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Gina Marie Santore

@ginamarieinnj

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Jersey Girl here 🙋🏻‍♀️🍅

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Since Chef Phila (PEE-la) Lorn earned the June 2025 James Beard Award for Emerging Chef of the Year, securing a reservation at Mawn in Philadelphia has become a serious challenge. The self-described “noodle house with no rules” draws diners who eagerly book months ahead. If you can’t score a dinner reservation, aim for lunch from Thursday to Saturday when the BYOB offers walk-in service.

Chef Lorn named the restaurant Mawn, Cambodian for chicken, to honor his refugee parents and symbolize a return to peace in their war-torn homeland.

The small dining room feels instantly intimate and welcoming. Long red curtains frame the entrance while rattan lampshades cast dim, patterned light on framed, hand-drawn chicken illustrations.

Server Emmanuel guided me through the menu with genuine enthusiasm. He recommended dishes and portion sizes that made the meal memorable. His attentive yet unobtrusive service combined with the teamwork of staff created a seamless dining experience.

The banh chow salad was my favorite dish. Sautéed ground chicken and shrimp flavored a savory coconut and scallion crepe. A light “Sunday” fish sauce gave depth to the delicate crepe while mixed greens and peanuts brought freshness and texture. The fried chicken impressed with its perfectly crispy skin and house hull sauce. The tahini noodles with chili jam and cilantro-flavored ground lamb were balanced with crunchy peanuts and crispy noodles.

Dessert of rice pudding was bright yet decadent. Jasmine rice, bananas, and lime-infused whipped cream combined for a tropical, airy finish.

Married business partners Chef Lorn and his wife Rachel, who leads front-of-the-house operations, serve as unofficial ambassadors of Cambodian cuisine. In a South Philly neighborhood long associated with chicken parmigiana and red sauce, they introduce diners of all backgrounds to bold Cambodian flavors and warm hospitality. They don’t just run a restaurant, they build community. Mawn blends heart, heritage, and fearless creativity. If you’re lucky enough to land a table, you’ll discover why every seat in the house stays full. taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @ginamarieinnj

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a year ago

If it’s Wednesday or Saturday, look for Frankie behind the first floor bar. Also, shenanigans with old friends as seen in their facial expressions. I always make new friends, too. The laughs were X3 by my third 🍸 Yes, I had a ride home! taken in The Saloon, South Philly by @ginamarieinnj

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6 months ago

by @ginamarieinnj

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a year ago

by @ginamarieinnj

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a year ago

Today is Primary Day! What a way to start the day! @stevesweeney_nj is ready on Day One to lead NJ. He’s the right choice in the Democratic primary. He’s the right choice for labor, for working families, for South Jersey, and for me.

Polls are open until 8 pm. Make a plan to vote. Find your polling place here https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/polling-place-search by @ginamarieinnj

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a year ago

Day 10 of an image from a film that has had an impact on me without explanation. 10 days, 10 films, 10 images, zero explanations. I was nominated by @lalarch. I nominate @annakissel by @ginamarieinnj

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3 years ago

Day 9 of posting an image from a film that has had an impact on me without explanation. 10 days, 10 films, 10 images, and zero explanation. I was nominated by @lalarch. I nominate @bridgetdaryl by @ginamarieinnj

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3 years ago

Day 8 of sharing an image from a film that has had an impact on me without explanation. 10 days, 10 films, 10 images, and zero explanations. I was nominated by @lalarch. I nominate @rfeinglos by @ginamarieinnj

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3 years ago

Day 7 of posting an image of a movie that has had an impact on me without any explanation. 10 days, 10 films, 10 nominations, and zero explanation. I was nominated by @lalarch. I nominate. @lexi.wozniak by @ginamarieinnj

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3 years ago

Day 6: Everyday I post an image from a film that has had an impact on me and post it without explanation. 10 days, 10 films, 10 images, zero explanations. I was nominated by @lalarch I nominate @rymoshow by @ginamarieinnj

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3 years ago

Day 5: Everyday I select an image from a film that has had an impact on me and post it without a single explanation. That’s 10 days, 10 films, 10 nominations, zero explanations. I was nominated by @lalarch I nominate @devv.nicoleee by @ginamarieinnj

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3 years ago

Day 4 of 10: Everyday I select an image from a film that has had an impact on me and post it without a single explanation. That’s 10 days, 10 films, 10 nominations, and zero explanations. I was nominated by Lori Archut. I nominate @cassy_stokes08 by @ginamarieinnj

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3 years ago