Here is some helpful advice from Urban Athlete Owner, Pamela MacElree.
One of the biggest obstacles in eating healthy meals is preparing for them, and it’s not the cooking part I’m talking about. It isn’t often that healthy options are an easy grab and go, more often than not we need to prepare them in advance. This does take a little bit of extra time but the outcome is worth it!
December 17, 2011 — We did it! As promised, we kicked up our heels and celebrated our big anniversary with great food, tons of our favorite customers, and a live Mariachi band.
We couldn’t be more excited to be part of the Mt. Airy community. We love this neighborhood, and are so grateful to all of our loyal customers who have made this long-time dream of ours come true.
In the spirit of the holidays, Valley Green Bank is holding its 4rd annual local book drive thru December 31, 2012. The Mastery Charter elementary schools—Mann Elementary, Harrity Elementary, Smedley Elementary, Hardy Williams Academy Mastery Charter School, and Mastery Charter Clymer Campus—will be the recipients of this year’s collection. The book drive encourages families to donate new or gently used children’s books, preschool through 8th grade. The collected books will be distributed to the five elementary schools.
“Do you find yourself struggling to get through the holidays without adding three extra inches to your waist line and 10 extra pounds to the number on the scale?” asks Pamela MacElree, owner of Mt. Airy’s Urban Athlete.
“Do you ever hope and imagine for a holiday season where you’ll keep yourself on track?
“Where you avoid binging at every holiday party you attend?
“Where you do not over-indulge at the office on the tasty homemade treats?”
If you answered yes to these questions, check out MacElree’s Guide to Getting Through the Holidays.
Get a jump start on the holidays. Reserve your table, or private room. And don’t forget that we cater for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
Click inside to see our entire Holiday Catering Menu.
If you don’t see something you like, Chef Kim and Edgar are happy to sit down with you and help you craft a special menu that will be perfect for your friends and family.
Cheers to the start of a wonderful holiday season! — Chefs Kim and Edgar Alvarez, Avenida Restaurant
Try something delicious and different for Thanksgiving this year!
Stop by for a Cena Completa (a complete meal) = Dinner for four for $10 or less / person.
Choose from one of the following family-style meals, each of which includes two side dishes.
Polla a la Brasa, $30: Our large, Free-Range Rotisserie Chicken is seasoned with a blend of Latin spices and partnered with a roasted-pepper garlic aioli. Serves 4.
Pescado del Dia, $35: Chef Edgar chooses the freshest Fish of the Day, and pairs it perfectly with one of his favorite sauces. Serves 4.
Carne Asada, $40: The chef marinates this generous portion of flank steak in fresh herbs and red wine, and serves it with chimichurri sauce. Serves 4.
Choose two side dishes to complete your meal: Steamed Broccoli, Sautéed Garlic Green Beans, Roasted Potatoes, Yucca Fries, or Rice & Beans.
Libertad Spanish Language Services – will be offering a 4-week Basic Conversational Spanish Brunch Series at Avenida Restaurant.
This package includes four one hour and fifteen minute classes, each followed by a buffet brunch.
Classes will be held on Sunday June 2nd, June 9th, June 16th and June 23rd at 11:00 am.
Priced at $195 per person, this package is a great value. That’s less than $50 a session!
Come learn Spanish in a fun casual atmosphere and enjoy a great meal!
Visit www.libertadlanguageservices.com.
Register by May 4th and receive an early registration discount, pay only $190 for an individual registration or pay $375 for registration for two.
Taco Tuesday – Every Tuesday
We will feature three tacos and three sides for just $20 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Refreshing margaritas, $5 each, will be served in six fresh fruit flavors including mango, passion fruit, prickly pear, watermelon, peach and blood orange.
Taco Tuesdays at Avenida are sure to become the neighborhood’s most affordable and fun meal.
Avenida offers dinner for 4 people for $10 per person or less –
Dine in or take out the Cena Completa of your choice.
Choose from
Our delectable Pollo a la brasa(rotisserie style chicken),
Grilled flat iron steak,
or the fresh fish of the day.
It also includes 2 side dishes and our incredible sauces that have been specially chosen to complement these delicious entrees.
