Name: Jay A.K.A Jet Plane Jane
Occupation: Artist, Actress, Author, Analyst.
What is your connection/relationship to Philly? Both my maternal and paternal sides of the family are from various parts of the city. Philadelphia is the first location in which everyone in my lineage lived when they came to the U.S., and then stayed in the area for the next generation or two. Additionally, I was essentially adopted by a block in North Philly decades ago, and I went on to attend Temple University. I live about seven minutes outside the city limits but have spent the majority of my life and times within its borders.
Favorite restaurant in Philly? Sincerely a difficult task to choose just one. Something I love about this place is its variety; people, architecture, food! Some of my top choices would be an Ethiopian spot in West Philly called Gojjo, XIX at The Bellevue downtown, and Sazon on Spring Garden Street.
Best place to shop in Philly (food, clothes, gifts, jewelry, etc). Select one? Honestly, as an artist and entrepreneur, I try to spend my money with my friends and associates. One example is frequenting a friend’s family’s shop for fantastic French macarons; Miel Patisserie on 17th Street.
What is your one favorite “best kept secret” about Philly? Something that you and only a few others know about but everyone should… I could probably compose a pretty extensive list… But the first thing that came to mind was an amazing place to watch the sun rise over the Delaware River. There is a tiny green space down by the waterfront called Penn Treaty Park. I was taken there when I was in high school and I’ve only been back a few times since. But I love the tranquility in an otherwise industrial, ugly, and often noisy area.
Connected: Phillip S. Brown
What makes Philly your Philly? What do you absolutely love about the city? The city feels as if it is mine on a visceral level because I am comfortable in every part of it. From the grimiest backblock to the most elegant accommodations.
All things considered, aside from the candor and resilience within those from the 2-1-5 that I love, there’s really nothing like pulling up to Lorenzo’s on South Street at 3am on a random night of the week and standing in that line with my fellow countrymen for a slice.
I truly don’t care whose pizza you think is the best. There’s just always been something nostalgic about that place for me. Everyone is equal in that line. I saw a dude pull up in a blue Bentley be denied a cut to the front… Despite offering a tip and claiming some sort of fame. “No one cares about that here, sir… Back of the line!”
An unknowing “youngbul” (Philly terminology) tried to play Scott Storch for wearing white Timbs in that line. Once tapped and told who he just attempted to clown, the offending party then tried peddling his mixtape to the well-known producer. You cannot fabricate these sort of encounters, these kinds of personalities. Philly is a special city, to say the least.
Contact:
@jet_plane_jane
www.jetplanejane.com
Images: Larry Wright
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