“It’s about time the world understands what a special food town Philly is,” said Rachel Abady, coordinator of the Philadelphia Inquirer’s First Ever Food Fest. The sold-out event—conceived by Lisa Hughes, CEO and Publisher of the Inquirer—brought hundreds of food lovers to the Fillmore and Punchline venues in Fishtown/Northern Liberties. The vibe? Pure Philly foodie energy, and guests were loving every minute.
A Warm Welcome
The festival kicked off at 11:00 a.m. sharp. Lines were long but moved quickly, with attendees chatting about favorite restaurants and dishes. Waitstaff kept spirits high by offering hot Starbucks coffee samples to those waiting outside.
Inside the Fillmore, guests were greeted by the soaring voice of Opera Philadelphia’s Amanda Sheriff, whose performance added an elegant touch to the industrial-chic venue. Along the hallway, striking photographs of diverse culinary experiences set the tone for a day of indulgence. Upstairs, VIP guests enjoyed extra space, but the real party was downstairs, where emcee Starfire kept the energy flowing between performers and speakers.
Food, Music, and Philly Icons
The entertainment lineup featured music for every taste, including a standout performance by Zindelphia, an R&B, funk, and indie pop group with silky vocals. Culinary legends Steven Starr and Mike Klein also made appearances, sharing insights into their entrepreneurial journeys and Philly’s vibrant food scene.
And then came the main attraction: the food. Over 50 chefs and bakers served curated samples from neatly arranged booths throughout the hall. Four star-shaped installations made it easy for guests to navigate and savor bite-sized delights.
My first bite? A ham-and-fig spread with soft cheese on a mini roll from Castellino’s in Fishtown—an unforgettable start. Specialty cocktails and mocktails flowed at the bar, while servers roamed the venue with additional treats.
Sweet Surprises at Punchline
After sampling savory bites, guests headed to the Punchline venue for hands-on fun: a cake-decorating class, pasta-making sessions, and dessert heaven. A heated outdoor tent with sofas, a DJ, and a bar set the mood.
Local bakeries stole the show. Party Girl Bake Club led the cake-decorating class, Feels Like Sunday handed out giant Chocolate Puddle Crunch Cookies, and South Philly’s iconic Isgro Pastries wowed the crowd with cannolis. At the Inquirer Bake Off, bakers piled plates high with irresistible creations.
Why Food Matters to the Inquirer
Evan Benn, an event organizer from the Philadelphia Inquirer, explained the newspaper’s deep connection to food:
“The Inquirer has always celebrated Philly’s diverse culinary scene. This festival is about meeting people where they are—sharing the excitement of food at every price point.”
He also highlighted sustainability efforts, noting that leftover food was donated to local pantries to prevent waste. For those hungry for more, the Inquirer recently published its list of Philly’s Top 76 Restaurants, featuring favorites like Amy’s Pastellios, Freddy and Tony’s, El Chingon, Geronimo’s Peruvian Cuisine, and Puyero Venezuelan Flavor. The guide is available online at https://store.inquirer.com/products/the-76-2025
A Day to Remember
After a full day of flavors, music, and community, guests left satisfied and inspired. One attendee summed it up perfectly:
“It was so worth the wait.”
For Philly, this festival wasn’t just worth the wait—it was a delicious affirmation of its place on the culinary map.