Don’t forget to order your favorite appetizer and dessert to complete the meal.
Available Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday and Sunday. Call 267.385.6857 for Take Out tonight.
Kosher salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 small Spanish onion, finely diced
1 jalapeno, finely diced, seeds and all
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
2 tablespoons corriander
1 teaspoon cumin
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Zest of 1 lime
Directions
1. Place the potatoes in a large saucepan pan, cover with cold water and add 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until the potatoes fall apart when a fork is inserted, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Drain well.
2. Heat butter over medium heat in a large saute pan. Add the onion and jalapeno and cook until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the ancho chile powder, corriander and cumin. Stir until combined.
3. Add the potatoes, salt and pepper and toss in the mixture, slightly mashing the potatoes with a metal spatula.
4. Press the potato mixture into one even layer and cook until golden brown on the bottom. Turn over and gently mash again into an even layer and cook until bottom is golden brown.
5. Stir in the cilantro and lime zest and transfer to a bowl.
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 slices bacon, chopped
2 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
2 cans black beans, drained
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon coriander
2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
1 to 2 teaspoons Cholula hot sauce
½ cup chopped cilantro leaves
¼ cup scallions, sliced on bias for garnish garnish
1 cup queso fresco, garnish
Directions
1. Heat a medium skillet over medium high heat.
2. Add extra-virgin olive oil and bacon.
3. Render fat 2 minutes then add onion and garlic, cook 5 minutes.
4. Add 1 can of beans to the pan and season them with salt, pepper, cumin, coriander and ancho chili powder.
5. Then mash them with a potato masher, combining them with bacon and onions.
6. When they are combined, add remaining can of beans and combine with mashed beans.
7. Add Cholula sauce to your taste and serve.
8. Chopped cilantro, scallions and queso fresco.
Chefs Kim and Edgar Alvarez of Avenida Restaurant* impressed CBS Philly viewers, and “Talk Philly” co-host Pat Ciarrocchi when they appeared on the Nov. 22 noon show entitled, “Alternative Holiday Dishes.”
On the menu was Turkey Mole, Roasted Pumpkin Soup with toasted pepitas, Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing, and Vanilla Flan. Click here to view the broadcast.
If staying fit is your 2013 resolution, get on the health kick this holiday season. Thanks to the work Chef Kim Alvarez is doing with Pamela MacElree of Urban Athlete in Mt. Airy, here’s a menu that’s sure to keep the pounds off—and the family happy.
On the Menu:
• Zucchini and Caramelized Onion Soup
• Spinach Salad, with Anjou pears, pumpkin seeds, queso fresco, lime-basil vinaigrette
• Spice-Rubbed Turkey London Broil
• Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
• Cranberry Orange Compote
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Vidalia Onions
• Butternut Squash Apple Crisp, with almond oat crumble
Meet Philadelphia’s most innovative leaders right here in the neighborhood!
Join us at Avenida Restaurant (located in the old Cresheim Cottage) on Thursday, December 1, from 7-9 p.m. as we host the first event in our new speaker series. Avenida is a Latin-American restaurant with flavorful combinations of Latin influences. Enjoy a delicious, three-course, prix fixe menu and dine with your neighbors while hearing from some of Philly’s most innovative leaders.
Our speaker will be Tom Corcoran, president of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. After spending more than 25 years leading the transformation of the Camden riverfront, Corcoran has crossed the Delaware and is working to reconnect Philadelphians to the river. Under his watch, the DRWC has seen major success with the recent completion of the Race Street Pier. Corcoran will present the master plan for the Delaware Waterfront and discuss the exciting projects under way.
On the Menu:
• Cocktails and Appetizer Buffet to include margaritas, red Sangria, Corona, house red or white wine (one per customer); and Fried Yucca and Chicharone, with roasted tomato sauce
• Entrées: El Biche (Ecuadorian Bouillabaisse), with calamari, mussels, or Guatemalan Chicken Pepian, mole Amarillo, Spanish rice
• For Dessert: Coconut Tres leches, meringue
Tickets are $50/person, and a portion of the proceeds will support Mt. Airy USA’s community development efforts. Seating is limited to 50 diners. Click here to register.
