Cheesesteak isn't the only scrumptious Philadelphia food. Reading Terminal Market is home to a plethora of unique food stands and eateries. This market's Taste of Philadelphia Walking Tour is a tried-and-true way to sample the best of Philly. After the tour, on my own, I moseyed to the Northeast corner where Amish merchants hand-make pretzels and sell them warm from the oven. Then my sweet tooth led me straight to good old Bassett's. The ice cream there was smooth as the fine marble countertops. Throughout the day, I still had plenty more to see and taste.

Brought to life during the early 1900's, the Italian Market covers twelve blocks, making it the most enormous outdoor market in America. The hoagie was born here at Sarcone's, so this deli has had the most time to perfect it, as taste will prove. Another must-taste place is Talludo's. It's not only the award-winning pizza or notorious Italian Specialty Sandwich that drew me in. It was the authentic Italian ravioli. Benissimo! For cheese lovers, of which there is no Shortage in Philadelphia, there is DiBruno Bros. House of Cheese. Over four hundred cheeses, foie gras, caviar, and truffles make this shop a gourmet lover's dream. Still, none of these amount to what Philly is famous for.

There is no more popular rivalry in Pennsylvania than that between Pat's and Geno's, two Philly cheesesteak extraordinaires. Originally a hot dog vendor, Pat invented the cheesesteak, so anyone who visits should order the classic: wit' whiz. Decadent thin-sliced steak smothered in Cheez Whiz didn't sound all that appealing to me at first. I gave it a shot anyways, and now know never to pass up a chance to eat at family-run Pat's. Competition arose in the sixties with the opening of Geno's. Though it adapted an eerily similar menu to Pat's, this hotspot is much more modern and bright. Compare the two if you will, so long as room is left for the other unforgettable eats that Philadelphia has to offer.

Learn more about this author, Shannon Beineke.
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