June 16, 2008

Expo's Philadelphia Freedom

Soak in a Little History; Soak Up a Little Cheese Steak

By Monta Monaco Hernon

Expo, like any convention, is about business, but the SCTE always incorporates something of the host city's flavor into the event, and, of course, Philadelphia is about history (and, well, cheese steaks).

The locale for Expo Evening (Wednesday, June 25, 6:30 p.m.) is one of the city's hottest tourist attractions, the National Constitution Center. "America's most interactive museum" uses multimedia exhibits to tell the continuing story of the Constitution.

Those who can sneak away from Expo early might want to check out some of the other sites within Independence National Historic Park, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, which is one of the most significant buildings in America's history. The Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation were adopted and the U.S. Constitution was drafted here. Timed tickets from the Independence Visitor Center (6th and Market Streets) are required.

Golfing and dining with history

This year's golf tournament (Tuesday, June 24, 1:30 p.m.) will take place in Marlton, NJ, at the Little Mill Country Club, located on the former site of Taunton Forge. The furnaces that operated here produced shot and cannon during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

Hungry after golfing or a long day on the convention floor? To stick with the historical theme, try the City Tavern Restaurant, located at 138 S. 2nd Street. John Adams, who first dined here in 1774 when he came for the Continental Congress, once called it "the most genteel tavern in America."

Today's establishment is not the original structure, which was demolished in 1854, but a reconstruction commissioned by Congress in 1948 as part of the development of Independence National Historic Park. The restaurant reopened in 1976.

The menu currently includes American classics such as Martha Washington Style Colonial Turkey Pot Pie, as well as dishes like Weiner Schnitzel, native to the chef's homeland of Germany.

Also in Philadelphia's "Old City" is Fork (306 Market St.), a "new American bistro," which offers an a la carte menu, including whole black bass, seared duck breast, and grilled grape leaf wrapped salmon.

For a different type of bistro, try Cafe Spice (35 South 2nd St.) for contemporary Indian food, or visit Positano Coast (212 Walnut St.) for "modern Italian cuisine" served tapas style.

Philly's cheese steaks

Setting aside the hallmarks of American history found in Philadelphia and the haute cuisine, the city is also known for the humble cheese steak: a delectably delicious soft roll piled high with thinly sliced rib-eye, smothered with grilled onions and your choice of American, provolone or Cheese Whiz.

At the intersection of 9th and Passyunk, you have the "liberty" to choose between Geno's Steaks and Pat's King of Steaks. Stalwart patrons have their preferences, but if you go to either, please know how to order. Specify the type of cheese you want and say "with" or "without," depending on whether you want onions. Both Pat's and Geno's are open 24/7.

- Monta Monaco Hernon

Read more news and analysis on Communications Technology's Web site at http://www.cable360.net/ct/news/.