Delicious Mole is the sauce most popularly used in Mexican cuisine. Whether you prefer red, black, or green, this flavorful Latin gravy is all about the chili peppers—the ingredient that packs a delicious punch.
While it is most commonly served over meat dishes, vegetarians and vegans love it spooned over veggies and rice. And, why not? It’s the culinary symbol of Mexico’s mestizaje.
If you are game to switch up your holiday menu, try Chef Edgar Alvarez’s fabulous topping on your traditional Thanksgiving roasted turkey.
For the perfect side dish, prepare Chef Kim Alvarez’s version of Chorizo and Cornbread Stuffing, which combines her Jewish roots with the recipe made famous by his Guatemalan heritage.
Click on the link below, “read more,” and you’ll find the details of both recipes.
Don’t feel like being a slave to your kitchen this holiday season? Leave the cooking to us! Simply click on this link to view Avenida’s entire 2011 Holiday Catering Menu.
From all of us at Avenida Restaurant, Happy Thanksgiving!
“I am excited to be co-hosting this event with Chef Kim Alvarez of Avenida Restaurant,” says Pamela MacElree, owner of Urban Athlete in Mt. Airy. “Cooking healthy food is so important, and we’re honored to be celebrating Thanksgiving 2011 with these delicious, nutritious recipes. Buen Provecho!”
On the Menu: Zucchini and Caramelized Onion Soup, Sinach Salad with Anjou pears, pumpkin seeds, queso fresco, lime basil vinaigrette, Spice-Rubbed Turkey London Broil, Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry Orange Compote, Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Vidalia Onions, and for dessert Butternut Squash Apple Crisp with Almond Oat Crumble.
On Nov. 17, Chestnut Hill College will host the 13th annual Empty Bowl Dinner, and Avenida Restaurant will be there serving up big bowls of black bean soup.
The event, which is sponsored by PNC Bank and Elfant Wissahickon Realtors, benefits the Northwest Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network—a non-profit which raises funds to help area families ward off hunger and homelessness.
“Avenida is consistently awesome. Not only is the food great, but our server was energetic, very sweet, and knowledgeable about the menu. She anticipated our every need in such a joyful manner. We’ll be back soon.” — Theresa R.
“The food at Avenida is tasty and authentic. The atmosphere is warm and cozy. The people who work here are friendly and courteous. Thanks for a wonderful dining experience.” — Brandon W.
“I am blown away by this food.* I would enjoy brunch, lunch and dinner here every day if I could!” — Brandi M.
“We first found Avenida Restaurant when we tasted your food at the High Point Café market this fall, and came into today expecting the brunch to be delicious. And it was! Great food, great prices. We’ll be back!” — Heidi O.
“We came in for brunch for the first time today—and wow! My husband and I really enjoyed your potato latkes with salmon. What a great twist on a traditional dish. Also, before I came I checked out your Yelp! page, and was happily surprised to get $3.50 off my sangria. Thanks Avenida!” — Alanna S.
When: Sunday, Nov. 20, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Avenida Restaurant, 7402 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia PA
What: Don’t miss this event that is sure to be fun—and delicious. Chef Kim Alvarez will cook a healthy Thanksgiving meal based on the menu she created with professional trainer Pamela MacElree, owner of Mt. Airy’s Urban Athlete. The audience will assist with the cooking demonstration, then sit down in the restaurant to enjoy the fruits of their labors. “This is a great way to start the holiday season,” says Chef Kim. Click here for our holiday catering offerings.
On the Nov. 20 Menu:
• Zucchini Onion Soup w/ lemon Greek yogurt drizzle
• Spinach Salad w/ Anjou pears, pumpkin seeds, and queso fresco, in a lime basil vinaigrette
• Spice-Rubbed Grilled Turkey London Broil
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes w/ Vidalia onions
• Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
• Cranberry and Orange Compote
• Pumpkin Apple Crisp w/ almond oat crumble
• Note: There is also a vegetarian plate option.
Cost: $25 / person (includes one glass of wine, sangria, or margarita; additional drinks at regular price). Limited to 30 people.
