Philly Phavorites: Part II

i could seriously go on for days about food. it makes me so ridiculously happy and giddy- if i could, i would marry food. that's how in love i am with it. if you ask me about my day, it will probably be centered around what i ate. again, i give the disclaimer that i'm pretty friggin broke so i don't know much about high-end eats in philly, but really. there's no need to be a snob about this stuff. you can get some seriously good grub for less cash (or way more grub for the same amount) if you know where to go. so without further ado:

phavorite philly phoods:

(that looks so odd spelled like that)

1. Sabrina's
   wby it's baller: sabrina's is a local place just around the corner from my apartment that's pretty well-known for it's brunches. there's pretty much always a long wait (especially on weekends!) so i would definitely recommend calling in advance. it's also not the cheapest- breakfast dishes run about $7-12. but it is so worth it. sabrina's is just as magical and charming as the it's movie counterparts (the witch and the chauffer's daughter respecitively). the decor is adorable- very mismatched and vintage and just plain 'ol quaint. on top of that the portions are out of control. one order of their stuffed challah french toast could easily feed two, and leave those said two still feeling gluttonous afterwards. they food is incredible and not your average breakfast fare (read: blue cheese, spinach, and caramelized onion frittata.) it's a must if you're in the hood.
   neighborhood: south philly (italian market!)
   cost on a scale of oj from concentrate to mimosas: it's that simply orange juice stuff that comes in the nice bottle. pricey(er) but worth it.
   
2. Sam's Morning Glory (A Finer Diner)
   why it's baller: though the waitstaff aren't always in the sunniest of moods (partially understandable when you consider how packed this place always seems to be. . . ) the homemade biscuits make everything worthwhile. i would willingly take a harsh rant from some hybrid demon/joan rivers waitress for a single bite of one of their perfectly-moist, just sweet-enough biscuits slathered in homemade raspberry jam. drooling. all over my computer. too much. it's seriously like food porn. so good.
   neighborhood: south philly (also italian market! so close to where i live! call me if you're going and i'll meet you!)
   cost on a scale of generic american singles to aged brie: a decent havarti. entrees run about $7-12 but a biscuit is about $3 (i think . . . )
   
3. MexiCali
   why it's baller: no frills. cheap. delicious. not only do they serve the classics but their menu also includes fan (and by fan, i mean me) favorites like the plantain burrito and the sweet potato burrito. very fancy.
   neighborhood: west philly (a feasible walk from clark park/wxpn. right near penn's campus. this whole little area (university city) is full of shopping and food and though most of it is chains, there are some gems tucked away if you look)
   cost on a scale of el cucaracha to el nino: speedy gonzales. (translation: $4-7 per burrito)
   
4. Isgro's
   why it's baller: delicious italian pastries (most notably the cannolis which are usually available for 'sampling' in the form of a generous half of a cannoli).
   neighborhood: south philly (italian market! once you finish stuffing your face at sabrinas or morning glory you can continue the feeding fest at isgros! perfecto!)
   cost on a scale of mario to the godfather: probably a mid-level hitman. about $3 for a cannoli that will make you openly weep. go with the custard one.
   
5. Buttercream Cupcake Truck
   why it's baller: the owner of buttercream quit her job as a lawyer, decorated a truck like a giant cupcake, and drives around selling ridiculously good treats all day. living the dream. the flavors change daily along with the location so be sure to check the website so you know where to stalk/what flavor to daydream about.
   neighborhood: varies
   cost on a scale of cup to cake: it's $2 a cupcake ($1 with a student id!)
6. Capogiros
   why it's baller: made fresh every day gelato that comes in a thousand different friggin' flavors. uses all local, seasonal ingredients and comes in the most ridiculous flavors ever. honey and rosemary? thai coconut? salt? you could really get anything here and walk away feeling wonderful.
   neighborhood: there are several locations including one near rittenhouse square, one near the italian market, and another in the gayborhood.
   cost on a scale of skim milk to whole: soy. this stuff is pretty fancy and one small cup (comes with two flavors of your choice) will run you $5. but totally worth it.
7. DiBruno Brothers
   why it's baller: free cheese samples! and on wednesdays, free beer and chesese samples! and it's fancy cheese too. so. fancy. this ain't yo' kraft singles mmkkk? this is grown-up cheese some of which is older than i am.
   neighborhood: the one on chestnut is good for poppin' in and scooping up samples/perusing the merch/crying hysterically because you'll never be rich enough to maintain the fancy cheese habit you'd ideally like to develop. the one in the Italian market is smaller but has a more knowledgeable staff. it also plays host to free beer (locally brewed!) and cheese nights on wednesday! delish!
   cost on a scale of pbr to guinness: sam adam's utopias'. seriously. it's really expensive. just eat the samples. they're free.
8. Reading Terminal Market
   why it's baller: famous. tons of different stalls = tons of delicious food. plus it was in nataional treasure! ooooo! also good for people watching. besides selling food there are some good kitchen supply/knick-knack/candle type places and it just always seems to be bustling in the best possible way. they also have a public bathroom! yay!
   neighborhood: center city
   cost on a scale of flea market to stock market: meh. depends what you're getting. i recommend the famous cookies near the market entrance.
   
9. Pat's
   why it's baller: how you gonna come to philly and not get a cheesesteak? really? you just have to. or people will tease you. the two big'ens are Pats & Genos which happen to sit right across from one another (and a mere two blocks for my apartment- call me if you're in the hood!). geno's is flashy (literally, like the vegas of south philly. lights-wise at least.) and has a reputation for being racist/xenophobic (they hung signs demanding customers 'speak english!' along with several other incidents.) besides that, their sandwiches are especially bread-y. pat's is a more humble establishment, looks a bit beat up from the outside and the ordering process is reminiscent of the soup nazi scene in seinfeld but it's well-worth it. super greasy. super delicious. just follow the instructions to order and enjoy your philly trademark meal.
   neighborhood: south philly (italian market-ish)
   cost on a scale of rocky to diamonds: maybe rocky after he won a fight? and got a prize? i don't even remember that movie very well. it's like eight bucks for a cheesesteak with onions.
   
   other notable eateries:
   
   
   
   

• Alma De Cuba, Parc, and Plough & the Stars are all ridiculously delicious- and they have the price tags to match. But if you're looking for a good, high-class place to grab a meal they're my picks.
  
• Abyssinia is bangin' if you're into Ethiopian. A little out of the way in west philly but still yummy.
• The Cantina has premium prickly pear margaritas (though for $6 a pop they better be premium. . . ) and good fried plantains. kind of a hipster crowd but in a cute section of town (near the south philly capogiros!)

that's it for now m'ladies and lords. next up: philadelphia shopping guide for people with no money. should be interesting. brace yourself.