Philadelphia is a city full of culture and food, and the latter will be celebrated in the a new and unique awards show—The Tasties.
This one-of-a-kind event was created by Chef Eli Kulp and the Delicious City Philly Podcast (aka radio producer Marisa Magnatta and food influencer Dave Wez, @FeedingTimeTV), in partnership with OpenTable. The inaugural iteration is set for Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 at Live! Casino — but tickets just went on sale for the event, which is expected to sell out.
The goal of The Tasties, according to a release, is to honor the culinary talent and hospitality that’s put Philly directly in the epicenter of the nation’s restaurant scene. The city’s “best and brightest” culinary stars and industry professionals will walk the Red Carpet beginning at 4 p.m., and the awards ceremony will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a celebratory party for all those in attendance.
The awards show will cap at 250 people, and there are a few different options to choose from. For those looking to attend the show and the party, tickets are priced at $175. Attendees opting for just the post-ceremony soirée can nab spots for $95. The after-party will feature food and drinks from Philadelphia chefs, restaurateurs, makers, brewers, and distillers. Plus, there will be different rooms (each dressed with a unique theme and features) along with DJs and surprise musical guests.
Interested parties can also take advantage of an early-bird ticket discount available through Friday, Nov. 1, for the first 50 tickets purchased.
Proceeds from the festivities will benefit MANNA, a local nonprofit that has been servicing the Greater Philadelphia region since 1990, following the impact of the AIDS pandemic. The meal-delivery organization is known as a leader in evidence-based nutrition services, and they also offer hands-on cooking classes and nutrition counseling.
The Tasties will ultimately feature 15 different categories: Think Chef of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, Breakout Chef, Best Cocktail Program, Best Neighborhood Spot, and more.
As the release notes, categories and nominees will be announced throughout October and November through the Delicious City Podcast, their social media, and via a selection of local, popular food and lifestyle content creators. The winners of these categories will be selected anonymously from a collection of the top food and drink reporters in the region and a third-party law firm will be responsible for tallying the votes and writing out and sealing the envelopes to ensure integrity.
Locals can get involved themselves before the event. In December, there will be the “People’s Choice Award” categories voted on by the fans, such as Best Porter/Dishwasher, Best Late Night Joint, Best Popup, and others.
“We couldn’t be more excited to see The Tasties come to life,” said Kulp in a statement. “This event is truly a dream come true, and having the incredible support of OpenTable behind us makes it all the more thrilling. Their partnership is a game-changer, ensuring that The Tasties will be the party of the year for Philadelphia’s restaurant industry and its devoted fans. We’re ready to celebrate the city’s vibrant culinary scene in a way it deserves, and with OpenTable’s backing, this will be an unforgettable night for everyone involved.”
To find out more information and to purchase tickets to The Tasties, visit deliciouscitypodcast.com
