non-practicing intellectual covering food (and other things) for the philadelphia inquirer.https://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3muacsazqcc2kBefore Dominic Sessa played Anthony Bourdain in the A24 biopic “Tony,” he was just a Jersey Shore kid working at an Ocean City donut shop who used his paychecks to buy booze. He told me it was “paradise.” And also the perfect research. 🎁 from @inquirer.com https://share.inquirer.com/jpud7929 Aug 2026 16:37 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3muacsazqcc2khttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mu5x4zsax22bNEW: After two years, the beloved East Kensington bar Martha finally has a replacement. Mixteca — an agave bar from NYC — opens today at 2113 E. York St. The menu is full of playful interpretations of classic cocktails, like a Clover Club made with tequila and a tomatillo G&T. 🎁 from @inquirer.com https://share.inquirer.com/ToxkMu28 Aug 2026 18:03 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mu5x4zsax22bhttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mtwe7vybks2wBon Appétit has named 2 Philly spots as among the best new restaurants in the country. Sao and Honeysuckle are among just 19 restaurants featured on the magazine's unranked list, which includes places in NYC, SF, Chicago, and Sante Fe, among others. https://share.inquirer.com/JWDtDV25 Aug 2026 17:36 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtwe7vybks2whttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mttx54ojr22lthe hot dog is the sandwich of the summer … and the fall … and pretty much all year. Here are the 20 best hot dogs in Philly, according to me and @inquirer.com. And yes, there’s something for everyone — including a Reuben piled atop a glizzy and a mapo tofu chili dawg. 🎁 link: https://share.inquirer.com/kY7zlC24 Aug 2026 18:37 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mttx54ojr22lhttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mslc73ov7s26Phillies fans are bringing raw seafood to home games — and they’d do it again! For @inquirer.com, I interviewed a man who smuggled 60 oysters inside CBP, and another who asked the section 126 Chickie’s & Pete’s stand to steam a bag of mussels. (They did not.) https://share.inquirer.com/HCZqZC08 Aug 2026 14:35 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mslc73ov7s26https://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3msdvseomdc2t👀 COMING SOON: Bar Cicci — Ellen Yin’s 6th Philly restaurant — will open in mid-August at 1620 Sansom Street. It’s an all-day Italian cafe with traditional pastries in the AM, followed by sandwiches, small plates, and spritzes in the PM. The vibe is very 1970s Milan, with lots of fresh baked bread. https://share.inquirer.com/MLeVTj05 Aug 2026 16:05 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3msdvseomdc2thttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mr6udasmi22bPhilly isn’t applying to be the next James Beard Award host. Are we missing out? The Oscars of food are looking to replace Chicago as their host from 2029 to 2033. PHLCVB — the org that brought the Michelin Guide to Philly — “fully aligned with its mandate.” Others think that’s a big mistake. https://share.inquirer.com/KqJbUV21 Jul 2026 22:30 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mr6udasmi22bhttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mr5xcioyxs25It will take AT LEAST 6 months for iconic Philly bar Tattooed Moms to host events with music again — karaoke and drag shows included. Why? The bar must apply for new zoning since South Street's doesn't automatically allow for entertainment anymore. 🎁 from @inquirer.com https://share.inquirer.com/ZDw3UE21 Jul 2026 13:51 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mr5xcioyxs25https://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mr3dvkt5nc2gPhilly has a Chinese Cuban sandwich shop now and it’s every bit as good as it sounds. Chibanos opened on July 1 at 1127 Pine Street. It’s an ode to owner Evan Jaroff’s mom, a Chinese immigrant raised in Cuba, and the way she cooks — with a lot of sazón, soy sauce, and heart. 🎁 link https://share.inquirer.com/Obo8LD20 Jul 2026 12:58 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mr3dvkt5nc2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mqp5n3dl2s23Where should you eat on the Jersey Shore? I helped @inquirer.com food critic Craig Laban turn his 27 favorites — new and old — into a map that you can search based on cuisine, county, and $$$. It covers LBI down to the tip of Cape May. 