patriotism at its finest
Charlotte, plus Cinco de Mayo, who knew?
When one thinks about Cinco de Mayo celebrations around the world, Puebla, Mexico, or Mexico as a whole, most likely comes to mind. Depending upon where you live, certain pockets of the U.S. west and southwest may also register. After my weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, Charlotte is now on that list.
Charlotte is a party city. I wasn’t ready. I knew Charlotte was a college town, but I truly wasn’t ready for the large masses of revelers, young to middle aged, every shade of human being, suburban to urban who hit the streets of downtown Charlotte to party. Cinco de Mayo in Charlotte was a big deal.
I love any excuse to load up on Mexican food and margaritas. Mexican is hands down my favorite ethnic food variety and don’t even get me started about the many virtues of margaritas (on the rocks please w/ salt). I share this affinity it seems with the city of Charlotte.
My first stop was the Cinco de Mayo Salsa-thon in the S. Tryon street parking lot. With the feel of an enormous block party, there were mariachi bands, vendors, prizes and giveaways, DJs and of course the draw of the event, the salsa-thon set to the beat of live music.
No, I didn’t sign-up for the Salsa-thon, but I did watch as others stepped and swayed with fury and glory. I didn’t make it until the end, to see who won, because I was determined to head to Epi Cinco 2012 at the pavilion at the Epi Center, the city’s second major event of the day.
I arrived just in time to catch the famed Chihuahua race where local Chihuahuas decked out in their finest Mexican garb raced each other along a ten-foot stretch of AstroTurf. The Epi-center event was packed. Host also to an enormous beer crawl, which was already underway as well as a Cinco de Mayo dance party, the crowd by three p.m., was rowdy and staggering. Luckily for everyone, authentic Mexican taco stands dotted the square to curb drunken stomachs. People partied into the wee hours of the morning. As I said before, I wasn’t ready.
Charlotte, plus Cinco de Mayo, who knew?
A Touch of Brasil in Herald Square
I wish I were a natural green thumb. I crave green leafy goodness to enliven the dull slate that characterizes city living. Despite my best intentions, I am the curator of a string of failed urban garden attempts. Luckily, my longing to see vibrant green, eye-popping red and creamy yellow was satisfied today with a trip to the Macy’s Flower Show.
A Herald Square tradition since 1953, the Springtime show features an aromatic and beguiling array of flowers and plants making it the perfect anecdote to the gray rainy haze that regularly parades itself as Springtime in New York.
The theme of this years show is “Brasil: Gardens in Paradise.” Running from March 25- April 7, “Brasil: Gardens in Paradise” is free to the public and well worth the twenty minutes or so you’ll most likely spend on line.
The show is housed inside a large tent (spanning just under a block) located in front of the main entrance to Macy’s at Herald Square.
The windows at Macy’s, similar to the pomp and circumstance of the Christmas season, are decked out in the festive fashion of Brazilian Carnival. Allow your feet to shuffle and step as Samba music escapes onto the street.
One step inside the show tent, and one is greeted with warm humid air, the smell of earth and greenery, the sound of birds and running water, and a colorful quilt of exotic plants and flowers.
Designed to resemble various floral landscapes in Brazil, you will be transported from a waterfall beside a bridge, to a porch in Rio, to a market square and on and on as you stroll through the tent. Sensual and compelling, “Brasil: Gardens in Paradise” is a journey that transcends time and place. 
*Note: The Flower Show hours are the same as the Macy's store hours.
Spring In Brandywine, Maryland: A Photo Journey
“The Town Mouse said to his friend: "You live here the life of the ants, while in my house is the horn of plenty. I am surrounded by every luxury, and if you will come with me, as I much wish you would, you shall have an ample share of my dainties." The Country Mouse was easily persuaded, and returned to town with his friend. On his arrival, the Town Mouse placed before him bread, barley, beans, dried figs, honey, raisins, and, last of all, brought a dainty piece of cheese from a basket. The Country Mouse, being much delighted at the sight of such good cheer, expressed his satisfaction in warm terms and lamented his own hard fate.
