Victor Cafe serves the best Italian American food I've had in Philadelphia. I appreciate that they don't shy aware from controversial menu items, such as fried smelts and chicken livers. While I do enjoy these rustic dishes my personal favorites are the more mainstream whole branzino and chicken piccata. And of course the talented waiters are ...Menu for The Victor Cafe Dinner Menu; Wine List; Live Opera; Dolci; Antipasti prices starting at $9 Zuppa Del Giorno (Soup of the Day) ... Terry N. Tucked away in South Philadelphia, the Victor Cafe is an incredible gem of a restaurant that… Read more. Entrees. Taylor E. I have been to The Victor Cafe a few times but it had been about five ...Gift certificates for The Victor Cafe make the perfect gift for friends, family and co-workers. More Info. ... The Victor Café. 1303 Dickinson Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147. Home Menu Banquet Menus History Rocky Story Contact & InfoThe Victor Cafe, Philadelphia: See 757 unbiased reviews of The Victor Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #5 of 4,081 restaurants in Philadelphia. Established in 1918. In 1908 John DiStefano settled in Philadelphia, opening a gramophone shop in 1918. Here, fellow countrymen came to enjoy an espresso as they listened to the newly recorded operatic arias & popular songs. In 1933 upon repeal of prohibition, and in response to grim economic times, John purchased a liquor license. DiStefano's Gramophone Shop became Victor Café, the "Music ... The Victor Cafe. Sep 2011 - Present 12 years 5 months. 1303 Dickinson Street Philadelphia, Pa., 19147. Music Lovers Rendezvous. Live Opera 7 Nights a Week! Fantastic Southern Italian Food ...Philadelphia's Victor Café has kept family musical traditions alive– even during COVID-19. The cafe started off as a “music lovers’ rendezvous,” in the Italian neighborhood of …The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia: See 759 unbiased reviews of The Victor Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #5 of 3,727 restaurants in Philadelphia.The Victor Cafe: Outstanding and memorable experience. - See 780 traveler reviews, 271 candid photos, and great deals for Philadelphia, PA, at Tripadvisor. Philadelphia. Philadelphia Tourism Philadelphia Hotels Philadelphia Bed and Breakfast Philadelphia Vacation Rentals Flights to Philadelphia The Victor Cafe;The first stop was Philadelphia on our way the coast. My boss has some friends in Philly so I asked him for advice on a nice dinner... he set us up at the Victor cafe. ... I've been to Victor Cafe quite a few times in the past few years and the service has been average. I have always visited as a 2 top so getting a table was never an issue ...At first the café was to be just a boxing themed restaurant. But after his time there he decided to make just the “back room” the boxing memorabilia room and the rest to be kept with the opera theme. They said not to book the café between January 18 and February 10, 2006.Top 10 Best Victor Cafe in Philadelphia, PA - February 2024 - Yelp - The Victor Cafe, Dante & Luigi's, Saloon Restaurant, Osteria, Ralphs Italian Restaurant, Bar Lesieur, Mercato BYOB, Victor's Tavern, The Victor's Pub, LaurelEnjoy live music, opera, and Italian cuisine at The Victor Café in Passyunk Square. This cozy spot offers small plates, wine, and a unique dining experience for dates, groups, or solo diners. Established in 1918. In 1908 John DiStefano settled in Philadelphia, opening a gramophone shop in 1918. Here, fellow countrymen came to enjoy an espresso as they listened to the newly recorded operatic arias & popular songs. In 1933 upon repeal of prohibition, and in response to grim economic times, John purchased a liquor license. DiStefano's Gramophone Shop became Victor Café, the "Music ... Chef IG Rocky Adrian's Restaurant - The Victor Cafe PhiladelphiaEnjoy a delicious meal and a live opera performance at The Victor Café, a historic restaurant in South Philadelphia. Open on Easter Sunday, March 31, and other days of the week.Details. Phone: (215) 468-3040 Address: 1303 Dickinson St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 Website: http://victorcafe.com More Info General Info Italian Dining with Opera ...See more reviews for this business. Best Parking near The Victor Cafe - Latimer Garage, Central Parking, SP+ Parking, Girardo's Garage, The Wanamaker Building - LAZ Parking, Philly Park, Logan Square Self-Park Garage, Jefferson Self-Park Garage, Midtown Garage.Apr 20, 2016 · Reserve a table at The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia on Tripadvisor: See 775 unbiased reviews of The Victor Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #13 of 4,409 restaurants in Philadelphia. