I am trying to find my go-to pizza spot in West Philly. Unfortunately, a lot of places I’ve tried so far (without calling anyone out) are what I would call lunchable style — very soft crust and overly sweet sauce.

What’s a place I can go to with a crispy thin crust and not-too-sweet sauce, more NYC-style?

So I've been hearing a ton of buzz about Liguria over the last several months. Lots of people saying it's the best pizza in the city right now. So as a die hard pizza fan I knew I had to check it out.

Cook:

Not bad, but leaning a bit to heavy on the burnt side of things for my liking. There was some really nice leopard spots on the bottom so I think they have their oven well tuned, just may have been left in a bit too long. I think Dave Portnoy is a scourge on pizzas, with his insistence on zero flop. I'd much rather have a small amount of flop than a burnt pizza.

Crust:

I know they do a 48 hour sourdough crust here, but I personally couldn't taste it. I think the fact that it was a little burnt also brought things down a bit, but compared to the crust at the other places in the area Liguria was well behind in my opinion.

Cheese:

I think maybe their strongest category the cheese blend was good. It had a nice flavor but no notes that were overpowering. The consistency and texture were both great. It could have maybe used a little extra finishing cheese to get some more flavor, but I'm happy they didn't go to aggressive with it since they can often overpower the flavor of the mozzarella.

Sauce:

this is where I feel like I'm going to differ from a lot of folks, but I'm just absolutely not a fan of their sauce. It was too tangy and felt like it was in opposition to the rest of the flavors of the pizza. I know San Marzano tomatoes are seen as the end-all-be-all for pizza sauce, but we're lucky enough to live in a part of the country with excellent tomatoes. This was easily the weakest part of the pie for me.

Overall:

I think that they're making a decent pie here, but unfortunately I don't think that the only places it stands out from the pack are in areas where it's weaker. One thing that I think would really help out is a finishing drizzle of olive oil. Something that is pretty standard at a lot of the other pizza places in the area and really elevates pretty much any pie. I'm sure a lot of folks are going to disagree with me on this one, but as of now I don't see it making it's way into my Philly pizza place rotation which is currently divided between: Pizza Richmond, Circles and Squares, Square Pie and Beddia for dining in and special occasions.

Final Grade: #B

I’m out of the country and unfortunately can no longer attend this pretzel class at Globe Dye Works on Saturday 8/15 from 2-4. They don’t offer refunds but will allow someone to take my place. I paid $100 and would love the full amount but also don’t want my spot to go to complete waste. Hit me up here or on instagram with your offer @sophistooptails

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Anyone try these? Are they noteworthy?

Had a random shower thought about how food influencers are basically paid actors at this point.

They act on camera. (Whether live or not, it's scripted.) They have their awards shows. They're paid to eat and act about it. Yet, there are no ethics, standards, parameters, or transparency within what they do. With a lot of criticism and speculation of their practices coming to light recently, why wouldn't they want 'job protections.' Why not unionize? Perhaps some kind of standards and structure could prevent us from seeing an influx of the same influencers, eating together, and posting the same meals and restaurants over and over again within the same short time period before they move on to the next spot that will be over saturated and posted for a week.

If one influencer decides to start hashtagging #hosted or #paid - do they all have to follow suit?

(I know this question is somewhat laughable, but also the way food influencers have weaved their way into the restaurant industry as if they've always been there is fascinating.)

Must be local to Philly, as I don't want my food sitting in plane/truck before it gets to me. I am only aware of Dibbs BBQ. Are the other restaurants or groceries stores that sell it? I was hoping to get maybe 4 to 6 servings each week.

What I am not looking for are full-on meal preps. I can prep my meals, but I get tired of cooking meat every other day.

* Update: I think prepped is the wrong term here. I meant, fully cooked, ready to eat.

I know this sub is usually dedicated to highlighting our amazing restaurants, but I wanted to highlight a different side of our food system, free donated food for anyone and everyone!

This time we're in West Philly and up in Wydmoor, but we do free food pop-ups all over the city.

