Down the Shore dining: The Craig LaBan way | Morning Newsletter
And where is the Jersey Devil?
The Morning Newsletter
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter
Happy Friday!
Expect patchy fog with a chance of some thunderstorms in the afternoon. It’ll still be a warm summer day with a high of 89.
The Fourth of July came and went, which probably means you already have made a trip down the Shore, or maybe several. We have several helpful Shore guides to help you make the best of your next trip, like our music guide for the summer or our list of the best seafood shacks.
Today we have a treat. From Atlantic City to Cape May, our resident restaurant Craig LaBan wants to make sure you eat well. Our lead story is his guide of the new spots that are worth a visit before the summer is over.
📧 Also, take a moment to sign up for the Taste Philly with Craig Laban newsletter which launched today. It’ll showcase Philly’s global food scene through six installments in six weeks. Eat around the world without actually leaving the city. It’ll feature inbox-only content you won’t get anywhere else.
— Taylor Allen (@TayImanAllen, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
According to Craig LaBan, the Philly vibes are stronger than ever down the Shore.
There are some old city favorites that opened new branches by the beach, multiples chefs are doing weekly commutes Philly-to-Shore kitchen commutes, and several veterans of Philly’s dining scene now live full-time near the water.
Follow LaBan has he tells you about the stars of the southern Shore and a seemingly sustainable Atlantic City reboot. Also, don’t miss the story about how the owner of John’s Roast Pork once taught an iconic Ocean City kitchen some secrets on how to make his award-winning cheesesteak.
Click here for the full guide and excellent food photography.
Someone stole the carved-wood Jersey Devil outside of Lucille’s Luncheonette in Warren Grove.
It’s not easy to do. It’s estimated to be about 900 pounds. But it’s about 1,500 pounds soaking wet, as it likely would have been when it was snatched after so much rain lately.
Security cameras captured the crime.
The scene: Around 10 p.m. on June 23, an SUV towing a trailer with a Jeep drove past the diner, but then turned around and pulled into the diner’s parking lot. The man driving the car hooked the six-foot statue with a tow strap. He then dragged the wooden devil down Main Street, splintering the wing, before loading it onto his trailer.
It didn’t take long for the Stafford Township Police Department to issue a warrant for the suspect — an Ohio man — but he remains on the run. The crimes do not meet the criteria for extradition, so police hope he’ll turn himself in.
Continue reading to learn how the restaurant’s regulars are rallying to help out the beloved local spot.
What you should know today
Da’Juan Brown, 15, was the youngest victim of the Kingsessing mass shooting. He died trying to save his wounded friend.
Penn Medicine closed its South Philly urgent care center. Penn said patients who would usually go to the center for ailments are increasingly using telemedicine instead.
A New Jersey judge’s TikToks sparked an investigation that could lead to discipline or his removal from the bench.
No Name Pops organized two performances in the coming months, despite the future of Philly Pops remaining in limbo.
Philly’s Dîner En Blanc returns next month for its 11th year.
Philly schools have a new deputy superintendent for academics.
Temple Health appointed a new chief financial officer.
🧠 Trivia time 🧠
Beyoncé’s Renaissance returns to Philly next week for her highly anticipated Renaissance Tour on July 12.
Which city did she cancel?
A) Atlanta
B) Pittsburgh
C) Tampa
D) Chicago
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
👀 Watching: Donald Trump’s valet pleaded not guilty to charges that he helped the former president hide classified documents from federal authorities.
📱Considering: Joining Threads, Meta’s new Twitter rival app. I’m not sure if I want another social media platform, though. If you’re using it, email me and tell you me how you like it.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram 🧩
Hint: A Philly beer company
VEIN UGLIES
We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Marissa Dwyer, who correctly guessed Thursday’s answer: Carbon Copy. Email us if you know the answer.
Photo of the day
I hope your work day goes smooth and you have a relaxing weekend. Paola will be back in your inbox Sunday.