FWIW, we live at the edge of what I believe is called “Center City West,” a few blocks southwest of Rittenhouse Square. Right across from Dmitri’s, a Greek café. There seem to be no shortage of dining options — good ones — within a 10-to-15 minute walk from our home. I’m already afraid to eat at the same place twice, because that means we’re not easting at some other good place we should be eating. Ah, life in the big city.

I did a bit of linking & formatting to make your beautiful tome even more useful. Thanks for the remarkably complete, utterly delicious, full-fledged guide to eating your way through Philly! Now I’m hungry, too.

Hey she even took ME there once. The food was amazing!

Cheesesteaks–I’ve heard that Pat’s and Geno’s are very similar. Personally, I prefer Pat’s, but that’s based on (how can I say this nicely…) Geno’s well-publicized stance on immigrants (I’m Mexican). I have not tried Geno’s, so I can’t say.

However, I HIGHLY recommend that anyone who is interested in the cheesesteak topic check out the recently released documentary about cheesesteaks called This is My Cheesesteak . The director (a VERY nice guy) visits all of the major cheesesteak locales, interviews the owners, and actually manages (for the first time every) to get them all in one room together. it’s a LOT of fun, and if you aren’t jonesing for a cheesesteak after you watch it, there’s something wrong with you… (or you’re a vegetarian). I have it on very good recommendation–I can’t reveal my source–that the best Philly Cheesesteak is actually found at John’s Roast Por. I have yet to try it.

Brunch– Sabrina’s Cafe (910 Christian St) is supposed to be amazing. I have not been here, but the line is always down the block on weekends for brunch, and you all know a long line is a good thing…

Tapas–my all-time favorite is Amada (www.amadarestaurant.com/). It’s beautiful, comfortable, they have flamenco, and the food is TO DIE FOR. I kid you not, I’ve been there at least 15 times, and I do NOT eat out a lot. Every time I had an author (or agent) in town, I’d go there. Or…
Mexican–Tequila’s (www.tequilasphilly.com/). Best Mexican in Philly (center city). Take it from a Mexican.

If you venture out of center city, Taqueria La Michoacana in Norristown is THE BEST (301 E Main St, Norristown). Don’t let Norristown scare you–the nabe isn’t that bad. And this food is worth the trip. And it’s pronounced mee-cho-ah-cah-nah. It means “the girl from Michoacan”.

Best Pizza: again, I haven’t been here, but I hear from many that Tacconelli’s is THE BEST. They bake the pizzas in a brick oven, and they only make so much dough a day, so you have to call in advance to reserve dough. I hear it’s worth it.

Gelato: YOU MUST visit Capogiro at any of their many locations and TRY EVERY SINGLE KIND they make! They make the most unusual kinds of gelato (they make it all themselves), and it’s all AMAZING. My favorite is Thai Coconut. YUM.

Stephen Starr establishments are all the rage here. They’re more about the ambience than they are about the food, IMHO. But the food isn’t bad, ever. I’ve been to a few:

Buddakan–IMHO, it’s overrated.
Pod–I did, however, enjoy Pod.
Alma de Cuba–enjoyable. nice ambience.
The Continental–the sort of place where you go when you dont care what you eat, you just want to meet people.
El Vez–overpriced Mexican

Back to Tapas: Jose Garces (of Amada) also has Tinto which is just as good as Amada. He’s also recently opened a Mexican Restaurant which I haven’t visited called Distrito (after Mexico City, which is Distrito Federal in Spanish).

Don’t overlook the touristy places, as well. City Tavern, which, I will admit, I worked with as an editor, actually has spectacular food, and is a great place to take kids and history buffs (the first 4th of July celebration was held here, Ben Franklin, George Washington, and the lot ate here). Also, since the owner/proprietor is German, they have frequent German celebrations here, with amazing German food.

Also, anyone who loves food MUST visit Reading Terminal Market. It’s an indoor farmer’s market that is just amazing. I also hear that the Italian Market is a must, but I haven’t gone.

The pretzels here–well, they are shaped differently than other pretzels (the holes are almost nonexistent), and they are breadier. Quite yummy.

Fork –ok. I’ve always had enjoyable meals here, but nothing I died over. DiBruno Brothers is the BEST place to go for cheeses, meats, anything deli and fancy-foodish. Their cheese selection is amazing. And they always have samples. And they serve lunch and have breakfast breads.

Best Coffee: La Colombe just off of Rittenhouse Square. In the summer, they serve a coffee/espresso slushy thing called a granita, which is nothing compared to those in Rome, but still AMAZING.

Best Bakery–at least, MY favorite–Night Kitchen Bakery in Chestnut Hill (just outside of Philly central). They make amazing everything.

That’s all I can think of now. I’ve got to go. I’m STARVING. Good luck to your friends!