Historic Reading Terminal in Philadelphia is over 125 years old. It is one of America’s largest and oldest public markets. Visiting the City of Brotherly Love, there is no way you cannot visit this amazing market. Usually is full of people. Lunch time? It will be hard to find a place to sit in order to enjoy some of the delicious food only Philadelphia offers.
The middle of the market was usually open with tables and benches and no “social distancing” because it was not necessary. Nowadays, you can still visit The Reading Terminal and as you can see from the photo above there are booths and partitions in order to avoid any contamination.
Just a few weeks ago, a little visit to have some lunch and buy a few things that here, in Rehoboth Beach, you cannot find.
Also lunch was going to be a must at Beck’s. If you like Cajun food this is the best place in Philly to get a good bowl of Gumbo.
We sat at their bar and surfaces were spotless. Look at this bowl of Gumbo. At this time of the year with Lent on my mind as well as Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras, definitely this gumbo hit the spot. A little heat, full of flavor is not to be missed.
And trying to get it all in we also had this “delicacy” from Dinic’s to go with our gumbo.
What can I say? It may not be a good combination of foods but it is best here at the Reading Terminal.
So, don’t be scared. Wear your mask, get out of town and live a little.
AboutMyBeaches is on Facebook. Follow me there and leave me a message if you want to chime in on the post.
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Each piece is tailored specifically for the client. “The word ‘haute’ means high, in the sense of high class. “Couture” refers primarily to designers or couturiers and dressmaking that’s made to order.”
For example, above, you see dresses for the Spring of 1948 designed by Christian Dior. The pink one was a new revolutionary “Look” geared to the active life of the day. A little different from what I call active, but what do I know, right? I am just writing a post.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA 19130. Website? http://www.philamuseum.org
This particular exhibit is called Fabulous Fashions and will be there until March 3rd. From the Delaware Beaches it is about 2 1/2 hours and an easy trip to say the least. Grab a friend and go. That’s what I did. Cindi and I had the best time. Not overly scheduled, just enjoying a winter day in the city.
The starting price for haute couture is $30,000. Long hours of work can hike that price, as will also the embellishments chosen.
For example the photo above shown at the exhibit is called “Sea Fan Fantasy”. Designed by Tina Leser, and American designer for Edwin H. Foreman, Inc. It was hand-painted and spray-painted cellulose acetate plain weave with metallic sequins. Ms. Leser was from Philadelphia and liked to incorporate exotic elements from her travels. This was gown was indicative of the fashion trends of 1947.
Fashion trends keep changing. But what goes around comes around. When I looked at the above fashions I can see them being worn in 2019. On the first photo, the dress with the horizontal stripes was originally designed in 1952 and later on reinterpreted in 2013. In 2013 Francisco Costa, creative director for Calvin Kline and designer Ellsworth Kelly, modernized the look a bit. The original dress was longer and had a light blue band on the bottom.
Anne Fogarty was the designer for the above pictured dress. She started out as a model and was from Pennsylvania. She became well-known for full skirted designs with fitted bodices. She was inspired by Dior. This dress was her own and was so tiny that the Museum needed to make a special manequin.
The evening dress on the left was designed by Ives Saint Laurent for his Fall/Winter 10th collection 1966-67. He was 30 years old and the dress was meant to speak for the moment…”here today, gone tomorrow, young, amused”.
The gold dress on the right, I had never heard of the American designer Vicky Tiel. This dress was designed in 1989. Her signature style was the draping and construction for the glorification of the female body. Her favorite was a low, strapless neckline. She is still active in Paris.
The accessories that make or break a design…texture, color, and design.
The shoes date from 1991 and the purse circa 1955-65.
Major designers also design hats. Here are some from Balenciaga, Givenchy, Nan Duskin, Stephen Jones.
Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, was from Philadelphia. Her dress is a classic and was designed by Helen Rose who was an American costume designer for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The dress was donated to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is very delicate now and they don’t really bring it out much. But the next photo will show her headpiece made also by Helen Rose, the shoes designed by David Evins, an American, born in England, with a copper penny encased in the right shoe for good luck, and a Bride’s Manual decorated by the wardrobe department of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. This was a gift to her from a family friend from Chestnut Hill. She also carried a small bouquet of lillies of the valley.
