The dynamic vegan duo of Rich Landeau and Kate Jacoby has done it again with the new Wiz Kid eatery on 19th Street in Rittenhouse. Based on last week’s soft open, vegans who love cheesesteaks and fries will be very, very happy.
It comes as no surprise that these restaurant industry vets have figured out how to add a sense of style and panache to fast-casual dining. With their long and rich history in Philadelphia’s vegan food scene, starting with the former Horizons and now Vedge and V Street and the tiny Wiz Kid location in the Center City location of Whole Foods, they’re on a meteoric rise as they feed both vegans and omnivores alike. Take note that V Street shares a walk-through with Wiz Kid.
The small, cozy eatery is artfully designed with a fabulous mural and bright primary colors throughout. There aren’t many tables, but a banquette seats 12, and there’s additional window seating for seven at a counter. While I was there, most people who stopped in came for take-out, as did couriers from various food delivery services who were also waiting to whisk away their orders to Center City and beyond.
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- Wiz Kid Co-Owner Rich Landeau with Vegan author, Fran Costigan
During the soft open, Landeau worked the line while Jacoby stood steadfast, expediting the rapid and copious orders. She appeared relaxed and thrilled to see familiar faces. Even amidst the hustle, every detail to food structure and flavor is well thought out. The front-of-house team stuck together like glue and worked as a unit to bring customers top notch service.
The Philly cheesesteak takes on a new, veganized life with Wiz Kid’s flair and flavor. Served on a delicious hoagie roll, it is packed with perfectly seasoned seitan-based “meat” and punched up with mushrooms, fried onions, pickled peppers and rutabaga wiz (trust me on this one). Add a side of the Okonomiyaki fries, drizzled with a lightly spiced Korean BBQ sauce with kewpie and nori, and presto! It’s the perfect lunch.
Alternatives to the fast food features can be found in salads. Grab a salad, add some greens (the broccoli rabe is luscious) and lunch is served. The menu is adaptable for those looking for healthier fare. Do not fret, just hold the fries. Whatever your menu selection, the food will not disappoint.
A crazy-good brownie called a “pothole” will round off a fun and delicious meal. The circular brownie is covered in a swirl of halva buttercream, strawberry jam and a generous sprinkling of pistachios. It’s chewy and full of rich chocolate.
Wiz Kid’s beverage list includes “sips, vino and brewski.” Grab some sangria or a local beer. Not feeling boozy? Try the Waterade (pink lemonade with watermelon) or the Super Green (creamy matcha drink with coconut and rice milks).
Best wishes to Kate and Rich on another stellar restaurant opening!
Wiz Kids is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. and is closed weekends (for now).
Find Wiz Kid at 124 S. 19th St. in Philadelphia; phone: (215) 372-7289.
- Photos: Char Nolan