Make your reservation today: Send an email to Chef Kim at Avenida7402@yahoo.com, or call 267.385.6857.
Are You an Urban Athlete? If not, click here to learn more.
Tune in on Tuesday, Nov. 22, when Chef Edgar will do a cooking demonstration on the noon news show of CBS Philly.
He’ll be preparing an alternative Thanksgiving meal: Turkey Mol.
He’ll be displaying it with other dishes that round out the meal: Roasted Pumpkin Soup w/ toasted pepitas, Chorizo Corn Bread Stuffing, and Vanilla Flan.
If you watch, send us an email to tell us what you thought. We’ll give you a $5 drink coupon!
In anticipation of our Nov. 20 Healthy Thanksgiving Cooking event with Urban Athlete, we’ll be sharing a couple of recipes from our menu. Below, you’ll find the recipe for Zucchini and Caramelized Onion Soup, a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that is packed with flavor, nutrition—and the perfect meal for a cool fall day.
What does loyal and beloved customer J.J. Van Name like best about Avenida?
Besides the 1700s stone cottage charm? I love Avenida because of the combination of the excellent and unique food with a Central American flair, and the great vibe.
I also love the real and unpretentious cool people who are the owners, and the wait staff actually is interested in how you are enjoying yourself and your meal.
Plus, there is an incredibly lovely garden patio out back with an open vista that gives you a perfect view of sunsets and moon rises. Of course, I have to mention a new red wine that I discovered a few months ago, which has become my favorite: Punto Final Malbec.
If not, do take time this week to walk into this fabulous gym in Mt Airy, PA. Just one step through the door will make you feel exhilarated—and inspire you to strip down to your shorts for a great workout.
“Urban Athlete is raw, it’s energized, and it’s a place where people come to improve themselves; improve their strength, their fitness, and their self-confidence,” says owner Pamela MacElree. “It’s also a place where an incredibly diverse group of people come together and feel a great sense of camaraderie. We have a lot of fun, even if the workouts are often painfully rigorous.”
Chef Kim can attest to that. Since September, she has been training with Pamela, and so far has lost 5 pounds and 3 inches. “The workouts hurt like heck, but they also feel so good.”
This is one of our signature drinks. It’s also the hands-down favorite of our customers. Here’s the recipe so you can make it at home. Cheers!
What you’ll need to make a pitcher:
1 bottle of red wine (750ml)
1/4 cup Triple Sec
1/8 cup tequila
1/8 cup sweet vermouth
1/8 cup fresh lime juice
Lemons, limes, and oranges (sliced)
Sugar, to taste
1 cup Sprite or 7UP
Directions: In a punch bowl or pitcher, mix together the wine, Triple Sec, tequila, sweet vermouth, and lime juice. Add sliced fruit and refrigerate for a few hours, just so that your alcohol picks up the fruit flavors. Pour into your favorite glass, and enjoy!
Congratulations to our favorite bartender, Don Dunbar, who took home a top prize last night (Oct. 10), at the 4th annual Mojito Olympics, sponsored by DonQ Rum.
Events included: Fastest Muddle, Mystery Bin, and Best in Show.
Although he wasn’t the bartender to finish fast, Don’s mojito was voted to be one of the best the judges tasted all night.
“Everyone at Avenida Restaurant agrees,” says Chef Edgar, owner of Avenida, who took the entire staff to the event to cheer on their friend. “We’re pretty tough critics, and our customers say Don’s version is perhaps the best they have tasted.”
Here’s Don’s Secret Recipe
You’ll need:
3 fresh mint sprigs
2 tsp sugar
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 1/2 oz light rum
club soda
Here’s how:
1. Into a tall glass, add fresh Henry Got Crops mint to sugar. Muddle.
2. Pour in light rum and club soda. Mix.
3. Top with a stalk of sugar cane, and more fresh mint.
Check out why “Philadelphia” magazine awarded Avenida the title of “Best Kid’s Menu.” Your little ones will love the special dishes and cocktails inspired by our own kids—including Dora or Diego Tini, Alejandro’s Tacos, Pollo Frito Pan Roasted Chicken Pieces, and Flat Iron Steak. What else is on the menu?
