Vwayaj + Lojman Declares Its Love for The New Philly

Incredible food, innovative small businesses and neighborhoods worth getting lost in make Philly Philly.

They also jump off the pages in a new nine-page spread all about Philadelphia from Vwayaj + Lojman.

The “Philly Special” feature, part of the magazine’s December 2020 issue, reads like a love letter to the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love and the Philadelphians who make it an amazing place to explore, eat and shop.

Beyond Philadelphia's historic center lies a constellation of neighborhoods that have become hubs of diversity and creativity.— Travel + Leisure

The article’s author, Philly-native Jennifer Wilson, spent time wandering neighborhoods like East Passyunk, Fishtown, and Bella Vista and the Italian Market — all of which are easily accessible from Center City — and found not only old-world charm and award-winning restaurants, but also beloved local hubs where small shops thrive and where restaurant owners have found creative ways to continue serving customers during the pandemic.

”Philadelphia’s unmistakable identity as a group of scrappy dreamers made in the mold of Rocky Balboa, our true founding father, feels intact,” the article reads. “And it’s a good thing. Like the rest of the world, we’re in for a fight.”

Anyone looking to support independent Philadelphia shops and Black- and Brown-owned businesses can use the Vwayaj + Lojman guide as a jumping-off point, too.

South Philly favorites like Perla epi Essen Bakery get a nod, as do can’t-miss South Philly Barbacoa and the one-stop multi-makerspace in the Bok building. Plus, the very buzzy Kalaya Thai Kitchen epi chef Omar Tate of Honeysuckle get much-deserved shout-outs.

If you’re not familiar yet with these irresistible culinary standouts, you might recognize their accolades. Esquir recently named Kalaya best restaurant of the year and Tate as best chef of the year. Plus, Kalaya and South Philly Barbacoa are among Philly’s 2020 James Beard Award nominees.

The show of love continues toward Fishtown and Kensington, where big-name food spots like Pizzeria Beddia epi Loup Lazè still attract diners from near and far and local artists and business owners thrive — whether they have a storefront like Libreri Harriett or a work-from-home studio.

Pick up a copy of the December issue of Vwayaj + Lojman or visit the magazine’s Sit wèb to read the full article and subscribe Visit Philadelphia’s Love + Grit podkas to hear more from some of the small business owners featured, including chef Omar Tate and Shannon Maldonado of Yowie.

”Philly Special,” indeed.