Hellllooooo Philadelphia

You guys know me too well…

Of course our first stop in Philadelphia was going to be Reading Terminal Market! I’ve heard nothing, but RAVE reviews about the HUGE foodie paradise and could not wait to check it out for myself.

First of all, the place was BIG.

Second of all, hello crowds and choices!

Reading Terminal Market is made up of several quick service counter restaurants, bakeries, meat and vegetables stands. It’s located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Center City and during lunchtime it was PACKED with people.

Derek and I were on a mission. We beelined it straight to Dinic’s for some Roast Pork sandwiches that Derek had seen featured on Man vs Food and had been drooling over ever since.

Derek LOVES Man vs Food and we have a rule that when ever we travel we have to visit at least one Man vs. Food recommended restaurant. (Ike’s in San Francisco, Katz in NYC, Acme in New Orleans, etc.) His choice for Philly was Dinic’s and apparently we weren’t the only ones, the line for food wrapped around the place.

After 15-20 minutes of waiting we noticed two chairs open up at the counter. We quickly grabbed them before anyone else had a chance. Win! 🙂

The menu was short and sweet. Meat, Meat, and More Meat.

Good meat. I had to wipe the drool from Derek’s chin as we watched them hand carve the brisket.

To get the full Man Vs. Food experience, we both ordered the Roast Pork Sandwich with Provolone and Broccoli Rabe (exactly the same thing Adam had!)

Wow! I’m always afraid a sauceless pork is going to be dry, but this pork was very moist and delicious. The broccoli rabe added a nice saltiness and the cheese was gooey and strong. I almost sat out of the pork roast sandwich experience, but I’m so glad I got to try it. Definitely worth a trip to Philly for!

Derek LOVED it as well. He polished all of his off and then finished the second half of mine.

Boys.

After we finished up our sandwiched we headed to Flying Monkey for dessert.

The Classic Whoopies had caught my attention.

We got one to go and split it later that afternoon.

Moist cookie. Creamy filling. Great flavor. Win. Win. Win.

So what else is there to do in Philly besides eat?

See a little bit of America’s history.

ohhhhhh….. awwwww…….

Obligatory photo in front of national monument? Check!

Obligatory photo in front of LOVE sign? Check!

Obligatory photo in front of Eduard Square Fountain? Check!

Obligatory photo in front of Rocky steps? Check!

We took a break of sightseeing for a drink.

Look what I found on tap?!?!

Cigar City!! <– a Tampa brewed beer all the way in Philly!

I enjoyed one Cigar City Beer and one of Sabrina’s chocolate chip cookies back at the apartment.

Philly is full of great neighborhood restaurants that had been catching my eye all day.

For dinner tonight, Sabrina led us all to Jack’s Firehouse – a great local place that had southern comfort food with an upscale feel.

Coastal Cab for starters.

The boys had their side of the table

And the girls had theirs.

Do you see a new face?

This is my friend Emily. 🙂 Emily and her boyfriend moved to Philly about a year ago from Florida. We met back in college, but it’s been far too long since we last saw each other.

In fact, she was the one that introduced Derek and I back in college.

2006

2011

Quite a difference, eh?

We had a fun night reminiscing about the good ole days. The only thing missing was a bottle of Bacardi Razz! 🙂

Dinner started with delicious biscuits for everyone

I had one covered in the apple jam. I <3 jam!

The menu was pretty heavy, so I ended up combining a soup and salad appetizer to create a whole meal.

The black eyes pea soup was warm and comforting.

With a piece of cornbread

The grilled vegetable salad was light and fresh. However, it was missing the promised goat cheese! Oh well.

Dinner was great. The company was great. And now the party is continuing at Sabrina’s.

Good Night!!