Let's Eat: Where to eat near the Flower Show

The Philadelphia Flower Show, opening Friday, will draw about 250,000 people – seemingly all of whom will be stopping to eat at the same time. But where? I run down dozens of options, both at Reading Terminal Market and elsewhere nearby. This week, I also share word of a Creole/Cajun newcomer in South Philly, a stir-fry specialist in Center City, and a Jamaican spot in Jenkintown. If you need food news, click here and follow me on Twitter and Instagram. Email tips, suggestions, and questions here. If someone forwarded you this free newsletter and you like what you're reading, sign up here to get it every week.

The Convention Center, home of the Philadelphia Flower Show, is right on the doorstep of one of the world's great food halls/markets, Reading Terminal Market. If you want to see a sea of humanity, try wading through the aisles at lunchtime. It's worth it, though, for a U.N.'s worth of food. I run down most of my favorites in this article linked here. If you crave a different experience near the show,  here I also list about 40 other options in Chinatown and a few blocks away – the idea being that you don't want to bother moving a car or shlep your bunches of pussy willows all over the place.

Rosé Perez at Gin & Pop
The rapidly redeveloping neighborhood of Francisville picked up a corner bar last fall. Gin & Pop (named after its location at Ginnodo and Poplar Streets) delivers upmarket pub-style eats from chef Josh Noh to accompany an impressive selection of wines, beers, and punningly named cocktails. (It's also now open seven days, having just added Tuesdays.) New on Kris and Tom Kwiatkowski's bar list is the Rosé Perez, a smooth drink made of gin, rosé liqueur, egg white, lemon, bitters, and rosé float.

First-time restaurateur Sean Nevins is making a go of it in Bella Vista at the colorful Acadia, whose menu's bright spots include gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys and rice and beans (all in adjustable shades of spiciness) washed down by hurricanes and Sazerac. Kindly service and modest prices, too. Tip to early birds: mornings bring beignets and cafe du monde served in the entryway at 824 S. Eighth St. Further tip: Starting Friday, Nevins will offer bananas Foster-filled beignets as well.

Stir-fry bowl spots are popping up everywhere. One of the longer-running outlets is WokWorks, which opened in late 2013 at 1935 Chestnut St. Pick a protein, a base (quinoa – a not common option), a topping, and a sauce, so the varieties are extensive – or simply order a preset version. Helpful, friendly counter folks, too. There's a small dining area, though the home-delivery crowd has discovered it in a big way.

No one goes out for Jamaican food with an eye toward posh atmosphere. The new Mobay (995 Old York Rd., Abington) looks every bit as utilitarian as predecessor Lenny's Hot Dogs. The steam tables are set up behind the counter, and the seating is at high-top tables and booths. Note the refrigerated case full of Ting, the island grapefruit soda. Owner Leston Donaldson cooks the staples, such as the $10 platter of jerk chicken, cabbage, and red beans and rice. There's breakfast, too.

Capofitto at 233 Chestnut St. is back in business, slinging pizzas and gelato, a little more than a week since a fire on the block.

Atlantic City Restaurant Week plays out March 4 to 9 at the Borgata.

Goose Island Brewhouse | Fishtown

The Chicago brewpub sets up at 1002 Canal St. with two dozen beer lines and a wide-open setup that includes a scratch kitchen; opening is March 2.

Suburban Brewing Co. | Honey Brook

This small-batch brewery at 3536 Conestoga Rd. from chef Eric Yost of Suburban Restaurant & Beer Garden and Corey Ross of Fancy Camper Home Brew Store features eight beers in rotation, and Pennsylvania spirits and wine.

Tipsy Bistro | University City

A casual bar-restaurant is looking for a March 9 opening at 3131 Walnut St., where The Fat Ham was.

Konditori | Rittenhouse 

The coffee chain shuttered its 115 S. 18th St. location – not that it ever made much sense, given that it's two blocks from another Konditori at 17th and Ranstead Streets in a mighty caffeinated part of town.

Craig LaBan has the week off.