South Philly's newest cafe, Schmaltz, is a breakfast and lunch destination that has quickly become a local favorite. The brainchild of Jeremy Asch and Abby Armstrong, Schmaltz offers a unique take on traditional Jewish cuisine, focusing on a tight menu of latkes, blintzes, and egg sandwiches on house-baked English muffins. The cafe's signature sandwich, featuring an oniony potato pancake and a slow-baked egg, has become a hit with locals, drawing lines out the door since its opening earlier this month. The cafe's name, Schmaltz, is a nod to the cooking technique of rendering chicken fat, adding a layer of flavor to the dishes. The cafe's location in Point Breeze, a neighborhood known for its diverse culinary scene, further adds to its appeal. Schmaltz's menu is deliberately small, with a focus on quality over quantity. The cafe serves a roasted beet salad, a shawarma-spiced chicken salad sandwich on rye, and a variety of coffee, tea, and soda options. One interesting decision made by the owners was to skip serving bagels, as Asch believes that Jewish restaurants have more to offer than just bagels. The cafe's interior is a blend of modern and traditional elements, with a wide-open room featuring an espresso station, order counter, and a small merchandise counter. The building's history as a DIY music venue, art gallery, and coffee shop adds to its charm. The cafe's approach is to be a casual counter, not a full-scale Jewish restaurant or deli, and the owners are committed to investing in the neighborhood where they live. Schmaltz is a testament to the power of local entrepreneurship and the importance of supporting local businesses.
