THE BIG THAW
This epic winter kept me indoors for weeks at a stretch. It seemed like an eternity that the snow remained piled up and plans kept getting canceled. The whole city seemed to hibernate in a way I’ve rarely seen before. Now that spring is finally here, it feels less like a season and more like a reprieve. I hope this issue helps you connect with the eagerness to explore that can come after such a long winter. If you are anything like me, you’re dying to see people, try new spots, taste new things. And thankfully there’s plenty to go around!
You’ll find a feature that explores the rise of food halls across the region, where contributor Robin Shreeves found people gathering, happily, at every spot. That spirit of gathering runs through the issue. I wrote about Mighty Bread, where founder Chris DiPiazza has built something that functions as much as a neighborhood living room as it does a bakery in my corner of South Philly. Just a few blocks away baker extraordinaire Erika Burke opened Erby’s with a similarly expansive, community-minded vision.
And because spring means the farmers markets are waking up, we’ve got a recipe round-up built around the ingredients that show up briefly and beautifully this time of year, plus our seasonal farmers market guide.
As usual, it’s a good season to be a Philadelphia eater.
Joy Manning
Editor
SPRINGING INTO ACTION
I don’t know about you, but I am very eager to shed my winter coat and get outside more. From long, meandering trips to farmers markets both near and far, to day trips to bustling main streets across the region, I’m eager to explore all that Philadelphia has to offer in the spring. I’m ready to fill my market tote with lots of local produce and goodies and get to work on Sara Margaret May’s spring recipes!
In addition to all the great features Joy mentioned above, I am thrilled that Erik Piepenburg’s new book, Dining Out: First Dates, Defiant Nights, and Last Call Disco Fries at America’s Gay Restaurants is included in our roundup. Mark your calendars for April 23rd when Dining Out for Life Philadelphia returns and you can help support Action Wellness just by eating at your favorite restaurants, cafés and bars that day. Head to diningoutforlife.com for more details.
I also really love Joy’s feature on Mighty Bread in this issue. It’s one of my absolute favorite places in the city when I want to feel part of something bigger AND eat really well. In addition to the great breads, pastries and lunch options, I also love to discover a fun local product or new cookbook when I’m there (and you can always grab the latest copy of Edible Philly!)
I also want to remind everyone that shopping small and locally matters now more than ever– it keeps your dollars working in your community and directly benefits your neighbors, friends and family. Our advertising partners online and in print are a great place to start!
As the kids say, let’s get outside and touch grass!
Jen Honovic Herczeg,
Publisher
