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It’s been a banner year for Nick Elmi. The Massachusetts native’s ties to Philly started at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with a Philly-born roommate, but the City of Brotherly Love became his home when he started crashing on his brother’s couch about 13 years ago. This past year got huge when he and his Laurel BYOB , 1617 E. Passyunk Ave., started winning a string of awards: First by topping the OpenTable.com “Diner’s Choice” list, then the coveted Bravo cooking competition title of Top Chef, and now Readers’ Choice Award for top chef. Things are looking good for Elmi and his 22-chair eatery in East Passyunk Crossing.
When Lee Styer’s Fond, 1537 S. 11th St., relocated, Elmi and his crew saw potential in his old space.
“We saw the opportunity to do something really small and special,” he said. “I’m not doing anyone else’s food from now on. I’m doing my food.”
The chef seems to have always had his eye on simple goals: Outstanding food and making customers happy.
“We’re here to do one thing and that’s make people happy,” he said.
Unfortunately, with only 44 diners per night, hopeful guests are looking at a nearly three-month wait.
“We apologize that we can’t accommodate everyone right now,” he concedes, but also stresses that there aren’t necessarily riches to be reaped from his small dining room. “We didn’t open a 22-seat BYOB in South Philly to make money and get rich.”
The chef’s takes on seafood, combining elegant ingredients and delicately layering flavors has earned him star chef status in South Philly, and while he’s elated to have brought home a fat check from Bravo, he seems humbly focused on food.
“We just want to get better,” he assures.
Scannicchio’s Christian Varralli and Noir’s Marco DeCotiis earned second- and third-place in the poll respectively.
Contact Staff Writer Bill Chenevert at bchenevert@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
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
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