We took a tour and I recomment it very much. Maybe you should call for the tour hours as they are not offered on an hourly basis. Then, you may want to have something to eat there as well. That is another post in the making.
Until then…check my Facebook Page AboutMyBeaches. Would love it if you decide to Like it.
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Finally the sun has come out. Buds are on the trees, weeping willows are getting greener. Some signs and hints that Spring is around the corner. Well, you know, we had a few nor’easters to take care of but, hopefully, we should almost be finished with winter.
My young second cousin, Natalia, stayed with me for some time after the devastation of two hurricanes in Puerto Rico. Right before she lef Southern Delaware the weather in Southern Delaware was gray and miserable, so I took her to Longwood Gardens. Their Orchid Extravaganza is going on and it is gorgeous. If you get a chance, it is there until March 25th. The address is 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, PAQ 19348.
When you think about it, it is very accessible, only a couple of hours away. You can spend the day. The area offers so much, plus a little bit of a change of scenery.
Flowers have a positive effect on humans. I try to fill my vases with flowers as much as I can. When I see them I have a different disposition altogether. Longwood Gardens open year round. Please check their website, https://www.longwoodgardens.org
It is that time of the year, so if you are ready to get into the spirit of Easter, make a visit to these beautiful gardens.
Discover your own backyard. Have a great day!
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Indeed it is a beautiful spring day through the Mid Atlantic. Manayunk in Philadelphia, PA, will be hosting the first of two STReat Festivals and Restaurant Weeks beginning today, Sunday, April 12th. Twice a year these events are capturing foodies throughout the Mid Atlantic because as we all know Philadelphia can Dish Delicious!!
Oh by the way, I would have been there just like I was in the fall but I have an HOA meeting…thanks to my neighbor Mark. Glad I can help.
Manayunk is located on the banks of the Schuykill River and in the northwest section of the City of Philadelphia. It has a long history. For many years it was not popular but just like the trend in many cities….some of these Main Sreets are being celebrated and renewed. Restaurants, shops, the river, sports and a hip place to live, are making Manayunk a destination. For more information, please visit http://www.manayunk.com.
Main Street will be closed off. Parking around town will be available. Info. on parking can be found on the above mentioned website. Like about 11 a.m. you will see visitors strolling Main Street looking for their favorite Philly Food Trucks….50 of them for the event. Food trucks are mobile restaurants and some traditional restaurants are a bit threatened by them. Usually reasonably priced, the food is cooked on the spot and very good
Mama’s Meatballs Truck will be there. This is a favorite and you will find a line to get these delicious meatballs.
Last year we tried: Mama’s Meatballs on the left hand side with beef, pork, veal mix, topped with arugula and Parmesan. On the right, the Apple Bomb made with 100% turkey mixed with sauteed spinach, Granny Smith, stuffed with roasted red pepper, Asiago, and topped with spicy Fresno Chili Apple Chutney. These meatball sliders were…Yummy! They are working on their website, but you can find Mama’s Meatballs on Facebook.
The only Mac ‘n Cheese food truck in Philly is MacMart. Just as popular as the meatball truck, you will find people waiting in line. If you do not make it to the festival, this food truck is usually parked by Drexel University. More info? http://www.macmartcart.com.
A Latin Food Truck called Delicias was a bit more expensive but it was worth having the arepas.
On the photo: The left arepa was filled with shredded chicken tossed in guacamole and mayo. On the right, was the shredded beef, sweet plantains, b lack beans, and Cotija cheese.
Up close to the Shreeded Beef Arepa…
I had never seen a Fashion Truck….all girly, glam and funky. It was called Smak Parlour. Just climb up and shop. More info? http://www.smakparlour.com.
I have been thinking about the Whipped Cauliflower that I had at Beast & Ale, located at 4161 Main St. in Manayunk. Tel. 267-437-3936. Website? http://beastandale.com Very casual restaurant. Not an extensive menu but what they have is soooo good. Plenty of craft beers and spirits. This is a brother restaurant to Cantina Feliz, La Calaca Feliz, and Taqueria Feliz.
The Whipped Cauliflower with black olive tapenade, parsley, and served with toasted bread. Something so simple and good…can’t wait to have it again.