We have been customers of Valley Green Bank since we opened in 2009, and couldn’t be happier with this organization.
Not only is the service stellar, but also working with Director of Marketing Lesley Seitchik has made growing our business that much easier.
To show our appreciation, last week we asked Lesley, and Valley Green’s President & CEO Jay Goldstein, over for a glass of wine.
“Avenida Restaurant is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood,” Jay told us. “It’s a real destination point that serves delicious dishes, has consistent quality, and the service is incredibly friendly. I love coming here with everyone from my clients, to friends, and family. In fact, my neighbors’ kids told me just last night that this is their favorite restaurant. Keep up the good work Kim and Edgar!”
Photo by Doug Keith
Review highlights: A solid menu of fresh, healthy choices is complemented by excellent drinks at Edgar and Kim Alvarez’s colorful, cozy Mount Airy Latin America restaurant set in an 18th century stone building boasting a patio and bar. The neighborhood regards it as a date night destination, and fans promise that you will be recognized by the staff by your second visit.
Known in Spanish as pastel tres leches,* “three milk cake,” this sweet sponge cake is soaked in three kinds of milk.
Although it is very popular in many parts of Latin America, the Nestlé company claims to have helped the tres leches recipe evolve during World War II (hence the popularity of our southern version, the coconut cake). And let us not forget our European friends who long ago mastered the art of making the perfect English rum cake, and the Italian version, tiramisu. The evolution of the recipe continued in 2004, when Häagen-Dazs released a tres leches-flavored ice cream, containing pieces of rum-soaked tres leche. Yum!
Hey all you Weavers Way Co-opers:
October is Co-Op Appreciation Month, and to celebrate, our bartender Don has crafted a special drink featuring fresh mint from Weavers Way Co-op’s Farms.
Stop by for a refreshing glass — only $5 for all co-op members. Just show your membership card at the bar, or to your server.
Want to make a Co-Jito at home? Click inside for the mixology recipe.
But know this: All you need is fresh organic mint, fair trade sugar, organic lime juice, light rum, and club soda. Easy peasy. And oh so delicious!
Cheers amigos!
There’s A Party Going On In Here!
Chef Edgar will be preparing some of his favorite Central American dishes—including Pupusa, a traditional Salvadoran dish made of thick, hand-made corn tortilla, served with curtido, a lightly fermented cabbage slaw with red chilies and vinegar, and a delicious tomato salsa.
Celebrating Freedom: On Sept. 15, 1821, Central America’s provinces proclaimed independence from the Spanish crown, which is cause for celebration for anyone who grew up or lives in the region. Central American ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, and ministers are all invited to participate in grand events. Hundreds of students from various schools join in the celebrations, as well. In fact, many students wait for these parties to use their uniform for the first time of the year. Students, from the poor to the rich, show in the parades the new uniform with shining black shoes.
No shiny shoes required at Avenida. Just bring your friends, and your appetite, and enjoy $5 Margaritas, plates of Pupusa, and other select menu items all night long!
We’ll look forward to seeing you on Thursday night! — Chefs Kim and Edgar Alvarez, Avenida Restaurant, 7402 Germantown Avenue, Mt. Airy
Pupusas are a Salvadoran stuffed masa flatbread that are similar to corn tortillas, only thicker and stuffed with cheese, beans or meat. They originated in El Salvador, and are also popular in neighboring Honduras.
Celebrate tonight: In fact, the Pupusa is so fundamental to the cuisine of El Salvador that the country hasdeclared November 13 as “National Pupusa Day. But don’t wait until then. Try them at home tonight!
Simple (or sugar) syrup is an essential item to stock in any bar, especially if you are a fan of shaking up Mojitos, Daiquiris, and Hurricanes.
This sweetener is primarily used as a substitute for raw sugar and adds rich volume to your drinks. Making it at home is much more economical than buying it at the store.
Another benefit is that you can make as small or as large a batch as you wish, and store it in the refrigerator in a well-sealed bottle for up to six months.
