FYI Philly: November 7, 2026

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — This week on FYI Philly, we learn how an acclaimed chef recharged a South Philly institution, meet a baker behind a viral crunch, visit an old school spot for movie night, celebrate 50 years of a Philly icon and so much more!

Bomb Bomb Bar & Grill makes New York Times 2026 Best Restaurants list

Joey Baldino took over Bomb Bomb Bar and Grill in the fall of 2025. A year later, it was honored by the New York Times as one of the best restaurants of 2026.

The South Philadelphia corner bar has a long history and Baldino is keeping those traditions alive while adding his elevated cuisine to the storied location.

Bomb Bomb got its name from the restaurant being bombed twice. The story dates back to its earliest days in the 1930s when a rival restaurant blew up the facade twice.

The history is documented on the walls with newspaper clippings of the events. As Baldino puts it, “blown up twice and still here.”

Joey Baldino has received accolades for his work with Collingswood BYO Zeppoli and his revitalization of the Palizzi Social Club. This latest project features his elevated Italian American cuisine in a an unassuming location.

The bar area features comfort staples like pork sandwiches and ribs.

In the back the chef team has created a seafood menu that continues the long traditions of Italian eateries of South Philadelphia’s past.

Baldino grew up in the neighborhood and is determined to keep that slice of history alive at Bomb Bomb Bar and Grill.

Bomb Bomb Bar and Grill | Facebook | Instagram
1026 Wolf Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148

Cook and Shaker triples footprint of bar and comfort food favorite in Old Richmond

Cook and Shaker is the newly expanded spot from longtime chefs and business partners, Paul Quintieri and Laura Viegas.

In 2013, they found the ideal location for their “neighborhood bar” in the part of Kensington known as Old Richmond, and knew they would grow the spot eventually.

Over the past year, the time came – a major renovation to open the space up included breaking down walls, installing tons of beams, building out a brand new kitchen, and adding a huge garage-style window wall.

The menu offers a variety of hearty fare and comfort food, and the bar has a focus on craft cocktails.

The co-owners have also maintained the affordability factor since day one, with specials like any sandwich and a pint on Sundays for just $16. They also serve brunch on weekends.

Cook and Shaker | Instagram
2301 E. Albert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125

Viral crunchies make Lilla Vanilla Cake Shop a destination

Venture into Lilla Vanilla Cake Shop, and you’ll find a sweet collection of cupcakes, French macarons, and jumbo cookies.

There are croissants baked fresh daily, a collection of cakesicles, and gorgeous glazed cakes filled with French mousse. But it’s the so-called viral crunchies that put Lilla Vanilla on the map.

It’s a mousse dessert filled with cake and jams or compote, then covered in a crunchy chocolate shell, and they’re made in an ever-changing variety of flavors. There are also mini frozen crunches – fruit-flavored, bite-sized Italian Semifreddo.

Lilla Vanilla was opened six years ago by Liliya Ethridge. She was born and raised in Moscow and came to the U.S. in 2013 with plans to just visit, but says she fell in love with the American way of life.

She opened the bakery in memory of her older brother Nik, who died in a tragic accident in Romania in 2016.

When he died, Liliya was still in the process of getting her US citizenship, so she was unable to attend the funeral. She poured her grief into home baking, and friends started placing orders.

When she decided to open her own bakery, it was with her brother Nik’s constant advice in mind: to do something fun in life.

Liliya’s daughter, Emma, is her most enthusiastic taste tester, and Liliya knows her brother, Nik, would be proud.

Lilla Vanilla Cake Shoppe | Instagram
4607 Nottingham Way, Hamilton, NJ 08690

It’s Rocky season all around town as Philly’s favorite film celebrates 50 years

A few years ago, December 3 was officially declared ‘Rocky Day’ in Philadelphia – the date the original “Rocky” film was released.

Now, to mark the 50th anniversary of the movie, the Philadelphia Visitor Center offers Rocky Season with events and activities happening all around town through the end of the year, many of them free and accessible to the public.

The Rocky Shop at the base of the Art Museum steps is your headquarters for all things Rocky, as well as the location of the Parkway Visitor Center – a great source of information on things to do and see during Rocky Season and beyond.

Rocky Season | Instagram | Facebook
Parkway Visitor Center and Rocky Shop
2501 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Little Movie Store brings analog nostalgia back to South Philadelphia

Rows of VHS tapes and DVDs in plastic cases. Boxes of movie candy. The thrill of finding the film you were hoping for!

If you miss the old video store, you’re in luck! A new spot that just opened in South Philadelphia is reviving an old concept.

It’s called Little Movie Store, and it just opened its doors at the corner of 10th and McKean streets.

“Analog is back, baby,” says owner Dylan Wise. “There’s nothing that really brings you back and reminds you of human connection than the movie store. That was our Friday night activity, picking up a bunch of really unhealthy snacks at the grocery store, and then going to pick out a movie for the weekend.”

Like most of us who lived it, Wise missed it.

“My family and I wanted a store like this in our neighborhood, and we were tired of waiting for somebody else to do it,” he says. “So, we did.”

It has everything you remember: the movies, the snacks, even the machines to play the movies. Up front, you’ll find movies to buy.

“It’s a bit of a comfort blanket to watch something on VHS,” says Wise.

In the back, you’ll find the rentals. There are also places to chill at every turn, from movie theater seats to cozy spots for the kids.

For more information, visit LittleMovieStore.com.

The Happy Mixer makes gluten free more accessible

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