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us.Victor Cafe Philadelphia - FacebookThe opera performances were excellent, but I have a very undeveloped palette for opera, so let me focus on something I can speak to. As a Italian-American living in Philadelphia, I've eaten at a number of good places (Villa di Roma, La Nonna, Murph's, Carlino's Market), but the *spaghetti and meat* at The Victor Cafe was the first time that I felt like I was eating …The Victor Café. starstarstarstarstar_half. 4.7 (454). Rate your experience! $$ • Italian, Wine Bars. Hours: 5 - 9:30PM. 1303 Dickinson St, Philadelphia. (215) 468-3040. …Updated on: Dec 24, 2023. All info on The Victor Café in Philadelphia - Call to book a table. View the menu, check prices, find on the map, see photos and ratings.Enjoy classic Italian dishes and unforgettable live opera at The Victor Cafe, a neighborhood gem in South Philly. Make a reservation online or by phone, and check out the …Adrian’s Restaurant is a real eatery in Philadelphia called the Victor Cafe. Located near the intersection of Dickinson and 13th Streets, this intimate Italian restaurant opened in the 1918 and quickly became South Philly’s shrine to opera due to the DiStefano family’s love of music and their impressive collection of operatic recordings, photographs and …Victor Cafe serves the best Italian American food I've had in Philadelphia. I appreciate that they don't shy aware from controversial menu items, such as fried smelts and chicken livers. While I do enjoy these rustic dishes my personal favorites are the more mainstream whole branzino and chicken piccata. And of course the talented waiters are ...See more reviews for this business. Best Parking near The Victor Cafe - Latimer Garage, Central Parking, SP+ Parking, Girardo's Garage, The Wanamaker Building - LAZ Parking, Philly Park, Logan Square Self-Park Garage, Jefferson Self-Park Garage, Midtown Garage.Mar 7, 2020 · Reserve a table at The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia on Tripadvisor: See 783 unbiased reviews of The Victor Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #10 of 4,998 restaurants in Philadelphia. Philadelphia's Victor Café has kept family musical traditions alive– even during COVID-19. The cafe started off as a “music lovers’ rendezvous,” in the Italian neighborhood of …1303 Dickinson Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147. Home Menu Banquet Menus History Rocky Story Contact & Info. ︎ Email: [email protected] ︎ Phone: 215.468.3040The Victor Café: Music Lover’s Rendezvous. If you happen to find yourself near 1303 Dickenson St. in South Philadelphia, stop by The Victor Café and say hello to owner Greg DiStefano. The Victor Café is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 4-9-15 p.m.; and Sunday …Jan 19, 2021 · A larger-than-life replica of Nipper, well-known canine mascot of “His Master’s Voice” fame, stands sentinel at the front door, mute witness to a century of devotion to an ideal. In 1979, an opera student working at The Victor Café between singing engagements sang for his customers and another tradition was born. 1303 Dickinson Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147. Home Menu Banquet Menus History Rocky Story Contact & Info. ︎ Email: [email protected] ︎ Phone: 215.468.3040Philadelphia's Victor Café has kept family musical traditions alive– even during COVID-19. The cafe started off as a “music lovers’ rendezvous,” in the Italian neighborhood of South Philly, serving spumoni and songs on a gramophone. Since then, the DiStefano family has carried the tune of their grandfather, turning the cafe into a ...Mar 5, 2020 · Reserve a table at The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia on Tripadvisor: See 784 unbiased reviews of The Victor Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #12 of 4,999 restaurants in Philadelphia. Mar 19, 2024 · And talk about street cred: As the story goes, Dante & Luigi’s was once the scene of an attempted mob hit. Go for the ricotta gnocchi, lasagna, or perciatelli Genovese, a richer spin on a classic Bolognese. Open in Google Maps. Foursquare. 