Baby Beast Burger….The baby was plenty big. American cheese, pickles, avocado…the works on a Brioche. If you are looking for a good burger in Manayunk, this is the place.
Fried Bologna Sandwich? Oh yes!! Fried Egg on Top? Bring it On!! American Cheese, tomato and a dijonnaise sauce.
Enjoy this gorgeous day…we deserve having a day like today!!
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Always look forward to visiting churches on my travels. Not necessarily on a time when religious services are taking place. I like them when they are totally quiet. For me is a time for reflection; to pray for my family and friends. I usually stop at churches of all denominations, even though I am Catholic. I thank for our religious freedom. Historic churches and chapels…I am in awe of their beauty and of their strength.
Here are some of my favorite churches and the list is getting longer.
NEW YORK
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a New York Landmark. In 1785 there were only 200 Catholics and one priest in New York City. The doors opened in 1879. The newspapers hailed the New Cathedral as “the noblest temple ever raised in any land to the memory of Saint Patrick, and as the glory to Catholic America”. When I have visited New York with my friend, Shelley, who is Jewish…she always makes a point to stop at St. Patrick’s. So beautiful.
St. Paul’s Chapel was built in 1766. It is the oldest public building in continuous use in Manhattan. It survived the Great Fire of 1776 and the attacks on 9/11. George Washington prayed here after his inauguration in 1789. It is located at 209 Broadway, between Fulton St. and Vesey St. Still standing against all odds, this church has been a place not only for spiritual healing but for physical refuge, as well.
PUERTO RICO
I grew up in the Island of Puerto Rico. When you see my posts from there is because that’s where my formative years took place. Old San Juan is the Capital and it is over 500 years old. La Catedral de San Juan is formally known as the San Juan Bautista Cathedral, named after the Puerto Rican Patron Saint, San Juan Bautista or Saint John the Baptist. It is located on Cristo St. between Luna St. and San Francisco St. It was built in 1540 and it is the second oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere. The Cathedral contains the tomb of Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon. And, the mummified remains of Roman Christian Martyr, Saint Pio.
Capilla del Cristo or Christ’s Chapel is located at the end of Calle del Cristo, which is also where the Cathedral is located. The Chapel was built to commemorate a miracle. Local lore has it that as a young man lost control of his horse and galloped down Calle del Cristo over the cliff at the end of the road, he prayed to a Catholic saint and his prayers were answered.
Parroquia San Francisco de Asis is located at San Francisco Street #301 in Old San Juan. The Crypt – As in old colonial churches, the remains of Christians were buried in catacombs. This can also be seen at the entrance of the Parish. They are called catacombs similar to the Roman catacombs but they are crypts. In the crypt are the remains of personalities of Puerto Rico. They are considered of important historical heritage.
Iglesia Dulce Nombre de Jesus is located in the town plaza of Humacao. This is where I grew up. It is on the eastern side of the island. I went to primary school at Academia San Jose which was across the street. My family went to church here, my parents were married in this church, and I also made my First Communion there. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally, it was a single structure built in 1769. A second church was built from 1825-1826. The present church was built in 1868-1877. It was designed by Don Evaristo de Churruca in the Gothic Revival style. Further renovations have taken place since then.
Parroquia Nuestra Senora del Carmen is located at 33 Marina, in Punta Santiago near my hometown, Humacao. Punta Santiago is a fishing village. Nuestra Senora del Carmen is the patron saint of Fishermen. The official Feast Day is July 16th. I have fond memories of this church. It is always kept in pristine condition. My late husband, John, and I got married here. We chose this church because it was on the beach and it really is pretty, small and cozy. It was the second wedding….first one in Orlean, Virginia and then this one in 2 complete different years. One was not enough!!
SHOWELL, MARYLAND, EASTERN SHORE
Saint Martin’s Historic Church and the importance of historic preservation. For so many years it stood neglected, just waiting for those who would take over the mission of its restoration. It is considered by many historians “to be the finest preserved, most significant piece of American history on the Lower Eastern Shore”. It is an Architectural gem, built in 1756, and a museum located at 11413 Worcester Highway in Showell, Maryland. For more info., please visit http://www.historicstmartinschurg.org.
