There's now a festival to celebrate your favorite dessert: Cookies!!! Also check out the new Greek twist on your favorite new hang-out in Ardmore, PA, and hear from a celebrated Chef on this week's Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show, episode 338!
Loc Pham, the Philly Cookie Company, and the First-Annual Philly Cookie Fest
Loc Pham, a Vietnamese immigrant who arrived in America in 1991, shared his journey from initially studying to be an Engineer to learning Food Science, and eventually becoming a Pastry Chef and Founder of the Philly Cookie Company. He described how his career evolved through French bakeries, food processing, and corporate R&D roles before returning to his passion for baking, where he developed a unique shortbread cookie recipe inspired by Scottish shortbreads but with his own twist using molasses and brown sugar. The cookies, which are sold wholesale to over 20 retailers in Philadelphia and across 11 states, are noted for their buttery taste and subtle sweetness.
Philly Cookie Festival Planning
The discussion then switched focus to the upcoming Philly Cookie Festival happening on December 7th at Bok. The indulgently-sweet festival will feature 32 vendors, including 27 cookie vendors and 2 savory vendors, all required to offer a Philadelphia-themed item. The event will include activities such as a cookie decorating contest with Moon Flour Bakery, a cookie eating contest, and a Santa photo booth, with tickets available through Eventbrite and the event's Instagram page.
Loc also mentioned there will be a children's activity corner sponsored by the Mendoza group, along with The Juvenile Law Center, another sponsor of the event, will be celebrating its 75th anniversary by hosting a cookie exchange during the festival. PLEASE NOTE: Anyone participating in the event and the cookie exchange who have dietary restrictions and/or allergies need to be cautious; some gluten-free and vegan options available, however there is no guarantee of the ingredients and food-processing procedures are.
Eleni Chrisidis and The Brew Room:
Eleni Chrysidis, co-founder of The Brew Room, discussed her and her husband Danny's journey into the food industry. Danny's background began with his family's restaurants, and had always desired to open a unique concept incorporating Greek elements. Years later, he and Eleni found the opportunity to open one in Ardmore, PA called The Brew Room. Eleni, who works in corporate consulting, supported Danny by managing the business setup and operations, highlighting the importance of organization and project management in launching a startup in the food industry. Both Danny and Eleni immigrated here from Greece, and are happy to introduce Ardmore residents to the relaxed, European-style coffee culture. When you visit, feel free to spend time enjoying one of their signature Greek pastries, sandwiches and coffee experiences.
REPLAY Chef Angie Brown and Rex At The Royal:
Angie Brown is a well-known chef and restaurateur, gaining accolades and awarded top zagat ratings. In addition to being one of Philadelphia's sought-after chef's, Angie has been seen on television and is a member of the world renowned Philanthropic organization of Les Dames d'Escoffier - Philadelphia Chapter. And more recently she became the Culinary Director and Chef for Rex At The Royal, located in South Philadelphia. Rex at The Royal is known for being, "An innovative and multi-faceted hospitality establishment, creating exceptional experiences through a Food & Beverage program inspired by the culinary traditions of the American South, influenced especially by its coastal regions, and locally flavored by our home—the Royal Theatre on South Street in Philadelphia—expressed in elevated dining services, immersive special events, personalized private dining, and a thoughtfully appointed bottle shop" according to their website at https://www.rexphl.com.