MANAYUNK

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?

Although a difficult questions, Elyse chose macarons . Sweet Elizabeth's has great macarons and it's very convenient for Elyse to grab some whenever she is in the mood. In her opinion "you can never have too many macarons ."

Is there any food you really dislike?

"I'm a foodie so that's a hard question." After much thought, Elyse shared that she does not like scrapple. She said she knows it's a staple in Philadelphia but it's one food that she could live without. After telling her I have never tried scrapple she said "it's not worth trying!"

If you could have any celebrity participate in one of your food tours who would it be and why?

"I  think I would choose Mindy Kaling because I just love her and I think she is hilarious!" Elyse has never heard of Mindy experiencing Philly and all the great food it has to offer, so she would love to be the one to introduce her to the city of brotherly love.  

If you won the lottery what would you do with your winnings?

Elyse said this conversation comes up a lot between her and her husband who loves to play the lottery. However, Elyse would "donate a lot of it to The Food Trust." This is one of her favorite charities and she donates to them regularly. She would also donate a portion to the Philadelphia public school system as well as put money away for her children's college funds.  She believes "giving it all away is the best way to enjoy it."

What’s a motto you live by?

"When you work hard good things will happen." Elyse tells this to her children because she really does believe it. She lives by this with her own business. She loves "bringing new people to small businesses that deserve attention."  Many businesses in Manayunk work so hard and she brings the "good" to them by introducing people to great food.

Thanksgiving is this week? Do you have any Thanksgiving Traditions?

This year Elyse and her family are starting a new tradition. She is creating a journal for her children and family to write what they are thankful  for each year.  The whole family can contribute which will provide a nice variation and something to reflect on in the future.

If you could have a cross country tour, what states/cities would you be sure to hit?

Elyse easily answered this question with Chicago, Detroit, and San Diego.

 Chicago because Elyse "lived there for five years and it's tied with Philly." Chicago offers a great variety of food just like Philly. From its deep dish pizza to its hot sauce, Elyse loves the flavors of Chicago. Chicago is also home to one of the largest Polish populations. With that being said, it has great Polish food, especially pierogis.

Elyse is originally from Detroit. "Detroit has a Greek Town with amazing Greek food. They also have great Mexican food"

San Diego is a top contender because "everything is so fresh since a lot of food is grown there."

Would you rather only be able to eat finger foods for the rest of your life or only be able to eat  with utensils for the rest of your life?

"Definitely finger foods, they are way easier, and I wouldn't have to do the dishes. I would be completely happy with finger foods for the rest of my life."

On your food tour, what food is your favorite for people to try? Why?

Elyse's favorite food for people to try is the Peanut Butter Bacon Burger at Lucky's Last Chance. Most of the food on her tour is user friendly and there is not too much people are intimidated by. However, "people are intrigued by this burger." Elyse tells people "don't over think it. Just bite into it." This burger isn't something people would normally order off of the menu, however Elyse said that people always wipe their plate clean!

"I love Manayunk because of the community. I have been living here for over 5 years and it just gets better and better." Elyse also added that "it's the people and the businesses here in the Yunk are what makes it so great."

Getting to know Elyse on a personal level was a pleasure. She truly is committed to food, her business, and the success of all businesses in Manayunk. If you are looking to eat some great food with a great person inside and out, don't wait any longer! Book your tour today!