From fine dining icons to corner favorites, these spaces are more than places to eat. They’re the backdrop to our lives. The quiet weekday lunches. The boisterous celebrations. The meals that linger in our memories long after the last bite.
That’s what I try to capture with my hand-drawn restaurant prints — the emotion tied to a favorite table, a familiar awning, or a sign glowing just right at dusk. Over the years, I’ve drawn hundreds of restaurants across different cities, but Philadelphia holds its own kind of charm.
This spring, I’m bringing over 75 of those drawings to life in a new exhibit right in the heart of Philly.
Where: Gleaner’s Café, 917 S. 9th St., Philadelphia
When: April 29 – June 2, 2025
What: An art exhibition featuring 75+ hand-drawn illustrations of Philadelphia’s most
beloved restaurants to benefit CHOP
From Parc to Zahav, Vetri Cucina, and dozens of neighborhood gems, this five-week show celebrates the spirit of Philadelphia’s restaurant scene. Not just the food and architecture, but the role these places play in people’s lives. Restaurants are gathering spots, landmarks, anchors in their communities. That’s the heart of this exhibit: capturing those emotional connections through art and honoring the spaces that mean so much to so many.
This time, it’s also about giving back. A portion of proceeds from the show will be donated to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to support their work caring for children and families across the region. The hope is that by celebrating the places we love, we can help support a cause that matters just as much.
One of the most exciting parts of the exhibit? A collection of 12x12 canvas prints, each one signed by both me and the chef, owner, or founder of the restaurant it features.
These iconic Philly eateries are led by some of the most accomplished chefs in the country. And now, their signatures add a deeply personal (and collectible) layer to each piece.
Each canvas is a one-of-a-kind tribute that honors a restaurant, a chef, and a community. Proceeds from these chef-signed prints will directly support CHOP, making every purchase an act of giving.
Whether you’re a collector, a restaurant regular, or someone who just loves Philly’s food scene, these prints offer a rare opportunity to own something meaningful while making a difference.
When I draw a restaurant, I do it in one sitting, usually on-site, with a pen and no eraser. It’s an old-fashioned process in a world that moves fast, and that’s part of why I think people connect with the work. It’s tactile and emotional. Not perfect, but real. Whether it’s the refined exterior of Vetri Cucina or the bright buzz of Her Place Supper Club, these prints reflect how places feel.
For many people, restaurants are a core part of their story. Maybe it’s where you got engaged or where you meet friends every Tuesday. Or perhaps it’s the place that reminds you of home. These are the moments I hope to honor in every piece.
Whether you're in Philly or just passing through, there are plenty
of ways to support the exhibition and CHOP’s mission:
Philadelphia’s restaurant scene is filled with history, hospitality, and heart. This show is my way of saying thank you to the chefs and neighborhoods, as well as the regulars and newcomers. It’s a love letter to the places that keep us full, in every sense of the word. With each print sold, we’re also helping fill a different kind of need — supporting the work of CHOP and investing in a healthy future for the city’s children. See you at the café.
