Rosemary in Ridley Park, has opened to rave reviews and large crowds. Much of the credit for Delaware County’s hot new restaurant goes to Philadelphia chef Elijah Milligan, who has worked in some of the city’s best restaurants, writes Victor Fiorillo for Philadelphia Magazine.

Milligan learned to cook from his South Philadelphia grandma Vanessa and later his step-father Nate, who was a chef.

“My grandma and I had a deal where I would stay up late with her on Christmas Eve cooking and get up early with her on Christmas to do more cooking. And then I would be the one who could open my presents first,” Milligan said.

Milligan has worked at Le Bec-Fin, Vernick, Stateside, Laurel, and Rae, and in the Napa Valley.

“My favorite thing about Delco is… the authenticity of the people. They love where they are from,” he said.

Ridley Park, he said, reminds him of the Napa Valley community of Yountville, a charming small town with a quiet neighborhood and great potential.

When visiting Rosemary in Ridley Park, make sure to try the shrimp mafaldine with Calabrian chilis and yuzu, Milligan recommended. It’ll be on the fall seasonal menu.

Read more of the interview with Rosemary chef Elijah Milligan in Philadelphia Magazine.