Thanks for all your advise. I almost felt like I knew the city before I even got there. The layout is very similar to Manhattan so it was easy navigate. Philedalphia is an awesome city with tons to offer. We couldn't fit it all in one weekend. The thing that blew me away the most, and that I most enjoyed were the markets in Philly. I loved the Reading Terminal Market so much I went twice in the same day (had it been open on Monday, I would have gone for a third time). I got a roast pork sandwich from DiNics. Everyone was right about this place. The pork was some of the juciest that I have ever had. The one thing that I didn't enjoy about this sandwich was that the bread was a bit soggy. I asked for the sandwich to go, so my guess is that the juice from the pork, soaked into the bread. But the flavor was right on. We then went to Fosters where they have some preety neat trinkets and gadgets. The guy behind the counter there was unbelievalbe helpful. He had a wealth of information about the use of S hooks to hang meat and provalone. I picked up some S hooks to hang utensils on the rack above my oven. We ventured over to Fisher soft pretzel and watch the girls do their thing. It was amazing to watch them make pretzels and pig in blankets from this amazing dough. I got a soft pretzel w/ butter while my girlfriend picked up some wax candy. I noticed that the pretzel had a nice tang to it. While my girlfriend was picking out candy, I wandered over to the Dutch eating place with pretzel in hand. I was suprised by the sign I saw for a Rib sandwich. Ribs have bones, how could you make a sandwich out of them? After a conversation with the lady behind the counter, it turns out they remove the meat from the rib after cooking (unlike the McRib from McDonalds that is made from ground meat). Even though I had just eaten a sandwich about 30 minutes prior, I had to try this one. I took my sandwich and sat outside of the market, just south of the convention center on 12th street. I have to be honest, I enjoyed the rib sandwich more than the pork sandwich from DiNic's. The rib meat was so juicy that it was literally dripping from my mouth (like a watermelon). And it paired so nicely with the mild bbq sauce the had. About an hour later, we met my girlfriends family at the Christ Church where B. Franklin is buried. There was some fine wine, champagne and cheese waiting for us. We received a very informative tour the burial grounds. At the end I did the tourist thing and threw a penny on B. Franklins grave. We then headed to Fork:etc for diner, which was amazing. We had two tables set up in what was the retail section of the restaurant where they sell packaged lunches, books, and things of that sort. Appetizer - Duck pate with creole mustard and conishon pickels Entre - Hanger steak with yuca (cassava) fries and sauted chard <Forgot to snap a picture> Desert - Peach cobler with lemon grass and vanilla gelati. The second day we took a cab to the Italian market. First stop was Gino's for a steak sandwich. The sandwich was the best steak sandwich I've ever had. And I got a little south Philly attitude when I asked for a cheese steak with no cheese. We then headed up the west side of 9th street checking out all the store fronts. We stopped in Claudio and picked up some olive oil, cheese, and panchetta. I found myself blown away yet again. We tried so many different cheeses, and I even bought my first aged balsamic vinager (the 25 year old Claudio brand). We then stopped in the spice market. I have actually never seen, been in, or imagined a store like this; that sells only spices, teas, and coffees. I bought some white and yellow semolina and some tomatoe and spinach powder for pasta making (I'm planning on posting on the Pasta cookoff thread when i can get to it). I also picked up some chamomile green tea, and candied ginger. Walking south down the east side of 9th, we didn't really pick up much as it was mostly fresh produce and meats. I did pick up one of those peeled and chopped mangoes. The mango was very good and sweet. I felt like a kid again getting the mangoe all over my hands and face. Buying fresh ready to eat fruit on the street kinda reminded me of Ghana where you can buy fresh coconuts for the milk, and mangoes on the street. One thing I noticed in Philly was how accomodating everyone was. Everyone we asked for directions was so helpfull. After the market we went back to my girlfriends uncles house (22nd by Delancey) were they were grilling some food. Preety standard fare except for these shrimps marinated in garlinc, ginger, sesame, honey and what I think was ketchup. It was amazing to eat as you got bits of ginger with every shrimp. The birthday cake was a tiramisu cake that the children decorated. On monday before we left, we wanted to stop into la colombe for some coffee. Unfortunatley it was closed for Labor day. We saw a man in the park w/ a cup of coffee and asked him where he got his from. He pointed us down Walnut to the bridge to the new coffee shop (I think it was Walnut Bridge Coffee shop). They served illy coffee which was of very good quality. We took the coffee and lemon popy seed scone back to the park and sat and enjoyed the day for about an hour. I also stopped by Pats and tried one of their steak sandwiches. This time I knew how to order. Looking back, both sandwiches were preety good and its hard to choose a winner. I'd have to say that fries were better at Pats, but Geno's was bigger and newer. Things I would like to go back to Philly for: Arts Museum; South Street night scene; Liberty Bell; La Colombe coffee house. Once again, thanks again for all your advice. I'd like to get to Philly atleast twice before the end of the year. I'd like to get the chance to experience Studiokitchen, and I would like to go out on South street. Thanks guys. -Ed