PhillyFoodGuys: Hittin’ the Streets for Underground Eats

 

 Temple Truck Food [5:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Truck food is alive and well on Temple’s North Philly campus. During a recent visit, I had the opportunity to sample some of the best from area food trucks: Japanese Teppanyaki and coffee. Yeah, I know it’s a weird combination, but let me elaborate…

After checking out Temple’s facilities for an upcoming event, my guide and I found ourselves in the midst of lunchtime. I told Paul from The CaffiNation Podcast to be ready with a suggestion for the best truck food on campus, so we headed directly to the Japanese food truck located at the intersection of N.12th and W. Berks Streets.

Walking up N.12th Street on Temple’s campus, there’s a number of unremarkable looking food trucks and the “Japanese and Korean” truck is no different. Painted white over blue and surrounded by drink coolers, our mobile café had no sign and only displayed its menu taped in the window. I was encouraged upon our arrival: there were a number of people already waiting for their meals (a good sign when it comes to truck food). I took Paul’s lead in ordering the Beef Teppanyaki with noodles, but added an order of Vegetarian Dumplings, both of which set me back a whopping $8 (incl. beverage). Waiting for our food, we watched as the trio of cooks smoothly produced meals for the continual steam of students. After a short wait, it was our turn to take our brown bags away to find a suitable dining spot.

The Beef Teppanyaki was delicious and included a thick, spaghetti-like noodle, broccoli, onions, sesame seeds and a side of homemade chili sauce. The beef was tender, yet flavorful and not overly greasy. Furthermore, the noodles made the dish much more substantial and enjoyable. While the Vegetable Dumplings were good, they weren’t anything fantastic. Regardless, I definitely recommend this spot if you’re in the neighborhood.

“So, what about the coffee?” you ask. Well, as we were finishing up our meal, Paul mentioned that his local caffeine “pusher” roasts its own coffee beans daily. Considering that The Pretzel Hut is almost within spitting distance of a Starbucks, I had to check it out. Located just outside the Paley Library at N. 11th and W. Berks Streets, The Pretzel Hut is a small kiosk that brews a fresh pot every fifteen minutes and serves a fine cup of coffee. While it doesn’t hurt that it’s inexpensive, I’d be willing to spend a little more if they offered an environmentally friendlier coffee cup, but that’s just me. So if you want a really good cup of coffee and rail against world-wide coffee domination, stop by The Pretzel Hut to “stick it to the man.”

The “Japanese and Korean” Food Truck is located at the
intersection of N.12th and W. Berks Streets

Pretzel Hut is located outside the Paley Library at the
intersection of N. 11th St. and W. Berks Street.

TAGS: Japanese, Teppanyaki, Food Truck, Temple

Let’s talk about throwing a party. A formal party, the kind with lovely printed invitations and an RSVP date. Clearly, this event is going to require more than Chex Mix and soft pretzels.

The party I speak of was a co-ed baby shower for 30 people. People from New York City, who are used to great food and who probably expect great food.And of course I know how to make Jell-O salad and use one of those gun-like thingys that squirts out liquid cheese into little patterns on Ritz Crackers. I don’t have much time for that, what with my golf lessons, busy work schedule and parlole officer visits.

 

 Franklin Fountain [11:03m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

As the hot and steamy days of summer draw to a close, we finally made it to Old City’s Franklin Fountain, and it was really worth the wait. Situated on a corner adjacent to the Market Street walkway to Penn’s Landing, the Franklin Fountain replicates a turn-of-the-century soda fountain and ice cream parlor.

“Wait a minute, that spot is well known!” some may say. And I’d say “You’re right.” Of course I’ve known about it for a couple years, but it’s taken this long for me to give it a try. Let’s just say that I’ve cast off my veil of ignorance to find a fun spot that I’d like to share. OK?

The last week in August usually marks the migration of new and returning students to the University of Pennsylvania campus. Although they may not know it yet, a wonderful culinary treat awaits them in University City. Truck food.

The seemingly ubiquitous University City food trucks come in all types and sizes ready to serve the students, staff, and professors that return to West Philadelphia each fall. With names like “Greek Lady Olga,” “The Original Le Anh” and “Taco Pal,” many trucks serve authentic ethnic foods from family recipes not readily available in restaurants.

 

 South Philly Veggie Sandwich Smackdown [11:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This week we chose to search out some really good vegetarian sandwiches in the land of the Cheesesteak. With all due respect to Pat’s, Geno’s, Tony Lukes and their brethren, the Philly sandwich scene is much more than just beef and cheese wiz. Really.

Let’s get ready to rruuummbblle!!

Making our battle plan, we decided to include Veggie Hoagies and Falafel sandwiches for those not keen on the Hoagie thing. In addition, logistics would force us to stay within an 8 block radius in South Philly, otherwise we’d still be driving and eating as you read this post. So you fans of the Veggie Sandwich unite, and tell us what we missed - I’m sure it’s a lot.