762 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147. (215) 922-9501. Visit Website. Victor Cafe Philadelphia - FacebookThe Victor Café. 1303 Dickinson Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147. Home Menu Banquet Menus History Rocky Story Contact & InfoSee more reviews for this business. Best Parking near The Victor Cafe - Latimer Garage, Central Parking, SP+ Parking, Girardo's Garage, The Wanamaker Building - LAZ Parking, Philly Park, Logan Square Self-Park Garage, Jefferson Self-Park Garage, Midtown Garage.Chef IG Rocky Adrian's Restaurant - The Victor Cafe Philadelphia215-468-3040. Each meal comes with an Opera concert sung by the restaurant's wait staff, all of whom are professionally trained local performers. #BeLocalish.Victor Cafe is a real Italian restaurant in Philadelphia that was transformed into Adrian's Restaurant for the movie Rocky Balboa. Learn about the history, decor and connection of this …About Us. Victor Cafe contains a grouping of intimate dining rooms which offer seating for a maximum of 135 people. Inquiries for smaller groups are also welcome. Special events may be booked for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Cocktail hours with hot and cold butlered hors d'oeuvres may be arranged.1303 Dickinson St, Philadelphia. (215) 468-3040. Menu Order Online Reserve.Sep 5, 2023 · During our most recent visit to Philadelphia, my wife's sister and brother-in-law treated us to dinner at The Victor Cafe, and we enjoyed a delicious meal and a lovely experience. Although I am not an opera fan, I certainly appreciated the talent of the singers, and I marveled at their ability to change roles - from performer to server ... The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia: Se 784 objektive anmeldelser af The Victor Cafe, som har fået 4,5 af 5 på Tripadvisor og er placeret som nr. 12 af 4.999 restauranter i Philadelphia. Established in 1918. In 1908 John DiStefano settled in Philadelphia, opening a gramophone shop in 1918. Here, fellow countrymen came to enjoy an espresso as they listened to the newly recorded operatic arias & popular songs. In 1933 upon repeal of prohibition, and in response to grim economic times, John purchased a liquor license. DiStefano's Gramophone Shop became Victor Café, the "Music ... Philadelphia, PA; 119 friends 351 reviews 312 photos Elite ’23; Share review Embed review Compliment Send message Follow Katrina L. Stop following Katrina L. 4/4/2021 Loved Victor Cafe pre-COVID, but I think I appreciate it even more now. They have an amazing outdoor set-up. Lots of heat lamps and appropriately distanced tables. ...6 reviews and 27 photos of Victor's Cafe "Ive been around here quite a bit. It is a dive bar which allows smoking. It has a juke box, 2 dart machines and video games of chance along with lottery type "pull-tabs" if your feeling lucky. The food here from what I have eaten and seen is really good. Their chicken tenders were frigin' HUGE. When they offer 3 tacos for …Victor Cafe, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 302 likes · 257 were here. CafePrince Igor at The Victor Cafe "We had a really great night at the Victor. The atmosphere was beautiful and the opera performances were really unique. We were brought bread with a really yummy pesto oil. ... If you only have one night in Philadelphia and you like opera, this is an absolute must-see. I've never seen …Inside the Victor Café. Music Lovers' Rendezvous One hundred years ago a young Italian immigrated to America bringing with him little more than a great love for classical …Philadelphia, PA; 32 friends 244 reviews 118 photos Share review Embed review Compliment ... Stop following Stephanie F. 1/23/2019 Highly recommend Victor Cafe if you are craving a good Italian meal. You will be treated to opera performances every 20-30 minutes which really makes for a nice touch. I also love the ambiance …The Victor Café, a South Philadelphia restaurant is nearly 100 years old and has singing servers. "We hired a waiter who coincidentally was an opera student, so once in a while, he would sing ...Get more information for The Victor Cafe in Philadelphia, PA. See reviews, map, get the address, and find directions. Search MapQuest. Hotels. Food. Shopping. Coffee. Grocery. Gas. The Victor Cafe $$ Opens at 5:00 PM. 763 Tripadvisor reviews (215) 468-3040. Website. More. Directions Advertisement. 