Chef Sylva Senat (often misspelled as Synat) is a highly acclaimed, twice James Beard-nominated chef who rose to widespread national fame as a semi-finalist on Season 14 of Bravo’s Top Chef. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, he grew up with a passion for fine dining and built a formidable career spanning top kitchens in New York City, Philadelphia, and beyond.

Tashan which means “style or “flair” delivered that and Indian food that was head-and-shoulders above the region’s bargain buffet Indian restaurants that dictate what many think of the cuisine. In addition to the local accolades, opening chef Sylva Senat received two James Beard Award nominations while manning the kitchen.

Good Karma Café is a local, Black-owned business in Philadelphia founded by owner, president, and CEO Shawn Nesbit. Open since 2008, the popular local spot focuses on community, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. Locations & Atmosphere Good Karma Café operates multiple neighborhood spots in Center City and surrounding areas: Fitler Square (Original Location)Address: 331 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19103Features: Cozy, studious environment with a quiet back patio, sidewalk seating, and dog-friendly touches. Society Hill / Antique Row Area Address: 928 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107Features: Spacious teak work tables, free Wi-Fi, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe hosting occasional live music events. Broad St. Theater District Features: Flagship location featuring a private event room and an outdoor zen garden. 

Hop Sing Laundromat owned by Lê, A former day trader born in Saigon turned restaurant owner.

Bower Cafe 1213 owned by Thane Wright, an owner with two decades of coffee experience, and a collaborator with The Brothers’ Network.

Thane Wright creates a unique experience at Bower Cafe. The name of the cafe “Bower,” comes from a bowerbird, a species that decorates its nest with bright colors to attract mates.

Holding true to its symbolic name, Bower Cafe believes in good vibes and simplicity of service: this means less complicated brew methods and less pretentious everything. Bringing it back to soulful basics: genuine hospitality. Thane has curated two special places in Philadelphia — inviting coffee cafés where everyone is invited into the experience of being cared for.

Kevin Sbraga- Chef and Restauranteur

In 2008, Sbraga—who had previously held positions in Atlanta and Philly kitchens—applied that philosophy to his consulting work with Jose Garces to test recipes for the chef-proprietor’s Latin Evolution cookbook. Sbraga impressed Garces with his dedication, which ultimately earned him a full-time role as culinary director of Garces Restaurant Group. Sbraga went on to win the award for Best Meat Presentation in the Bocuse d’Or USA culinary competition in fall 2008, which he fondly remembers as “one of the toughest meals I’ve ever created,” before working as executive chef for Stephen Starr at Rat’s Restaurant at the Grounds for Sculpture, an arboretum in Hamilton, NJ.

In 2010, Sbraga relished the opportunity to join the cast of the popular TV show “Top Chef.” In between the taping of the regular season and the final episode, Sbraga experienced a moment of clarity. “I realized I needed to do my own thing,” he says. “Even though I hadn’t won yet, I felt like I had because I the found the confidence I needed to open my own restaurant.”