151364231
There is nothing wrong with the golden oldies or the Golden Boys, for that matter. Judging by the final tallies in the South Philly celebrity category, Readers’ Choice voters feel the same way as they once again crowned Bobby Rydell, who has claimed multiple victories in this rotating ballot item, the winner.
The singer, coming off two weekend performances with old friends Frankie Avalon and Fabian, thanked all of his fans for the support. Rydell may reside outside of the city limits these days, but he hasn’t lost that passionate love for the place he still considers home.
“You can take the boy out of South Philly, but you can never take the South Philly out of the boy,” the former Lower Moyamensing resident said.
The famous crooner who earned his star on the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame in 1987 is still known to frequent his favorite neighborhood restaurants every Wednesday. When he recently had a fellow performer fly in all the way from Australia, Rydell made sure South Philly part of the cultural experience.
“I took them to one of my favorite places, and that was Pat’s Steaks,” Rydell said. “I’ve always been a Pat Steaks guy.”
While his songs may longer be considered top-40 hits like “We’ve Got Love” was in 1959 (No. 6 on the Billboard chart), he remains a local icon who even has the 2400 block of South 11th St. named after him (Mario Lanza is the only other person who received votes in this category to share the distinction). No matter where he is performing, the people of South Philadelphia will remain on his mind.
“[The people of South Philly] never make you forget where you came from, which I love and adore,” he said.
Jerry “The Geator” Blavat danced to a second-place beat while Avalon remained golden in third.
Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.
2014 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Steak ‘Em Up French fries
Philip’s Steaks and Geno’s Steaks (tie) Cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies Hoagie
Lil Nick’s Deli Specialty sandwich
City Pizza Pizza crust
Green Eggs Cafe Brunch menu
Penrose Diner Omelet selection/Diner
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant Date night/BYOB
Ristorante Pesto Italian restaurant
Johnny Chang’s Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Breezy’s Café New restaurant (January 2013 to present)
Stogie Joe’s Tavern Bar menu
Nick Elmi Top chef
Sweet Tooth
Isgro Pastries Cannoli/Bakery
Pop’s Water Ice Gelati
Potito’s Cupcakes
Termini Bros Cookies
People
Jason Douglas DJ
The Business Local band
Bobby Rydell South Philly celebrity
Dana Smith Elementary school teacher
Vikings Mummers Brigade
Carl Arrigale High school coach
Neumann-Goretti High school team
Bryan Hughes Youth/recreation league coach
Nick Foles Philly pro athlete
Places
DiBruno Bros. Italian specialty store
Galdo’s Catering Hall
Ten Pennies Florist
Monti Rago Funeral Home, Inc., Funeral home
Packer Park Neighborhood
Epiphany of Our Lord Church Church
Lombardi’s Prime Meats Butcher shop
TLA Music venue
On the Move
Planet Fitness Gym/health club
DanceAdelphia Ballet program
Barry Playground Community pool
Fitness Works Place to take a Pilates class
And Let’s Not Forget
Bartender Category not on this list
151364231
151364241
