What Has Been Eating Up My Funds During Quarantine
By: Hafeezat Bishi
There are two types of people in quarantine: the ones who have recently become Master Chefs and are putting Gordon Ramsay to shame, or the people who now have Platinum rewards on Uber Eats. I am the latter…minus the Platinum rewards.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created some major changes when it comes to restaurants and their plans of action. Some have temporarily closed, some shifted to doing takeout, and others have shut their doors for good.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Philly Voice reported that according to the National Restaurant Association, 96% of Pennsylvania restaurants have been forced to lay off or furlough workers since March. In Philadelphia, neighborhood favorites such as FARMiCiA and Mad River Bar & Grill have taken to Facebook to share that they will not be coming back permanently.
As the days get muddled together and the requirement to stay at home continues, I’ve done my best to support some local Philadelphia restaurants, while also supporting my ever-changing cravings. Here are eight of the restaurants that have saved me from having to clean my pots and pans.
Los Potrillos Food Truck
Los Potrillos is a Mexican food truck on Rising Sun Avenue and they have the BEST tacos you’ll ever taste. I’ve recently made it my mission to support authentic Mexican restaurants over chains, and this pandemic has increased this desire. My go-to order is their chicken tacos and shrimp tacos, two of each, with salsa verde.
Tea Dó
If you’re a Temple student, one of the closest places to get bubble tea is Mr. Wish on Cecil B. Moore. They’ve been closed since the pandemic started, so when I found out Tea Dó was on Uber Eats, I was ecstatic. Their passion fruit bubble tea with mango jelly stars and a side order of shrimp shumai is the perfect mid-afternoon snack.
Pho Don
If you haven’t had pho yet, what are you doing? So many Vietnamese restaurants are currently open, and Pho Don filled the hole in my stomach that Yummy Pho on Broad temporarily left when they closed for the pandemic (Yummy Pho has since re-opened for takeout as of May 1st). I love Pho Don’s steak-flank pho, and they also have bomb tiramisu, if you’re craving some dessert.
Champ’s Diner
Another Temple fave, Champ’s Diner is the place you and your girls go-to for brunch when you don’t want to pay $25 for a fancy plate of chicken and waffles in Center City. On the days that I don’t want to get up and make a gourmet breakfast of oatmeal and blueberries, Champ’s has come through with their French toast platter. It’s topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, and I’m this close to just eating it every day!
Five Guys
This is where you get the best bang for your buck. My favorite (and only) order from there is the Little Cheeseburger, which is actually a lot larger than the name suggests, and a side of their fries. They give you the option to go “All the Way” with the burger toppings and for the price, it is well worth it. I highly recommend getting grilled mushrooms on your burger, it is a game-changer.
Reggae Reggae Vibes
Reggae Reggae Vibes is a Jamaican restaurant on Girard Avenue, and their jerk chicken is absolutely amazing! If you want something with lots of flavor but less kick, I recommend their No Problem curried shrimp with rice and peas. If you just want a snack, their beef and chicken patties are great too—they also have vegetarian options!
Wazobia African Restaurant
As a Nigerian, it was my mission to find a Nigerian restaurant in whichever city I found myself living in during school. Wazobia happened to be one of them, and although their menu is small, it reminds me of home every time I order from there. If you’re new to Nigerian food or West African food, in general, you can never go wrong with a plate of jollof rice and some stewed chicken. Be sure you’re able to handle the spice though!
Golden Chopsticks
And finally, Golden Chopsticks. When it comes to Chinese restaurants, shrimp and mixed vegetables with white rice will always be a staple meal for me. Golden Chopsticks has saved me from the more efficient, but less than fresh, microwaveable P.F. Chang’s chicken lo-mein bowl, and for that, I am forever grateful.
We’re currently living in unprecedented times. But if you have the privilege of helping out local establishments in any way you can, use this list as inspiration! Feel free to reach out to us on Instagram (@refine.magazine) if you decide to try anything on the list or if you have recommendations for some other great takeout spots in the city.
Cover Photo by Marissa Lewis on Unsplash