You may already know that Philadelphia is home to amazing restaurants, but were you aware that many Philly chefs also have their own cookbooks? They're great for bringing the foodie experience back home. Below are some of my favorite cookbooks from Philly authors and chefs:
(Click pics or book title to purchase *Disclosure: post contains amazon affiliate links)
What better way to learn how to make an excellent pizza than from Chef Joe Beddia of Fistown's Pizzeria Beddia fame? Even if you haven't been for a slice, you may be familiar with the endless line of people trying to snag one of the 40 pies he makes a day. But what makes this book great is that it's more than recipes; Beddia describes it as a “love letter and thank you to Philadelphia" and dedicates a couple of pages to museums and public art in Philly.
This year marks Reading Terminal Market's 125th birthday and this book perfectly encapsulates its colorful history and incredible dishes. From Pennsylvania Ductch apple dumplings to a proper Philly Cheesesteak, the book showcases market vendors' diverse recipes. Plus, it makes the perfect gift for the avid cook.(*hint Mother's Day gift*)
Pick up this book if you're interested in the rich history of South Philly's Italian Market but also want to learn how to make some legit Italian red sauce or other historic dishes found in the market. The book showcases vintage photographs with an intimate viewpoint into the busy market.
When guests are in town, I love stopping by City Tavern, and not only because you can try beers made from the recipes of the founding fathers. At City Tavern you can dine in the room where it happened. Now, you can cook the food that fueled the debates of our forefathers.
Judy Wicks, the founder of White Dog Cafe, teams up with Chef Kevin von Klause for this book that boasts more than 250 contemporary American recipes. In line with White Dog's socially responsible values, the recipes call for environmentally sustainable ingredients. You can say the dishes are as innovative as White Dog's canine inspired decor.