the children, along with many uninhibited adults, will hit…
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Since its inaugural season in 2004, Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Park Way, has been home to more than 700 Phillies games and has been named South Philly’s best pro sports venue.
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Is Matthew Fox the new Jennifer Aniston? Because just as the “Friends” alum has struggled to hunt down worthwhile film roles, this “Lost” actor can’t nail the jump from small screen to big in the wake of his series’ finale.
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In this frustrated, championship-craving town, each Philly pro sports owner makes an effort to give fans a winning product, but voters didn’t hold the lack of recent Stanley Cup championships against Philadelphia Flyers’ chairman Ed Snider — better known as Mr…
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These plots at South Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad St., gladly soaked up Tuesday’s rain and will likely receive more dousings from April’s showers. The Lower Moyamensing site is hoping to create an arboretum, while George W. Nebinger School, 601…
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Residents voted him in office, and now have given 1st District Councilman Mark Squilla the nod for favorite politician.
Before taking office last year, the resident of Front Street and Snyder Avenue served as a committee person as well…
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Outsiders may consider South Philly one, big neighborhood, but in these parts those words may create a heated argument. In this neighborly competition, only one community could claim supremacy, and the Readers’ Choice Award goes to East Passyunk Avenue.
Leading off
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Canines and their owners frequent Marconi Plaza, 2700 Broad St., leading it to be deemed the best place to walk your dog.
“We know that there’s a lot of people that walk dogs in the park,” Rich Cedrone, president of Friends of Marconi…
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Cantina Los Caballitos, 1651 E. Passyunk Ave., took the gold this year for best ethnic restaurant (non-Italian), and it’s not because of its tequila color.
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PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Things that seem clear in the morning will become foggy by the afternoon. When things start to get confusing, take a step back and slow down. Lucky number:318.
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When looking for fresh, hot pizza in South Philly, look no further. With more than two dozen toppings plus many possible combinations, City Pizza’s two locations — 100 Snyder Ave. and 2700 S. 16th St. — have been awarded top destinations for pizza toppings.