A Journey of Love, Style and Taste

By Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

Philadelphia, USA

Today is a day of new journey’s. Being a transplant myself, coming from the beaches of southwest Florida, to the big city streets of Philly is, an experience all on it’s own.. Walking down the city streets looking at the largeness of everything around you can be a bit overwhelming at times but, as the days go on, and you get out and explore, you begin to have a little fun with it.. I took myself down Market St. Under and through Historic City Hall, and continue on Market St. East. To the corner of 12^th St. I found myself looking at this huge guitar spinning around, advertising the Hard Rock Café of Philly. And the words under it gave me a loving welcome, ‘Love All, Serve All”

I Then, wiped the tears from my eyes… lol... and continued up 12^th St. to The Reading Terminal Market… http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/merchants/category/restaurants

I have to tell ya as a Chef, these are place’s that you only dream of visiting. As you walk through the front doors, you instantly begin to sense that you are in another country even another World….. My mouth was salivating and my jaw dropped… I have never been to New Orleans…Yet it kind of had a Marti Gras feeling to it.. I can imagine that this could be the close’s thing to it… It is all set up as if you are walking down the streets of each country that you visit… You can feel the excitement and joy of everyone in the place… You are not just eating food, you are taking a “Journey through each country you visit.. There are Restaurants such as;

Delilah’s at the Terminal.. She is the gal that won the best Mac and Cheese recipe in the country, and beat Bobby Flay on the “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” of Course they have not tasted my Mom’s; “Mrs. E’s Mac and Cheese” yet.. There‘s a reason for that, No Contest ….Mom’s is the best… I will have to try Delilah’s though, just for curiosity’s sake….. On the other side of the square, there is Beck’s Cajun Café. I was greeted with the warmest welcome, and the biggest smile.. The Girl behind the counter saw me drooling, and offered me a taste of Their Etouffee....WOW, It is out of this world… My eyes rolled behind my head in glee…Then a couple clicks down the street… you find yourself in the Middle East.. At Kamal’s Middle Eastern Specialty’s. with Indian and Pakistani cuisine.  I love a good kick around in the mouth and tongue once in a while...I crave Middle Eastern Food.. I got more then I ever expected.. As Guy Fieri would say, It was most definitely “Off the Hook“…

There is something for every love, style and taste… Vegetarian, Seafood, Meat Markets, Cheese Market… Tokyo Sushi Bar, Beer Garden, Chocolates By. Mueller… and Farmers Markets….
Now if you go, You will find out that you can not just visit once. You would have to go everyday for a year to taste all the lavish and delectable foods. You will also find that, if you plan it out right. You will finish up at a few places like Chocolates By. Mueller and Termini Brother’s Bakery. Being on my health kick and all, I started to get a little dizzy walking by those shops.. I had to pick up the pace and even start running away.. (-: I’m Just sayin…

Now, Until we meet again~~ Many journey's into the Love, Style and Taste of food around you...
God Bless
Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser