New vegan blood for Gianna's Grille

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New vegan blood for Gianna's Grille

POSTED: Thursday, July 8, 2010, 7:39 PM
Filed Under: Openings | Vegan | Vegetarian
Mark Mebus, a vegan chef who's worked for Horizons in Philly as well as Blossom in NYC, will open Blackbird, an all-vegan pizza shop operation, in the former Gianna's Grille at 507 S. Sixth Street. Mebus, who's been vegan himself for a dozen years, says the concept will be "more involved than a hoagie shop," but still very "pedestrian friendly," meaning it'll be no thing to pop in off the sidewalk for a Daiya cheese-laden slice of pie. He's putting together a menu of specialty vegan pizzas, plus salads and sandwiches (a tofu situation, plus a seitan/mushroom cheesesteak variation, are currently in the works). He'll place a big emphasis on high-quality ingredients, going organic whenever possible. Mebus hopes to have Blackbird open in the next two to three months.

Harvey bootlicker
Posted 2010-09-30 19:00:24
Dang you can't escape pushy sales reps.  Even on the Internet these rats don't quit.

Mom & Dad
Posted 2010-09-30 18:46:56
Congratulations Mark!  We're very happy for you. and are looking forward
to enjoying your culinary artistry at the restaurant.  You have worked 
very hard to get this going - hope it's enjoyed by many.

Poncho
Posted 2010-07-08 15:03:40
This is fantastic news, I cannot wait for it to open!!

Tweets that mention New vegan blood for GiannaÂ’s Grille :: Meal Ticket :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com
Posted 2010-07-08 15:08:14
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by LucindaLunacy, living on the vedge, Ian Penkala and others. Ian Penkala said: New vegan blood for GiannaÂ’s Grille :: Meal Ticket :: Philadelphia City Paper: http://bit.ly/cuS5Hy via @addthis [...] 

Gijs!
Posted 2010-07-09 15:11:52
Mebus! Congratulations man! Another reason to come back to Philly soon!

SharonRace
Posted 2010-07-10 10:20:55
I'll be there!! The seitan/cheeseteak sounds sooo good!!

veganphilly
Posted 2010-07-11 11:53:20
sweet. an ACTUAL vegan pizza place. something gianna's never was.

carl
Posted 2010-07-11 23:12:01
so giannas is no longer? is it all the same stuff or just a new owner, new name and just pizza but all vegan now?

lilavati
Posted 2010-07-17 13:38:36
GREAT!!!  Philly needs this and you just MADE this vegetarians day!!!!

PUFF
Posted 2010-07-18 12:53:38
It's good to have Mebus back in town. Everyone who knows him, knows him for his true dedication to the vegan lifestyle, and his hard work ethic. This restaurant will be a fantastic addition to the city!

brett
Posted 2010-07-18 20:34:28
Congrats Mark!!  GL and see you at your new spot!

Play Meat
Posted 2010-07-19 16:01:43
Wait, seriously, Gianna's is gone?  Anyone know any details about this?

LT
Posted 2010-07-21 15:12:07
Wow. I'm moving back to Philly.

Rick
Posted 2010-07-21 19:27:30
Wow!!  An all vegan casual restaurant, exactly what we need.  Sorry to hear that Gianna's is gone, but looking forward to this new venture.

Isobell
Posted 2010-07-23 10:05:51
"Vegan blood."  What a horrible phrase to associate with a restaurant.  Hopefully the food choices will be better since a casual vegan restaurant will be a great at addition to the neighborhood.  Good luck.

Tony
Posted 2010-07-23 11:08:25
Cheers to Mark Mebus!  Can't wait to try more of your great vegan foods - I hope there may be at least 1 great locavore option too.  Best luck!

Shel
Posted 2010-07-23 11:16:11
I think it was a joke, maybe not a very funny one but a joke anyway. Way to uphold the humorless miserable vegan stereotype! (PS I'm vegan too)

NOW OPEN: Blackbird :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper
Posted 2010-10-04 13:49:57
[...] Pizzeria (507 S. Sixth St., 215-625-6660), the all-vegan operation from chef Mark Mebus and partner Ryan Moylan, opened quite quietly over the weekend, but that [...] 

Timothy
Posted 2010-08-08 20:08:55
This guy is really talented. I heard him talking about wanting to do this a year or so ago on tghe stoop in Brooklyn. Im really happy that it came true for him. I cant wait to eat at Blackbird. I just wish it was in NYC!!!

Foobooz » Quick Bites
Posted 2010-07-28 20:36:34
[...] Blackbird will be the name of the vegan sandwich and pizza shop going in to Gianna’s on 6th Street near South. [Meal Ticket] [...] 

michael c
Posted 2010-07-30 15:32:57
Hi Mark I believe I met your parents at a food demo I was doing in north wales or another whole foods and they told me about your new location. Please to meet you. I make a deliver seitan to the area and would be happy to get involved with your cooking ventures. You can contact me if you would like to or I will look for your opening. I deliver to the south street area on wednesdays. Good luck and glad to hear of another veg place coming. Sincerly Michael C TEMPL FOODS

Chris
Posted 2010-11-12 01:48:04
Gianna's sucked a dog's dick. They were inconsistent and I, as well as a few friends got food poisoning from there. I'm glad their dickhole staff is gone as well (hopefully?) and that new management is making this 100% vegan. Fuck you Gianna's.
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