Here are some others to try...While Amish baked goods are often very surgery for most palates, the herbed and cheese biscuits sold at the Amish Bakery are worth a try. The little "cheezers" (hot dogs with cheese in them rolled in a home made pretzel) at Miller's twist are divine. There are five small appetizers sized dogs so you can easily share. Remember malted milk balls? The Amish candy stand sells them in dark chocolate, perfect for an adult palate. The fire roasted salsa at the Mexican stand is excellent. If you have never tried the local Pequea Valley yogurt and prefer a sour cream consistency, it is sold at the Amish stand near Arch Street and Fair Foods. Agreed that the pork, provolone and rabe sandwiches are worth the wait (go at 11:00 am and beat the rush). Salumeria has the best Italian hoagie in town (and I am not a hoagie fan). Be sure to ask for roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts. Dark chocolate covered pretzels (large ones, not the pack of the minis), brand name Ashers, sold at the Pennsylvania Store are worthy of the trip to Philly. I prefer the Oatmeal Raisin cookies at Fourth Street, but would understand anyone loving the chocolate chip variety.

Costco (off Rt 309 Philly) has the small containers of Sahara hummus that last us through a summer time of car trips, bike rides and long walks. The Jarlsberg is also good, though quite large. Bulk toothbrushes and dental floss an excellent buy. I worry how all that meat, fish and chicken has been raised and processed so I leave those purchases for the nearby farms.

While it is true that RTM is a mob scene during the Flower Show (try going a little before noon), not many folks have discovered Molly Malone's (toward the back of the Market) and it is simply fabulous! I have been there three times, my third visit today. I swooned over the short ribs wrapped in an empanada type dough, devoured the pork and cider sauteed onion sandwich and the challah, goat cheese and greens grilled cheese was out of this world. I thought I would miss the Beer Garden, where you could pick your sandwich at RT and tuck in there for a beer. But Molly's will become a new favorite at the Market. Huge sandwiches (brought home half on each lunch visit), deep flavors, good service (even during the Flower Show) and very reasonable ($8.00 for generous portions). I was not expecting such an outstanding destination...well worth a try.

I was dreaming of the succulent scallops that only Groben's offers and found their Germantown institution closed for business. Does anyone know what happened to the highest quality fish monger on this side of town? Devastated...been shopping there for two decades.

I have a VERY demanding 90 year old mom, enjoys contemporary food in a quiet setting. Suggestions and thoughts on Persimmons or Pesce?

An amazing Mennonite stand, on the way from the Morgantown exit of the turnpike on Route 23, driving toward Shady Maple. If you get off at the Morgantown exit, be sure to stop at the Windmill for some drop dead frozen ice cream (chocolate has bits of chocolate in it).

About 3/4 of the way to Shady Maple, there is a stand on the right with just about the best produce anywhere. (We drive from Philly, too.) If you are also looking for a great price on Asher's chocolates and Wilber Buds, Shady Maple grocery store is the place to go. Most folks know Shady Maple for their very touristy buffet but the grocery store is worth the visit.

Also, while you are there, if you take a right turn, just before the entrance to Shady Maple, there is an organic farmer about a 1/2 mile on the left who has a refrigerator right outside on his farm (Down the Lane Farm) and the eggs, meats and chicken are simply unbeatable for price, quality an taste.

Very appreciative of the range of suggestions. If it wasn't business and leading an early morning meeting, I would be on the first L downtown. We will be taking a cab to someplace nearby. Anyone else been to Nick's Fishmarket?

I will be staying at an airport hotel (two day meeting) while aching to try some of the wonderful fare in your city. Could someone recommend any type of food a Chowhounder would enjoy that is somewhat close (10-15 minutes) from OHare? I will be with about five folks from both coasts and all are fans of ethnic foods, steaks, whatever. I promise I will venture far and wide next time I am in town! Much appreciation

Hi, I'm looking for a tasty restaurant in Phildelphia that can accommodate 30 guests for a business dinner on a Wednesday night? I'd prefer renting out the entire venue or having a separate floor or large room within a restaurant rather than, for example, having a private room at a hotel. My preference is also for something ethnic, but I won't rule out any restaurant that has wonderful food! If you've had a great experience with this sort of thing I'd love to hear about it. Thanks.

When I was last in Poughkeepsie, I stumbled onto an extraordinary artisianal cheese producer and a tiny store (in front of the cheese production), close to the Taconic. I lost the article where this outlet was referenced...does anyone have an idea of the name and where it is located. Thanks!

We have been to Taste of Portugal many times and while the food can be overly salty, it is a welcoming restaurant for children. The neighborhood is ethnic, with moderate and low-income housing, generally the type of neighbohood one finds chowhound type of fare. Children are welcome and doted on by the staff. And youngsters have the chance to see another neighborhood in Philadelphia, which might look different than their own.