As we settle into a new “normal” way of living, we have a new level of appreciation for things that we may not have noticed as much before the world shifted. For us, our outdoor patio has taken on new, important meaning. No longer is it simply a place to dine with ambiance, it is now a safe haven, allowing people to enjoy a meal not just surrounded by beauty, but most importantly, by comfort and security.

One of the very first things we are taught in our lives is the concept of being kind. As toddlers, we’re shown the value of sharing, holding hands, and giving hugs and kisses to others. Throughout our childhood years, we take part in events that benefit others, like bake sales and charity drives. In high school, we learn the value of service, and how to give back to communities and organizations that need help. Today, we are in a situation that demands that we remember these important values, and put them to good use. Things may feel at a standstill, but we know that kindness is what ultimately makes the world go round.

Over the past couple of months, we have all had to adjust to a new type of normal. Social distancing has given us a new set of guidelines for how we operate through our daily lives, and for many people, along with that new normal comes a new office space - your house. Working from home used to be an occasional treat - being able to review your morning emails from your couch, or taking a conference call snuggled up in your warmest PJs… but when everyday becomes a treat, it’s easy to fall into some laziness traps along the way! Today, we want to provide you with some tips to help you navigate your new office and avoid any potential pitfalls of this new normal.

Along with the many things that Covid-19 has brought to our lives is a broken meat supply chain, and recent shortages of meat all across the country. While some may look at this and feel frustration, we are looking at this as another opportunity to focus on our health and wellness by expanding our plant based repertoire. It’s no secret that a plant based diet provides numerous health benefits, not to mention all of the creative and delicious meals that can be put together with these simple, wholesome ingredients. We’re taking playing with plants to a whole new level!

When it comes to setting game plans and goals for ourselves, our favorite thing we tend to say is, “I’ll start it on Monday.” Whether it be embarking on a new diet or workout plan, vowing to stop watching so much tv, or finally working on that new guided meditation you’ve had downloaded since New Year’s… starting on Monday, the beginning of a new week with a fresh clean slate, seems to be “Day One” of choice for all new adventures.

The concept of social distancing tends to be associated with a negative connotation nowadays. Of course, humans are naturally pack animals and crave closeness and connection, so this is to be expected. However, there are times when being by ourselves, and actually focusing on ourselves, can truly be good for the soul. Today, we want to explore the many benefits of being alone and how that can provide us with abundant opportunities to internally refresh and recharge.

It’s been a few weeks now that we’ve been keeping our distance from each other, and many of us find ourselves doing everything, including working, from home. Being physically separated may not be our preferred way of doing business, but we are so lucky to live in an age where staying connected, despite staying apart, is easier than ever.

With each day seemingly more chaotic than the next, it’s important to focus on any positivity we can find. Fortunately for us, we have been able to witness glimmers of light during this period which have highlighted that even during the darkest of times, the power of humanity will always shine the brightest.

Late last week, the $2 Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Package was released. Included are stimulus payments for individuals and families, as well as specific loan programs that the government is enacting to help stabilize the economy and ensure that there are no lapses in our rent and mortgage payments, food, medical, and other personal expenses. We know that this is an uncertain time for us all, so we’d like to share some of the ways that these programs can help us all to feel a little more secure.

During this tenuous time in our world and economy, many businesses are understandably facing unexpected struggles. We wanted to share with you some ways in which the City of Philadelphia and the federal government are trying to help small businesses thrive with zero percent and low interest financing.

It’s impossible to ignore the new reality that the world is currently facing. Social distancing, isolation, and loneliness are just a few of the ways to describe what most individuals are experiencing day in and day out. But we wanted to change the name of the game with an ongoing conversation to reassure you that despite the distance, you are not alone. We are all in this together. At times it’s hard to believe that, especially considering the extreme measures we are all taking to lessen any interaction, but we are all facing the same challenges and fears. We are a community, despite the physical distance, and we intend to bridge the gap with our newest blog series, “Community Convo,” to help instill a sense of togetherness in what can currently feel like a very isolated world.

Like the rest of the world, we are heeding all of the advice when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19, and urging people to stay indoors until further notice. And like the rest of the world, we can understand the fear of going stir crazy! However, we’re choosing to look at the positive side of staying home, and embracing the sweet indoors for all its worth.

With the recent rise in temperature, we can’t help but be reminded that winter is on its way out, and spring is ready to shine! Spring is definitely one of our most favorite times of the year for many reasons, but the main one? Two words - Patio Life.

If there’s one thing we love as much as pizza, it’s our pets (and everyone else’s!) We love having our customers bring their furry family members to our outdoor patio areas to enjoy a meal together, and we believe that being with our pets is more than just passing the time - it’s good for our souls and just makes us better human beings.

They say there’s no place like home for the holidays, and we have to say, we fully agree. However, “home” to us doesn’t necessarily mean the house you now live in, or used to grow up in. We believe that home is a certain feeling, and no matter where you physically are for the holidays, there’s always an opportunity to be home.

Naples is a city in Southern Italy, nestled along the banks of the Bay of Naples. It is one of the most historic and well known cities in Italy for many reasons, and has served as a major inspiration for our cuisine and culture here at In Riva.

They say there’s no place like home. And to us, home is a mixture of East Falls, the Schulykill River, and Kelly Drive all in one. We’ve been here for eight years and counting, and couldn’t think of a more spectacular place to call, “home.”

With the Thanksgiving holiday just days away, we wish to take a pause from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and acknowledge some of the things we are so grateful for this holiday season.

Here at In Riva, we have so many vegetarian options that many don’t realize are available! We have a “come one, come all’ motto around here, and believe that everyone, no matter their dietary lifestyle, deserves to enjoy delicious, beautiful food, all day, every day.

What makes the perfect pizza? Is it the perfectly flaky crust? Is it the toasty, bubbly cheese? Or maybe it’s the perfect topping? With so many elements going into each and every pizza, we wanted to find out exactly what it is that takes a pizza from a good pizza, to the perfect pizza.