PHILADELPHIA - Last December, the husband-and-wife team behind River Twice, Chef/Owner Randy Rucker and Owner/Operator Amanda Rucker, announced “Cheftivus” – a special five-night guest chef series that saw big names from Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and New Hampshire scheduled for collaboration dinners in the days leading up to Christmas Eve. Then Omicron happened, and the final three dinners were called off. Now, the Ruckers are excited to announce the continuation of the collaboration series as it returns as “Christmas in July.”


During the week of July 25th, River Twice will host five consecutive collaboration dinners at the East Passyunk restaurant, featuring several big-name chefs, including a rising star in the Philly restaurant scene.

Each chef will cook for one night, with the following schedule:

  • Dominic Piperno of Hearthside on July 25th
  • Alexandra Holt of (the soon-to-open) Roxanne on July 26th
  • Chef Shola Olunloyo of Studiokitchen on July 27th
  • Eddie Konrad of Messina Social Club on July 28th
  • Sarah Conezio & Isaiah Billington of Keepwell Vinegar on July 29th

“We had such a blast during those first two dinners in December, but seeing the surge of COVID cases, the priority was to put the health and safety of our staff and guests first, so we had to cancel,” said Chef Rucker. “It was out of our hands, but that’s in the past. We’re now looking forward to this exciting series featuring some very talented chefs I respect.”

All dinners will feature indoor and outdoor seatings beginning at 5 p.m., with 50 seats available per night. Dinners cost $150 per person or $175 at the chef’s counter (four seats; two turns per night). Due to the nature of the events, dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated. Reservations can be made via Resy beginning Tuesday, June 28th at 10 a.m. River Twice will be closed that weekend, July 30th and 31st.

River Twice, located at 1601 E. Passyunk Ave, highlights local, pristine ingredients and produce-driven dishes on their constantly changing menu.