We're kicking off 2026 in The Back Room at High Street with one of Philly's favorite culinary couples: Dionicio Jiménez and Mariangeli Alicea Saez. They share an update on Cantina La Martina's transition and all the places you can now find them cooking across the area. We dive into what it means to give back, why Kensington will always hold a place in their hearts, and how Mexican cuisine goes far beyond Taco Tuesday.

Dionicio and Mariangeli also remember the emotional moment they accepted last year's Chef of the Year trophy at The Tasties, and why that particular award was so meaningful. Plus: the return of La Tamalada, the unofficial pregame to The Tasties on Sunday, February 1st! And speaking of that party, we have a ton of updates on what you'll eat, drink and experience there, so let's dive in…

• (00:00) Stadium pro tip for wine lovers
• (07:04) Dionicio Jiménez and Mariangeli Alicea Saez
• (14:15) Community engagement in Kensington
• (29:48) Win a trip to Mexico - Eli's never been!
• (38:48) La Tamalada: All the details
• (44:44) The Tasties: What you'll eat, drink and experience
• (01:03:24) The Dish: Events, Pop-Ups and Collabs

If your restaurant or company wants to be in the headlines for all the right reasons, click here to discover how Peter Breslow Consulting and PR can take your business to the next level

Social media and digital content are two of the most important things you can create for your brand. Check out Breakdown Media, a one stop shop for all of your marketing needs.

Happy Holidays and Happy Victory Monday (GO BIRDS!) Delicious City will be back in the studio in January with fresh finds and lots of food news for 2026. In this special bonus episode, legendary food critic Craig LaBan turns the tables and interviews Eli, Marisa, and Dave in front of a live audience.

The conversation, recorded on stage at The Fillmore during Philadelphia Inquirer Food Fest in November, dives deep into the podcast origins and everyone's unique culinary journeys. Craig also asks for Michelin picks, since the guide hadn't hit Philly yet at the time of recording - listen to find out whose predictions were on point!

• 00:00 Thanks for another great year!
• 01:32 We're live at Inquirer Food Fest
• 03:33 Delicious City origin stories
• 18:40 How restaurant culture has evolved in Philly
• 26:06 How will Michelin affect the food scene
• 39:47 Recent Best Bites
• 44:27 Michelin predictions

We are so excited for 2026 and look forward to continuing to bring you tasty content for your food loving ears as well as great events such as The Tasties – Philadelphia's Biggest Night in Food – Delicious City tailgates, and of course, Hoagie Throwdown 2.0!

Cheers to an incredible 2025 and we look forward to an even more thrilling 2026! 🥂

It's been another year of unforgettable meals. From friends' living rooms to Philly's luxury hotels, we scoured the city for the best bites of the year so we could bring them to YOU to share. Thank you to our podcast family for a great 2025! Listen as we recap the highlights of the year, announce The Tasties People's Choice nominees, and catch up with Trashy Wall Art creator Braden Young.

• 03:27 Eli's gifts
• 10:30 Braden Young of Trashy Wall Art
• 26:45 Our Best Bites of 2025
• 48:48 Vote Now for The Tasties People's Choice Nominees
• 54:52 The Sauce: events and dinners around Philly

And of course, we could not do this without our amazing partners who are as passionate about food and drink as we are:

• In the mood for fresh, fast and healthy? Then you need to be dialing up the Honeygrow App and ordering your favorite salad or noodles. And if you're a Sriracha lover, Honeygrow has just launched their seasonal Sriracha Tahini Stirfry. Use discount code DCPodcast to get $3 off any order of $20 or more when you order from the Honeygrow app.
• If your restaurant or company wants to be in the headlines for all the right reasons, click here to discover how Peter Breslow Consulting and PR can take your business to the next level
• Social media and digital content are two of the most important things you can create for your brand. Check out Breakdown Media, a one stop shop for all of your marketing needs.