October, 2018
In 2019, Philly was ranked in the top 20 for the best foodie city in the USA – who knew? I truly had no idea and I thought it was only famous for its cheesesteak – a sandwich with chopped or thinly sliced steak, your choice of cheese and fried onions all rolled up in a hoagie roll. Now, don’t get me wrong, you will want to grab one of these or share one for a truly iconic Philly experience, but there are some other spots you must check out if you love all things food. For cheesesteaks though – the rivalry is between Geno’s Steaks or Pat’s King of Steaks.
Reading Terminal Market – Located in downtown Philly close to the Marriott, you will find this historic farmers’ market which first opened its doors in 1892. Here you will find over 80 vendors and a sea of people inside. It is safe to say, there is likely something here to satisfy any craving you might have and the perfect spot to grab lunch. Apparently upwards around 17,000 visitors each day each in pursuit to find their favourite delicacy. It also serves as a market for fresh produce, seafood meats and cheeses for locals – I love me a good market! Another option and always my favourite – shop like a local, grab the goods and head into one of the many parks in Philly for a picnic. If dining in, there is so much to choose from cheesesteaks, to burgers, pizza, gumbo and falafel. But may I recommend you wander the entire market first before making a choice! An absolute must, pick your favourite doughnut from Beiler’s Bakery where you will find nearly 50 options including Maple Bacon. What will your sweet tooth pick? Who is kidding who, I may have picked two and Maple Bacon was not one of them!
Tria Café Rittenhouse – This little corner gem known as the original wine, cheese and beer bar! I fell in love with this place and the eclectic selection of small plates – a perfect dining option for me. To start I will have a table for one with a view, with a side of independence and a glass of prosecco, please. Now – here are my small plate recommendations and if you have someone with you then order even more and share! I cannot even explain how delicious the Pistachio Herbed Ricotta Bruschetta with lavender honey is – it is divine and easily was my favourite nibble. Add in the warm poached black mission figs with gorgonzola and prosciutto di parma, olive oil rosemary potatoe chips with truffle-herb aioli and of course the charcuterie board with a few of your favourite cheeses from the stand-alone cheese menu – clean, luscious, stinky, approachable, stoic, and racy selections. I started with the prosecco, a perfect balance of bubbles with spiced apple, lemon verbena and a hint of vanilla and moved to the Bobal, Vera De Estenas a charming Spanish red with flavours of black plum, spice and earth. If you close your eyes, you might just feel like it is a night in Spain enjoying tapas and vino.
Vintage – A rustic wine bar with an impressive wine list with a French-American style bistro menu. A perfect happy hour spot! To stay with the happy hour theme, opt for the olives, mussels or brie en croute. I personally choose the flight; a trio of 3 oz pours so I could explore a range of wines paired with the happy hour food ensemble.
Parc – Last up is this French Brasserie in Rittenhouse. You will want to explore the Rittenhouse area before dining and if you can, snag a table outside. You will feel like you slipped right into Europe with the outdoor seating with the window wall that opens up to the Rittenhouse Square. A finer dining establishment. Linger and people watch as you dine on the beef bourguignon with root vegetables or the grilled Mediterranean seabass paired with your favourite Bordeaux wine; it will feel like you have been transported directly to the Belle Epoque in Paris. Who knew there would be so much diversity in dining in Philly.
The Franklin Fountain – A classic ice cream parlor and this space has an old-time vibe in a renovated and restored turn-of-the-century building. Famous for the decadent sundaes, you can also enjoy a scoop of your favourite ice cream, or make that two scoops! If you are here during the summer, they also set up a shop in the Spruce Street Harbour Park if you make your way to Penn’s Landing.
