Notes from the Fishtown ShadFest
The line for Johnny Brenda's ramped-up shad sandwich extended well along the Delaware River at Saturday's Fishtown Shadfest in Penn Treaty Park.
We think it's because they had such an impressive smoker, the best greens in Fishtown (Greensgrow), and a seasonally-sharp ramp remoulade. And the line for said sandwich? We were not kidding about it. Our camera couldn't quite fathom the entire length of it.
If you weren't here for a fishy lunch, you were here for the music. WXPN was there to oversee the sounds, which traveled all across the park and could be heard from blocks away. It was a mini Woodstock and we even saw some listeners camping out in a tent, clearly not going anywhere until the last musician had cleared the stage. There was such a mix of faces in the crowd, from old to young, from familiar to those who live outside of Fishtown and were curious about the fest.
There was so many people out soaking up the early sunshine. Although it grew cloudy later, we're guessing everyone got their fair share of balmy festival weather. How many rode their bikes in? The valet bike parking lot could vouch for a few.
All of this simply reinforces how much we love Fishtown and how it's really the people that turn up at community gatherings that remind you how strong a neighborhood it is. It's fishier than ever.
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Related:
What’s up with…Penns Landing
Penns Landing lies east of Old City and Society Hill, directly off of the Delaware River. The riverfront is lined with hotels, the Independence Seaport Museum, the River Rink, Dave & Busters, and the Festival Pier, among other attractions. It's only steps away from Old City and South Street. The Independence Historic Area has much to see if you are a history buff, and there are great views of the Delaware River. Columbus Boulevard is the main thoroughfare here.
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What’s up with…Fishtown
Fishtown is a northern residential neighborhood next to the Delaware River. The river ward has changed dramatically in recent years with its proximity to Northern Liberties and has drawn many students and artists to its small, triangular territory of rowhomes. The Market-Frankford line borders the neighborhoood on one side, with the river bounding it on the other side. Penn Treaty Park is one of the largest community spaces here. Johnny Brendas is a popular bar and music venue that is notable throughout the country. Girard Avenue has experienced strong growth in local businesses and dining establishments. On the other side of the neighborhood, the Frankford Arts Corridor is home to many galleries and small businesses.
The neighborhood is made up of rowhomes and small, tight-knit streets where residents come together for block parties and chat with one another from their stoops. You will find artists biking along the avenues or bands meeting up for coffee at a nearby cafe. The First Friday crowd from Old City now stops in Fishtown to check out the galleries and artwork displayed here. 2424 Studios on York Street combines offices, gallery space, and venues to give the community a creative hub.
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If It Were Springtime in February
Let's pretend for a second that it's not Blizzardelphia outside. Where would I be? Living in Philadelphia for so long, in many different neighborhoods, I definitely have my favorite places that I don't make it to as often as I'd like. It may be the weather, the distance, or the time that keeps me away from my preferred haunts. Today? Let's blame the weather.
Spruce Street Espresso in Washington Square West is the coffeeshop that taught me about specialty roasters. It was here that I first tasted Counter Culture coffee and learned that you need never add sugar to a cappuccino if it is steamed correctly. The microfoam in their drinks was like nothing I had found before. They coaxed the sugar out of the milk and turned it into a luxurious drink. Though tiny, the shop expands when Faith Ortiz, speediest barista I know, throws open the window shutters and turns the sidewalk into an outdoor cafe that you'd find in Europe.
Spruce Street Espresso
1101 Spruce Street
http://sprucestespresso.wordpress.com/
Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown is another warm weather pastime of mine. When I was young, the park was in need of some sprucing up and wasn't always known as the safest place. Now, it's clean with brilliant sunsets over the Delaware River and summertime music festivals and events. There is something so romantic about this little riverside retreat.
Penn Treaty Park
N. Delaware Avenue at E. Columbia Ave. and Beach Street
http://www.penntreatypark.org/
I know how some of you get intensely happy on Capogiro, and I'm no stranger to the Capo come spring, but my real spot is Yogorino. The less-crowded softserve yogurt shop swirls out a tart flavor that tastes incredible alone, but I like to add the pistachio dessert sauce. There's no better snack in Rittenhouse Square.
Yogorino
233 S 20th Street
Walking to University City from my old neighborhood in the Art Museum was always a nice way to spend a late afternoon, when the sun was beginning to weaken. Crossing the bridge to go see or a movie at the Bridge Cinema or to have dinner at Distrito was just a quick trip. On the way back, I would take the bike trail along the Schuylkill River. The views are some of the best you can find in Philadelphia and really capture the city.
Another place I'd set out for, in finer conditions, is Pub & Kitchen in Graduate Hospital. The first time I went there I was with a food critic, the second time I was on a writing assignment, and still, I can never find anything bad to say about the place. It is exactly the kind of place that Graduate Hospital was crying out for, with a gorgeous bar and dining room, a rustic pub menu, and a crowd of well-dressed locals who are knocking back a post-work pint. The Pabbit (pig-rabbit hybrid) logo agrees. A nice, leisurely stroll on a spring evening from Center City will get you here.
Pub and Kitchen
1946 Lombard Street
http://thepubandkitchen.com/
[photo credit: Spruce Street Espresso]