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Philly Restaurants -- My first two reviews!

Bruno and I are enjoying ourselves as we settle into our new home city. Future posts will cover my recent activism and my life-work at New Jerusalem Now. But this post will touch upon my great love of exploring new restaurants!

OK, so I love walking the bustling streets of Chinatown Philly! What I have noticed is the boba (or bubble) tea phenomena has exploded in popularity. There must be about a dozen establishments here dedicating their focus to this. Also, where else can you find several Internet Cafes within a five block radius without jumping into a time machine and journeying back to the mid to late 1990s? A bit odd. But perhaps I will explore those two types of businesses in future posts. Now back to food. Honestly, I love Chinese food and would not have a problem eating it every day if given the chance!

Pho 20 -- Located up on the northern end of Chinatown Philly is this family run establish with generous hours (unlike many places in the neighborhood, this one actually stays open past 10pm). The summer rolls were delicate, paper thin rice pastry like it should be and the fillings were fresh and extremely tasty. For pho I ordered the beef flank, and it was truly a special experience. The broth was sublime and absolutely pleased the palette as soon as it touched the tongue. The beef seemed fresh and cooked medium, which is just right -- moist, not overly rubbery or dried out.

I can't wait to return to Pho 20. The price was very reasonable, and probably the best summer rolls and pho I have ever had. 234 N. 10th Street, at the corner with Winter Street. Rating 4 Stars

Tom's Dim Sum -- Formerly known as Dim Sum Garden, this establishment is not in a very attractive location. It is across from the Hilton Garden Hotel, where 11th Street is covered, trapping in a lot of exhaust fumes. And on the same block as Jefferson Station for the SEPTA Regional commuter trains. I had seaweed salad, fishball soup, and a vegetable bun for $12.10! The seaweed salad seemed fresh and tasted just as good as any of the same dish I have had at some upscale Japanese restaurants. The fishball soup was delicious, aromatic and intensely favorable broth, the veggie steamed bun was also great, some nice filling featuring among other things minced mushrooms and seitan.

I also look forward to my next trip (will order the scallion pancakes which I was happy to see on the menu) to this little casual place with a modern and very clean decor. 59 N. 11th Street. Rating 3.5 Stars

1 Star is like McDonalds. 4 Stars is the best there is for its cuisine.

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