What do you love about Avenida? That’s what we’ll be asking our customers, then we’ll be publishing their responses in our weekly newsletter.
This week we feature the favorite drink of Dr. Larry Somers, an old friend whose daughter, Rachel, grew up with Chef Kim in Lafayette Hill. When Larry traveled to Brazil, he tried a Pisco Sour, and asked our bartender to mix the fabulous drink for him at Avenida.
After one sip of the cocktail, Larry gave the thumbs up. “Now I need the recipe,” he said. Click “read more” for that.
August 2011: Zagat Buzz says: “No 18th-century stone house would be complete without a flourishing flower bed. Duck through this Mt. Airy Latin American to find a butterfly-dotted patio, complete with flora and greenery. Relax with fresh, healthy cuisine from chefs Kim and Edgar Alvarez with flavors that sparkle almost as much as the glittering lights strung on the latticework overhead.”
To read the full article, visit www.zagat.com/buzz/avenida.
Stop by this week and dine under the stars.
July 28, 2010, Philadelphia Magazine — We are thrilled to announce that this week Avenida Restaurant was awarded the 2010 Best Kids Menu by Philadelphia Magazine.
At Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly 2010” celebration last week, we celebrated this incredible honor with Philadelphia dignitaries such as Mayor Michael Nutter (click Read More to see that photo), and the other Best of Philly winners. It was a blast!
Click here to see the dishes that kids all over Philadelphia have been raving about.
July 25, 2010, The Philadelphia Inquirer — “When the economy came crashing down in 2009, it brought Kim and Edgar Alvarez’s crab cakes with them – at least for a moment,” writes Inquirer Restaurant Critic Craig LaBan in today’s Philly.com Food.
He continues: Those cakes were among the signature items at the couple’s former prepared foods store, the Delaware Market House in Gladwyne. But once the recession prompted enough Main Liners to start cooking more for themselves, the Alvarez’ business, which thrived on small pleasures like fresh chicken salad and sirloin broil, suddenly went “completely off the deep end,” says Kim.
It was a sorry moment for Gladwyne take-out addicts, perhaps, but has turned into a boon for Mount Airy, where the resilient Alvarezes have resurfaced with Avenida, a Latin-inspired neighborhood restaurant well-cast for a neighborhood that can use all the good flavors it can muster.
We are excited to announce that our first Sunday Brunch was incredibly successful. We invite you to come in and try some of our savory, original dishes that are sure to make the whole family happy.
For starters: There is a delicious Caesar Salad with masa croutons and fried capers, Fruit Salad, Gazpacho, Papusas with tomato sauce and curtido, Queso Fondido (vegetarian style, too), Spring mix salad _with queso fresco, jicima, strawberries, mango vinaigrette, and Tequila lime cured salmon with cilantro potato cakes — each $10, or less.
Our selection of brunch dishes includes: Capirotada Mexican Bread Pudding with honey butter and Zacapa syrup, Chilaquiles with green mole, fried eggs, queso fresco, crema, Frittata Del Dia with home fried potatoes, Grilled Chicken Torta with fried green tomatoes, avocado, bacon and salsa, Huevos Rancheros Tostadas with warm potatoes and refried black beans, and Zucchini Cheese Pastel with Spring Mixed Salad — each $12, or less.
For the kids: Scrambled Eggs with bacon, home fries and tortillas, for $7.
Celebrate summer with a refreshing Avenida margarita. They are just $5 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Try This at Home
Our bartenders Kevin and Kylie have a passion for Margaritas and mix up the meanest version we’ve tasted, starring fresh lime juice. Stop by to try this incredible concoction, but before you do try it yourself at home so you can compare. Cheers!
What you’ll need:
4 oz. tequila • 1 oz. Triple Sec • 2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice • 1 oz. simple syrup • 1 cup crushed ice
Here’s how: Pour all ingredients into a shaker. Dance around the kitchen. Pour. Makes 2 servings.
April 17, ABC News — Check out the 5-minute report that ABC News Channel 6 did on hot new businesses in town — including one of the best Latin American restaurants to open in 2010: Avenida, in Mt. Airy, PA.
