Are you a fan of Cheesesteaks, bakeries, and whiskey? If you said yes, then we certainly have you covered on this week’s episode of Food, Farms, & Chefs Radio Show.
National cheesesteak day lands on March 24th, and we’re celebrating the Philadelphia foodie favorite with Del Rossi’s Cheesesteak Company’s owner, Nish Patel. Nish, who acquired ownership of Del Rossi’s Cheesesteak Co pre-pandemic, completely renovated the space and its menu. After bringing Chef Gregorio Fierro on as his confer, Chef Fierro implemented changes to the dough that inevitably enhanced the flavor & profiles of their menu. Included in some of the changes made were artisanal options as well as sourcing their ingredients from the freshest and highest-quality purveyors, which garnered the tastiest Pizzas, Cheesesteaks, and coming-soon: Calazones, around!
We then spoke with one of Bilal’s Bakery & Deli co-owners, Chef Jamela Bilal. This is not the first time one of the Bilal family members opened an eatery, nor their first business. Chef Bilal, whose parents also own and run a cleaning business in the Philadelphia region, has deep roots within the culinary community. Jamela’s roots are within the Halal community, of which she owns and operates Halal To Go. In addition to running her business, Chef Bilal also works with her family to run Bilal’s Bakery located in Jenkintown, PA. A year-plus since they held their Grand Opening, the multi-generational family-owned Bilal’s Bakery joined us on Food Farms and Chefs to discuss their baked goods; pre-packaged foods; and the impact that they have on their community as well as information on Ramadan and the schedule they’ll keep during the month-long period of reflection, prayer, fasting.
This week’s episode of Food, Farms, & Chefs is perfectly timed, since it also falls on International Whiskey Day (March 27th)! As such, we spoke with New Liberty Distillery’s Director of Visitor’s Experience, Jacob Looney. Together, we unraveled the lengthy history behind New Liberty Distillery and their Owners, and even included their close-knit bond with Ireland. Collectively, Robert Cassell and Steven Grasse own several Distilleries in the US, and collaborate with a company called The Connacht Distillery in Ireland. The duo operates under their parent company, named Millstone spirits Group, offering a wide variety of whiskeys; bourbons; liqueurs and aperitifs. So if you fancy a flight of whiskey, set up a tour at New Liberty Distillery with Jacob, and afterwards feel free to taste their award-winning libations for yourselves.