Quintessential Philadelphia

Quintessential Philadelphia

Philly Cheesesteaks

Philly's best-known culinary creation is simple in theory but complex in the details of its execution. Begin with the basic hoagie roll, which should be slightly crusty with a good amount of chew-Amoroso's is a popular choice. Add to that extremely thin-sliced strips of top round, grilled over a bed of onions until well browned. Then, if you want the full effect, request your sandwich "wit," as in a ladle of Cheez Whiz over the top. Other cheeses may also be used, including American and provolone, depending on the cultural etiquette of the particular establishment. As befitting a cultural touchstone, there are many other homages on Philly menus, including chicken cheesesteaks, cheesesteak egg rolls, even vegetarian cheesesteaks. In fact, Philadelphians are so enamored of their signature sandwich that even high-end restaurants pay their respects -- including a famous $100 version at Stephen Starr's steak house, Barclay Prime.

BYOBs

Being able to "bring your own booze" to Philly restaurants is a shining example of an unexpectedly positive outcome from government bureaucracy. Due to Pennsylvania's draconian liquor laws, liquor licenses are extremely expensive to get. For many small cafés, it's not financially feasible to pay for a license, so many go in another direction. For no additional fee, customers can bring their own drink of choice. Most commonly, BYOBs tend to be either Italian (in great abundance in Bella Vista and Queen Village) or French, but there are a growing number of other options, including Mexican, Thai, and Middle Eastern. Vive la gouvernement!

Squares

Philly was founded on the idea that a city should have large amounts of open, green space for its residents. The most famous square remains wealthy Rittenhouse, between 18th, 19th, Walnut, and Rittenhouse streets. Rittenhouse is surrounded by posh cafés, boutiques, and hotels, and on weekends crawls with singles sunning themselves, parents with double strollers, and wedding parties posing for pictures. Washington Square, between 6th, 7th, and Walnut streets and Washington Square Road, has somewhat sleeker restaurants and a hipper crowd. Franklin Square, between 6th, 7th, Race, and Vine streets, is a haven for kids with a mini golf course, merry-go-round, and several playgrounds. Logan Square, between 18th, 20th, Race, and Vine streets, is essentially a massive fountain where kids play. Its proximity to the library and art museum make it one of the city's best squares to bring a picnic lunch.

Fairmount Park

At a robust 9,200 acres, it includes 63 smaller neighborhood parks, but the main area sits in the northwest section of the city. Start on Kelly Drive, right near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and work your way out toward the north and west. In warm weather, people swarm to Kelly and West River drives on either side of the Schuylkill to blade, bike, run. For the serious mountain biker, there's the Wissahickon Loop, a 30-mi circuit. Further out is the Horticultural Center, which houses an arboretum, greenhouse, and a striking Japanese garden. As you head toward Germantown, the park becomes dense forest ideal for rock climbers, equestrians, and bird-watchers.