🎁 link: https://share.inquirer.com/CWmtL815 Jul 2026 16:34 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqp5n3dl2s23https://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mqk7mm56sc26Yet another ice cream shop has opened in Fishtown — only this one has gluten free cones, popsicles for dogs, and 24 (mostly classic) flavors. This is Stella’s, an Idaho-based chain who opened its first east coast location at 1832 N. Front St. at the end of June. https://share.inquirer.com/XodPB013 Jul 2026 17:26 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqk7mm56sc26https://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mpoksffj3k2k🚨EXCLUSIVE: Stephen Starr has settled with the NLRB over union-busting allegations at St. Anselm, nearly 16 months after the restaurant voted the unionize. Starr still hasn’t recognized the union, and workers at the ritzy DC steakhouse are calling the whole thing meaningless. https://share.inquirer.com/W4ZQeQ02 Jul 2026 17:32 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpoksffj3k2khttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mpllfzewvk2aOUT: soft serve margaritas IN: water ice martinis Here’s how Saloon’s signature drink went from a house secret to inspiring dupes down the shore and elsewhere in South Philly, courtesy @inquirer.com https://share.inquirer.com/u8H2Wo01 Jul 2026 13:05 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpllfzewvk2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mp7qrtmcsk2wFountain Porter’s iconic $6 burger is now its iconic $7 burger. For @inquirer.com, I asked the bar’s owner why he upped the price — and, yes, the answer is exactly what you think it is. 🎁 Full story: https://share.inquirer.com/MRGdSw26 Jun 2026 20:09 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp7qrtmcsk2whttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3moxfitsspk2v🍷 A new NA Philly cocktail tastes like a spritz with notes of florals and Diet Coke. It’s also entirely bottled by hand. Made in Kensington, a batch of Cult of Trees takes 3 days to produce between distilling, carbonating, and bottling. Its analog vibe is a big hit at bars. https://share.inquirer.com/gq5qo823 Jun 2026 12:26 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3moxfitsspk2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3moih2cchxs2qRoxanne — the acclaimed Philly restaurant that operated for 3 years without a license or health inspection— is reopening TONIGHT! It’s a BYOB now with lunch but no lunch hours yet 🤷🏼‍♀️, and received its first ever license to operate on June 11. 🎁 link from @inquirer.com https://share.inquirer.com/K1yqJ617 Jun 2026 13:44 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3moih2cchxs2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mofzcz6pgk2i🎉 ICYMI: Last night was huge for Philly's food scene, which took home 2 wins at the prestigious James Beard Awards. Kalaya won Outstanding Restaurant, and Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya won Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic after 9 nominations (!!!). Full recap with NO PAYWALL, courtesy @inquirer.com https://share.inquirer.com/Lv444216 Jun 2026 14:33 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mofzcz6pgk2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3modpn5riec2iThe James Beard awards are tonight, and Philly has 7 finalists — including Fiore's Justine MacNeil, a first-time nominee for Outstanding Pastry Chef. MacNeil's devotion to Italian dessert deep cuts is intense, her pastries earning a rep for being the best you can find outside of Italy. https://www.inquirer.com/food/fiore-kensington-james-beard-nomination-justine-macneil-20260615.html15 Jun 2026 16:34 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3modpn5riec2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mnzmxxxtds2aYes, @inquirer.com is STILL counting down the 76 most iconic Philly foods. #1 - #10 drop tomorrow, but you can catch up on the rest today, which may or may not include dollar dogs and surfsides. we keep it classy, duh. 🎁 link (no paywall!) ⬇️ https://share.inquirer.com/o54Oo911 Jun 2026 16:20 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnzmxxxtds2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mnxxrxkzh226🚨 BREAKING: Only 17 Philly bars were approved to stay open until 4 a.m. for the World Cup starting tomorrow, according to PLCB records. Just 65 establishment applied. More than half of those applications are still sitting in review. Story for @inquirer.com ⬇️ https://www.inquirer.com/food/bars/world-cup-bars-philly-4-am-permit-delays-20260610.html11 Jun 2026 00:28 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnxxrxkzh226https://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mnuznji5vc2eNEW from @inquirer.com: Here's your definitive guide to where to watch the World Cup in Philly, from bars open until 4 a.m. to rooftops, beer gardens, and even a bowling alley. 