Over the weekend of May 19 and 20,
The Italian Market Festival took place in South Philadelphia. Billed as the city’s “largest block party”, this annual, two-day event unfolds right in the
Italian Market (America's oldest outdoor market) and showcases live entertainment, great food, arts and crafts, and a ceremony for the Procession of Saints. It is practically in our backyard, and we look forward to it every year.
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| The Red Alert Band at The Italian Market Festival 2012 |
There were several stages along 9th Street, and the event planners did a great job of booking bands and DJs who played everything from rock to R&B to Sinatra. I had a blast dancing and singing at the top of my lungs during
The Red Alert Band’s set. The Festival bands change every year, but I’d really like to see The Red Alert Band come back - they are seasoned players with a solid set list and they showed the crowd a good time.
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| (L to R) Ian Peacock and Frank Pepe from DiBruno's in The Italian Market |
We love
DiBruno Brothers House of Cheese: they are an excellent source of gourmet food and ingredients, every visit to the shop is educational, and their staff is serious about food but they have fun too. That’s Ian Peacock dressed in an adorable pink pig costume, and his co-worker Frank Pepe riding a blue cow armed with cheese instead of guns. As I was taking the photo’s the DiBruno’s crew had the crowd chanting “Pepperoni, pepperoni, pepperoni” in reference to their festival fave, pepperoni on a stick.
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| Isgro Pasticceria at The Italian Market Festival |
We are blessed with wonderful bakeries in the Italian Market area, and
Isgro Pasticceria is one of them. This photo shows their staff setting out tray after tray of beautiful pastry. I am a fan of Isgro's; their pignoli and ricotta cookies are a staple in our house. During the holidays people travel for hours to stock up on Isgro's goodies - last year I met a family that drove from Virginia to buy cheese pies and cannoli for Easter.
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| Danielle's Candles booth at The Italian Market Festival |
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| Lavender Candle with Pebbles |
The Italian Market Festival spans several blocks along 9th street – once you cross 9th and Christian the section of art and craft vendors begins. There were colorful paintings, a booth where you could dye your own silk scarves, various styles of jewelry made from gemstones, leather and vintage silverware…. We followed our noses to the
Danielle’s Candles booth. They sell realistic food and beverage candles that smell heavenly, but we were drawn to the oddball on the table – a calming lavender scented candle with pebbles submerged in the clear wax. By the way, that's
Sarcone's Bakery in the background; they make the absolute best seeded Italian bread.
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| A PECO Worker Restores Power in South Philly |
Most festival-goers were unaware of this, but at 9th and Ellsworth (on the south side of Washington Avenue) the party was interrupted by a big bang when a transformer blew (or maybe two blew - there were conflicting stories) and many businesses and residents in the area, including us, lost power for a spell. PECO sent their repair crew out immediately, and in less than two hours we all had electricity again.
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| Jeff Yank at SliCE Pizzeria, Still Cooking During the Blackout |
SliCE, a pizzeria at 10th and Federal, stayed open for business during the blackout. We were so happy when they invited us to dinner! SliCE's Jeff Yank treated us to one of our favorites, a
Margherita with fresh mozzarella and basil, San Marzano sauce, and the thinnest and crispiest crust imaginable. I eat at SliCE on a regular basis - in addition to the
Margherita I also recommend the
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Pizza with Bacon, and the
Italiana with prosciutto, Gorgonzola cheese and arugula.
Grazie, SliCE!
Cent'anni!
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All Photos ©Glamorosi 2012 and ©A.D. Amorosi 2012, All Rights Reserved
For more posts about food, tea, fashion, gardening and events:
Glamorosi.blogspot.com
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