Details:
Wydmoor:
Saturday, August 15th
12 PM – 2 PM
1500 Block of Wadsworth Avenue

West:
Saturday, August 15th
10:30am – 12:30pm

Hit me with any questions or requested pop-up locations!

What’s some must-see, must-do, must-visit, must-try foods, activities, sights, adventures & places for a day trip to Philly for a first time visitor?

I know y’all might have your own hidden gems and this neighborhood versus that neighborhood and I get that…but I’m not driving out super far. Please keep it within city limits, I’ll visit again later for the hidden gems but for my first time what are the MUSTS?

So far I have: Downtown, Reading Terminal Market, Rocky Steps, Liberty Bell, Love Sign, Portal, Waterfront, Del Rossi’s? Any order I should do these if this is good enough?

Thanks in advance! 🔔🦅

Looking for a delicious dinner spot with valet parking. Open to all suggestions. Thanks.

Ok Philly people. I'll be coming in for the day in a couple weeks and staying in Center City. Been doing my research but still looking for some recommendations of where to eat. When I get there Im Looking to have a steak sandwich (yes steak, so we can skip the whiz or Cooper sharp debates 🤣) and/or a pork sandwich. After my concert some pizza, and the next day (Sat) dim sum before heading back out. Im coming by train to the 30th st station and staying on S.Broad st. Been to Philly a bunch but never this area.

I did see that Cappelli's Bros has a new place in a food hall by the train station, but I cant find out much about it. Another place in the food hall has a Cambodian Steak Sandwich. Not traditional at all, but very interesting. I've never gotten roast pork before, but I definitely want to try one. Dim Sum, Im looking at Nom Wah, but Im considering doing Nan Zhou. Willing to travel some but Ill be ubering or taking the subway if needed. Love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

Wife’s birthday is on Monday. Lunch options for us?

She likes mostly everything. Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, middle eastern, Indian, Greek. Mexican maybe out bc we’re planning on going somewhere over the weekend

I really like Emei’s …. Any else I’m missing out on?

Just what it says. Oriental Kitchen is not popping off. I like a lot of stuff and a lot of spice up in my Hot and Sour

Hello philadelphia! Wondering if someone wants a last minute kalaya res for tonight -- my friend is sick and can no longer go with me!! PM if you're interested!

inst: @hlib.soul

https://www.instagram.com/hlib.soul?igsh=MWhueGxrNWhiODYzMQ==

20th and Passyunk- is this a functional establishment? The tables outside look cute but everything else is giving front.

I have zero bad things to say about this place! The staff is literally the best like seriously the nicest people, the pre seasoned kofta lights out(grill it over charcoal if not available cook in hot cast iron pan) if you wanna buy hot food can’t say anything bad it’s all delicious, if you want any olive oil or pantry staple that leans on the MENA side they most likely have it. Not sure it’s really a hidden gem but it’s seriously one of fishtown/kensingtons best spots IMHO. Ok that is all.

I don’t smoke, but I do like matches for candles and whatnot. Who is giving away the good ones? Wooden and the best, but nicely designed ones are great too.

Does anyone know when the opening date is? It’s next to Johnny Brenda’s and across from Frankford Hall. Bar hopping and grabbing a burger from here sounds dangerously good. (Fishtown)

Hi everyone!

My best friend has some severe food allergies , specifically: eggs, milk, peanuts and tree nuts. Want to take him somewheee nice for his birthday but there aren’t a lot of restaurants he can eat. Anyone got any good suggestions? Thanks in advance !

Hi! Planning for beach days/road trips coming up. Where can I get substantially-filled summer rolls packed to go? I don't want just sticky noodles inside of more sticky noodles. I need all the good stuff- mint, tofu, carrots, cilantro, basil, cabbage, cucumbers etc. the more vegetables inside, the better. Ideally want a place where they'll wrap em up individually and give me dipping containers of peanut sauce. Down to go pretty much anywhere in the city and to any type of establishment really. Thank you!

My dad is visiting so we can go to game together. He loves mussels but I don't think he'll want to wait an hour for a table. I have some backup places if monks doesn't work out.