LEWES, DELAWARE
St. Peter’s Church is located at 2nd & Market Streets in Historic Lewes, Delaware. Lewes is the First Town in the First State. Since 1680 this church has served this community. The early settlers who were members of the Church of England formed its first congregation. The graveyard which surrounds the Church has stones dating back to 1707. Stop by while strolling Lewes.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
The Baltimore Basilica’s is America’s First Cathedral. I have a deep connection to Baltimore. My late husband was from Baltimore and many years ago, I lived and worked in Baltimore. Love the City. The Basilica’s construction started in 1806. George Weigel, the biographer for Pope John Paul II said “No other Catholic edifice in America can claim to have seen so much history inside its walls”. At least 15 saints or potential saints have prayed in this Basilica. The Crypt inside the Basilica holds the tombs of Archbishop John Carroll, the first Bishop of the United States of America, Archbishop Martin John Spalding, and James Cardinal Gibbons.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia has 4 Catholic shrines: St John Neumann, St. Katherine Drexel, Miraculous Medal and St. Rita of Cascia. Philadelphia is considered a city where the foundations for our right to freedom and religion were laid. The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia is located at 1166 S. Broad St. and it was built in 1907. I came to know it during my stay in Philadelphia the summer of 2013.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
St. Michael’s Catholic Church is located at 71 Broad St. in Historic Charleston. A National Historic Landmark. Pewes are made of native cedar and remain the same as they have always been. The altar is Victorian. The chancel rail is made of wrought iron. It dates to 1772. George Washington worshipped at Governor’s Pew #43. This church is gorgeous and the docent was so amazingly inspiring.
St. Philip’s Protestan Episcopal Church is located at 142 Church St. in Historic Charleston. The original building was completed in 1724, destroyed by fire in 1835 and finished the rebuilding in 1838. Porticos and columns remind visitors of Roman porticos. This church is also a National Historic Landmark and has the tallest steeple in Historic Charleston. The docent was so nice and proud of her church.
I am looking forward to this list getting longer. These churches welcome us all. Many of them are so simple. Some are architectural wonders. You don’t really have to look for them, some times they find you.
Another magical Sunday….but waiting for summer is what I am doing.
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Manayunk is located in the northwestern section of the City of Philadelphia and on the banks of the Schuykill River. For years it was just there and in need of TLC…not anymore. It is a city capturing the young professionals, single and with families, moving to this town that has shops, restaurants, bars, and a place to enjoy the outdoors….just a few miles from everything Philadelphia has to offer.
Main Street is long covering more than several blocks. Restaurants have outdoor seatings, perfect for when the weather is nice. To know more about Manayunk, please visit http://www.manayunk.com.
Manayunk’s Annual Streat Food Festival was Saturday, September 28th. This was also the opening of their Restaurant Week, which will go on until Friday, October 10th. Restaurant Week offers 3 courses and 3 prices. Visit the website above mentioned for more information and to find out the participating restaurants.
I arrived at the Streat Festival early so as to find parking which, actually, ended up being very easy. Everything was very well organized. Saturday’s big event was the Food Trucks. Philadelphia is known for its amazing food. There were about 40 food trucks lining Main Street. Some people knew exactly where they were going….they had their favorites. I had my son, Michael, to show me the way.
Food trucks are mobile restaurants, or mobile cuisine. The trend continues to grow and there are no signs of them slowing down. They say that food trucks are restaurants’ worst nightmare. In Philly you can find them around all the universities, feeding those hungry students.
Yoga on the Street…..Was I supposed to join them before hitting the food trucks? Plenty of others did.
Musicians were available to entertain the crowds.
And, as soon as the Beer Garden opened…the crowds followed. It was such a gorgeous day. Perfect for a festival.
Mama’s Meat Ball was a winner. That’s the first Food Truck we hit….my son said that their slider meatballs are just awesome. Their address is 1426 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125. Tel. 267-530-1493. Website? http://www.mamasmeatballphilly.com. You can also find them on Facebook.
The following photo shows what we ordered: On the left is Mama’s Ball…beef, pork, veal mix, topped with arugula and Parmesan. On the right is my Apple Bomb made with 100% turkey mixed with sauteed spinach, Granny Smith, stuffred with roasted red pepper, Asiago, and topped with spicy Fresno Chili-Apple Chutney. Totally the best. People sitting around were raving about them, as well.
