Philadelphia Week: Part 1

Philadelphia is known for cheesesteaks, and we like them a lot. But looking for something different on a recent visit, we went for another classic Philly sandwich, well known to locals but pretty much a secret beyond the Schuylkill River

DiNic's roast pork, sharp provolone cheese and broccoli raab are this hat trick, although this stand in Philadelphia's Reading Market, a Mecca for munchers, offers spinach as an alternative vegetable, and another, cheese-free version.

With a sit-down counter as well as a (usually long) line waiting for take-out, DiNic's throbs with activity from locals like policemen and office workers as well as visitors like us. Our roast pork was tender and juicy, the broccoli's bitterness a good contrast. We also had a swell Italian sausage sandwich with peppers (we chose hot; sweet is an alternative) and onions, a real big-flavor choice, especially the sausage.

Plenty of dessert options nearby, from fresh fruit to Amish whoopie pies, but family tradition dictates a visit to Bassett's Ice Cream at the front of the market. Particularly notable was the rum raisin, in which the raisins are actually marinated in real rum, then stirred into rich vanilla ice cream. We also tried Gadzooks, chocolate ice cream with pieces of peanut butter brownie, chocolate chunks, and caramel swirls, dark and dangerous. Our cardiologists love us.

Di Nic's

Reading Terminal Market

1136 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA

215-923-6175

Lunch daily

Credit cards: No

Wheelchair access: Yes, but very snug and busy

Smoking: No

Bassett's Ice Cream

Reading Terminal Market

1136 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA

215-925-4315

www.bassettsicecream.com 

Lunch daily

Credit cards: No

Wheelchair access: Yes, but very snug and busy

Smoking: No

Comments

[Mary]

Joe and Ann, thanks for the great Phila coverage. I lived there for just over a year, and loved every (delicious) minute of it. Philly has such a great history of neighborhood establishments, it's hard to choose. It seems they were emphasizing neighborhood, quality and local long before it was a trend. Thanks for helping me revisit :).

[Michael Yoon]

In my humble opinion, John's Roast Pork is the best, superior to DiNic's. You have to go there the next time you're in Philly.

http://www.johnsroastpork.com/

At Reading Terminal Market, there's an Amish stand (can't remember the name) that sells apple dumplings that are to die for.