Grab a spoon: from twirling linguine to spooning water ice, here are Philly’s best seasonal bites.
“The whole menu at Palizzi was created out of things I grew up with and my neighborhood gave me as a cook,” says Joey Baldino. At his century-old members-only social club in East Passyunk, water ice pops up as a summer special. Made in the basement ice chipper, Baldino’s version comes in flavors like almond, watermelon, cherry, chocolate, coconut and— his favorite—lemon. 1408 S. 12th St., palizzisocial.com
It feels like warm weather causes a spike in crab consumption, and at Fishtown’s aether, the sweet flecks of Jonah crabmeat tangling with housemade linguine, Parmesan-clam sauce, maitake mushrooms, red pepper, and lemon zest will more than satisfy. Says owner Fia Berisha, “It’s the perfect light, airy and zesty flavor you’re looking for in the summer.” 1832 Frankford Ave., 267.875.1832, aetherfishtown.com
Adam Diltz is dedicated to exploring and elevating the traditions of Mid-Atlantic cooking at Elwood in Fishtown. Among them is funnel cake, which became well-known at the Kutztown Folk Festival. This edition follows the sugarless, pre-industrialization recipe with whipped egg white and baking powder. Each puffy coiled doughnut comes with from-scratch dips made with fruit from Diltz’s grandmother’s garden. 1007 Frankford Ave., 215.279.7427, elwoodrestaurant.com
Nowhere is the queen of the ice cream shop constructed with more care and artistry than this Old City favorite, where the Berley Brothers’ Dr. Dovey’s split features housemade vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice creams, crushed pineapple, saucy strawberries, chocolate syrup, hand-whipped cream, crushed almonds and elegant Bordeaux cherries on top. 116 Market St., 215.627.1899, franklinfountain.com
Freshly shucked oysters; rotating fish crudo; shrimp cocktail; butter-poached king crab; and mussel toast topped with confit onions, garlic aioli, and grated smoked scallop comprise the components of Chad Williams’ sterling seafood plateau. Sitting in the handsome bar with one of these royal towers is an ideal way to wait out a hot summer afternoon. 261 S. 21st St., 215.546.4232, fridaysaturdaysunday.com
Photography by: AETHER PHOTO BY NEAL SANTOS/COURTESY OF CASHMAN AND ASSOCIATES
