Day 2 in Philly meant that it was the opening day for the biggest industry show in the lighting. I actually didn't have time to grab breakfast and had to wait until around 1:30pm for my lunch break. Right across from the convention center is the Reading Terminal Market, which is a downtown farmer's market, with the same kind of feel to Seattle's Pike Place (much smaller of course). There's specialty foods vendor, butcher, fishmonger, bakery, grocer, and food spots.
With the convention right next door, the market was packed during the lunch rush, well into 2pm. Co-worker and I decided to walk around a bit first to see what our options were.
Reading Terminal Market
51 N 12th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Lots of people sit around the counter or just order to go.
Lots of cool looking vendors in there.
The famous Tommy DiNic's! They are known for their roast pork sandwiches.
Just look at that line! I had to try to so I stood in line just like the rest of the folks haha.
Menuuu.
Huge pieces of roasted pork to be delivered. Lucky bastards.
Chopped up pork ready to be served.
AHHHH my Tommy DiNic's Roast Pork with Broccoli Rabe & Sharp Provolone! Waited 40 minutes in line for this baby.
Look at how the bread glistens :9
The last time I enjoyed a roasted pork sandwich this much was... never. Juicy and tender, the pork is as good as it gets, and the broccoli rabe has a little bit of bitterness that's perfect with the sandwich. One thing you can really taste is the sharp provolone!
I only had 20 minutes left but I'm pretty sure I devoured the sandwich in less than 15 minutes. Too gooood.
After the show we had a company dinner planned for several invited guests and a few of our important customers. I figured the best place would be a steakhouse and super elated to find that there's a Fogo de Chão about 15 minutes away on foot from the convention center so made a reservation!
Fogo de Chão
1337 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
First ever Fogo de Chão experience. I've had Brazilian BBQ before but not Fogo. Some of the people kept on saying "Hey look did you have a long lost ancestor in South America??" -___-
The awesome salad bar.
Co-workers grabbing some salad.
Charcuterie (prosciutto, salame & smoke salmon) & cheese. I took a piece of cheese, wrap a slice of prosciutto, and just engulf it.
Bread.
My salad plate. The basil cream dressing for the salad was out of this world. Never had basil flavored dressing before! Fresh mozza ball was seasoned with oregano and they actually provided you with real pieces of fatty bacon.
I sat next to the wine cellar. Didn't order any drinks since I wanted to save room for the protein, but maaaan... so close yet...
There was a crate of Opus One wine just sitting there.
First side dish up, fried bananas!
Garlic mashed potatoes.
Fried polenta with parmigiano. Never had polenta before. Not bad at all.
Green light! Gauchos serving the cuts.
First to arrive, bacon wrapped filet mignon & bacon wrapped chicken. Yes!
Alcatra (top sirloin) & Beef Ancho (rib eye). Do you see the layer of fat around the rib eye? :P
Linguica (sausage), Frango (chicken leg), and more bacon wrapped filet mignon. The juicy sausage came together with the tender chicken leg. On the bottom right corner is actually the Picanha cut (top sirloin), which is Fogo's house special. Totally forgot to take a picture of it cause every time I would just devour it. My favorite!
Leg of lamb. There was also lamb racks... but after a bite, I realized I'm still not a big fan of lamb :P
Filet Mignon, perfect medium rare! Tender goodness.
Fraldinha (bottom sirloin). Plate's getting full hahah.
Lombo (pork loin). They sprinkle parmigiano over it as a seasoning!
After all that protein, one of the patrons wanted something to wash it all down and ended up ordering a fruit cup. Came with strawberries, papaya, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. It was good and refreshing but definitely not worth the $8. Good thing I ain't paying for it haha.
Since we ate so much, a few of my co-workers and I decided to take a 30 minute trek back to the hotel to help us digest. Along the way, I was taking pictures of historical buildings, as well as Yelping on my phone to see what was around the area. Found that there was an old-fashioned ice cream & soda shop so I convinced them to come with me. Nothing better than some ice cold sweets to help wash down the greasiness yea?
The Franklin Fountain
116 Market St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Old school feel to the whole place. Lots of flavored syrup for soda drinks and sundaes.
Love the cash register and the old-fashioned milk canister!
The offerings!
Decided on an old-fashion mint chip ice cream with waffle cone.
I like how it doesn't have that artificial green color to it! Creamy and nice mint flavor with big pieces of chocolate chip throughout. Perfect way to end the day!
Ok looking back at it now and typing this up.. I ate a lot that day O_O. No wonder I was craving for something healthy like a salad once I got back from Philly haha. Really though, gotta try the Fogo in Beverly Hills since I actually didn't get to try some other cuts of meat like ribs since I was so full when they came by.
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