The cameras went inside Avenida’s kitchen and watched as Chefs Kim and Edgar prepared some of their signature appetizers: Grilled Baby Octopus with Tequila Roasted Tomato Sauce, Garlic and Avocado and Queso Fondito.
“I was trained at the Culinary Institute of America, so I tend to cook by the book,” explains Chef Kim. “And I went to cooking school every day of my life as I watched my mother, aunts and grandmother prepare a meal for our entire family — dozens of people who ate three times a day in our home in Guatemala,” shares Chef Edgar.
Watch the segment here (click to 3:31 on the timer to see Kim and Edgar on TV).
March 11, 2010, Chestnut Hill Local — “According to a recent CNN Money article, more than 45,000 businesses closed their doors for good in 2009, including some that survived for more than a century,” writes reporter Len Lear in a profile about Chestnut Hill / Mt. Airy’s newest Latin American restaurant, Avenida.
“The article profiled six century-old businesses in various parts of the country that were victimized last year by the economic hard times,” he explains. “One of those businesses placed under the microscope was the Delaware Market House, a gourmet food market and catering operation in Gladwyne. You might think that Gladwyne, the wealthiest community in the entire Delaware Valley where million-dollar homes are as common as pasta in an Italian restaurant, would be immune from the vagaries of the economy. But you’d be wrong.”
Philadelphia Magazine, February 25, 2010 — “The historic Cresheim Cottage has a tasty new Latin flair,” said Philadelphia Magazine restaurant reviews of Avenida Restaurant.
The explained:
Husband and wife chefs Edgar and Kim Alvarez have turned the historic Cresheim Cottage into a modern, friendly Latin American eatery. It’s the kind of place where a woman at the table next to you leans over and gushes, “Ohhh, is that the calamari? It looks delicious.” And it is.
MyFoxPhilly Morning Show, February 1 — Latin food was celebrated on the Fox Morning Show this week when anchor John Anderson welcome Avenida’s Chef Edgar Alverez.
“They are chefs, restaurateurs and husband and wife! Edgar and Kim Alvarez opened Avenida Restaurant in Mount Airy last fall and were gracious enough to stop by Good Day to share some favorite recipes,” Anderson said.
Chef Edgar then prepared Pan Seared Red Snapper with Tomatillo Salsa, Sautéed Vegetables and Spanish rice. “Watch this delicious cooking segment here.”:http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/good_day_philadelphia/good_day_food/monday’s-menu%3A-flavorful-latin-food%21
JANUARY 4, 2010 — In an article featured on the homepage of CNN Money today, reporter Elizabeth Montalbano wrote about “100-year-old businesses we lost in 2009,” explaining: “More than 45,000 businesses closed their doors for good in 2009, including some that survived for longer than a century.” One of the six U.S. businesses she profiled was the Delaware Market House, which chefs Kim and Edgar Alvarez closed last March.
“Fortunately, the Alvarezes have found another venue for their talents,” Montalbano said. “Along with a business partner they met through a mutual friend, the couple in December opened Avenida, a restaurant in nearby Mt. Airy that will feature the Latin American cuisine of Edgar Alvarez’s native Guatemala.”
On New Year’s Eve, 2009, customer DianeR5631 stopped by Avenida for dinner and wrote:
Fun friendly atmosphere. Wonderful rich, but simple decor. Great for date night or family dinner out. Fresh, fresh, fresh and healthy choices. Save room for dessert!
December 15, 2009 — Chef couple Edgar and Kim Alvarez will open the doors of Avenida (7402 Germantown Ave., 267-385-6857) this Thursday, Dec. 17. The kitchen takes inspiration from Edgar’s Guatemalan heritage, with a menu of quesadillas, tamales and enchiladas that tops out at $20.
December 17, 2009 — Philadelphia Inquirer, restaurant columnist Michael Kline announced that Dec. 17 will mark the debut Avenida, “a family friendly, budget-conscious Latin concept from husband-and-wife chef team Edgar and Kim Alvarez, who most recently ran Gladwyne’s Delaware Market House, a gourmet takeout and catering operation. The building was last home to Cresheim Cottage Cafe. Their partner here is Wayne Zukin, a real estate developer and Mount Airy-ite.”
