Philadelphia, PA

While I was at the Sudoku Competition on Saturday, I ate lunch at the Reading Terminal Market. I’ve mentioned the Market before back when there was the controversy over Rick’s Steaks(which is still there by the way!!!). I had a delicious falafel pita sandwich and fresh squeezed juice at Kamal’s.

Market History
Markets have been a part of Philadelphia’s history since the city’s development by William Penn in the late seventeenth century. When William Penn’s managers established the town of Philadelphia, one of their first actions was to herd the ragtag crowd of farmers, fisherman, and huntsman, who were hawking their goods all over the bustling settlement, into an open area at the foot of what was known as High Street, along the Delaware River. Soon the so-called ‘Jersey Market’ (because most of the hucksters were from the neighboring state) began to expand westward in the middle of the thoroughfare that had been appropriately renamed Market Street. With the growth of Philadelphia came the expansion of public markets. By the middle of the nineteenth century, the string of market sheds had become six blocks long, making the easternmost mile of the city’s main street a veritable babble of farmers and food purveyors on most days.
Today, Reading Terminal Market is once again the gastronomic bazaar that its original planners had envisioned. Many of the historic Market stands survived the reconstruction and are once again filled with local produce, fresh eggs, milk, meats, poultry, seafood, handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing. The Market is home to more than 80 merchants, two of whom are descendants of the original standholders from a century before. Today, the Market is 100 percent leased. On any given day one can find an eclectic array of fresh baked Amish goods, produce direct from the field, unusual spices, free range meats and poultry, flowers, ethnic foods, and much more. One hundred thousand Philadelphians and tourists pass through the Reading Terminal Market every week enjoying its exceptional products, history, and people. (http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/about/history)

The Market is open Monday through Saturday 8:00 am–6:00 pm, and now Sundays 9:00 am–4:00 pm. For a list of Merchant’s in the Market, check out this nifty map on the RTM’s site.
The Market also offers Special Events. Oct. 23 at noon, there will be a Cooking Demonstration at Dominique’s Tropical Latitude’s with Dominique Macquet. The demonstration will cover a variety of “southern hemisphere” foods from countries as diverse as Vietnam, Trinidad and Argentina.
Other upcoming events:
* Oct 27, 2007 · Book Sigining Atlas of American Artisan Cheese
* Oct 28, 2007 · Watch the Eagles Game Score Some Dinner
* Nov 4, 2007 · Sunday Soundbites

Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia Markets

This past weekend, my friend Sally and I celebrated our 6 month friend-iversary. 6 months really isn’t all that long for BFFs but we also had a rough week. Really, we were trying to justify spending the money on a fancy dinner at Patou in Old City, on Market Street. Fabulously French, Patou, the second venture by acclaimed Chef/Owner Patrice Rames of Bistro St. Tropez, offers the bright flavors of the Cote d’ Azur. With rustic painted walls and rot-iron chairs, you’d think you were in France itself. The dining space is open and tables are spaced to leave plenty of room between parties. If you sit towards the kitchen in the back, you can actually watch them cook while you eat.

The menu is limited however it changes regularly. It’s separated into 3 courses; first (appetizer), second (main entree), third (dessert). The prices are what you’d expect for fine dining, but they even offer a 3 for $30 where you can have all three courses for $30, which can work out to be a good deal depending on what you order. Unfortunately, Sally and I were too full by the time we were done our entrées that we didn’t even make it to dessert.
For my first course i had the Fricassée, pan-roasted wild mushrooms in a creamy bordelaise sauce with a touch of truffle oil. I never used to be a big fan or mushrooms, but this dish was simply fantastic! I would have been satisfied with just that as a meal, which is probably why they offer a similar entrée version; the vegetarian entrée (unfortunately, the only vegetarian entrée) had the same roasted wild mushrooms with escarole, caramelized onions, orechiette pasta, shaved romano and truffle jus.
We passed on dessert, even though the Île Flottante (pillowy french meringue with crème anglaise) sounded quite tempting. I suppose we’ll have to make a trip back, only save some room.
Chef Rames Likes to offer a warm inviting atmosphere so when not cooking he roams the dinning room to mingle with his patrons. Be sure to say hello and give your compliments.

