My first sleep wasn't easy, as they rarely are in hotels. The room was pretty clean, but I still sprayed it down with disinfectant, something I've learned from Mom from all the traveling she's had to do from work.
So I woke up early, around 6:30 am. While there was no rain falling, a layer of fog had settled in over the city. But the first order of the day was to run to the Art Museum, ala Rocky Balboa. Now the museum is only about 1.7 miles from my hotel, which is more than reasonable. Though if I'm being frank, running seems to be wearing on my feet more and more. I really do wonder if l will run another race, or at least one more than 3 miles.
The run was pretty straightforward, going west on Race St, before making a 45 degree right turn and running northeast on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. And of course I was playing music from the movie soundtrack on my way. And there were still some puddles to work around, including on the museum steps.
Back to the hotel I went for breakfast. Their buffet includes a waffle iron, a little bit of cereal and fruit, a few generic pastries and breads. But the hot bar did have bacon and I hadn't had bacon in a little while, maybe 2 months? And they didn't have eggs, but they had generic tater tots that looked like they came from the local elementary school.
The shower felt pretty good. And I made it to the Faith & Liberty Discovery Center, right when they opened at 10 am. I actually arrived about 20 minutes before they opened and I took some to reflect on everything that had been going on in my life recently and that's been defined by a lot of torment and hurt.
In the reflection garden adjacent to the center, I realized even Jesus was betrayed by ones closest to him. And I realize more and more why he came to earth and voluntarily went through all of the pain, suffering, and anguish that he did. So he could sympathize and relate to all people go through. That was his choice. The commercials about Jesus getting us. I get that. And that's him showing true love, the truest love there is. Not the weak version that culture tries to talk about that's nothing more than an impulsive feeling. While I think I always knew that, it may have taken something like this to truly own it. I know my faith grew this week. I hope it will reflect in how I think, act, and live.
More people need to know about this museum!
I arrived when they opened on a Saturday and I was the only in the building for the first hour. The center focuses on six virtues: love, faith, justice, liberty, hope, and unity. It went into how America had been defined by these virtues in the past and how they've played roles in shaping the future of this country. Very interactive with music, theaters, testimonies, artifacts, and personality profiles, which is a big deal for me.
I probably spent over an hour there and it was one of the best museums I've been to. Unfortunately, it costs ten bucks to get in and with so many free attractions in the area, I have concerns that it will get overlooked. The museum has existed two years and I hope it will exist for a while longer.
Lunch was much needed and I headed to Old City at the eastern end of Market Street, not far from Franklin Fountain. I wanted a cheesesteak and I opted for a joint that isn't well known, called Oh Brother Philly. I got the cheesesteak on a seeded roll with mushrooms, onions, and provolone. It did take 15 minutes to come out, but that's fine with me since you know it's being made fresh. Awesome sandwich, I love the seeded bread, first of all. The steak was decently seasoned, I'd say my one complaint was the cheese was placed on top of the meat, when it should be in between the bread and the steak.
Then it was time to head down to South Philly for the tailgate. I took the MFL to 15th, transferred to the BSL, and traveled south to nrg.
Inside Xfinity Live, Mets fans were already gathering. We had a special, $4.50 for Bud, Woke Light, and Michelob Ultra. Truthfully, I'm fine with regular Bud, but I'd rather spend twice that much for a good quality beer with a little more flavor.
And the Cloud Walker IPA from Victory Beer Hall hit the spot. It was one of the most balanced enjoyable IPAs I've tasted in a long time, it was certainly my favorite beer from the weekend. I would up getting a second one of those.
I also tried a Stateside peach vodka and iced tea, a lot of folks were trying their drinks. It was decent, but 13 bucks for that can was way too much. I rather would have had an orange crush inside or maybe another beer.
I finally tried crabfries from Chickie and Pete's, a true staple of Philadelphia. The bucket was pretty huge so I decided to pass a few out and make some friends. The Old Bay style seasoning adhered so well to the crispy crinkle cut spuds. And the rich white cheese sauce was the perfect dipping complement. I don't know about 12 bucks a bucket, but yes, they were delicious.
Most of us assembled inside PBR, a country themed bar with a mechanical bull right in the middle. More than a few of us tried to ride it, some better than others. I was not one of them. But between 12 and 3, we went from maybe 50 Mets fans to maybe 1,000, and I know 1,500 tickets were sold.
It wasn't until 3:30 that we headed into the stadium. Mets actually played a good game and won 4-2.
I did want to try a sandwich at Tony Luke's or Campo's in the outfield concourse, but the lines were way too long. And I thought about photographing the Phillies Hall of Fame, but after seeing such wretched names like Juan Samuel and Pat Burrell, mediocre players who killed the Mets in unique ways, I wanted to go vomit.
I left in the 8th inning, I wanted to go back to the hotel and clean up. I didn't care about leaving before a win, I saw what I needed to see. So I caught the 47 bus from 9th and Market, literally as it pulled up to the stop. I took the bus down to Catharine St and walked two blocks to Ralph’s, the oldest Italian restaurant in America, founded in 1900.
I rarely eat Italian food out, about the only time is if I'm in New York or in a legit Italian neighborhood, such as the North End in Boston or Federal Hill in Providence. The Hill in St. Louis, pass.
They had one small dining room, they probably can't get more than 60 people in at a time. To start off, I got an order of roasted peppers and homemade mozzarella. I was leaning towards one of their salads, but I was told they'd be too much for just me. Clearly this waiter didn't know who he was dealing with. But nevertheless, they do make their own mozz in house, so it seemed like a good start. Several times I would lay a slice of mozzarella on their squishy Italian bread, spoon on some peppers, and just eat that. Maybe a little more olive oil or even some fresh basil would've helped, but it was really good.
I knew I had to get the meatballs, it's one of the dishes they're famous for. I got two large ones smothered in their homemade red sauce with a dollop of ricotta. I've never been a ricotta eater, but I figured I could sneak a little bit in. These ground beef and pork meatballs were excellent, super tender and meaty. And I loved the depth of that sauce, I'm pretty sure some meat bones were simmered in that pot!
Admittedly I struggled with what to order next. I thought about clams casino or some broiled sausage with long hot peppers, but I was all peppered out. Finally, with some input, I chose the chicken capriccioso, which had two chicken breast filets topped with eggplant, prosciutto, white wine, tomato sauce, and mozzarella. Unbelievably good, the wine added a nice tanginess to the dish. Cheese was well melted, chicken was moist, eggplant wasn't rubbery.
Dessert wasn't even a thought by this point, I was loaded. I think one more bite and I would have been in some pain.
With two glasses of Chianti, and the tip, it came to $75. Well worth it, I would definitely return, just hopefully not alone. Once again, I caught the bus right as it pulled up, that's twice in one night! And for the second straight night, I collapsed on the bed.
