About River Twice
Our goal is to encourage a sincere connection to the Delaware River Valley and mid-Atlantic region through the ingredients we select and the dishes we serve. A close relationship with local purveyors allows us to develop an evolving menu with seasonal harvests, making every visit a unique experience.
James Beard-nominated Chef Randy Rucker’s culinary style has been defined by an ethos of using ingredients of the highest quality possible to create focused cuisine that highlight the natural flavors of the region. Amanda Rucker’s focus on sustainable design and working with local artisans is the guiding force behind the interiors of River Twice. After living and working across the country, they are proud to have found a home on East Passyunk Avenue.
Randy Rucker
Chef/Co-Owner
Raised in Tomball, Texas, Randy Rucker’s culinary career began early on in his mother’s kitchen. Chef Rucker credits his mother Bootsie for his passion for food and for inspiring him to pursue the culinary arts as a career. Rucker’s professional career began in Rhode Island where he attended Johnson & Wales University before migrating west to California in 2000. There he developed a passion for raw ingredients while working with products like artichokes, sea urchins and wild mushrooms, which were delivered to the back door of the restaurants by the farmer or the forager. In 2005 Rucker opened Laidback Manor with his mother Bootsie. At Laidback Manor, Rucker received numerous awards and accolades from national press; including Food Arts Magazine and The Wall Street Journal.
Rucker also operated an underground supper club called Tenacity and that led to the head chef position at The Rainbow Lodge where he drew inspiration from the onsite gardens and citrus groves. Rucker then returned to his hometown of Tomball to open Bootsie’s & was named a rising star from Starchefs.com & nominated for two James Beard awards. He then went on to open Restaurant Bramble in the Tanglewood neighborhood of Houston where the restaurant focused on Third Coast cuisine. The restaurant’s ever-changing menu showcased local farms & ranches as well as wild & indigenous food Rucker & his staff forage for daily.
In the fall of 2016 Rucker returned to the East Coast, serving as Culinary Director of two well respected restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard and then a Executive Chef for a Relais & Chateaux property in Mystic, CT. It was during this time that Rucker developed a passion for New England’s natural resources. While developing relationships with local fisherman on the island he was exposed to various species of shellfish, fish, and seaweeds that continue to inspire and cultivate his cooking style today.
In 2019 Rucker and his wife, a Philadelphia native, left New England for Philadelphia. Rucker plans to share with Philadelphians how a passion for thoughtfully sourced ingredients can transform one’s dining experience. This objective drives the concept behind their new restaurant, River Twice. Above all, they aim to create an atmosphere that promotes a deep connection not simply to one’s food, but also to the natural world around us.
Lily Herman
General Manager / Beverage Director
Hailing from Hudson Valley, New York, Lily Herman developed an appreciation for the land and the ingredients harvested from it at an early age. At home in the kitchen, she discovered her love for cooking with her grandmother, learning that food can bring people together, as well as reflect a gesture of showing love and care for others. Lily took this passion with her as she entered the restaurant industry as a foodrunner at 15, and through her restaurant management studies at Drexel University here in Philly. During her time interning and working at Tria Cafe, Philly’s longtime wine bar, Lily was immersed in the world of wine, beverages, and fermentation, realizing that wine doesn’t have to be exclusively enjoyed in high-end restaurants, but rather, can be fun and approachable. Upon graduation, Lily left Philadelphia for the West Coast. She honed her skills managing the front of house at notable restaurants including A.O.C. in Los Angeles, Little Saint in Healdsburg, and Moveable Feast in Napa. Along the way, Lily became an expert in wine and beverage pairings. She loves the magic that can happen when a guest enjoys the way she pairs a dish with an exceptional wine, beer, or cocktail—”a perfect bite,” as her father would say. Lily returns to Philadelphia as General Manager and Beverage Director of River Twice, and is excited to bring her enthusiasm for providing gracious hospitality and pairings alongside Chef Randy’s dishes.