Patou, Old City Restaurants, Dining in Old City, French Restaurants in Philadelphia

Nestled on cozy Samson Street in University City, sits the Bubble House: Asian inspired tea house, restaurant and lounge. But what makes this place especially unique is the infamous East Asian treat, bubble tea.
Originated in Taiwan in the 1980s, the term “bubble” refers to the tapioca balls in the drink. These chewy tapioca balls, or “pearls,” are consumed along with the beverage through a wide straw. The original bubble tea consisted of a hot Taiwanese black tea, tapioca pearls, condensed milk, and honey. As popularity grew, so came more flavors like chai, mint, and mango, which are just a couple of the flavors to be found at the Bubble House.

But theres more to enjoy than just the tea. Their menu consists of some Thai dishes, (Thai Red Coconut Curry, Thai crabcakes, Thai chicken wings) a few Korean, (Korean barbeque wrap, Bibim Bap), and many of the dishes offer the option or chicken, shrimp or tofu tempura, for whatever orientation your appetite might be.
Beyond the food and drink, Bubble House is also a source of entertainment.

SUNDAE Sunday Afternoons
The party everybody is talking about, Sundae, will as usual be hosting some serious names this month! Some Sundae history… Sundae is a weekly indoor/outdoor house music event held at the Bubble House. It was originally started in 2005 by Lee Jones, Dirty, and Aaron. Now two years old Sundae has snowballed into one of phillys best, most diverse, and musically rich events and features some of worlds best talent.
GAME SHOWY Every other Monday. Free
Ryan Bennett will host the battle royale, championship edition of Game Showy. This event is hands down the most unique bar game night in the city. It’s kind of like a Japanese game show on acid, and it makes quizzo look like bridge. It will be a test of warrior strength, and sheer dumbness beyond compare.

And that is only the begining of the weekly events

The interior design matches the theme of cuisine, with checkered wood screens separating booths, then is contrasted with the African American art of Willis Nomo. The decor combined with the soft lighting and live music provides a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Conveniently located in University City, the Bubble House is the perfect hangout for college coeds, but equally inviting for patrons of all ages.

Bubble House, bubble tea, university city restaurants, willis nomo

A couple weeks ago, I asked About-Philly readers “where is your favorite place to get a Philly cheesesteak?” The Results are in and the winner is…….*dramatic drum roll*……

Pat’s!

(at the diagonal crossing of Passyunk at Ninth Street )

5 of you said that Pat’s was you favorite steak stop, proving it truly is the King of Steaks.
Here are the other favorites.
Chubby’s (second place with 4 votes)
Rick’s (2)
Sonny’s (1)
Steve’s (1)

Clearly this was not the most comprehensive vote. For a more accurate assessment of Philly’s Best CheeseSteaks, check out this year’s City’s Best winners! ..and read reviews from Hollyeats.com

Of course, it doesn’t really matter which shop you get your steak at, just make sure you get it in the right city. You know, the city where you can find two steak shops open 24 hours, right across the street from each other(Pat’s and Geno’s), and both still stay in business. Yep, only in Philadelphia.

Philly Cheesesteak, Chubby’s Steaks, Pat’s, Rick’s, Sonny’s, Steve’s, Best of Philly

After attempts of negotiation, the Reading Terminal Market Board gave its final word that Rick Olivieri is to leave the market at the end of the month, making way for Tony Luke’s. Rick is down to just his steak shop at Citizen’s Bank Park, which just so happens to be located near a Tony Luke’s. Despite Tony having a stronger pull with fans at the park, Rick still has a few loyal patrons in his corner.

“It’s really a shame,” Pat Wasmer said of Olivieri, just after buying a steak from Rick’s. “He’s part of a legend, he’s been there for so long. I never had a steak from Tony Luke’s, and now I probably never will.”

