Roast Pig, Anyone?

Today and tomorrow, South Philly is celebrating the 9th Annual Sorrento Cheese Italian Market Festival. If you’ve never been to the Italian Market (do you even LIVE in this city?!?), or even it’s just been awhile, this weekend is a great opportunity to go down and get your cuisine on.

The festival is a giant block party from 9th and Federal north to 9th and Fitzwater and the fantastic food is a given: olives stuffed with gorgonzola and fresh mozzarella (or as they say in South Philly, “motz") at the DiBruno’s (930 S. 9th), cannolis the way they’ve been making them for the last 100 years at Isgro Pasticceria (1009 Christian), fresh lobster or spinach-stuffed ravioli at Talluto’s Pasta and Cheese (944 S. 9th), a whole oven roasted pig at Cannuli’s Meats ( 937 S. 9th), and blood oranges at Michael Anastasio Produce (911 Christian). You can also pick up a new copper kettle or wooden spoon at Fante’s Gourmet and Kitchenware Shop (1006 S. 9th) or grab a slice at Lorenzo’s Pizza (9th and Christian).

Street food is going to be abundant, so sample some of the local favorites – just don’t let anybody hear you call it “sauce": This is South Philly, and in these parts, it's "gravy." Three stages will feature local talent and the "multi-cultural mix" of the area: Mexican Cumbia, Cambodian court dance, Irish step dance, and an African choir. This year’s festival is also paying tribute to the Rhythm and Blues Foundation (planning to bring a Rhythm and Blues museum to Broad and South Sts) so you can check out groups like The Blue Note , Phyllies Intruders, and The Soul Survivors while you stuff your face and remember why Philadelphia is all about food.

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