Eli Kulp Recognized with the Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Humanitarian Award

Eli Kulp (right) holding the 2025 Humanitarian Award from Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation.

Eleven years ago, Eli Kulp was among Philadelphia’s most celebrated young chefs, co-owner of restaurants including Fork and High Street on Market. In May of 2015, while riding Amtrak Train 188 as it traveled between Philadelphia and New York City, the train derailed, leaving him with a life-changing spinal-cord injury. At the time, his future in professional kitchens seemed uncertain. The accident and resulting injuries were devastating, not only to his career ambitions, but also to the identity he had forged through cooking. 

Eli Kulp (left) with Delicious City Podcast co-host Dave Wesolowski. Eli Kulp (left) with Delicious City Podcast co-host Dave Wesolowski.

Today, Eli hosts both The CHEF Radio Podcast and Delicious City Philly. CHEF Radio is a more serious, industry-oriented show built on in-depth conversations with leading chefs, restaurateurs, and food-industry voices. Delicious City Philly takes a lighter tone, diving into Philadelphia’s restaurant and bar scene and highlighting hidden gems, sharing food news, and bringing on local hospitality personalities.

What began as a personal fight to rebuild his life has evolved into a mission to inspire others. In the years since the accident, Eli has become a powerful voice for connection, creativity, and resilience. On November 10, 2025, he was recognized with the Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Humanitarian Award – an honor that acknowledges his remarkable journey since his injury as well as his impact on Jefferson Moss-Magee and Philadelphia’s food community.

By honoring Eli Kulp with the Humanitarian Award, Jefferson Health recognized not just his career as a chef, but his ongoing impact on the Philadelphia community. Eli has turned a personal tragedy into a rallying cry for community, compassion, and reinvention. Through his podcasts, public voice, and support of the Philadelphia community, he has shown that food isn’t just nourishment for the body – it can be nourishment for hope, connection, and purpose.Â