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Outsiders have long noted South Philly’s traditions, but residents know there’s much more that bubbles just below, hidden to the naked eye — those neighborhood secrets only a few know about.
For this year’s Fall Guide, we dug deep to find the jewels the community keeps in its most shrouded places and put a spotlight on them so they can shine for the masses. While turning these pages, you may come across a diamond in the rough, a popular place with an unexpected twist, or a new spot you never knew existed.
So look inside, and discover — or rediscover — what’s in South Philly’s treasure-trove.
Contents
And on this corner …
The New Alhambra has been a Philadelphia boxing hot spot for the last three years, but many still don’t know it exists.
By Bill Gelman
Green with … pride
Can’t afford a trip to Ireland? Then venture into a store offering goods inspired by — and imported from — the Emerald Isle.
By Fred Durso Jr.
Nothing to balk at
A Grays Ferry restaurant is the only one in the city to offer cuisine
from the faraway Balkan countries of eastern Europe.
By Lorraine Gennaro
Finding religion, and more
A Buddhist temple and humanitarian association provide Cambodians with spiritual and societal support.
By Fred Durso Jr.
Swedish smorgasbord
Ikea customers are not the only ones who have discovered
this mega-store’s fine fare at its bistro, restaurant and market.
By Lorraine Gennaro
Virtual reality
Take a tour of a Web site dedicated to the area.
Fred Durso Jr.
I sold it on eBay
Using the power of the Internet, a local caf� proves one person’s trash is another’s treasure.
By Fred Durso Jr.
Life’s a cabaret
Song, sass and gender-bending get thrown together at a local venue during once-a-month performances.
By Fred Durso Jr.
Drink to this
Queen Village’s The House of Tea sells more than 300 loose leaves from around the world.
By Lorraine Gennaro
Take me out to the Park
Besides being the home of the Phillies, year-round behind-the-scenes tours are available at Citizens Bank Park.
Bill Gelman
Columbus Day ’06
Photos by Meredith Edlow
