*Philly* Plugs — Mike Traud
Special edition food, drink, and leisure recs from The Chef Assembly founder + LINKS
Plugs is The Angel’s recs column. On most Saturdays, you’ll get six picks—a restaurant, a bar, a shop, an ingredient, a person, and a treat—from someone in New York who knows what they’re talking about, plus a selection of Angel-curated links. Plugs are for paid subscribers of The Angel only; upgrade your subscription to receive all six!
#7 (we’re tracking in East Coast Plugs, now) is Mike Traud, the founder and executive director of The Chef Assembly, formerly known as The Chef Conference. Mike has a JD, Ed.D, and an MBA, and has worked as a chef (Osteria, Vetri, and Zeppoli), as an attorney, and as an educator. His passion for the restaurant industry led him to create the conference that restaurateurs, food journalists, critics, and chefs actually want to attend. The Chef Assembly has taken place in both Los Angeles and New York (and will return here on May 4th), but Philadelphia is its home base, where Mike has resided for nearly two decades. I’m headed to Philly later today to eat and talk shop with some of my favorite people in hospitality, and to listen in on panels about food criticism, emerging restaurant technologies, and the modern-day bakery. In honor of the occasion, Mike is here with the first-ever Philly-centric Plugs.
Restaurant — Palizzi Social Club
My first kitchen job in Philly was as part of the opening staff at Osteria where Joey Baldino was my sous chef. 19 years later, Joey is the chef/owner of Palizzi Social Club, my favorite place to dine. Old-school Italian cuisine done perfectly with one of the best vibes in the city. From Al greeting us at the door, to Gabrielle making drinks at the bar, to Dolores serving us, the team helps make the overall experience welcoming and unique in a Philly way.
