Fabulous Philly Friends

Greatest Hits World Food Tour: El Chingon

Wed, May 6 · 6:30 PM EDT

El Chingon Philly, 1524 S 10th Street,, Philadelphia, PA, US

Get ready to spice things up, Fabulous Philly Friends! For our next culinary exploration, we’re heading to South Philly to visit El Chingon. This isn’t your average taco joint; it’s an incredible cemiteria that has been taking the Philly food scene by storm. Known for their handmade sourdough cemita rolls and authentic poblano flavors, it’s the perfect spot for our group to enjoy a high-quality, soulful meal in a vibrant neighborhood setting.

Why You Should Join?
Chef Juan Carlos Romero has created something truly special here. El Chingon focuses on the rich traditions of Puebla, Mexico, with a modern, artisanal touch. From the tender carnitas and juicy brisket to their vibrant ceviches and unique sourdough breads, every bite is a testament to the "zest for life" we celebrate in this group. It’s a warm, bustling atmosphere that perfectly aligns with our vision of building genuine connections over world-class food.

What's The Plan?
We’ll be gathering at El Chingon to dive into their menu of signature cemitas, tacos, and shared plates. The vibe is lively and authentic, providing a fantastic backdrop for stimulating conversation. You can check out their mouth-watering menu here: https://www.elchingonphilly.com/

The Deets:

• BYOB: This is a BYOB-friendly spot! Bring along your favorite Mexican lagers, a crisp white wine, or even some tequila to pair with their fresh mixers.
• Cost: We’ll order some shared appetizers (the guacamole and ceviche are must-tries!) and then everyone can choose their own main. Please anticipate the total cost to be approximately $35–$45 per person (including tax and a 20% tip). To make things easier for everyone, please bring cash for the bill.
• Allergies: If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please let me know when you RSVP so I can alert the staff.
• Important: I will send a confirmation message a day or two before the event to finalize the headcount. If your plans change, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" so someone on the waitlist can grab a seat!
• Parking: El Chingon is located at 1524 S. 10th Street. This is a residential area of South Philly, so street parking can be a bit of a hunt. I highly recommend carpooling with a fellow member or using a ride-share service.

Can't wait to see you all there for an unforgettable Mexican feast!

The Ultimate Pizza Pilgrimage 2.0

Sat, May 9 · 1:00 PM EDT

Location not specified yet

Calling all dough devotees and crust connoisseurs! It’s time for a Fabulous Philly Friends three-stop, 1.2-mile urban hike through some of the most highly rated pizza spots in the world. We’re doing this "Reverse Style"—starting at a peaceful park in Port Richmond and ending with drinks and a final feast at The Garage in Fishtown.

A Note on RSVPs: > To ensure we have the best experience possible, completion of the menu form is required, and a final confirmation is needed 48 hours before the event. A lot of heart and logistical planning goes into curating these gatherings! Last-minute cancellations often require a total "reset" of our arrangements, so please be mindful of your commitment to the group. We can't wait to see you there!

https://tinyurl.com/pizzawalk2

The Game Plan

• 1:00 PM | Meetup & Basecamp: We are meeting at Powers Park (Almond St & E Ann St). This is our "Outdoor Dining Room." There is plenty of easy, safe street parking around the park.
• 1:15 PM | The First Round: Our "Scout Team" will grab pies with the iconic Detroit-style thick crusts from Circles + Squares (also enjoyed at the park).
• 1:45 PM | The "Stimulating Conversation" Stroll: We’ll begin our 0.9-mile walk south toward the heart of Fishtown. This is a safe, scenic 15–20 minute walk—perfect for catching up!
• 2:00 PM | The Palmer Park Picnic: We’ll arrive at Palmer Park (Frankford & Palmer). While the group relaxes, the Scouts will grab the world-famous Pizzeria Beddia pies (1 block away). We’ll enjoy these "World’s Best" slices right there in the park.
• 2:30 PM | The Garage Grand Finale: We’ll walk the final 2 blocks to The Garage Fishtown (1001 N Frankford Ave). Grab a table and a drink!
• 2:45 PM | The Victory Lap: Once we’re settled at the bar, we’ll grab the final slices from Pizza Shackamaxon (right next door!) to pair with our beers and celebrate a successful 1.2-mile journey.

The Deets:

• Cost: We’ll be ordering "Family Style" to share everything. Please bring $25–$35 in CASH to cover your share of the pies, tax, and tip. It makes the "Pizza Kitty" much easier to manage!
• Two Parks, One Bar: We get the best of both worlds! Fresh air for the first three stops and a comfortable bar with Skee-Ball and drinks for the finish.
• Scout Team: I’ll be looking for 3-4 volunteers to help me "shuttle" pies from the shops to the parks so the rest of the friends can keep the conversation going!
• Seating: Powers Park has benches, but with a big group of us, feel free to bring a lightweight folding chair or a picnic blanket.
• Drinks: The Garage is a bar (21+ only), so bring your ID! They have a massive selection of beers and sodas to pair with our final slices.
• The Return Trip: The walk back to our cars at Powers Park is about 22 minutes. For those who don't want to walk back, we can easily split a 5-minute Uber at the end of the event (approx. $2–$3 per person).
• The Weather: In the event of heavy rain, this will be rescheduled. If it drizzles, we’ll pivot our park time and head to The Garage a little earlier.

