Taste testing East Passyunk

Sample treats from 25 restaurants at Flavors of the Avenue.
Credit: East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District

Now that spring is supposedly upon us (please stay, nice weather), it’s time to come out of hibernation, shed a few layers, and awaken your palette. On April 27, the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District will host its annual food extravaganza, Flavors of the Avenue. Perfect timing, considering the Avenue was just named one of Food and Wine magazine’s 10 Best Foodie Streets.

Flavors is your chance to taste test the neighborhood, with 25 local eateries offering up samples. For those who think they’ve already tried all that East Passyunk has to offer, we have three words: new spring menus.

Birra
Don’t be fooled, this corner spot does way more than irresistible gourmet pizza. Kick off your tour with hearty braised short rib ravioli. There’s some dangerous depth of flavor here, so don’t get too lost. You’ll want to save room for the very rich bread pudding, which is worth every delicious calorie.

Mamma Maria’s Ristorante
No one should be surprised to learn that there’s above-average Italian food on East Passyunk. Add to that a homey feel and we’re sold. Keep your fingers crossed that Mamma Maria whips you up a plate of Fettuccine al la Mamma, with sun-dried tomato cream sauce and chicken. But if she’s in the mood to make something completely different, then that’s what she’ll do. And if she offers you some of her various homemade limoncello, don’t even think about skipping it. Trust Mamma.

Lucky 13
If you think that Flavors is just for getting to know the fancy joints, you’re wrong. Don’t miss out on the proud-to-be-divey gems like Lucky 13. The dim, yet welcoming, pub is just off the Avenue, and it’s a great place to duck into and catch your breath. Go all American with their dry-rubbed wings and wonderfully potent Kentucky Tea Cocktail.