West Philly News

Tampopo Bringing Sushi, Kimchi And More To 44th & Spruce

 

Thanks to Josh who saw the "coming soon" signs and posted to the message board.

 

Milk & Honey - Foodie & Family Friendly

Before moving to West Philly I’d spent about five years living in Northern Liberties where it was exciting to be a part of that neighborhood’s transformation.  During the last couple of years in West Philly I’ve witnessed equally exciting developments on this side of the Schuylkill.  The opening of establishments like Dockstreet, Vietnam Café, The Gold Standard and Local 44 breath new life into our community and fill me with that same sense of excitement that I felt while living in Northern Liberties.  However, I’ve found that, other than the times when the Clark Park Farmers’ Market is open, it is tough to find local, quality foods.  That is about to change.

If all goes as planned, the doors of Milk & Honey will open in West Philly’s Spruce Hill neighborhood before the final performance of The Comedy of Errors wraps up this year’s presentation of Shakespeare in Clark Park. 

Promising to be foodie and family friendly, the arrival of Milk & Honey is another step in the revitalization of the Baltimore Avenue commercial district that stretches from the Green Line out to Dockstreet.  “We always knew that Baltimore Avenue would change, we just didn’t know that we’d be a part of that change” says Milk & Honey’s creator Annie Baum-Stein, who moved to Spruce Hill three years ago from Queen Village with her husband Mauro, a LEED certified contractor, and their two children.  Recently, Annie has earned a living as a food writer and yoga teacher.  She has taught classes in schools throughout Philadelphia with Yoga Child and at West Philly’s Studio 34, just steps away from the corner where Milk & Honey will open.

Most people know the retail space on the Northeast corner of 45^th and Baltimore as the former home of People’s Market.  That neighborhood bodega served the community for almost two decades before closing its doors recently.  Currently the space is undergoing a much-needed renovation both inside and out.  New windows, repairs to the sidewalk, updated exterior lighting and a fresh paint job have added curb appeal to Milk & Honey’s home.  But, it’s what’s on the inside that is really going to make an impact on our neighborhood.

For weeks signs hanging in the windows at 45^th and Baltimore have had residents salivating at promises of cured meats, olives, cheeses, fresh pastas, and local produce.  Annie explains that she’ll be working with local farms and vendors to bring the best of the region’s foods to the shelves of Milk & Honey.  Think fresh pasta from Claudio’s, Bassett’s ice cream and Capogiro gelato.

Milk & Honey will also carry a selection of homemade prepared foods from recipes Annie has developed over time.  She has plenty of experience to draw from.  For years, Annie has written a recipe column that she inherited from her grandmother who wrote the column for 50 years before her.  Try plugging “Annie Baum-Stein” into the search engine at The Riverdale Press’ website and you’ll begin to get an idea of what types of recipes might show up in the cases at Milk & Honey… Lasagna With Sausage And Basil… Chicken And Artichoke Fricassée With Morel Mushrooms… Annie can’t disclose any specific recipes just yet, but she promises that there will be lots of variety, including some vegan options. 

With seating for 20, you’ll be able to enjoy Annie’s recipes, hot or cold, as you watch the trolleys roll down Baltimore Ave.  And the kids should be happy too:  Milk & Honey’s interior will incorporate a little play space with food-related toys and a small kitchen set.  A small part of Milk & Honey will be reserved for kids books and toys, perfect for last minute birthday party gifts.

Annie says she hopes that Milk & Honey will compliment the businesses already in the neighborhood and encourages people to get in touch and let her know what they’d like to see her stock.  The Milk & Honey website is very basic at the moment, but will be evolving along with the rest of the project.  It’s probably apparent by now, but I’m very excited about Milk & Honey's arrival.  Welcome to the neighborhood.

- JLM

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