The board may have made their decision but Rick’s not packing up yet. He still believes he has a case against the board and is preparing to sue. The suit accuses General Manager Paul Steinke and Ricardo Dunston, chairman of the market corporation, of conspiring to deny Olivieri a new lease after orally agreeing to one. The board has yet to comment on the lawsuit.

Here’s the tv spot for Rick’s on CBS News

(Poll)Tell About-Philly what you think:
Should Rick keep fighting the board against the eviction or focus his efforts on keeping up with his other restaurant at Citizens Bank park?

Which do you prefer, Rick’s Steaks or Tony Luke’s?

Related articles
Philly Metro:
Tony Luke’s, Rick’s already squaring off at Citzens Bank Park
Cheesesteak shop owner sues over ouster from historic market
CBS3:
Rick’s Steaks Owner Seeks Court Order
About-Philly:
Rick’s at Risk

And don’t forget to vote here for your favorite Cheesesteak shop! Then keep your eye out for the results.

Rick’s Steaks, Reading Terminal Market, Cheesesteaks, Tony Luke’s

Don’t forget about the Great Cheesesteak Debate! I’ll be reveling the results after the weekend so make sure you vote for your favorite! Do it! Do it now! (said in an Arnold accent)

Rick Olivieri serving up a Philly Cheesesteak at his shop in Reading Terminal Market (photo taken from philly.com)

In an earlier post I had mentioned that Rick’s Steaks, in the Reading Terminal Market, was in danger of losing it’s lease after 25 years. The rally that was supposed to be held in support of Rick’s was cancelled when owner, Rick Olivieri, made an appointment with the board to possibily discuss terms of a new lease. A decision was reached, however, it has yet to be made public.

Why is the Terminal Market Board so eager to give Rick the boot? Rick claims that the board is retaliating against him for advocating for other terminal merchants, though board members deny those allegations. Another theory is the board couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring in Tony’s Luke’s, with it’s great reputation in Zagat’s guide. But can Zagat’s compete with family history? The name Olivieri sounds familiar, doesn’t it? That’s because Rick Olivieri is grandson to Pat Olivieri, founder of Pat’s King of Steaks and the philly steak sandwich. Herbert Oliveri opened Rick’s in 1981 inside Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market, with son Rick Oliveri taking over in 1995. Despite being blood, family ties are strained between the Oliveri’s. In October 2006, Pat’s operator Frank Oliveri Jr. sued Rick’s Steaks in dispute over Rick’s references to Pat’s in its signage and literature (Rick’s advertises and promotes its connections to the Oliveri family). The lawsuit stems from Rick’s gain in notoriety after it opened a second location at Citizens Bank Park in 2006, a spot Geno’s Steaks abandoned after two seasons. With the law suit still pending, it could be another factor motivating the board to evict Rick.

Whatever the reason may be, one thing is for certain, Rick Olivieri is not going down without a fight.

If you’re in support of Rick’s or want to share your opinion with him, there’s a page here on his website where you can send in your comments.

Other articles about the Rick’s battle against the Terminal Market Board
Reading Terminal Market: Rick’s Steaks widout? By Joseph A. Slobodzian
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER Posted on Thu, Jul. 05, 2007

Rick’s owner, market board to discuss lease by mike benner / metro philadelphia JUL 23, 2007

and don’t forget to vote for your favorite cheesesteak stop!

Rick’s Steaks, Rick Olivieri, Reading Terminal Market, Cheesesteaks, Pat Olivieri, Pat’s King of Steaks

There’s only one place to get a Cheesesteak. Philadelphia. Sure, other cities claim to have them. They even try to call them “Philly steaks”, but don’t be fooled. It’s just not the same. Okay, maybe there’s some bias here, but for good reason. There’s no doubt, Cheesesteaks are a big deal to this city. Steak sandwiches first originated here in Philly, in 1930. Credit for invention is attributed to Pat Oliveri (of Pat’s King of Steaks where 9th street crosses Wharton & Passyunk Ave), and Joe Vento (of Geno’s at the intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue) claims to be the first to add cheese.

