June 23rd, 2011
Di Bruno Bros., Italian Market, Center City, Philadelphia, In the heart of the City
I had heard it before; Philadelphia has a reputation for culinary excellence; the immigrant population having contributed to a large mixture of tastes.
I read a paragraph by Mark Glickman who wrote The Foods of Philadelphia and he described it best. You can find representations of these foods (soft pretzel, Philly Cheese Steak), elsewhere. But, only in Philadelphia and its environs can you find the real thing. You might get a soft pretzel at a mall in Cincinnati, or a Philly Cheese Steak at a cafe in California and wonder “What’s the big deal? Come to Philadelphia, and you will find out.
It is definitely different and I am enjoying learning about it.
In my last post I told you that there was more walking to be done. Leaving Parc located at Rittenhouse Square we kept on a good pace but something caught my attention when a door opened. I was not even paying attention, but the produce looked beautiful. Of course, we had to go in. What a surprise!! What a market!! Thank God I had just eaten, and thank God I was walking and could not carry anything else with me. Otherwise, watch out!!
This was Di Bruno Bros., located at 1730 Chestnut St., Tel. 215-665-9220. Website? www.dibruno.com/locations/rittenhousesquare.
Yes, in Center City, in the heart of Philadelphia. The original Italian market opened in 1939 at 930 S. 9th St. and it is still standing there.
This market is unreal and so is the service. I noticed the regular customers were known by name. I was just absorbing it all.
Here are some of the pictures I took.
Prepared Foods
Beef Department
The biggest cheese section I have ever seen with cheeses from all over the world.
Olive Oils to pick and choose.
Did not know that there were so many bitters.
Smoked Salmon
Hams and sausages
Breads
The Bakery? Cookies, Tarts, Cakes and Pies
Are you hungry yet? You know, on this particular post, it was best to be somewhat quiet and let the pictures do the talking. No way I could have explained all of this in simple words.
P.S. They also do catering.
Have a good one….got to go to my daily trip to Giant in Rehoboth Beach…. talk to you later….Chifa and the Food Trucks are still to come….
Tags: Bakery, Center City, Center City Philadelphia, Cheese Market, Di Bruno Bros, Di Bruno Bros Catering, Italian Market, Pennsylvania, prepared foods, produce
