Behind The Scenes:
What Makes City Food Tours Special
July 2024
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At City Food Tours, we believe that the best way to experience Philadelphia is through its incredible food. Our tours are more than just a tasting journey; they’re a deep dive into the city’s vibrant culinary scene, rich history, and dynamic culture. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our food tours truly special.
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Meet Our Passionate Tour Guides
Our Tour Guides are the heart and soul of City Food Tours. Each Guide brings their unique background, expertise, and passion for Philadelphia to every tour. Take Johnny, for example, a local actor with years of experience working in some of Philly’s most talented kitchens. What other professional backgrounds could yield a perfect Food Tour Guide?! He leverages his acting, culinary knowledge, and teaching background to engage his guests with his immense storytelling and quirky sense of humor. Or meet Surge, who recently joined our team to lead our newest Chinatown food tour. Born and raised in China, he’s lived in Philadelphia’s Chinatown for the past three years and knows every inch of the neighborhood. He loves the personal connection that he gets to incite throughout his tours and introduce others to his flavorful and cultural home.
Stories from Local Food Families and Chefs
Philadelphia’s food scene is brimming with talented artisans who pour their hearts into their craft. A favorite stop is Di Bruno Bros, a family-owned cheese shop with a history that dates back to 1939. Their dedication to quality and innovation has made them a staple in the community, and it definitely shows when we’re guiding our cheese tasting on the Locals’ Favorites food tour. Another highlight is Termini Bros. Bakery, where guests get a private tour of their kitchens to see where the magic all happens. Many guests feel the connection to the Termini family as they hear about the century-old recipes that have been passed down through generations.
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As the official tour operator for Philly’s Reading Terminal Market, we have the privilege of sharing the Market’s rich history and showcasing some of the Market’s merchants. Each merchant has a unique story that adds to the Market’s rich tapestry. For instance, you’ll meet Kathy from Tambayan, whose love pours out into her food and through her smile with every recipe and interaction. Or take the Iovine family that manages Iovine’s Produce and Molly Malloy’s. Having almost 20 family members working alongside each other at one time, their family makes up a major component of the Market and truly embodies what it means to be a family business.
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Behind the Scenes Preparation
Creating a seamless and enjoyable food tour requires meticulous planning and preparation. Our team comes together to curate routes that highlight the best of Philadelphia’s food scene while ensuring a smooth experience for our guests. From designing routes to taste-testing dishes, every detail is carefully considered. This dedication to quality is why we consistently receive 5-star reviews from our guests, who appreciate our tours' organization and engaging nature.
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Guest Experiences
Nothing makes us happier than hearing from guests who have enjoyed their time with us. One recent participant, May, shared:
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“Our guide, Kaitlin, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. She gave us tips on her favorites at the market. We have no doubt she shares them with everyone but somehow one feels that she’s let you in on a secret. The length of the tour was just right; too long would be tedious and too short would be rushed.”
It’s feedback like this that drives us to continue delivering exceptional experiences.
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Select Favorite Food Stops
Every stop on our tours is chosen for its significance and quality. One standout on our Historic Old City Dine Around is the Olde Bar (formerly Bookbinder’s), where guests sample their buffalo cauliflower and their fries covered in crab and cheese fondue while sipping on their extra strong fish house punch. The luxurious foods are matched with the building’s elegance that is famously known for its historic founding and celebrity sightings. Another great stop is Mike’s BBQ, which starts our Highlights of East Passyunk food tour on the highest note. Guests constantly rave about their brisket cheesesteaks dripping in melted cooper sharp from this hidden gem in South Philly.
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These stops, among many others, provide a well-rounded taste of Philadelphia’s diverse culinary landscape.
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At City Food Tours, we take pride in offering an experience that goes beyond just food tasting. By connecting our guests with the stories, people, and history behind each dish, we create memorable and meaningful experiences that showcase the best of Philadelphia. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visiting tourist, our tours promise a unique and personable adventure that will be one to remember.