Check, Please! Philly

Kae Lani and her guests talk cheesesteaks in a no-frills West Philly spot, comfort food worth waking up for in Media, and a pretzel that just might claim the title of "fluffiest" in the city.

Kae Lani is joined by magician Randy Shine, brewer Ethan Buckman, and retired teacher Robin Schneider. The three guests compare notes on their meals at the upscale Lebanese eatery Suraya in the hip Fishtown neighborhood, the unexpected bar food and neighborhood vibes at American Sardine Bar, and the unique, foraged dinners served up in the intimate setting of Park Place in Merchantville.

Kae Lani is joined by consultant Rob Alesiani, occupational therapist Madeleine Clements, and software engineer Souradeep Sinha. They make thoughtful arguments for why duck is the best as evidenced by Sang Kee Peking Duck House, talk about finding comfort foods that are both vegan and gluten free at Heartbeet Kitchen, and the merits of pasta served with a side of singing at the Victor Cafe.

Kae Lani is joined by toxicologist Barbara Soares, social worker Marcely Jean-Pierre, and professor Ross Koppel. They discuss what makes a good jambalaya and an even better waiter at Marsha Brown in New Hope, the lingering memory of an amazing beet salad at Mica in Chestnut Hill, and the classic diner fare that pleases everyone at the table, served up at Silk City in Philadelphia.

Kae Lani and her guests dish on where to find Hawaiian street food, a spot serving up traditional Indonesian cuisine, and cozy fine dining in an inn dating back to 1796.

Kae Lani is joined by HR manager Amanda Bialong, retired teacher Cynthia Parks, and event producer Alejandro Morales. They eat at Hungry Pigeon, dish on shrimp burgers and bread pudding at Azie in Media, PA, and talk about how to de-bone a whole fish while dining at Zeppoli in Collingswood, NJ.

Kae Lani is joined by managing director Andy Rachlin, entrepreneur James Knight, and publicist Irene Levy Baker. They chat about the unusual at Del Pez in Wilmington, grilled meats over coconut shells at Sate Kampar on Passyunk Ave, and the killer bread and cheese combo known as khachapuri, which is sometimes accompanied by a shot of vodka with a stranger at Georgian Bread in Northeast Philly.

Kae Lani is joined by physician liason Xuan Luong, creative director Matt Sullivan, and business developer Liz Story. They talk about the creative plates one Delaware couple is serving up in an old country house the House of William & Merry, the unexpected joy of beef cubes and durian smoothies at Nam Phuong in South Philly, and unreal magic of a wait free brunch at Lloyd Whiskey Bar in Fishtown.

Kae Lani is joined by attorney Colin Saltry, comedian Ayisha Henry, and stay at home mom Tracey McCaughey. The three guests break down what makes a good mushroom soup at Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft in Ardmore, the life changing magic of caterpillar bread at Bing Bing Dim Sum on Passyunk Ave, and the kind of meal that makes you want to share with strangers at Vernick in Center City.

Kae Lani is joined by culinary consultant Atsuko Boyd, business and community liason Takiyah Ahmad-Yankowy, and stand up comedian Chip Chantry. They talk about the massive portions at Los Gallos in South Philly, the friendly service that comes along with any curry dish at Coco Thai Bistro in Narberth, and the colorful gourmet slices on offer at the no-frills pizza spot, Rione in Center City.

Kae Lani is joined by writer Nina Starner, software engineer Andy Donnell, and website copywriter Dana Prophet. They discuss their adventures in Dutch dining at the friendly BYOB Noord on Passyunk Square, the freshly baked bread at High Street on Market in Old City, and the live chickens that roam the parking lot at the notorious wing joint The Jug Handle Inn in Cinnaminson.

Kae Lani is joined by instructional designer Geo Banks-Weston, retired finance professional John France, and Student Services Assistant Emily Maher. They discuss the Morrocan feast at Marrakesh in Queen Village, the family charm of homemade pasta at Mrs. Robino's Italian Restaurant in Wilmington Delaware, and the adult take on milk and cookies at Rex 1516 on South Street.

Kae Lani is joined by event producer Chumley Singer, photographer Mike Hoover, and professor Quinetta Roberson. They chat about the Szechuan peppercorn effect and the east and west coast oysters served at Little Fish in Queen Village, the proper way to order at Dana Mandi in West Philly, and the Italian classics and friendly waitstaff that make Bomb Bomb BBQ in South Philly feel like home.