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Tastes Like Science

Uncover the sensory signals hiding in every bite

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La Jefa Cafe
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Woodrow's Andra Hem 1-900-Ice-Cream Elixr Coffee K'Far Cafe La Jefa Cafe

 

LA JEFA CAFÉ

Taste of Two Worlds

📍  1605 Latimer St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

La Jefa Café crafts a layered cultural experience: from the décor to the dishes, and the cocktails to the storytelling.

Every design choice, ingredient, and spatial cue reinforces the concept of Guadaladelphian identity. The result is not just a meal or a drink, but a bridge between Mexico and Philadelphia, and a truly memorable product experience.

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BRANDING
Colorful and bright, in tune with Mexican culture,  seamlessly tying into the colorful tiles and Mexican art within the space.

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AMBIANCE
The café front is warm, bright, and open, furnished with vibrantly tiled counters, chairs, and tables sourced directly from Mexico—signifying authenticity and grounded roots.

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SENSORY
Fusion of modern Mexican trends and Philadelphia traditions anchors the food narrative. Their pastries leverage mole and guajillo jelly, flavors that transport you to Mexico. 

 

ELIXR COFFEE ROASTERS

Complexity in a Cup

📍  207 S Sydenham St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Tart strawberry, peppered notes, and sweet dough aromas meet in a pre-warmed cup. The pour-over tells a tale of balance and brightness. Elixr focuses on extracting the complexity out of the beans by perfecting the roast and process – it is recognized as one of the most complex flavor profiles in the city! 

MMR’s local coffee aficionado visited Elixr and evaluated their La Piragua roast as a pour-over.

Elixr
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1-900-ICE-CREAM

Nostalgia Reimagined

📍  229 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

A locally owned, small-batch ice cream store with an ever-changing weekly menu inspired by trending flavors, nostalgic twists, and seasonal ingredients. Their most notable (and viral) creation is the Dankaroos Soft Serve, inspired by Millennials’ favorite childhood snack, Dunkaroos.

Dankaroos soft serve brings color, crunch, and childhood joy. Icing shell, cookie crumble, and cinnamon swirl: layered texture, playful spirit.

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WOODROW'S SANDWICH SHOP

The Cheesesteak, Evolved  

📍  2630 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Truffle-whizzed umami with tender ribeye and a zing of cherry pepper mayo. Classic Philly with a gourmet, multi-sensory twist. MMR’s local coffee aficionado visited Elixr and evaluated their La Piragua roast as a pour-over.

‘Whiz wit” is the traditional way of ordering a classic cheesesteak at Philly’s most iconic spots – Pat’s and Geno’s. However, Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop is elevating and transforming the classic Philly cheesesteak, with ribeye beef, grilled onions, their signature truffle whiz, and homemade cherry pepper mayo. 

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Distinct notes of truffle oil hit the nose immediately upon opening the wrapper, sets expectations for a rich and indulgent experience.

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The filling: Juicy, tender beef and melty, thick, creamy cheese whiz.

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An umami bomb; the subtle truffle, only heightening the richness of the beef and sweetness of the onions, with a slight acidic punch from the mayo to balance it all out 

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Ooey gooey, bright orange whiz suggests a rich, cheesy profile. Elements are well contained, bound by the cheese, and secured in the soft, yet durable roll.

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K'FAR CAFÉ

Is it a Bagel?

📍  2110 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Middle Eastern spices on a Jerusalem bagel, golden egg, and gooey cheese. Dense, chewy, creamy - an identity crisis you’ll crave.

K’Far is just one of many restaurants owned by Michael Solomonov in Philadelphia. While its tall ceilings, marbled counters, and lattes and pastries with Middle Eastern flavors make for an intentional product experience, its egg & cheese on a Jerusalem bagel is the talk of the town.

However, it sparks some debate– does it have the characteristics of a bagel?

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What are the critical elements of a bagel breakfast sandwich?

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ANDRA HEM

Nordic Nights in a Glass  

📍  218 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Behind its sleek black façade, Andra Hem delivers a memorable experience with velvet banquettes, candlelight, and rich Nordic tones. The daring cocktails blend smoke, spice, earth, savory, and fruit, staying true to the venue’s Scandinavian roots.

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Every detail, from repurposed Scandinavian books as menus to the bar’s sleek design and complex drinks, is carefully crafted to create a refined and cohesive experience.

Beet-down

OLD SCHOOL BEET-DOWN $19

Beet gin, alpine liqueur, citrus, horseradish foam

Spicy, fresh horseradish foam balances the vegetal, delicate beet to deliver a light, refreshing, and clean profile.

Boomerang

BOOMERANG $17

Söderblandning infused whiskey,
dry vermouth, swedish punsch

Floral, fruity tea flavor that cuts the intensity of the alcohol and minimizes the burn.

Lambhattan

LAMBHATTAN $19

Lamb-washed bourbon, vermouth, bitters

Slight meaty, roasted lamb on the palate, while remaining very smooth and true to a Manhattan.

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