by Ace D'Wurd

Created on: April 21, 2008   Last Updated: May 10, 2011

As a native Philadelphian, When I think of home, I think of a place chock-full of good food. Philadelphia is a diner's paradise. Why you simply cannot visit the home of my birth without checking out some of the places I relished as a teen, young adult and "Boomer."

Listed are places insiders know intimately.
Without further ado:
a) White Dog Cafe, University of PA,36th and Sansom, deserves a "WOW!" both for its cuisine and atmosphere. Judy, the owner is dedicated to preparing natural dishes that taste great! She searches far and wide for those vendors who are committed to the political/food relationship. She patronizes local vendors also. Everything tastes good at the White Dog cafe.To her credit, she also is an active member of the global community with an eye on current events including hunger and HIV/AIDS. Located near the University of Pennsylvania, the White Dog Cafe is a must-stop. It's a local fave for a reason.

b) Big George's, 53nd and Spruce, Big Georges is a soul food kitchen that specializes in yummy. George is a native Virginian and cooks to please soul food lovers. Prices are relatively easy on the pocket. Once when I visited the restaurant, I had to wait for the Secret Service to escort then-President Clinton back to his limo. I didn't mind waiting, yup, the food is really that good. Try the turkey and gravy over rice. Or, try the fish or ribs. You know on second thought, try whatever tickles your fancy. It's all good!

c) Geno's and Pat's, in South Philly, if you've heard about Philly's wonderful cuisine, you've heard it said, the cheesesteak reigns. It does! Especially at Geno's at Pat's in South Philly near 9th and Passyunk, 9th and Washington. Here, cheesesteaks are served the way they're supposed to be served, your way. Jars of pickles, ketchup, and other cheesesteak toppings are available for you to please your palate.

d) Jim's, South Street, on a summer's Friday or Saturday night, traffic, both foot and vehicular, crawls on South Street. South Street, from 5th to 8th or so, is a hang-out for twenty-somethings. On popular South Street, you can cruise shops for music, books, antiques, art, clothing, and FOOD. My fave on South Street was always Jim's Steaks. Why? Because they're yummy! So, when you've shopped and your feet ache and you're hungry and almost broke,drop in on Jim's. You'll be glad you did.

e) Fresh Grocer - 36th and Walnut, near University of Pennsylvania, OK, this looks like a supermarket, probably because it's a, well, er...a

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