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We love great food. Who doesn’t!? But Andrew is ridiculously picky when it comes to food, especially trying new food, so we naturally avoided food tours when we first learned about them when moving to the area. I thought it was a great idea and I’ve always wanted to go on one, but not knowing what you are going to eat before you get there, naturally, made both of us nervous. However, we were recently invited to check out the Chew Philly Food Tours, and after discussing with Andrew we decided that we would try it! And we’re so happy we did!
The Chew Philly Food Tour is a 2.5 hour long walking tour through the Manayunk (pronounced Man-e-yunk) section of Philadelphia, PA. There are 6 food tastings during the tour that are equivalent to a hearty progressive lunch.
The tour starts at the first location and then walks throughout all of Manayunk before wrapping up on Main Street. Our tour guide Amy, was amazing, and so knowledgeable at the area. We walked along the canal and she explained how they are revitalizing the area and cleaning everything up. She even knew exactly where turtles were on the walk.
Andrew and I are both into art and architecture, so this was the perfect tour to see all of that. Part of the revitalization is creating works of art along pathways, especially the canal area. I loved learning that the city actually left one section undone so that local artists could come in and work on it themselves. Manayunk is full of so many fascinating characteristics that make this area feel both old fashioned and modern. We loved exploring the neighborhood in one day.
But what about the food!?
I know that’s what you are all dying to hear about! The first stop of the tour was Marchiano’s Bakery, known for their tomato pie and stuffed bread (we call this Pepperoni Rolls in West Virginia). We actually had a difficult time locating parking because there was a festival going on the same day, so we missed this stop, by Amy actually took us back at the end for us to still enjoy it! The next stop was Lucky’s Last Chance where was had a PB&J Bacon Cheeseburger. SAY WHAT!? Yes, a cheeseburger with bacon and peanut butter and jam on the side. Andrew and I both looked at each other and went for it. And we both wish we would have had more to eat. It was so amazing. This burger actually beat out several famous celebrity burgers (like Bobby Flay and Emeril) to win the 2013 Philly Burger Brawl.
The next two stops were combined. We went Sorrentin’s Deli where we had a classic Philadelphia cheesesteak made in a 3rd generation deli and then as we were leaving we had classic Philadelphia pretzels from Tasty Twisters that Amy had picked up before the tour started.
We then stopped at Volo Coffeehouse for a cappuccino and while we aren’t a fan of coffee, then was better than anything we have tasted before. I loved learning that all of their pastries aren’t labeled because they want you to ask what they are and engage in a conversation with each other!
We ended the tour with Sweet Elizabeth’s Cupcakes. The phrase “Save the best for last” definitely happened here. Andrew said hands down this is the best cupcake he has ever tried. And while I personally am not a huge fan of red velvet cupcakes, I had to agree it was pretty spectacular. I had no idea but the little treat on top of the cupcake was a candied beet. I would have never guessed that!
We absolutely loved this tour and we loved the time we got to spend together as a family. We even got to stop in a park called Pretzel Park and we stopped for a photo. It was a great adventure and we hope to do another one in the future. The tour is child friendly, but not stroller friendly, so we relied on our Boba carrier to take Skibbles with us the entire day!
The Chew Philly Four Tour is normally $60 a person but right now you can book their Haunted Tour for just $36. Head over to their website to make a purchase.
Wow I bet you had a great day. All of the food looked wonderful and I wish I was there with you to try it. The Bacon Cheeseburger with peanut butter and jam sounds interesting. I just can't image what it would taste like.
Now this sounds like fun, my grandparents lived in Philly and I remember before they passed that every time we would go to Philly, I woud get hoagies nothing beats a real Philly Hoggies, even sent them home on my luggage with the airlines, and a warm soft pretzel with mustard on it is delicious, now I would of never thought of a burger with PB and J, but people keep experimenting, Looks like you
Those sweet Elizabeth cupcakes look heavenly
This sounds awesome! I've never tried Tomato Pie…sounds, um, unique!
I have never been to PA…. but now I know where to go when I do!
This sounds like my kind of tour. I am so glad you enjoyed yourself. It sounds like you had some good food.