Taste of Philly Food Tour
LOVE FOOD?
You’ll love this 75-minute walking tour about Philly food favorites like cheesesteaks, hoagies and pretzels and the vibrant Reading Terminal Market where they’re sold. Leaves from the Market info desk, 12th and Filbert sts., at 10 a.m. every Wed. and Sat. (Group private tours are also available at other days and times). Only $15.95. Click here or call 800-838-3006 for reservations (required).
The affordable Philly food tour led by the author of the definitive "Great Philly Cheesesteak Book"!
Recession-busting Philly Travel Tips
from the Owner of Philly’s Most Affordable Food Tour
1. Check out some of Philly’s hottest restaurants at a fraction of the usual cost from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 31 as part of the Center City District’s summer Sips program. Appetizers are half-priced and selected drinks are $3-$5 during this special happy hour. Among notable restaurants participating are Georges Perrier associate Chris Scarduzio’s Table 31, Stephen Starr's kid-friendly Jones and the atmospheric Farmer's Cabinet. Visit www.centercityphila.org for more information.
2. Lots of free programs at Penn's Landing (walk over I-95 on Chestnut Street from Old City to the Delaware River waterfront) this summer, including fireworks on July 6 and concerts to appeal to fans of smooth jazz (every Friday in Aug. at 7:30 p.m.) and gospel (Bishop Hezekiah Walker is part of the lineup 3-9 p.m. Aug. 24). Visit WelcomeAmerica.com for details on the free July 2 hoagie chowdown, the July 4 Roots concert (this year John Mayer, Jill Scott and Ben Taylor will also be featured) and fireworks on ...read more
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How to Order a Cheesesteak:
A Guide for Tourists
There is a protocol to ordering a cheesesteak at the cheesesteak epicenter of Ninth and Wharton, which, if not followed, can result in being sent to the back of the line Soup Nazi–style, or even worse, getting less meat.
At Pat’s and Geno’s, you must order by saying the name of the cheese you want and then “with” or “without” (or as it is often pronounced in South Philly, “wit” or "witout"), which means with or without grilled onions.
A correct and traditional order there would be “Whiz wit.” “Mushrooms witout” will get you a steak sandwich with mushrooms but no onions or cheese. You order and pay for your drinks and fries at a separate window.
This ordering system is chiefly used at high-volume shops, which need to keep their lines moving quickly, or other places (many out-of-town) who are trying to provide an “authentic” Philly cheesesteak experience. Slavishly adhering to the “wit or witout” phraseology at a more low-key neighborhood joint in Philly will mark you as a nervous tourist. Many of these out-of-the-limelightplaces don’t even offer Cheez Whiz. White American is the more common cheese default regionwide, along with provolone and mozzarella.
Acceptable cheesesteak condiments include peppers of all kinds, hot pepper relish, hot sauce, ketchup, dill or sweet pickles but not mustard and mayo ...read more
News
Special Best of Philly 40th Anniversary Tours
Best of Philly magazine award-winning Reading Terminal Market stands will be the focus of special Taste of Philly Food Tours at the Market at 2 p.m. July 27 and 31. Tourgoers will learn about and taste up to 12 prize-winning dishes. Pricing and reservations info soon to come!
A Cool Tour in More Than One Way!
The Market is indoor and air-conditioned and so a great activity for rainy or very hot days. Click here to reserve your space on any regular 10 a.m. Wed. or Sat. Taste of Philly Food Tour (July 27 and 31 included).
Philly's Favorite Frozen Asset
Abe Lincoln was president when Lewis Bassett first started selling ice cream. In 2010, a Bassett served Pres. Obama. My City Paper story explains what happened inbetween.
Frugal Philly
Check out my recent Boston Globe cheapskates guide to Philly for Bostonians taking advantage of the cheap new JetBlue fares (but useful for any visitor!).
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