1303 …The first stop was Philadelphia on our way the coast. My boss has some friends in Philly so I asked him for advice on a nice dinner... he set us up at the Victor cafe. ... I've been to Victor Cafe quite a few times in the past few years and the service has been average. I have always visited as a 2 top so getting a table was never an issue ...No need to worry about trying to find a place to park in the area. I will definitely return to the Saloon." Top 10 Best Victor's Cafe in Philadelphia, PA - October 2023 - Yelp - The Victor Cafe, Dante & Luigi's, Osteria, Saloon Restaurant, The Victor's Pub, Mercato BYOB, Ralphs Italian Restaurant, Victor's Tavern, Vista Peru, D'Angelo's ... The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia: 111 answers to 21 questions about The Victor Cafe: See 784 unbiased reviews of The Victor Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #12 of 5,050 restaurants in Philadelphia. 1303 Dickinson St, Philadelphia. (215) 468-3040. Menu Order Online Reserve.The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia: "Does this restaurant have a parking lot?" | Check out 15 answers, plus 783 unbiased reviews and candid photos: See 783 unbiased reviews of The Victor Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #12 of 4,999 restaurants in Philadelphia.Set in a quiet residential neighborhood near the intersection of Dickinson and 13th Streets in Philadelphia is the charming Italian eatery, depicted in Rocky Balboa as Adrian’s Restaurant. In reality, the place is called Victor Cafe. As you stand facing the front, walk to the left and around the corner, and then down a few steps to see the ...The DiStefanos and the Victor Café. The Victor Cafe, 2018. The son of Italian immigrants, Armand DiStefano was born in 1913, when his father, John, was 21 and his mother, Rose, was 20. “I was born in Philadelphia... and I even remember the number of the house, 1237 Christian Street--that lies between 12th & 13th. That was in 1913.Victor Cafe Can easily accommodate large parties from 10 to 30 people even on weekend nights. Banquet Menus. MAke a Reservation. The Victor Café. 1303 Dickinson Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147. Home Menu Banquet …1303 Dickinson Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147. Home Menu Banquet Menus History Rocky Story Contact & Info. ︎ Email: [email protected] ︎ Phone: 215.468.3040Victor Café - Check, Please! Philly. Victor Café - Check, Please! Philly. Home Menu Gift Cards Reservations Gallery Home. Our Story Since its establishment in 1918, Victor Café has continued to cultivate old traditions and establish new ones. ... John DiStefano settled in Philadelphia in 1908 and in 1918 opened his first business: a ...Established in 1918. In 1908 John DiStefano settled in Philadelphia, opening a gramophone shop in 1918. Here, fellow countrymen came to enjoy an espresso as they listened to the newly recorded operatic arias & popular songs. In 1933 upon repeal of prohibition, and in response to grim economic times, John purchased a liquor license. DiStefano's …Back in 1918, when his grandfather, John, first opened his Gramaphone shop – hence the ‘Music Lovers’ Rendezvous’ designation – Philadelphia was in the grips of another deadly global pandemic, the Spanish Flu. By years’ end, it would claim the lives of more than 16,000 of the city’s residents, and millions more around the world. Established in 1918. In 1908 John DiStefano settled in Philadelphia, opening a gramophone shop in 1918. Here, fellow countrymen came to enjoy an espresso as they listened to the newly recorded operatic arias & popular songs. In 1933 upon repeal of prohibition, and in response to grim economic times, John purchased a liquor license. DiStefano's Gramophone Shop became Victor Café, the "Music ... Mar 7, 2020 · Reserve a table at The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia