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As the arrival of Fall nears, a new takeout joint emerges.
On Thursday, August 28th, Black Dragon will open to the public in West Philly (5260 Rodman Street). This fast-casual takeout spot also seats roughly 10 people for Black American Chinese dining.
Owned and operated by Kurt Evans, the former co-owner of the award-winning Down North Pizza, his idea to reimagine the conventional Chinese American takeout restaurant was “to fill a noticeable void in Philly.”
“Local Chinese takeout spots have been disappearing all across Philly, especially in Black communities,” Evans says. “Black Dragon is the cultural culinary response to this as we are at the same location of another Chinese takeout spot that previously closed.”
This subversive vibe pays both homage to the iconic Chinese American takeout aesthetic, while integrating Black culinary culture. Here, the name of their sweet and spicy chicken dish isn’t called General Tso’s chicken — but “General Roscoe’s” chicken instead, along with “Dan Dan” noodles being called “Man Man” noodles. At Black Dragon, egg rolls aren’t stuffed with cabbage, but with collard greens — with their lo mein dishes having oxtail and gumbo spices instead. Business wise, the restaurant strives to hire neighborhood talent, along with offering second chances to those formally incarcerated.
The fast-casual menu at Black Dragon is Black American Chinese food made with local ingredients that’s ideal for lunch and dinner. Diners can expect to try an affordable range ($3 to $26.75) of familiar takeout dishes that includes their signature collard green fried rice, Yaka Mein noodles made with Szechuan ginger beef broth with grilled shrimp, curry beef skewers, sweet potato chili wings, Egg Wu Young made with creole étouffée sauce, and more.
Black Dragon’s grand opening is Thursday, August 28th, with regular service operating Wednesday through Sunday at 12 pm to 9 pm. No reservations are necessary. Their lunch and dinner menu is available all day, with catering options (larger party servings of their various entrées and appetizers) for sale. For more information, diners can follow them on their Instagram for updates with additional details that can be found on their website.
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