PhillyFoodGuys: Hittin’ the Streets for Underground Eats

 

 Mustard Greens [8:04m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Looking for some fresh, delicately flavored Chinese food in Philly? Queen Village’s Mustard Greens just may fit the bill. Located on 2nd Street, Mustard Greens offers a clean, contemporary atmosphere just steps away from the hustle and bustle of South Street.

On a recent Friday evening, three of us were looking for a quick, unplanned meal when we thought of Mustard Greens. Although parking in the area can sometimes be difficult, luck presented us with a spot just steps from the front door.

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.

Greetings from Amsterdam! After a great deal of planning, the PhillyFoodGuys are visiting Holland and Belgium for a dose of culture, food and beer. No, we’re not going to afflict you with cheesy vacation photos and tales of our drunken escapades, but we thought that we’d point out a few differences that we’ve noticed between restaurants in Holland and Belgium versus their
American cousins, such as:

 

 Brown Sugar Bakery and Cafe [10:03m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

If you’re searching for a dose of Caribbean flavor, we’ve found a great spot for you, Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe. Situated in a bustling area of West Philly, Brown Sugar serves a wide variety of foods from Trinidad, as well as baked items and assorted treats. Tushar stumbled into this cross between a retail bakery and restaurant some time ago, while I became familiar with Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe through a video posted by Philadelphia Weekly’s Liz Spikol.

 

 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.

 

 Grace Tavern and The Dive Bar [6:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

After our visit to the soul food church fell through on Sunday, some of us sinners decided to visit a couple local bars. Still reeling from southern cuisine deprivation, we set our sights on a couple of local taverns: Grace Tavern and The Dive Bar.

Grace Tavern finds its home just off of South Street in the city’s Fitler Square neighborhood. Reputed to have a good Oyster Po’ Boy (Wikipedia’s thoughts on the Po’ Boy here), I’ve driven past this tavern many times wanting to stop in for a look. Inside, the bar is completely renovated with tin ceilings, a long mahogany bar and a small dining room in the rear. The atmosphere is a dark, yet inviting.

There are a lot of good breakfast places in Philadelphia and today I visited one of them, South Philly’s Morning Glory Diner. I won’t argue that this spot is better known than some (awards cover the front door like a rash), but I think that the menu offers a good blend of traditional and California-style favorites (think scrapple + breakfast burrito).

For those less adventurous diners, South Philly’s Pho Hoa is an easy introduction to Vietnamese food. Whether you’re looking to stretch your culinary boundaries, or you’re restaurant choices are limited by a friend or family member that won’t deviate from the tried and true, this place is for you.

I’ll be the first to admit that PhillyFoodGuys is not a big fan of chains (homogenation, lack of character, etc…, but we keep an open mind in looking for restaurants that offer fun and unique experiences, even if it’s for some looking to expand their gastronomic frontiers.