StreetTalkin.com
August 24, 2009
This December, husband-and-wife chef team Edgar and Kim Alvarez will be opening their first restaurant, Avenida, which will feature Latin cuisine, inspired by Edgar’s Guatemalan heritage. Avenida, which will be located in Philadelphia’s Mount Airy, will be a family-focused, affordable restaurant with all menu items priced under $20.
This will be a great restaurant not only to bring your family, but also a great place to bring a date, because of the restaurant’s multiple intimate dining rooms and a seasonal outdoor patio. In addition to the popular Latin food items such as Queso Fondito, Clams with Chorizo, Guacamole and Chips, Whole Fish, and more, there will also be a selection of tequilas and Mexican and Latin beers, as well as a modest, price-conscious wine list and fresh, seasonal cocktails such as signature margaritas.
By Michael Kline
Philadelphia Inquirer
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Husband-and-wife chef team Edgar and Kim Katz Alvarez are hammering out Avenida — an affordable, neighborhood-friendly Latin American restaurant, based on his Guatemalan roots — at 7402 Germantown Ave. Opening is pegged for December.
They’re fashioning Spanish-Colonial decor out of the 18th-century building that last housed Cresheim Cottage Cafe; it also has one of the best outdoor patios in the city. They met while working at Striped Bass in the Neil Stein era, and now have two small kids and a house in the burbs.
We invite you to indulge your taste buds in the bold Latin American flavors and tantalizing cocktails that we serve at Philadelphia’s award-winning restaurant, Avenida.
Set in a historic Mount Airy home built in the 1700s, patrons will sit by the stone fireplace or on the romantic outdoor porch sipping margaritas and sampling Chef Edgar’s signature guacamole with homemade tortilla chips and salsa.
Stop by for dinner tonight to sample the award-winning delicacies that he and wife and partner Chef Kim Katz Alvarez have prepared. And do bring the kids! The owners of Avenida pride themselves on being family-friendly.
Libertad Spanish Language Services – will be offering a 4-week Basic Conversational Spanish Brunch Series at Avenida Restaurant.
This package includes four one hour and fifteen minute classes, each followed by a buffet brunch.
Classes will be held on Sunday June 2nd, June 9th, June 16th and June 23rd at 11:00 am.
Priced at $195 per person, this package is a great value. That’s less than $50 a session!
Come learn Spanish in a fun casual atmosphere and enjoy a great meal!
Visit www.libertadlanguageservices.com.
Register by May 4th and receive an early registration discount, pay only $190 for an individual registration or pay $375 for registration for two.
Join Us For Taco Tuesday
We will feature three tacos and three sides for just $20 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Learn more
Check out our NEW Cocktails
The Paloma with tequila and grapefruit soda
Our refreshingly delicioso Blood Orange Mojitos
Stop by and get it a try!
Avenida offers dinner for 4 people for $10 per person or less? –
Dine in or take out the Cena Completa of your choice.
Choose from
our delectable Pollo a la brasa(rotisserie style chicken),
Grilled flat iron steak,
or the fresh fish of the day.
It also includes 2 side dishes and our incredible sauces that have been specially chosen to complement these delicious entrees.
Don’t forget to order your favorite appetizer and dessert to complete the meal.
Available Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday and Sunday. Call 267.385.6857 for Take Out tonight.
Chefs Kim and Edgar Alvarez are Stars! The owners of Avenida were a hit on CBS Philly when “Talk Philly” co-host Pat Ciarrocchi featured them on the Nov. 22 noon show, “Alternative Holiday Dishes.”
On the menu was Turkey Mole, Roasted Pumpkin Soup with toasted pepitas, Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing, and Vanilla Flan. Click here to view the broadcast. If you’d like to serve up this feast for family, the chefs can help! Click here to view the 2011 Holiday Catering Menu.
We’re Open for Lunch: Tues. thru Friday. Pop in for a sit-down meal from 11:30 am to 2 pm, or call us and get it To-Go: 267.385.6857.
Phone: 267.385.6857
Email: Kim@avenidarestaurant.com
