Chefs Mike Sultan and Carolyn Nguyen recently announced the grand opening of The Mill’s Cafe, located in East Falls at Sherman Mills (3510 Scotts Lane). The new casual breakfast and lunch spot is their second brick-and-mortar eatery. Sultan and Nguyen are the duo behind the popular Revolution Taco in Center City, as well as Say Cheese Philadelphia, Street Food Philly and Taco Mondo food trucks. All of the concepts fall under the auspices of their 33rd Street Hospitality Catering.
The Mill’s Cafe seats 10 people and is now open 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Tuesday to Friday. It is located adjacent to the duo’s commissary kitchen that sources all their brands.
The menu focuses on salads, sandwiches, pastry, baked goods and coffee. Meats used in the dishes are made and/or smoked in-house. Menu highlights include the dry aged burger (featuring Indian Ridge local dry-age beef blend of rib-eye and t-bone, topped with house bacon, cheese, lettuce and tomato), Sultan’s acclaimed smoked salmon (that previously was only available by special catering order) and Revolution Taco’s salted fudge chocolate brownies. On top of the regular menu, patrons will be the first to try new dishes that will debut as specials and later appear on permanent menus for Revolution Taco and the food trucks.
“There was a lack of quality casual food in the East Falls area near Sherman Mills,” said Sultan. “We wanted to give the locals, neighbors and visitors a place they could go. We also wanted to have a public spot to make some of our smoked meats and other specials available to the public, while having a testing ground for new dishes that could appear on our other menus.”
Sultan and Nguyen’s commissary kitchen originally opened in Sherman Mills in 2014. They picked Sherman Mills as they both met there in the prep kitchen for the catering company Peachtree and Ward. The commissary kitchen prepares the food for their catering arm, but also Revolution Taco and their food trucks. They also rent space and support other food truckers in their space. As they look ahead, they wanted to convert a portion of the facility to host the public.
“It is a busy facility and we wanted to help meet the demand for our neighbors. We are launching with a simple and tasty menu and could expand down the road. The vibe is casual and welcoming and fits with the style of the kitchen operations bustling next door.”
The Mill’s Cafe features a custom wooden counter at the front, created by Sultan himself. Chalk art inside was done by local artist Benjamin Robinson. Rotating selections of art will come from fellow Sherman Mills neighbor Fresh Artists, a local group that uses art sales to support arts programs in the schools. “We are surrounded by so many great artists; we wanted to highlight the talent around us,” added Sultan.
“Why should you stop by?” asked Sultan. “We have house-made everything. We don’t crack cans or open bags for anything. Even our mayo and dressings are made right here from scratch. We grow our own vegetables. We may be keeping it casual and simple, but fresh and top quality are always top on our list.”
Find The Mill’s Cafe at 3510 Scotts Lane in Philadelphia; phone: (267) 391-7539.
- Photos: Kory Aversa