Just as they were beginning to eat, someone opened the door, and they both ran off squeaking, as fast as they could, to a hole so narrow that two could only find room in it by squeezing. They had scarcely begun their repast when someone else entered to take something out of a cupboard, on which the two Mice, more frightened than before, ran away and hid themselves. At last the Country Mouse, almost famished, thus addressed his friend: "Although you have prepared for me so dainty a feast, I must leave you to enjoy it by yourself. It is surrounded by too many dangers to please me." – The Country Mouse and the Town Mouse
Despite spending the majority of my time in New York, I am at heart a country mouse. While I enjoy the sophisticated pleasures and conveniences of city living, I am most at home strolling barefoot over a carpet of moss and grass, gazing at stars in a midnight sky, falling asleep to the hum of insects and waking up to a chorus of birds.
When crazy New York gets the best of me (and that is quite often), I like to retreat to my home in Brandywine for a dose of balance, perspective and old fashioned country charm.
I had so much fun experimenting with my camera to churn out these old fashioned photographs. Sorry, no actual house photos.
Visiting New York? Try a vacation rental.
When it comes to planning a New York City vacation, there are numerous accommodation styles worth considering. From hostels, to bed and breakfasts, to hotels and motels, you can find a little bit of everything in Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs. But did you know that there is also a booming rental market for city guests? Whether you’re in town for a weekend, a week, or an extended stay, apartments and condos can be rented for a comfortable and authentic New York experience.
I met up with Fred Owens, a licensed New York real estate agent partnered with Kian Realty NYC where we got the chance to talk holiday/vacation rentals and tour some available units.
Sojourner: Why should visitors to New York City consider renting apartments as opposed to staying in hotels?
Fred: While visitors from all over the world dream of one day waking up in the “city that never sleeps,” the cost of lodging in New York often prevents travelers from experiencing some of the most quintessential attractions the city has to offer such as a Broadway show or a night out on the town. So, in order for visitors to get the most out of a New York City vacation without taking out a second mortgage to stay at a top hotel, vacation rentals can be a lower-cost alternative. Choosing a vacation rental makes a lot of sense for travelers who prefer a home away from home environment. Whether traveling with children or with more than a few guests, sharing space, a kitchen, laundry, private bedrooms, and all the amenities of home makes for a more comfortable and pleasurable vacation experience.
S: Are apartment rentals easy to come by? What is the process of renting an apartment?
F: Vacation rentals are very easy to attain, however, it is very important for visitors to understand what they’re getting. Travelers should be sure to ask the landlord key questions such as: A) What is the pet and children policy? B) What is the cancellation and payment policy? C) How many people can stay? D) When/Where you’ll need to pick up the apartment keys? E) Is daily maid service included?
If the landlord does not offer one, always request a rental agreement/contract. This usually covers payment (such as security deposits and refunds), check-in and checkout information, fees, and other details. This can help protect you should a disagreement arise.
As with any other lodging, travelers will have the most options for location and amenities the further in advance they reserve accommodations. It’s also important for travelers to keep in mind that they will most often be staying in an apartment building where people live full time. Being courteous is a must.
S: Does a visitor have to be in New York for an extended stay for these rentals to be worthwhile?
F: No. The average hotel price in New York City is $300 per night. Most vacation rentals are often less expensive than hotels, there’s more space and more amenities. Also, staying in a vacation rental can give travelers the sense of living in New York City instead of just visiting.
S: What amenities do rentals come with?
F: Amenities vary; however usually standard is a kitchen with cooking utensils, refrigerator, bed/s, linens, Wi-Fi, and Cable/Satellite TV.
S: How would someone go about finding apartment rental listings?
F: There are many websites, which travelers can use to seek vacation rentals in the city. One of my favorites is VRBO.com. When travelers are exploring the various sites, it is important that they be aware of rental scams, which are an unfortunate part of the vacation rental industry. Employing the services of a local licensed real estate agent, such as myself can help provide travelers with keen insight on safe and desirable areas of the city as well as landlords who can legally provide vacation rentals.
S: Are there listings across the five boroughs?
F: Yes. While every borough has vacation rental options, the most desired rentals tend to me in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
*If you have questions or would like to search for a rental, Fred can be reached via email at fowens@kianrealtynyc.com or via phone at 212.757.8268 x126.
San Antonio, Texas - A Photo Diary (and a few words too)
Hazy and hopeful with a pinch of spice, San Antonio, Texas is a great weekend destination. With a thriving arts scene and a strong historical tradition, there are a number of things to see and enjoy (many for free). Whether you're all about great food, Mexican culture, the rodeo, romantic walks along moonlit canals, or super-sized malls, San Antonio has got it all.
