Midtown Lunch

Today, Luncher John checks out the street food from Street Food Philly’s truck. 

At first impression, Street Food Philly would appear to be a food truck that is plainly named after what it serves: Philadelphia street food. Upon a closer examination of its menu and taste of its food, you find out that the simple name belies the tasty and innovative offerings.

First hitting the streets in August 2012, Street Food Philly is the food truck concept of two experienced chefs, Michael Sultan and Carolyn Nguyen. Their aim is to take basic street food items and add their own unique touches. For instance, instead of a run-of-the-mill burger, Street Food may serve a dry aged burger that’s sourced locally and topped with Cooper American Cheese and aioli sauce. Sometimes, instead of a regular roll, the burger will be served on a pretzel burger roll. [Ed. Note: this burger is PERFECTION]

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Wursthaus Schmitz, the baby brother of Brauhaus Schmitz on South Street, started making hot food available at its Reading Terminal spot last week.  Beyond the shelves of funky looking German cooking products, sauces, and chocolates and the glass display of wursts, salamis, and head cheese, are a few meaty sandwiches (all $8) to choose from. I had “The Schmitz” in mind after seeing it on the online menu, the pretzel roll is what got me, but sadly those rolls are not in stock yet. So I had to adjust my sausage agenda.  You might think that after sausage gravy waffles I would have had my fill of sausage for the week. Not the case, friends, this girl can handle excessive sausage intake.

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Simple, meat filled hoagies from a plain looking (or even menacing looking) corner deli  are one reason I love Philly. Ricci’s Hoagies has been family owened and operated since 1920, according to their website. There are 2 locations, the original by Passyunk Square and the newer store, which I checked out, in Point Breeze. The hoagie shop has bars on its windows, but sometimes the least inviting looking places will have you coming back for more important reasons.

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Today, Luncher John is in the streets eating at a most colorful food truck.

One of the most attractive food trucks roaming the streets of Philadelphia is the Foo Truck. The truck’s bright blue hue with purple flowers and orange “FOO” sign are unmistakable when it makes its rounds at Love Park, Northern Liberties and elsewhere in town. Just as distinct are the combination of Asian-themed flavors served up in its uniquely-named foowiches.

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This week, Luncher Janeane from Phillyism is trying the savory dough treats at Barra.

I’ve walked past Barra plenty of times, but decided to finally check it out when I heard about their lunch menu. That, and the fact that they bake stomboli-esque burgers and sandwiches. Scoreee!

Barra opened a few months back in the Old City venue that once housed the Paradigm / Dolce mashup. A brick oven and remodeled space boasts a warm ambiance, perfect for a lunch visit on a cool day. With a full menu priced at $$$, their lunch menu is definitely the way to go with burgers and sandwiches between $9-$13 that includes either a side salad or fries. Cue the food pics.

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Molloy Malloy’s replaced the worn down Beer Garden in Reading Terminal one year ago. The place has hot and cold pub fare and a way better beer selection than the beer garden it replaced. But with so much good food in the terminal, is it worth coming in for more than a drink?

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American Sardine Bar is a relaxed spot to grab a fun beer. The small menu of soups, sandwiches, and sides is worth exploring. My parents were in town and we need a spot to grab a quick bite. My parents love sardines and are ok with American bars, so we went for. The bar was pretty empty during the day, making it easy for the eat and run to happen.

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