Philadelphia, PA - In the heart of Mexico City's bustling food scene, a modest taqueria has emerged from the shadows. El Califa de León, a family-run hole-in-the-wall, has etched its name in culinary history by becoming the first Mexican taco stand to be adorned with a prestigious Michelin star.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Philly Vegan Restaurant Week (PVRW) is set to return for its seventh annual celebration, running from Friday, October 24, through Saturday, November 1. The nine-day event will span two weekends and feature special celebrations for Halloween on October 31 and World Vegan Day on November 1.

Philadelphia, PA - As we all try to find family-friendly things to do, several well-known pizza shops provide DIY pizza-making kits to help pass the time. Mentioned below are a couple of spots and links to order your own kit.

Get ready for a fun and incredibly easy dish that brings together two beloved comfort foods: chili dogs and casseroles. This Chili Dog Casserole is the perfect meal for a casual weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a fun outdoor cookout. It's a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, layering fluffy hot dog buns, savory hot dogs, and hearty chili, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Best of all, it can be assembled ahead of time for a stress-free meal.

Steaming is the classic way to cook blue crabs, but grilling them unlocks a whole new level of flavor. Grilling infuses the sweet, delicate meat with a fantastic smoky essence that you just can't get from a steamer pot. If you've never tried it, don't be intimidated. With a little preparation and these easy-to-follow steps, you can master the art of grilling blue crabs for a delicious, buttery, and unforgettable meal.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Fresh Blue Crabs: The fresher, the better.
• Old Bay Seasoning: A non-negotiable for authentic flavor.
• Salted Butter: Two sticks for the garlic butter baste.
• Garlic: A few cloves, freshly minced.
• Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat.
• Butter-flavored Cooking Spray: Like Pam, for preventing sticking.

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Baste

This seasoned butter is the key to moist, flavorful grilled crabs. It’s best to prepare it right before you start grilling.

1. In a small saucepan on your stove or grill's side burner, melt two sticks of salted butter over low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic, a pinch of salt and black pepper, and a small amount of crushed red pepper.
3. Stir in a generous amount of Old Bay seasoning. Don't worry if the Old Bay settles to the bottom—this is actually what you want.
4. Once melted and combined, place the saucepan conveniently near your grill with a basting brush ready to go.

Step 2: The Grilling Process

1. Prep the Grill: Lay a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil on one side of your grill grates. Spray the foil generously with butter-flavored cooking spray to prevent the crabs from sticking.
2. Arrange the Crabs: Place the crabs directly on the foil, shell-side down. Make sure they are in a single layer, not overlapping or hanging off the foil. A standard grill rack can typically hold about eight medium-to-large crabs.
3. Heat the Grill: Fire up your grill, aiming for a consistent low-to-medium heat, around 350°F. You are gently roasting the crabs, not searing them.
4. First Baste: Dip your brush into the garlic butter mixture. The goal is to pick up the concentrated Old Bay seasoning from the bottom of the pan. "Paint" the inside of each crab's body cavity with the mixture. Apply a light coating to the top shell as well.
5. First Cook (6 Minutes): Close the grill lid and cook for about six minutes. Keep a close eye on the grill to ensure the butter isn't dripping excessively, which can cause flare-ups.
6. Flip and Rotate: After six minutes, open the lid. The crabs should be turning orange. You’ll notice some crabs are cooking faster than others; this is your chance to rotate them, moving the less-cooked ones to hotter spots on the grill. Flip the crabs over so they are now shell-side up.
7. Second Cook (6 Minutes): Close the lid and cook for another six minutes.
8. Final Baste and Finish: Open the grill and flip the crabs one last time so they are shell-side down again. The legs and bottom shell should be a bright orange/white with almost no blue color remaining. Give the body cavity one last, light coating of the garlic butter mixture. Close the lid and cook for a final one to two minutes.

The Perfect Result and Serving

The finished crabs should be a vibrant orange with slight charring on the tips of their legs. The meat, when cooked correctly, will be firm, sweet, and moist, with a hint of garlic and smoke. It should not stick to the shell.

• Troubleshooting: If the meat is sticking, your heat was likely too high or you cooked them a minute too long. If it's mushy, they could use another minute or two on the grill.

Transfer the hot crabs to a large bowl and give them one final, generous sprinkle of Old Bay. While these crabs are okay refrigerated, they are truly at their best when served immediately—hot, juicy, and full of flavor.

Freshly baked cookies are one of life's greatest pleasures, and this recipe for Gooey Chocolate Peppermint Cookies is a perfect holiday treat that's incredibly easy to make for family and friends. These cookies have a wonderfully rich chocolate flavor and a delightfully soft, chewy center, studded with festive peppermint M&M's. Their unique, flat texture makes them incredibly decadent and satisfying. This guide will walk you through how to bake them to perfection.

PENNSYLVANIA - Philadelphia’s historic Washington Square neighborhood is set to welcome a major new dining destination this fall. Rockwell & Rose, a new steakhouse and seafood concept from the owners of the acclaimed P.J. Clarke's, will celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at The Curtis Center. The restaurant aims to be a reimagined steakhouse, blending elevated dining with a warm, hospitable atmosphere.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr is set to unveil his highly anticipated new Italian restaurant, Borromini, in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, with a public opening expected before the end of August 2025. This massive, two-story establishment, located in the historic former Barnes & Noble building at 1804 Walnut Street, marks Starr's first new original concept in Philadelphia since 2021 and his most significant foray into authentic Italian cuisine in the city for several years.

South Philadelphia, Pa -  Located on Columbus Boulevard, just a stone's throw from the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, Miller's Ale House has established itself as a premier destination for sports fans, families, and anyone looking for a lively atmosphere with a vast and satisfying menu. This bustling, modern sports bar is a go-to spot before or after a game, offering a high-energy environment, great daily specials, and something for every palate.

UPPER DARBY, PA – Pica's Restaurant, a beloved institution in Upper Darby, has announced it will be closing its doors in the summer of 2025, ending a nearly 70-year run of serving the community. The news was shared in a heartfelt message to customers, expressing both sadness and gratitude.

Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia's vibrant and ever-evolving culinary scene has experienced a noticeable shift in early 2025, with a wave of restaurant closures impacting neighborhoods across the city. These recent shutdowns, ranging from beloved ice cream shops to decades-old pubs and popular brunch spots, are a stark reminder of the challenges and constant changes within the restaurant industry.

Philadelphia, PA -  Flannel, the beloved Southern-inspired comfort food haven on East Passyunk Avenue, has announced its upcoming closure. The restaurant's last day of service will be Sunday, January 26th, marking the end of an era for this neighborhood favorite.