The San Antonio Riverwalk is one of the city's proud main attractions. A portion of the Riverwalk surrounds an actual river with a mud bottom, hence, the murky brown water. Three feet deep in this section, there are apparently snakes and fish lurking below. Further down the Riverwalk, there is a damn with a drop-off, a man-made river continues from here.
I know the water looks dirty, but apparently it is really clean. Locals say you can see fish in the water when the sun is shinning. I don't know if I buy in to that one? One really cool thing about the water though, is that people are allowed to bring out their canoes and paddle boats for a nice afternoon ride.
San Antonio was so clearly laid out. A pedestrian friendly city, everywhere we went, there were signs directing us to main attractions. Finally, a city I can navigate easily. I have a notoriously poor sense of direction, but I didn't get lost here.
I found myself outside the home of the old Spanish Governer. I can only assume that this is a statue of the man himself.
Here he is again. What a handsome and dapper gentleman.
Speaking of handsome and dapper, here are my two men taking in the sights.
There is so much colonial history in San Antonio. Its a city seeped deeply in history in general. So many things happened here. So many characters of ole' floated through this town, from Davey Crockett, to O. Henry - who knew? Texas, to this New Yorker, is as exotic as any foreign country.
Everywhere we turned, there were historical landmark plaques.
There was a remarkable variety in the architecture. Some buildings looked Old Hollywood, while others were Spanish and French colonial. Then there were small cottages left over from the early German settlers. It was all very interesting to take in.
More historical landmarks...
You are looking at the side of the O. Henry House Museum. That's right, the writer himself once lived in San Antonio.
Now we're looking at the front of O. Henry's house. I didn't take pictures inside out of respect for the museum, but it has been left as it was. To the right there is a small bed and towards the back there is a kitchen and writing desk. So quaint, so cute- O. Henry!
The trolleys were a great touch. I counted two service lines, there may have been more.
I loved this part of town. Historic Market Square in La Villita, was very Mexican and very artsy. The streets were festive and full of restaurants, shops, a farmer's market, a museum and an artisans bazaar. This is the largest Mexican marketplace north of the Rio Grande.
Sombrero stand in La Villita. There were over 100 shops and stalls peddling everything from silver to vanilla extract.
Guess what.....more sombreros!
Love these colors. Mini-guitars in La Villita.
A lovely Canadian tourist, snapped this photo of me in front of a tin horse.
Marionettes, so much fun! I was tempted to buy one for Ohm but self-control won.
This building is so Texan. This is the entrance to Market Square.
The family shrine in the lobby of Mi Tierra restaurant. This place is a fun time (great atmosphere, not the best food to be honest, but hey...). Make sure you stop by the bakery for dessert though, the bakery is extraordinary. If you are a fan of good Mexican food, there are tons of local places to go to, to satisfy your craving. The locals are more than happy to point you in the right direction.
The entrance to the Market Square shops.
Market Plaza, same building as Market Square.
The Museo Alameda was fantastic! Affiliated with the Smithsonian, the museum chronicled the Mexican Revolution through documents, artifacts and (best of all) some of the most compelling oil paintings. The paintings were absolutely breathtaking. I know I'm a big museum nerd, but this one is a must-see if you are in San Antonio. I learned so much about the Mexican Revolution and the subsequent renaissance. Being a New Yorker, I knew very little about either.
I happened to come across the Museo Alameda on the perfect day- "Free Day Tuesdays!" I left a donation though.
Downtown San Antonio
This beautiful monument is the San Fernando Cathedral, the first cathedral in the United States. In front of the Cathedral is a lovely square with cafe tables and chairs- the good life...
My men gazing at the Cathedral.
My little cutie taking in the sights. Hmmm...he doesn't look impressed. He's a tough audience to please.
Taking a walk along the Riverwalk
The Riverwalk walkway. One of the many. The Riverwalk stretches for miles.
Ducks playing in the river.
The Riverwalk
The trail (rather, one of many) along the River.
Boat ride down the river.
On top of every building there seemed to fly the Texas flag. The lonestar state is a mighty proud place. I've lived in New York state for the majority of my life and could not tell you what our state flag looks like.
A monument near the Alimo
The courtyard surrounding the Alimo, San Antonio's first mission (formerly Mision San Antonio de Valero). This area was very melancholy but beautiful.
