IN THE CENTER OF PHILLY IS A FOODIE TREASURE, THE READING TERMINAL MARKET
In the center of the urban sprawl that is the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia is an ancient (by U.S. stan-
dards) building which houses one of America's oldest food markets..the READING TERMINAL MARKET at
1115-1141 Market Street, northeast corner of 12th St. What makes this place so special is that in this
American resurgence of Farm to Table philosophies of food preparation, it really has been going on
forever. In fact the Reading Market (let's call it the RTM so I don't have to keep typing it, thx..)was first started
in 1693 (so there all you who think America's history started yesterday)and was shuffled from one place to
another in it's long history along with other food markets which were part of the city's urbanscape. When
the Reading Terminal decided to build it's massive terminal and headquarters in the 1890's the old
markets were torn down and merged into what today is the RTM. An imposing building which still stands
today as a result of grassroots movements who stood in the way of urban planning which was simply
going to tear down the entire structure after the Reading Railroad went broke and sent the last train out of
the station in the early 1980's.
As a result of smart preservation and finding new uses for the tracks, station and surrounding parts of
the station most of it is still with us as part of the Philadelphia Convention Center, the Philadelphia
Marriott Hotel, the Hard Rock Cafe, and thankfully, the market which occupied the ground floor under
the massive train tracks starting in 1893 is still there.
I snapped that pic as I was walking toward the market entrance with my daughter today on a outing in
Philadelphia with her. It's on my must see list when I'm in that city and is really a showcase for many
of the local meats, seafoods, and produce from the area in addition to a myriad of bookstores, gift shops,
spice stores, ethnic food stalls of all kinds. But the reason I am a fan of this market is because for over
100 years it still maintains it's identity as it was initially conceived. A place for the urban dwellers of
Philadelphia to buy their fresh food, and a place for the farmers as far away as Lancaster County (Amish
Country) to sell their wares. This was not conceived on a drafting table with a think tank of high priced
planners (not a bad group, they have some great ideas) but this was an organic meeting of city and
country, of buyers and sellers, and this harkened back to the old markets of Medieval Europe. Amazing
stuff.
Some seabass, red snapper and striped bass for sale at one vendor today.
Termini Bros Italian Bakery Enormous Wild Shrimp
Kumquats and mushrooms for sale John Yi's Fish Market..EAT FISH LIVE LONGER!
locally raised and cured bacons fresh juices
cashew rosewater cigar pastries a PHILLY cheesesteak, ICONIC!
So what DID I buy there today with all of those food stalls staring at me? Locally raised and cured
pork products...very Pennsylvannia. A country cured ham steak, i mean look at the black pepper on the
rind?? seriously? If that doesn't induce a food coma in someone who enjoys cooking with awesome
products then nothing will. Yes, that is why I come to a farmer's market and look for those products
that make it regional. The wood smoked kielbasa and the Sage pork sausage links were also hard to
not buy, so, I bought them.
Tomorrow night, the Feast of Sant'Antonio Abate, the patron saint of Dometicated and Farm Animals is
traditionally a day to eat pork products, look forward to seeing the Southern U.S. way I prepare that
beautiful ham steak.
Cheers for now friends, travel often, enjoy yourself and eat well.
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/
Posted by peter battaglia at 1/17/2012 1:17 AM 
Categories: FOOD MARKETS, TRAVEL, READING TERMINAL MARKET, PHILADELPHIA
Tags: PHILADELPHIA FOOD MARKETS READING TERMINAL MARKET FOOD TRAVEL
Categories: FOOD MARKETS, TRAVEL, READING TERMINAL MARKET, PHILADELPHIA
Tags: PHILADELPHIA FOOD MARKETS READING TERMINAL MARKET FOOD TRAVEL
Oh Peter, what a fabulous post of a fabulous place! Wish I had a genie to transport me there. OK, being the nutritionist I am, I would indeed probably have headed for the fish and seafood and juices, but your pork products look most appetizing - so DO have a very happy Saint's Day!
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