Tell your tummies to quit the growling, because it’s finally happening.
The Bourse Food Hall is having its official grand opening celebration on Nov. 15 and 16. The historic venue was founded in 1891 by George Bartol as the world’s first all-in-one stock exchange, maritime exchange, and grain-trading location. Now, with the help of MRP Realty in partnership with CANADev as well as a $40 million budget, the Bourse will serve as an artisanal food hall, focused on showcasing locally-owned eateries.
Philadelphia Mayor, Jim Kenney will be cutting the ribbon at 9am on Thursday. The first hundred guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner will receive “Taste of The Bourse” gift bags and other goodies. The day will finish out with an Old City Happy Hour from 5-7pm for Old City residents, business-owners and employees.
Then on Friday, visitors are welcome to the daylong The Bourse Bonanza. Entertainments will include hourly pop-up performances with guest appearances from Swoop and Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders, a mini Mummers parade with the Quaker City String Band, acrobats and stilt walkers, and historical re-enactors.
Visitors to the two-day celebration will also have a chance to win exciting prizes, such as Philadelphia Flyers and The Philadelphia 76ers tickets with drawings at 1pm and 6pm on Friday.
At the Bourse, you can “Eat Like an Egyptian” at the halal-prepared Ka’moonSo, dig into some Korean styled tacos at Takorea, chow down on a rib-eye cheesesteak at Marino Brothers Cheesesteaks, bite into handmade organic dumplings at Pinch Dumplings and throw back a few at TAPS Fill Station. So put on your bib, because PW scouted the upscale joint at the preview event on Nov. 13 and found these fooderies that will get that drool dribbling
1. Lalo
Bringing the flavor of the Philippines to The Bourse, Lalo is focused on Filipino lutong bahay (Filipino home cooking). With a rotating list of seasonal eats, Lalo has the standing signature Inihaw, a recipe created by one of the owners, Jillian Encarnacion’s grandfather who sold Filipino-style BBQ sandwiches and skewers from a cart across from Independence Mall for three decades. Lalo also serves San Miguel beer and an array of craft cocktails.
2. Barry’s Buns
All I can say is forget the Thanksgiving dinner and just put out the Barry Bun’s deconstructed pumpkin pie sticky buns! The all-natural, made-from-scratch bakery can even cater your Thanksgiving breakfast, brunch and dessert when you order from their holiday menu. This tantalizingly delicious bakery’s specialities include gourmet sticky buns, cinnamon rolls and liege waffles.
3. Baby Buns
Not to be confused with Barry’s Buns, Baby Buns is the creation of Top Chef’s Sylva Senat and Philly entrepreneur Uri Pierre-Noel. Get your grub on with American-style sliders that incorporate international flavors. Order the Pork Jawn, braised pork with sauerkraut and chipotle mayo on a bao bun for a bite you won’t regret.
4. Chaat and Chai
The award winning Indian restaurant Chaat and Chai has moved from its South Philly location to the Bourse. Excited to utilize a more equipped kitchen, Chef/Owner Anney Thomas is serving up Indian classics with a twist, like parotta rolls, grilled tikka sticks and chaats. As to the name of the eatery, there of course will be traditionally brewed chai.
5. Chocodiem
The fancy chocolate lover’s dream and possibly the home of Augustus Gloop with its chocolate fountain wall. Selling hand-crafted Belgian chocolates, Chocodiem was named one of the 10 best chocolatiers in North America by the Institute of Culinary Education. The chocolatier also offers French macaroons, truffles, chocolate gelato, frozen hot chocolate and more.
6. Prescription Chicken
No matter what’s got you down, Prescription Chicken has the soup remedy for you. Taking Chicken Soup for the Soul to a whole new level, get your doctor’s dose of good soup lovin’ with Matzah Ball Soup, Faux Pho and, depending on your night before, The Hangover soup.
7. Grubhouse
IHOP? All I know is Grubhouse. Newly converted, the South Philly staple is making its way to Old City with baconcakes (yep, a bacon pancake hybrid), hot chicken and waffles, and biscuits and gravy. If you “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with food, try The Elvis, which is a grilled sandwich with peanut butter, banana, and bacon. The all day breakfast joint will also serve Southern craft brews.
The Bourse Food Hall: Monday – Thursday: 7-10p, Friday – Saturday: 7am – 11pm, Sunday: 9am – 6pm. The Bourse Food Hall, 111 S Independence Mall E. theboursephilly.com
TWITTER: @ANDREAJCANTOR