Here she is, the Alimo herself. I must say, she was much smaller than I thought she would be. The Alimo originally served as a home to Spanish missionaries and their Indian converts.
Here's a more intimate headshot. The Alimo has been beautifully restored and stands proud.
Apparently the Alimo was almost destroyed until the Daughters of the Republic of Texas stepped in and demanded that it become a historical site.
Eating lunch at Mi Tierra in La Villita. Can you spot the baby? Behind us was a beautiful mural depicting important Mexican American figures. Sadly, I must admit, I was not able to identify most of them.
Ohm came, saw, and conquered San Antonio. Here he is in the hat he picked out with his drool covered little fingers at the farmer's market in La Villita. Finally, a satisfied customer.
In Search of Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free Delicious Desserts
“I’m going to recommend, if you still want to breast feed, due to the nature of Ohm’s allergies, that you adapt a total elimination diet so that we can determine the source of his irritation.” “What does an elimination diet entail?”
“No dairy, no eggs, no nuts, no soy and no wheat.”
“What?”
“Absolutely no dairy, eggs, nuts, soy or wheat.”
“What can I eat?”
“Not very much. I suggest you stick to the hypo-allergenic baby formula.”
And there I was, standing beneath the fluorescent bulb of the examination room, my diaper clad infant splayed across my lap, six red raised splotches on his back, confirmation that he was indeed allergic to everything. I had a decision to make. I was being forced pledge ideological mommy allegiance. To breast feed or to formula feed. I was a breast feeder. I believe firmly that a mother’s milk is best. I nursed my son through the early pain and frustration until it became a comfortable part of our daily bonding. But after three and a half months, Ohm began to break out in horrible hives and eczema patches began to take over his soft baby skin. I was referred to a pediatric allergy specialist where I received the devastating news: no dairy, eggs, nuts, soy or wheat if I were to continue breast-feeding.
I am an eater. I love food. With no allergies or food sensitivities, my system has never let me down; I have never known what it means to do without. Determined not to back down and give in to formula feeding my son, I gathered my list of things I must do without and attempted to move forward, cold turkey.
I’m lucky, to live part-time in New York where I have access to an enormous variety of niche foods and options.
A dessert girl through and through, the most difficult thing for me to give up was my thirst for baked goods and tasty sweet treats. After a little research however, I was able to find several bakeries with delicious alternatives to cater to my vegan, gluten-free, egg free, soy free and nut free needs. To my surprise, not only did I have options, I had a plethora of delicious and alluring desserts to choose from.
If you are faced with a similar plight as mine, or are on a strict diet, or simply want to sample a twist on your baked goods classics, here are some New York (Manhattan and Brooklyn) bakeries sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Brooklyn:
Sun In Bloom: Vegan, Gluten-Free and Raw Kitchen in (Park Slope)
460 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-622-4303
My favorite things here are the chocolate-chip whoopee pies and the cupcakes.
Luv Tea Café (Clinton Hill)
14 Putnam Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11238
347-889-7435
You will find gluten-free/vegan snacks amongst the regular snacks. Everything is clearly marked. My favorite is the flourless dark chocolate cookies.
Champs (Williamsburg)
176 Ainslie St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 599-2743
Yummy cupcakes!!!!
Manhattan:
Babycakes
248 Broome Street (Btwn Orchard & Ludlow)
New York City, NY 10002
212.677.5047
Try the cinnamon buns, they are fabulous! You’ve also got to taste the cookies.
Of course there are other fine establishments, but these are the ones that I frequent. I'd love more tips to update my list if you have any.
* Side note, despite indulging in sweets, clear skin and weight loss are great side effects of the elimination diet!
Hotel Week NYC
Happy New Year! We made it, it’s January, and January means hotel discounts throughout New York City. After charging exorbitant prices during the peak holiday season from November through December, New York City hotel prices drop to amazing lows in what is called Hotel Week.
Similar to Restaurant Week, where New York’s finest restaurants make way for the common man, offering reasonably priced prix-fix deals, Hotel Week, which runs from January 6th- 15th, makes the city’s most exclusive hotels accessible, if only for a little while to the masses. Hotels that are easily well over $500 dollars a night become available for anywhere between $100-$250 per night.
This is the perfect time for New Yorkers and visitors alike to plan a weekend getaway.
