Joanna Nollet of Caffe Chicco, 2532 S. Broad St., joined the winning crowd at Chickie’s and Pete’s PLAY2, 1526 Packer Ave., April 10 in celebration of earning a vote of approval from South Philly Review readers. The second annual, invitation-only affair included a buffet and awards ceremony.
By Joseph Myers
Though only 99 days remain until the Summer Olympic Games begin in London, U.S. Women’s National Team coach Pia Sundhage admitted she is not obsessing over devising plans for her soccer stars to defend their gold medal.
By Samantha Byles
When Popi’s Italian Restaurant opened its doors in 1993, it quickly established itself as a popular neighborhood spot. One loyal patron enjoyed the food so much that he asked then owner Nicholas Rucci, “Can we have a party here?”
By Lauren Hertzler
Walking into Penrose Diner , 2016 Penrose Ave., for the first time surely won’t be the last, for this family-favorite Packer Park diner has been voted, yet again, to surpass the rest.
By Bill Gelman
This year’s winners’ list wouldn’t be complete without at least one mention of Chickie’s & Pete’s, 1526 Packer Ave. This growing empire, with ESPN deeming the Packer Park location the Best Sports Bar in North America, has set the gold standard of what it takes to capture votes and hearts of the South Philly Review’s readership. This year, owner Pete Ciarrocchi and his staff locked up top honors for best french fries, happy hour and bar menu.
By Jess Fuerst
Barbara Capozzi’s résumé contains more volunteer work than paid work, and that’s the way she likes it. This may be why the Packer Park resident was voted this year’s Readers’ Choice winner for civic leader.
By Lauren Hertzler
The George C. Platt Memorial Bridge, which carries an average of 56,000 vehicles a day, is undergoing long-term lane closures into next week to prepare for “much needed repairs” on the 61-year-old structure, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
By Jess Fuerst
Stephen Garbesi, also known as DJ Breezy, was mixing beats in his 1130 W. Moyamensing Ave. studio, when founding partner and artist Brandon Tomasello, 19, began to sing. This was the first time, though they were lifelong friends, that Garbesi had heard him belt a tune.
The American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Ave., is hosting “Semlor And A Movie” 11a.m. Saturday. The event will feature a taste of the cream-filled buns, traditionally eaten on Tuesdays. Enjoy homemade semlor, coffee and a Scandanavian film to herald in Fat Tuesday.
By Joseph Myers
Despite its rich cultural and athletic identity, residents often claim that nothing truly exciting happens in South Philly. City planner Jennifer Barr aims to silence naysayers, and her hopes gained traction Feb. 1 with the release of the Lower South District plan.
Contrasting expressions claim “Rules are rules” and “Rules are meant to be broken.”
Mayor Michael Nutter, left, and Phillies PA announcer Dan Baker, left, joined Pete Ciarrocchi, owner of Chickie’s and Pete’s, 1526 Packer Ave., center, as ESPN honored his establishment as the No. 1 Sports Bar in North America. Eagles’ running back LeSean McCoy and Flyers’ alum Bob Kelly, among others, were in attendance.
»COMMUNITY PROFILE
Boundaries: Broad to 20th streets, Packer to Pattison avenues.
Origin of Name: “Packer” comes from the avenue and “Park” because, when the neighborhood was being developed in the late 1950s, much of the area was green and untouched.
Brief History: The area was swampy and undeveloped, but eventually Packer Avenue became the site of railroad tracks. Stores and a bank eventually opened at 15th and Packer.
Famous Residents: Lisa Peluso, former soap star who played Tony Manero’s little sister in “Saturday Night Fever;” award-winning documentary filmmaker Tina DeFeliciantonio; reputed mob boss Joey Merlino of Brinton Estates
Major Landmarks: American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Ave.; the 15-story Naval Hospital, which opened in 1935 and was imploded in 2001; Eagles’ practice facility The NovaCare Complex, Broad and Pattison; Packer Park Swim Club.
Architecture: Rowhomes and townhouses.
U.S. Congressional District: 1st, Bob Brady (D)
U.S. Senators: Bob Casey (D); Pat Toomey (R)
Pennsylvania Governor: Tom Corbett (R)
State Senate District 1st, Lawrence M. Farnese Jr. (D)
State House District: 185th, Maria Donatucci (D)
City Council District: 2nd, Council President Anna Verna (D)
Ward: 26th
Police District: 1st, Capt. Louis Campione
Civic Groups: Packer Park Civic Association; Stadium Complex Special Services District
Libraries: Donatucci, 1935 Shunk St., in Girard Estate.
Schools: Calvary Temple Christian Academy, 3301 S. 20th St.; Holy Spirit, 1845 Hartranft St.
Places of Worship: Calvary Temple of Philadelphia; Faith Independent Baptist Church, 3117 S. 22nd St.; Holy Spirit
Parks: FDR Park, Broad and Pattison
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