on Tripadvisor: See 783 unbiased reviews of The Victor Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #10 of 4,998 restaurants in Philadelphia. The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia: See 773 unbiased reviews of The Victor Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #10 of 4,368 restaurants in Philadelphia.Top 10 Best Victor Cafe in Philadelphia, PA - February 2024 - Yelp - The Victor Cafe, Dante & Luigi's, Saloon Restaurant, Osteria, Ralphs Italian Restaurant, Bar Lesieur, Mercato BYOB, Victor's Tavern, The Victor's Pub, LaurelVictor Cafe feels like an old-school South Philadelphia Italian restaurant, until a small bell rings. It's the announcement of another aria, a 3-minute interlude during which one of the waitstaff transforms into a powerful performer, his or her voice saturating every corner of the small converted rowhome and enthralling … Established in 1918. In 1908 John DiStefano settled in Philadelphia, opening a gramophone shop in 1918. Here, fellow countrymen came to enjoy an espresso as they listened to the newly recorded operatic arias & popular songs. In 1933 upon repeal of prohibition, and in response to grim economic times, John purchased a liquor license. DiStefano's Gramophone Shop became Victor Café, the "Music ... Apr 20, 2016 · Reserve a table at The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia on Tripadvisor: See 775 unbiased reviews of The Victor Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #13 of 4,409 restaurants in Philadelphia. 1303 Dickinson Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147. Home Menu Banquet Menus History Rocky Story Contact & Info. ︎ Email: [email protected] ︎ Phone: 215.468.3040 Published May 21, 2020, 10:30 a.m. ET. The clock strikes 6, the balcony doors swing open, and a woman steps outside, South Philadelphia at her feet. A crowd gathers across the street, in mostly socially distant clusters, as piano music swells. With a flourish, Aubry Ballarò launches “Quel guardo il cavaliere” from Donizetti’s Don ...The menu works to meld Old World classics with modern takes on Italian fare, along with seasonal daily specials. Read The Full Article. 1303 Dickinson St. Philadelphia, PA 19147. Get Directions ...Antipasta. Zuppa Del Giorno $7.00. soup of the day. The Victor Salad $8.00. a tradition: crisp iceberg lettuce, tomato, and hard cooked egg, topped with our famous gorgonzola cheese dressing. Caesar Salad $8.00. romaine lettuce, anchovies and herbed croutons topped with shaved parmigiano reggiano. Baby Arugula Salad $8.00. No need to worry about trying to find a place to park in the area. I will definitely return to the Saloon." Top 10 Best Victor's Cafe in Philadelphia, PA - October 2023 - Yelp - The Victor Cafe, Dante & Luigi's, Osteria, Saloon Restaurant, The Victor's Pub, Mercato BYOB, Ralphs Italian Restaurant, Victor's Tavern, Vista Peru, D'Angelo's ... Adrian’s Restaurant is a real eatery in Philadelphia called the Victor Cafe. Located near the intersection of Dickinson and 13th Streets, this intimate Italian restaurant opened in the 1918 and quickly became South Philly’s shrine to opera due to the DiStefano family’s love of music and their impressive collection of operatic recordings, photographs and …The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia: 751 Bewertungen - bei Tripadvisor auf Platz 9 von 4.926 von 4.926 Philadelphia Restaurants; mit 4,5/5 von Reisenden bewertet.
In Balboa, we see Rocky himself shopping for the restaurant’s fresh food at Philly’s Italian Market, the same place where he used to take his morning jog in Rocky and Rocky II. Owner Greg DiStefano has put together a fascinating read about how Victor Cafe was chosen by the Rocky Balboa production to appear in the film back in 2005. . Jerry flowers
