When you decide to take a break from the crafts and entertainment at Crafty Balboa tomorrow, you’ll have your pick of gourmet food under the tent at the popular Flavors of the Avenue festival from noon to 4 p.m. It’s not your average festival food: just imagine a small mound of black truffles sinking into a bowl of risotto, dotted with crunchy celeriac—buttery, slightly nutty, delicious. This is just one of the dishes dreamed up by Modernist chef Chris Kearse of Will BYOB, one of 25 all-star chefs participating in the event.
“Flavors of the Avenue showcases the diverse culinary talent and cuisine on East Passyunk,” said Renee Gilinger, director of the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District. “From Mamma Maria’s traditional gnocchi to Bing Bing’s modern dim sum.”
Bing Bing, which serves Chinese plates with a Jewish twist, will be one of the newcomers premiering at the event, and will be joined by the popular P’unk Burger and exciting newer venues like the Southern Italian Brigantessa, Townsend’s French fare and Palladino’s Italian steakhouse.
In addition to these up-and-comers, Flavors will host locally-sourced restaurants like Birra, Laurel and Stateside.
Flavors of the Avenue was started nine years ago by local chefs, including Paradiso’s owner Lynn Rinaldi, who wanted to bring attention to the emerging dining scene in the neighborhood. The event has grown into an annual staple. This year, rain or shine, under the big top tent between Tasker and Morris Streets, visitors will be able to sample signature dishes and drinks from over two dozen restaurants.
Grid staff attended a preview for the event. Check out the calibre of food you can expect to find at the 2015 Flavors of the Avenue:
