Photo courtesy of UCD

One more time this year, community members and guests have a chance to enjoy deals from local businesses at the bi-annual Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, which returns this Thursday, Sept. 5.

The second and final Dollar Stroll of 2024 will take place from 5-8 p.m. when guests are invited to stroll up and down Baltimore Avenue between 40th and 51st Streets for one-night-only $1, $3, and $5 deals on food, drinks, merchandise, and more from local businesses and neighborhood vendors.

While strolling along Baltimore Avenue, also don’t miss on fun and entertainment, which is a big part of this event. Here’s what’s happening this Thursday:

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Black Dragon Takeout has opened at 5260 Rodman St. (Black Dragon Takeout Instagram photo)

UPDATE (8/30/2024): Due to the overwhelming support for their grand opening on Thursday, Black Dragon Takeout will be closed on Friday, Aug. 30 to “regroup” and “stock up for more fantastic meals.” The restaurant will reopen on Saturday, Aug. 31 at Noon. Follow their Instagram page for updates (@blackdragontakeout).

If you’d like to try Chinese food with an innovative twist, check out Black Dragon Takeout, a “Black American Chinese” restaurant that has just opened on South 53rd Street near Cedar Avenue (5260 Rodman St). The restaurant, led by chef and community activist Kurt Evans, offers a fusion of Asian and soul food with some American/Philly staples, including such unconventional Chinese restaurant menu items as Collard Green and Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Mac & Cheese and Jerk Chicken Dumplings, Oxtail Lo Mein, Sweet Potato Sour Chicken, and more.

The concept for the restaurant was born after Evans saw a “troubling trend” of many local Chinese takeout restaurants closing down in recent years, especially in Black communities where many residents had relied on them for quickly served hot meals. While seeing this opportunity, Evans also wanted to “innovate and bring something new to the table,” according to the Black Dragon website.

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Chai Nashta, an Indian cafe, is coming soon to 4520 Baltimore Ave.. We don’t have a ton of info on Chai Nashta yet, but it’s exciting that the space that until recently was occupied by the shaved ice dessert shop Ice Cave hasn’t stayed empty for long. Ice Cave closed its doors in late spring.

The location on Baltimore Avenue is very close to two popular Indian/South Asian cuisine spots – Desi Village Restaurant (4527 Baltimore Ave) and Mood Cafe (4618 Baltimore Ave). We can’t wait to try Chai Nashta’s drinks and treats and hope the new cafe will be a great addition to the local food scene.

We’ll let you know about the opening date and other details when they become available. In the meantime, follow Chai Nashta on Instagram.

Here’s some exciting news coming from the Shop Penn district this summer.

Later this summer, Cork & Candles will be opening a new store at 3421 Walnut Street, bringing the candle making experience to University City. Cork & Candles, a family-owned small business, is a BYOB candle-making experience that invites guests to create, drink, and connect while hand-pouring custom candles.

“Our mission at Cork & Candles is to create a space where friends gather and have the opportunity to build connections while partaking in a creative experience,” says David Straub, Co-Founder and CEO of Cork & Candles. “We believe everyone is creative and we love helping people tap into that side during their time with us.”

At Cork & Candles, guests can gather with friends and explore a scent library stocked with over 60 unique fragrances, creating a custom blend to craft a handmade candle that is truly one-of-a-kind. Guests can also take part in novelty candle classes that rotate monthly. In addition to classes and candle-making experiences, guests can shop a retail section and purchase candles created in-store. While taking part in the candle-making activities, guests are invited to BYOB (wine or beer) and indulge while enjoying a hands-on and creative experience!

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Photo courtesy of University City District

July is here, which means one of the most favorite annual events, University City Dining Days, will return soon. This year’s event, organized by University City District (UCD), will be held from July 18th through the 28th with over 30 local restaurants participating. During these 11 days, guests can enjoy three-course meals for lunch or dinner for the set prices of $20, $30, or $40.

Dining Days offers a great opportunity to sample University City’s diverse restaurant scene at reduced prices while boosting business for eateries during the slower summer months. Participants this year include returning favorites Han Dynasty, Sabrina’s Cafe, and Board and Brew along with first-time participants Blaze Pizza, Crate & Press Cafe, Sichaun Mathai, and Tataki Ramen & Sushi.

Please note that all the reservations should be made directly at a restaurant of your choice. See the full list of participating restaurants and their contact info, plus Dining Days menus by visiting ucdiningdays.com.

Photo courtesy of UCD

The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is returning this Thursday, June 6, from 5 – 8 p.m.. The first Dollar Stroll of 2024 will bring deals, music, arts, and more to Baltimore Avenue between 40th and 51st Streets. Just a reminder, that local businesses and vendors now offer $1, $3, and $5 deals during this event.

The Dollar Stroll is a great opportunity to enjoy some of your favorite items from well-known businesses, like VIX Emporium, Renata’s Kitchen, Desi Village, Loco Pez, Vientiane Cafe, Booker’s Restaurant & Bar and more. The event is also a chance to check out new businesses like Manzanita (42nd and Baltimore), Milkcrate Cafe (45th and Baltimore), Third Wheel Cheese Co (50th and Baltimore), and more.

The list of performers and entertainers includes Gretchen Elise at 40th and Baltimore (5-7 p.m.), Orchestra 2001 at Clark Park and HMS School Block Party, and Hip Hop Fundamentals at 50th and Baltimore.

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