The Victor Cafe, 1303 Dickinson St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, 831 Photos, Mon - 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm, Tue - 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm, Wed - 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm, Thu …May 1, 2018 · Reserve a table at The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia on Tripadvisor: See 780 unbiased reviews of The Victor Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #11 of 5,026 restaurants in Philadelphia. The Victor Cafe in South Philadelphia was founded in 1920 by Lola DiStefano's father-in-law and his wife. (Michael S. Wirtz / Staff Photographer)Read more. ... The legal fight over the Victor Cafe began officially on July 17, 2009, when Lola DiStefano revoked the power of attorney she had given her eldest daughter, Patricia, a year and a …Mar 8, 2015 · The Victor Cafe: Opera, Italian Food, Kitschy Bar AWESOME! - See 784 traveler reviews, 273 candid photos, and great deals for Philadelphia, PA, at Tripadvisor. Jan 3, 2016 · Reserve a table at The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia on Tripadvisor: See 780 unbiased reviews of The Victor Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #14 of 5,167 restaurants in Philadelphia. Victor Cafe 1303 Dickinson Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147 Monday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm Friday: 5:00pm - 12:00am Saturday: 4:30pm - 12:00am Sunday: 4:30pm - 10:00pm The Victor Cafe is a music lover's rendezvous. It features Italian cuisine complemented by performances every half hour or so of opera by …We believe you will find the Victor Cafe a most unique dining experience. Private party contact. The Distefano Family: (215) 468-3040. Location. 1303 Dickinson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147. Area. South Philly. Cross Street. 13th Street & Dickinson.The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 8,121 likes · 30 talking about this · 27,913 were here. Opera Lovers Rendezvous.1303 Dickinson Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147. Home Menu Banquet Menus History Rocky Story Contact & Info. ︎ Email: [email protected] ︎ Phone: 215.468.3040The Victor Café. 1303 Dickinson Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147. Home Menu Banquet Menus History Rocky Story Contact & InfoWarm Chocolate Cake at The Victor Cafe "My 1st time at the victor cafe. The prince IgoR (Penne pasta with asparagus and salmon ) was delicious! ... Philadelphia, PA; 170 friends 183 reviews 1051 photos Elite ’24; Share review Embed review Compliment Send message Follow Delores M. Stop following Delores M. 1/14/2020 ...Reserve a table at The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia on Tripadvisor: See 783 unbiased reviews of The Victor Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #10 of 4,998 restaurants in Philadelphia.Tucked away on a side street in South Philly, The Victor Cafe is a Mod Betty fave destination for special occasions (like our wedding anniversary ;-)) or just a forever-memorable night on the town. On this location in 1918 John DiStefano opened a gramophone shop selling the players and records.…Prince Igor at The Victor Cafe "We had a really great night at the Victor. The atmosphere was beautiful and the opera performances were really unique. We were brought bread with a really yummy pesto oil. ... If you only have one night in Philadelphia and you like opera, this is an absolute must-see. I've never seen … Top 10 Best Victor Cafe in Philadelphia, PA - November 2023 - Yelp - The Victor Cafe, Dante & Luigi's, Saloon Restaurant, Osteria, Mercato BYOB, The Victor's Pub, Vista Peru, Ralphs Italian Restaurant, D'Angelo's Ristorante Italiano, Victor's Tavern Restaurants near The Victor Cafe, Philadelphia on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews and candid photos of dining near The Victor Cafe in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia. Philadelphia Tourism Philadelphia Hotels Philadelphia Bed and Breakfast Philadelphia Vacation Rentals Flights to …Philadelphia, PA; 32 friends 244 reviews 118 photos Share review Embed review Compliment ... Stop following Stephanie F. 1/23/2019 Highly recommend Victor Cafe if you are craving a good Italian meal. You will be treated to opera performances every 20-30 minutes which really makes for a nice touch. I also love the ambiance- it screams ...Since its establishment in 1918, Victor Café has continued to cultivate old traditions and establish new ones. ... John DiStefano settled in Philadelphia in 1908 and in 1918 opened his first business: a gramophone shop. Here, friends and neighbors came and enjoyed an espresso and spumoni while they listened to newly recorded operatic arias ....