New food tour offers taste of South Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Get your appetite ready for a new food tour through one of Philadelphia's most iconic locations: the Italian Market.

Whether you've lived in Philadelphia for years or are new to the area, this is a really great way to get a taste of South Philadelphia.

It's a three-hour walking tour that takes you around some of the most iconic South Philly spots, but it also includes some new-ish staples in the community.

"It's just the joy of my life to get to talk to and tell people about these restaurants," says Maddy Sweitzer-Lammé, a food writer and the founder of Tiny Table Tours.

The "Beyond the Italian Market" walking tour starts on Passyunk Avenue, then heads across Washington Avenue and into the Italian Market.

"There are a lot of places that I feel really passionate about and love," Sweitzer-Lammé says.

All along the way, there are samples of tasty bites, and wine too.

"All of the spots on the tour are places that I go all the time, that I love, that my friends love," she says. "I think these spots are really foundational to the city."

Those who embark on this culinary journey try smoked salmon from hidden gem Biederman's and cannoli at the longstanding Isgro Pastries.

There's also a stop at the legendary DiBruno Brothers, but it's not for the cheese or meats. Instead, sip on a unique, featured wine.

"Anyone can go in the cheese shop," she says. "They are great, but less people know about the wine."

It's not all about the sips and bites, you're also sinking your teeth into the rich history and culture of the community.

'This is one of the oldest and continually-operated outdoor markets in America," Sweitzer-Lammé says.

"This whole area, Washington Avenue, was populated by a lot of industrial warehouses," she explains, "so immigrants would live around here and work in the warehouses."

Sweitzer-Lammé also shows people that South Philly's culinary world is more than just our city's famous cheesesteaks.

"I really believe the bahn mi sandwich is truly the iconic Philadelphia sandwich," she says, "more so than the cheesesteak."

You'll get to try it for yourself at Ba Le Bakery.

"Bahn mi has every flavor," says Victor Nguyen from Ba Le Bakery, "spicy, salty, creamy filling, fresh vegetables. It has every flavor."

"My hope is that these tours will give people an opportunity to get outside of the middle of the city and see what it's like to actually live here," Sweitzer-Lammé says.

This is a great option if you have friends coming to town, especially for lunch.

An added bonus: since you are walking, you can burn off some of those calories.

Click here for more information.