The Latin American “French Dip” Sandwich at Pura Vida

Located in a residential block of Northern Liberties, Pura Vida humbly brings latin cooking to the neighborhood.  The menu appears slightly Mexican, but more inclusive than that, with Guatemalan tamales for appetizers and vegetarian chorizo. Pura Vida, after all, is the Costa Rican slogan for a super chill lifestyle. Going along with that, the funky decor inside this small, corner BYOB includes Christmas lights and a raffia umbrella.

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Lunch Links (The “Gay Sandwich Upgrade” Edition)

  • Sausage fest! Paesano’s opened inside  everyone’s favorite gay bar, Woody’s [Foobooz]
  • A slideshow of burgers around town by Zagat, including a bunch for newcomers [Zagat]
  • University City dining days starts next week [Uwishunu]
  • Penn students have started a healthy food truck initiative [NBC]

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Weekday Brunch at Ants Pants Cafe

I get around. Yesterday, I recommended Southern Inspired bourbon house The Twisted Tail, located about as east as you can go off of South Street. Today, I am on the other end of South Street,  at Ants Pants Cafe, whose inspiration is also Southern in a sense.  This spot has been bringing the Australian cafe experience to Grad Hospital since 2004. Though they recently started dinner service, Ants Pants has been more of a brunch place, serving eggs in various forms 7 days a week.

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A Southern Inspired South Street Escape at The Twisted Tail

The Twisted Tail is located close enough to South Street you would think it would have been infected by it. Luckily, this “Southern inspired Bourbon house” is a nice escape from tourists and wayward teens. I was invited to try their lunch menu, available Monday through Friday, though many of the lunch items can be found on the regular menu.

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Pumpkin Market’s Local Banh Mi

Pumpkin restaurant on South Street is a classy “farm to table” style joint, with beautiful looking food that I can’t really afford. Next door, at Pumpkin Market, the sandwiches, soups, and salads are more accessible, but keep with the local wherever possible concept.  Order at the counter and seat yourself in the small downstairs area or outside in the mini garden abutting South Street. You may be a foot away from exhaust engines, but position yourself so you can focus on the cuteness of the flowers and herbs surrounding you.

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Lunch Links (The “Other American Check Lists” Edition)

  • Zagat’s 6 fave local hot dogs [Zagat]
  • Uwishunu’s picks for BBQ [Uwishunu]
  • Foobooz tells us where to get corn dogs [Foobooz]
  • And, umm donut pizza [Meal Ticket]
  • The most caloric fast food meal in America is from Long John Silvers [Eater]

My American Check List

Though I have to work all weekend, I am trying to get in the Independence Day spirit by thinking about my favorite all-American lunches.

  1. Hot DogsHot Diggity is the obvious choice here, though a pastrami topped knish dog from Hershel’s does our country proud.
  2. BurgersGrace Tavern for a classic burger, Good Dog for a local favorite, PYT if you want to get crazy. 
  3. Pie- Newbie Magpie is a good bet. But the best part is the filling right? Get just the good stuff at AJ’s
  4. BBQBlue Belly and Percy Street come out on top on my list. (Fette Sau, new and popular, did not do it for me) 
  5. Ice Cream- Foam Floaterie, Little Baby’s, and I am especially proud that Capogiro gives Italian gelato a run for its money. 
  6. Beer– Khyber Pass Pub and American Sardine Bar have a great selection and prices. But nothing beats the weekly special at Locust Rendezvous. 

Or, just say screw it and go to Chinatown

What are your American favorites?