🎁 link (so no paywall, friends!) https://share.inquirer.com/fRnsMv09 Jun 2026 20:23 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnuznji5vc2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mnufzome3k2cBig day for Philadelphians with very strong food opinions: @inquirer.com is spending the week counting down Philly's most iconic foods. #76 - #55 dropped today, and there are some deep cuts, oldies, and perhaps, a very controversial picks. 🎁 to the list: https://share.inquirer.com/o54Oo909 Jun 2026 14:32 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnufzome3k2chttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mnrt5uurt22iSome fun Philly food trivia: Did you know that Dr. Zeke Emanuel (yes, of ACA fame) is an award-winning chocolatier? Did you also know that he added a new course that's comprised only of chocolate bars to Vedge's vegan tasting menu? A sweet story about how to take your hobbies to the moon ⬇️ https://share.inquirer.com/t8E8ps08 Jun 2026 13:49 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnrt5uurt22ihttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mnab5uaqck2fThis cheesesteak shop in South Korea was struggling until its owner took a trip home to Philly, studied under the masters at Angelo's and Del Rossi's, and started making its own hoagies rolls. Meet Wiir Philadelphia, a cheesesteak underdog that Philadelphians abroad are calling the "real thing." https://share.inquirer.com/9fun4U01 Jun 2026 14:12 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnab5uaqck2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mmzkv5ftgk27the wine school of philadelphia is allowed to call itself … the philly wine school, a judge ruled in a preliminary injunction decision wednesday. full story with @abgutman.bsky.social in @inquirer.com ⬇️ https://share.inquirer.com/AUIstH29 May 2026 22:17 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mmzkv5ftgk27https://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mmhleu5vgc2z👀 Roxanne is taking reservations for mid-June on Resy. The Michelin-recommended Philly restaurant was shut down by the city in April after operating without a food license for several years across two locations. Does this mean they're reopening? 🎁 from @inquirer.com https://share.inquirer.com/KE3uee22 May 2026 18:38 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mmhleu5vgc2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mmcu6jdw5k2ti toured the newly renovated Stateside Live!, which cost $20 million and includes an outdoor concert venue, a beer garden, and a rooftop bar with views of .... parking lots. full preview (with a ton of photos!) in @inquirer.com ⬇️ https://share.inquirer.com/eeH5dG20 May 2026 21:32 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mmcu6jdw5k2thttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mmalh3h6xk2t11 weeks ago, a gas explosion blasted through a beloved Philly bagel shop. On the day of its reopening 10 weeks later, owner Rayyan Kayyali found himself in the same position. Another explosion. Now after visits from engineers & investigators, Kayyali is still confused — and resolved to reopen. https://share.inquirer.com/uPbUkB19 May 2026 23:51 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mmalh3h6xk2thttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3mlybiiwpcs2zEllen Yin's 5th Philly restaurant — an aperitivo bar — is set to open in June. But how does she spend a perfect day in the city? By riding around on an Indigo bike, shopping for Japanese stationery, and taking in lots of history. For her dream Philly itinerary, courtesy @inquirer.com ⬇️ https://share.inquirer.com/d9IAdv16 May 2026 16:31 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlybiiwpcs2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/beaforman.bsky.social/post/3ml7jgfvjgc2kNYC restaurants are rebranding their Philly cheesesteaks to support the Knicks during the Eastern Conference semifinals. Two words: Cope harder. And wtf is a Big Apple Cheesesteak? My latest screed for @inquirer.com ⬇️ https://www.inquirer.com/food/big-apple-cheesesteak-new-york-knicks-sixers-rivalry-20260506.html06 May 2026 20:17 +0000at://did:plc:m6bbvbbkigjfyu5deer2tfou/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml7jgfvjgc2k