River Twice brings holiday spirit early with Christmas in July dinner series

The holiday spirit has come early in Philadelphia with the news of a new Christmas in July dinner series from East Passyunk hotspot River Twice. From husband/wife duo Chef Randy and Amanda Rucker, the culinary event will take place July 18 to 22 and will feature five consecutive dinners from several well-known and local chefs.

The tradition started last year, after the venue’s “Cheftivus” guest chef series was cut short by the Omicron variant of COVID in 2021. The original five-night series was planned to feature chefs from Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and New Hampshire for a schedule of collaboration dinners in the days leading up to Christmas Eve. After that happened, the Ruckers pivoted to then launch a new dinner series in July under similar circumstances—and it was a hit.

The line-up for 2023 includes the recent James Beard Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic Award winner from Kalaya, Chutatip ‘Nok’ Suntaranon, former River Twice sous chef who currently mans the kitchen at Laurel, Kevin McWilliams, plus Alexandra Holt, who currently runs Roxanne, Alex Talbot of Curiosity Doughnuts (who also authored the book “Ideas in Food,”), and Alex Kemp Roussy, who recently opened My Loup with his fiancé, James Beard-nominated Chef Amanda Shulman.

Each chef will cook for one night in collaboration with Chef Rucker and the River Twice team.

“Christmas in July was such a success last year, and it was a really incredible thing collaborating on 40 different dishes in five nights with so many talented chefs,” said Chef Rucker in a statement.

Rucker continued: “We knew we absolutely had to do it again. So much creativity goes into coming up with five completely unique menus in five nights, but to be able to do this alongside chefs as talented as the five we are welcoming in makes this a thrill for not just the guest, but for our entire team.”

First up will be Talbot on July 18, Kevin McWilliams will then follow on July 19, then Alexandra Holt of Roxanne on July 20, Chutatip ‘Nok’ Suntaranon on July 21 and Alex Kemp Roussy will then finish the series off on July 22.

All dinners will feature indoor and outdoor seating beginning at 6 p.m., with 50 seats available per night. Dinners cost $150 per person, or $175 at the seven-seat chef’s counter. Due to the nature of the events, dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated, a release states. Reservations can be made via Resy, and diners should note that the restaurant will close for service on Sunday, July 23.

For more information on River Twice (1601 E Passyunk Ave.,) or its second annual Christmas in July dinner series, visit rivertwicerestaurant.com

Molly Given is a journalist who covers features and entertainment while currently residing in Philadelphia. Her love of interesting stories and compelling interviews is only surpassed by an affinity for spicy margaritas.