And that’s when the great debate began that still continues today. Though Pat’s and Geno’s may be the big names, theres many other favorites on the rise. Whenever I past Jim’s on south street, there’s a line out front wrapping around the corner down 4th street. And I’m pretty sure every diner in the city has “cheesesteak” on the menu.

But just for fun, let’s have a little vote. They all claim to be the best in the city but who’s your favorite for the greesy, cheesy deliciousness that is the Philly Cheesesteak? Pat’s, Geno’s or one of the many others all around Philadelphia? Submit your votes by comment or email me at meg.hine@451press.net. I’ll post the final tallies at the end of the week.

And a side note…The Reading Terminal Market is in danger of losing its staple steak stop, Rick’s Steaks. Rick Oliveri faces eviction after 25 years because the Market management refuses to offer a new lease. But Rick has other plan’s than to just sit back and let them replace his restaurant with Tony Luke’s. The Market planned rally in support of Rick’s Steaks with t-shirts saying, Front: “Save Rick’s Steaks, Save Reading Termianal Market” and back: “Who’s Next?” Other terminal shop owners are now concerned that the evictions won’t end with Rick’s. (Article in the Metro)

Philly Cheesesteak, Cheesesteak debate, best cheesesteaks, vote for favorite cheesesteaks, Pat Oliveri, Joe Vento, Pat’s King of Steaks, Geno’s Steaks, Jim’s Steaks, Rick’s Steaks, Reading Terminal Market

I’ve been planning to do a restaurant review for awhile now so, finally, here we go.

I might as well start with one of my favorite dinning spots in the Philly area, Winnie’s le Bus on Main street in Manayunk. My gal pal Sal and I frequent the cafe style restaurant at least every other week (recently, we’ve gone the past 2 in a row), and we affectionately call it “our restaurant”.
Le Bus offers indoor and outdoor dinning. On a sunny day, I prefer the latter. It gives you a great view up and down Main Street, perfect for a people watcher like me. Inside is an equally pleasent atmosphere with a rustic feel; stone walls, wood beam ceilings and original floral paintings by local artist Tony LaSalle.
Just in the mood for a quick drink or snack? Try the third seating option and pull up a chair at the bar. Catch the latest sports event on the two TV screens, or enjoy pleasent conversation with the friendly bar staff. (speaking of the staff, my friend and I are convinced that you have to be good-looking to work there, which is a nice bonus for the eyes)

Now on to the moment you’ve all been waiting for…the Food! or should i say, “good gotta eat! food“.
No matter what time of day, you’re automatically greated with a basket of fresh bread, made daily at le Bus. The menu changes up depending on the time of day, but you’ll always be sure to find a delicious array of house specialties like, Mom’s Meatloaf, Vegetarian Chili, and the honey chipotle buffalo wings. I’m a big fan of their appetizers. Their nacho platter is big enough for a whole meal, or to share with others and topped with their homemade guacamole (which in my opinion is the best guac ever!). My friend Sally(*cough* writer of living without meat *cough* shameless plug) loves the wide variety of vegetarian friendly meals, such as the homemade veggie burger with guacamole and salsa, the pear salad with candied walnuts, and a new creation she tried yesterday, the brown rice nut salad with hummus, red peppers and pita bread. (who says vegetarians don’t eat well?) Least we not forget their breakfast/brunch menu. Le Bus was voted “Best of Philly” for their pancakes, served with Pennsylvania Dutch maple syrup and fresh fruit. I haven’t been there early enough in the day to try them, but believe me, they are on my list.

If I still haven’t convinced you that Winnie’s le Bus should be your new favorite restaurant (then maybe you’re dead inside) maybe you just need to try it for yourself. If you are convinced, then I guess I’ll be seeing you there. Cheers!

Winnie’s le Bus, Manayunk, Manayunk Dinning, Philadelphia restaurants, good gotta eat food, vegetarian restaurants, Best of Philly, Tony LaSalle, guacamole