Tired of your apartment, your neighborhood, and the dreary predictability of January? Book a night or two at one of the participating Hotel Week hotels and see Manhattan through a new window, a high rise panoramic one offering some of the best views in the city. In fact, let yourself go, order room service, relax in the hot tubs and saunas, and get a massage. You wont have to pay for a flight and you’ll leave feeling refreshed as if you’ve gone away.
For those of you who don’t live in the city, if you can brave the cold, January is one of the best (in terms of price) times to visit New York. Not only are there post-holiday sales in the stores, but you can take full advantage of the winter wonderland that New York can become this time of year, from carriage rides in Central Park, to Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center.
Here are the deals:
$100 a night at the Pod Hotel, Z NYC Hotel, and the Hotel at Times Square
$200 a night for Andaz Wall Street and the Hyatt at 48th and Lexington
$250 a night at the Hotel Gansevoort
Happy 2012!
The Christmas Light and Window Displays in Manhattan
I love Christmas. For as long as I can remember, I have experienced what can only be described as full body possession by a deranged little elf towards the culmination of Thanksgiving dinner. Dropping my fork, after my final serving of desert signified one thing and one thing alone- Christmas season had descended yet again.
This year was no different. With my final buttery bite of pecan pie on Thursday night it began. No, I was not elbowing my way into stores at the crack of midnight, the shift was more subtle, more about the sentimentality that the season ushers in. A feeling that causes one to hang stockings and string lights in order to make everything look a lot like Christmas. And I was in good company, because as I was preparing to make my apartment look a lot like Christmas, my city had grander plans.
One of the best times to visit New York is during the Christmas season. Manhattan hosts some of the most elaborate display windows and lights displays of the holiday season. Best of all, you don’t need to spend a cent. As free to enjoy as air, anyone can enjoy the city’s festive flair. So grab a cup of savory hot chocolate ( preferably from Le Masion de Chocolat - so blissful) and enjoy a walking tour of some of Manhattan’s finest Holiday displays.
When I set out to see the sights, I began at Macy’s on 34th street and 7th Avenue.
Next stop, Lord and Taylor on 38th street and 5th Avenue.
On to Saks Fifth Avenue at 50th street (ish) and 5th ave.
When I was done there, I made the trek over to Rockefeller Center where I caught a glimpse of the giant spruce (not yet lit) and watched the skaters take a few laps around the ice. The plaza was fully decorated as were many of the shops nearby.
Henri Bendel's at 56th street and 5th ave
Now on to one of the most elaborate displays of the evening- Bergdorf Goodmans at 5th avenue and 58th street (ish).
After taking in all of the Manhattan holiday sights and sounds, I am inspired to outdo myself this year when it comes to decorating my apartment for Christmas.
Philadelphia in 24 Hours
Known as The City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia is a world-class city worth visiting. Home of the first American flag, stomping grounds of greats such as Benjamin Franklin, Louisa May Alcott, Solomon Guggenheim, and Mr. Footloose himself, Kevin Bacon, and the distinguished first capital of the United States (1790-1800), Philadelphia is a city deeply seeped in history and tradition. So, how do you squeeze all of that into a day? You can’t. However, if you find yourself in Philly for the weekend, or are stopping by on your way to another North Eastern great, the below itinerary will scratch the surface without denting your wallet.
10:00 am – Brunch at Carman’s Country Kitchen
Imagine walking into a random restaurant in a foreign city. The moment you walk through the doors, the waiter, swoops towards you, welcomes you warmly, asks for your name, introduces you to the other waiters, and then takes you to your seat. For the next hour, you are having a great conversation with the staff, and the matron/chef/owner herself Carman.
Carman’s is a one of a kind experience. The tiny restaurant has three, yes three tables and one bar, giving the feeling that you are sitting in the kitchen with family. The interior is as kitschy and eccentric as the aprons worn by the wait staff.
Carman’s is the creation of Carman Luntzel, chef and owner. There are only ever four items on the menu that rotates seasonally and weekly.
I enjoyed an omelet with roasted turkey, chopped chicken liver, sweet onions, smoked gouda and apple wood smoked bacon.
Despite my tasty meal, my greatest takeaway, was the wonderful atmosphere and warmth of the staff. At Carman’s, they do customer service very well.
(Carman’s Country Kitchen . 1301 S. 11th Street)
11:30 am – Stroll through the Italian Market Right around the corner from Carman’s is a series of outdoor markets and vendors known as the Italian Market.
