New Wine & Spirits @ 43rd and Chestnut

**FourS** · 06-06-2012, 06:30 PM

Does anyone know what happened at the hearing?

**annie** · 06-06-2012, 08:09 PM

Standing room only. 50% against/for almost exactly segregated by the front and back except for this one smartass b**** holding up this sign for the board:

Decision within a week. Based on the board's demeanor to those opposed (who lacked an attorney), it seems likely the ruling will be in favor of the store.

More info:

Lively debate at liquor store hearing; decision tabled | West Philly Local

**FourS** · 06-07-2012, 01:53 PM

Thanks.

**annie** · 06-14-2012, 09:17 AM

Supposedly the store was approved. Woohoo!

**seand** · 06-14-2012, 01:07 PM

Damn. Where will I go to for bong, check cashing, and porn rental one stop shopping now?

Board approves liquor store at 43rd and Chestnut | West Philly Local

**Ptolemy** · 06-14-2012, 08:54 PM

I confess I have only shopped in the State liquor store only once in the past four months (the one on Baltimore Ave. near Cedar Park) to buy a bottle of inexpensive sherry for cooking. For my major liquor purchases I hop in my car and drive down to Total Wine & Liquors on Naaman's Road just steps over the PA order in Delaware. Much, much, much, much, much better selection and prices.

Ya hear that PA sheriff's dept.? Go ahead and arrest me! I dare you!

**thoth** · 06-14-2012, 10:04 PM

This is not going to do much to curry favor with the devine, either. Don't you know they hate booze?

Originally Posted by seand

Damn. Where will I go to for bong, check cashing, and porn rental one stop shopping now?

Board approves liquor store at 43rd and Chestnut | West Philly Local

**seand** · 06-15-2012, 10:46 AM

"They". Hey if you are going to assert multiple deities, I'm going to go with the one that approves tippling, in moderation of course.

**FourS** · 06-15-2012, 08:32 PM

I'm neither a deity nor a big drinker (occasionally I have a sip or two), and I couldn't be happier. I live right around the corner and think that this could be a huge boost for the immediate area. I heard a rumor that Michael Solomonov (owner/chef of Zahav) was considering a casual spot in the same strip mall if the liquor store happened. I don't know the validity of the rumor but it's really exciting if it's true considering 44th and Ludlow was a bustling crack corner when I bought my house 8 years ago. (I wonder if the Mosque will object to Israeli food?)

**boognish** · 06-15-2012, 08:39 PM

I'll have to ask Mike about that next time I see him, but considering a new Federal Donuts is going into Center City, I'd imagine the Cook/Solo machine will have its hands full for a while. Also, it seems like an odd place for a restaurant of their caliber.

On the upside, as you probably know, he's very familiar with the area as he was chef at Marigold for a while. He's pretty bullish on the neighborhood and cultivates great talent.

**thoth** · 06-15-2012, 10:26 PM

Originally Posted by seand

"They". Hey if you are going to assert multiple deities, I'm going to go with the one that approves tippling, in moderation of course.

It's west philly. We recognize and tolerate all deities regardless of gender, sexual orientation, dietary preferences or magical ability.

**annie** · 06-18-2012, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by FourS

I don't know the validity of the rumor but it's really exciting if it's true considering 44th and Ludlow was a bustling crack corner when I bought my house 8 years ago. (I wonder if the Mosque will object to Israeli food?)

Ah yes, the sulfur fumes of crack smoke at 44th and Chestnut of yore. Never not jarring en route to the gym.

I don't think they would object to Israeli food because it's Israeli but because the landlord might be able to use the appearance of two new upscale-ish places to justify jacking up the rent. Concern for the rent of the halal butcher and head shop was probably driving most of this.

**FourS** · 06-18-2012, 06:54 PM

I love that some people were worried that a liquor store would attract vagrants. It is rare that there isn't already someone sleeping in front of the strip mall, often multiple people.

The rents will undoubtedly go up, but they have all over the neighborhood for commercial and residential. I love the halal butcher shop at 43rd and Walnut (Macca Market?) but the one in that mall is sketchy. It always smells funky inside, and not good, exotic spice funky. I've been to the Middle East, and I know spices and I know funky, rotten goat parts.

**boognish** · 06-18-2012, 07:14 PM

Funky Rotten Goat Parts would make a great band name.

**annie** · 06-18-2012, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by FourS

I've been to the Middle East, and I know spices and I know funky, rotten goat parts.

Khlea! (No, probably just butcher grossness.)

P.S. Under previous ownership, the Chestnut Street butcher used to claim halal and sell pork. The current owner does not sell pork.

**seand** · 06-19-2012, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by annie

P.S. Under previous ownership, the Chestnut Street butcher used to claim halal and sell pork. The current owner does not sell pork.

Were these halal pork cuts vegan as well? Because that would be a West Philly trifecta.

**annie** · 07-28-2012, 12:03 PM

This is getting appealed and the opponents seem to have hired themselves an attorney.

**BarryG** · 07-28-2012, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by annie

Khlea! (No, probably just butcher grossness.)

P.S. Under previous ownership, the Chestnut Street butcher used to claim halal and sell pork. The current owner does not sell pork.

The beef and chicken could have been halal. Halal-keepers usually aren't concerned with strict separation and certification like kosher-keepers.

**annie** · 07-29-2012, 01:45 PM

I don't know. It undercut his credibility as a Muslim businessman. If he's selling haram what else isn't he doing right? It makes sense that he didn't last and someone else took over.

Anyway, the important thing here is that the lines at the Baltimore Avenue store are going to be long forever.

**seand** · 07-30-2012, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by BarryG

The beef and chicken could have been halal. Halal-keepers usually aren't concerned with strict separation and certification like kosher-keepers.

I don't know about that. My friend at Marrakesh Express was very cognizant of sourcing all his meats would go into some detail about it. I remember he was making some hand made sausages and he had to go to Brooklyn to get his casings, for example.

I don't see how you can argue the proposed location is more an impact on the community than any other location in West Philadlephia. Being opposed to liquor stores across the board is not a coherent zoning argument why this particular location in unsuitable.

Also, it should be pointed out that if State Rep. Turzai's plan for privitization come to fruition in the fall, they probably have something more pressing to be concerned about. Beer distributors will get first crack at liquor licences under the privitzation bill so University Beer Distributor at 43rd and Walnut will have first dibs at being a private liquor store, right next to their mosque.