The smallest Food Truck was the Korean Truck Kami….small but popular. You can find Kami at N. 33rd St. at Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19104. Tel. 215-555-5555. On Facebook, as well.
Another most popular food truck and one we did not try was Mac Mart. It is Philadelphia’s only Mac ‘n Cheese Food Truck. They are usually located by Drexel University. Tel. 267-908-5662 Website? http://www.macmartcart.com Find them on Facebook and Twitter.
We decided to stop at Delicias. Their specialty? Latin Food and Arepas. Arepas are grilled corn patties that can be filled with almost anything you can think of.
The first photo shows on the left an Arepa filled with Shredded Chicken tossed in guacamole and mayo. On the right is my own which had Shredded Beef, sweet plantains, black beans and Cotija Cheese. This was an expensive Food Truck. Both of those, which by the way, were completely filled and heavy, plus 2 waters…..a total price of $26!!
You can take a peek at mine…a close-up.
We were totally satisfied, but continued walking Main Street. I found Sweet Elizabeth’s Edible Art to be at the perfect location on Main Street at 4409 Maint St…… I will have to visit them another time. In the meantime, their edible art looked beautiful. You can find them on Facebook as Sweet Elizabeth Cakes. Tel. 267-331-8949. Website? http://www.sweetelizabethscakes.com. They make everything from scratch, with a specialty on custom designed cakes.
Philadelphia has its first Fashion Truck….it was also mingling with the Food Trucks. It is called Smak Parlour Fashion Truck. http://www.smakparlour.com.
This is a girly, glam and funky truck. The Boutique is on 219 Market Street in Old City. The Fashion Truck travels to events throughout the city, but it can also come to your home, office or party. It is a fun shopping extravaganza. Smak Parlour has also its own line of in-house designed clothing. Visit the above mentioned website to see where they will be going next.
It was time to head back to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware…..Main Street was so crowded and I wanted to have a head start….the Eagles were playing, NASCAR was also in Dover….Yikes….it took me a long time to get home but not as long as the ones that were heading north.
Note: The Streat Festival is around the same time each year. Save the Date…it is worth going, especially if you like to Eat…On the STREAT!!
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is full of ethnic restaurants. From street food to fine dining, it is a fabulous place to spend some time crawling the City of Brotherly Love.
Pho is the street food in Vietnam that was, originally, sold at dawn and dusk by roaming vendors. My son invited me to crawl Philly and our first stop was Pho 75. This soup parlor has been visited by Anthony Bourdain several times. When my son visited for the first time, he told I, definitely, needed to try it.
There are 2 Pho 75 in Philly. We went to the one located at 1122 Washington Avenue. Tel. 215-5866. Other locations are: Maryland; Langley Park, Rockville, Virginia; Arlington (my son just visited that one, as well), Falls Church, and Herndon.
Pho 75 was immaculate, the service was prompt and no sooner it had opened…..customers kept coming in.
You have to understand that pho is a soup. The soups are served with rice noddles. You can order either a small bowl or a large bowl for sharing like we did. Then you have to order cuts of beef as toppings or do like we did and order the pho straight from the menu.
We order the pho with slices of eye-round steak, well done flank, soft tendom, and beef tripe. The large bowl arrived quickly with extra bowls on the side and bean sprouts, hot pepper, slices of lemon and fresh basil leaves.
Then it was up to me to fix my bowl to my liking.
The broth was delicate, full of flavor but not overly salted, which I was surprised.
Totally recommend it. Great value…I think lunch for 2 including tea and tip was about $10.00.
Note: This soup is gluten free.
Have a great day!.
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Walking through Main Street in Manayunk in Philadelphia a window caught my attention. A consignment shop. The name of this shop was Greene Street Consignment, located at 4313 Main St., Philadelphia, PA 19127. Tel. 267-335-5478. I have found that this is not the only location….New York, New Jersey and other parts in Pennsylvania. Visit http://www.greenestreetconsignment.com.
Greene Street Consignment has a fresh take on the whole consignment shopping experience. This shop looked like a boutique, storefront included. Plenty of namebrands, but they are focused on style.
Next time I visit Manayunk I am definitely stopping by. I need to find out more about it.
Whether you are a shopper or consignor, just remember that recycling your clothes gives them another chance…don’t discard them, let someone else enjoy them a second time around.
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