Why You Should Join Us:
We are hitting Pizzeria Beddia (voted one of the best in the world) and the "no-frills" perfection of Shackamaxon, plus the neighborhood gems that are currently taking the city by storm. It’s 1.2 miles of walking, 4 different styles of pizza, and 100% fabulous vibes.

This is officially the most well-planned pizza tour in Philly history. Who’s in?

Greatest Hits World Food Tour: Sophie's Kitchen

Fri, May 15 · 6:30 PM EDT

Sophie’s Kitchen, 522 Washington Ave, Philadelphia, PA, US

Get ready for a flavor-packed journey to the heart of Southeast Asia right here in South Philly! Our next culinary adventure takes us to Sophie’s Kitchen, a beloved family-owned gem serving up some of the most authentic and soulful Cambodian (Khmer) cuisine in the city. Tucked away on Washington Avenue, this spot is a true "hidden gem" that transports you straight to Phnom Penh with its vibrant, plant-filled dining room and incredibly aromatic dishes.

Why You Should Join Us:
Sophie’s Kitchen is all about Cambodian comfort food made with love. The atmosphere is cozy, trendy, and welcoming—perfect for the kind of stimulating conversations our group thrives on. From their signature Praw Hok Kteah (a savory dip served with fresh crudités) to their spicy lemongrass-infused curries and crispy Fried Frog Legs, the menu is a masterclass in bold, unique flavors. It’s the perfect opportunity to expand your palate while connecting with fellow professionals who appreciate a truly special dining experience.

What's The Plan?
We’ll be gathering at Sophie’s Kitchen to dive into their diverse menu of Khmer specialties. In true Fabulous Philly Friends fashion, we’ll aim to share a variety of appetizers to experience the full range of flavors before moving on to our individual entrees. You can take a peek at their mouth-watering offerings here: Sophie's Kitchen Menu

The Deets:

• BYOB: Feel free to bring your favorite wine or a crisp lager to complement the spicy, tangy, and savory notes of Cambodian cooking!
• Cost: Please anticipate the total cost to be approximately $30–$40 per person (including tax and a 20% tip). To keep things simple when the bill arrives, please bring cash.
• Allergies: Cambodian cuisine often uses peanuts and shellfish. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let me know as soon as you RSVP so I can inform the kitchen.
• Important: I will send a confirmation message a day or two before the event to finalize our headcount. If your plans change, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" promptly so someone from the waitlist can join us.
• Parking: Sophie’s Kitchen is located at 522 Washington Ave. Street parking is available along Washington Avenue and the surrounding side streets, but as always in South Philly, give yourself a little extra time or consider a ride-share!

I can’t wait to share this incredible Cambodian feast with all of you!

Philly Wine Fest! Spring Edition with Küf Knotz & Christine Elise at the Zoo

Sat, May 16 · 1:00 PM EDT

Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA, US

YOU MUST POST IN THE COMMENTS THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED YOUR TICKET TO GET MOVED OFF THE WAIT LIST. THIS WILL SELL OUT.

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience where wine meets wildlife! We are heading to the Philly Wine Fest: Spring Edition at the Philadelphia Zoo for an afternoon of incredible sips and the soulful sounds of two of our favorites.

Details:
If you joined us at the Barnes Museum for Küf Knotz & Christine Elise, you know how magical their blend of hip-hop, soul, and classical harp is. They’ll be providing the live soundtrack for our wine-tasting journey at the Zoo’s Impala Lawn. We’ll sample curated varietals from local and regional wineries while exploring the zoo and soaking in the music.

Why You Should Join Us:
This is the ultimate spring "socialite" event. It combines high-end wine tastings with the unique chance to visit your favorite animals—all while building connections with our amazing community of professionals. Plus, since tickets include Zoo admission, we’re making a full day of it!

What's the Plan?
We’ll gather early at 1:00 PM to explore the Zoo exhibits together before the wine event begins. At 3:30 PM, those with Early Admission tickets will head to the Impala Lawn to start tasting an hour before the general crowd. You can find more event info here: https://www.phillywinefest.com/
The Deets:

• When: Saturday, May 16th, 2026.
• 1:00 PM: Meet at the Zoo entrance to explore.
• 3:30 PM: Early Admission Session 2 begins.
• Küf Knotz & Christine Elise start at 3:30 PM
• Cost: Tickets vary based on when you buy them and which tier you choose.
• Early Admission (3:30 PM - 6:30 PM): Approx. $74.34 (Includes extra tasting time).
• General Admission (4:30 PM - 6:30 PM): Approx. $50.26.
• Tickets: You must purchase your own ticket via Eventbrite. These will sell out! Do not wait to buy yours.
• Waitlist Policy: Everyone will start on the waitlist. To be moved to "Going," please post a comment on the event page once you have purchased your ticket.
• Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
• Parking: The Zoo has its own parking garage and lots (fees apply).

Why You Should Be There:

• See the incredible Küf Knotz & Christine Elise in a unique outdoor setting.
• Sample dozens of seasonal reds, whites, and rosés.
• Spend a beautiful spring day at the nation’s first zoo with genuine friends.

I can't wait to toast to spring and see the animals with all of you!