The market takes up a few blocks down 9th street and a stroll through the market is a great way to get a sense of the neighborhood and mingle with the locals.
An assortment of goods from fresh produce, fish, meats and handmade pine Christmas decorations and trimmings are available.
(The Italian Market . 9th street)
12:30 pm – Tour of the Old City Hall
Philadelphia is home to the first City Hall in America.
This impressive building was once Philadelphia’s city hub and was the original home of the Supreme Court (1791-1800).
The building and its rooms, which are perfectly preserved and marked, are free and open to the public.
(Old City Hall . Chestnut St and South 5th Street)
1:00 pm – Liberty Bell
“Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof” – reads the inscription on the Liberty Bell as taken from Leviticus XXV.
The line to get into the Liberty Bell visitor center is long. If you are visiting in the winter, bring your mittens. All visitors are subject to an airport-like security screening, which is truly annoying, but a sign of the times that we must learn to endure. Luckily, after the hoops that you must jump through to get inside, the center, which is free of charge, is truly inspiring.
The center is laid out like a mini-museum, where you can learn about the history of the bell through pictures, artifacts and films.
Before you exit, you get to meet the bell up close and personally. It was a lot smaller than I had imagined, but that didn’t stop me from wiggling my way to the front for a photo with the most famous lady in town.
(Liberty Bell . 600 Chestnut Street . Philadelphia – Old City Neighborhood)
2:15 pm – Philadelphia Museum of Art
Constructed in 1919, this impressive building hosts one of the largest museum collections in the United States.
The building itself is truly an architectural wonder with its columns and detailing.
Within the Philadelphia Museum reside more than 225,000 objects, which are broken down into about 200 galleries.
Among these pieces, you will find famous works such as Van Gogh’s Vase With Twelve Sunflowers and Monet’s Japanese Bridge and Water Lilies.
(Philadelphia Museum of Art . 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy)
3:30 pm – Visit with Rocky
On my way out of the museum, after running down the stairs like a champion ( there was no way I was going to attempt the ascent), I paid homage to the famous Rocky Balboa statue.
The line was long. In the end, I didn’t have the patience to take a photo myself. I did however catch this guy’s moment.
(Rocky Statue . Base of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art)
4:00 pm – City Hall
The current City Hall building is an architectural beauty. Resplendent in white, silver and blue and adorned with gargoyles and statues, the building is the largest and most elaborate city hall in the country.
Just outside the city hall during the holiday season, you will find a Christmas market, with vendors and crafts. The city hall boasts an old fashioned carousel for the kids and sits adjacent to the famous LOVE statue, reminding us that Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love.
Make sure you have your camera for this one.
(City Hall . Market Street and South Broad Street)
6:30 pm – Dinner and a show at Relish
Relish grabbed my attention, the moment I walked in, with its earth tones and beautiful sepia portraits of jazz greats.
There are two dining areas and a bar. The first dining room is a more formal room that plays host to concerts (Relish boasts live music Wednesday through Sunday). The second dining area is less formal and very quiet.
The servers are friendly and the service is quick. The dinner here, your typical soul food fare with a modern edgy flare, was excellent.
The night I was there, I got to see Kathy Sledge (of Sister Sledge) perform The Brighter Side of Day, an uplifting tribute concert in honor of the late great Billie Holiday.
(RELISH . 7152 Ogtontz Avenue . Philadelphia, PA 19130 . 215 276 0170)
11 pm – Cheesesteak at Pat’s
After rounds of drinks at Relish, I was in the mood for something to munch on. It seemed like the perfect time to sample my first cheesesteak. I had to work for this one. Despite the time, there was a line.
Pat’s King of Steaks is credited as being the home of the Philadelphia Cheesesteak, which if you ask any local, is nothing to take lightly.
Invented at Pats in the 1930’s, a classic cheesesteak consists of thinly sliced steak seasoned with onions and provolone cheese on a hoagie roll. There are about as many varieties of the cheesesteak as there are opinions about who makes the best one. I decided to stick with the original steak at its home of origin.
My sandwich was delicious. The meat was well seasoned and piping hot. It was however very greasy and way too big for me to finish. A complete meal (not a snack), I returned to my hotel in a food coma. Perhaps the best way to end your stay in Philly, after sampling all of the local food, is with a run up the steps of the museum of art after all.