Staff Blog
Where's the best sledding hill in Philly? (1 Answer)
Gnome Watch 2009: Cheesesteak wars and a bite-size virtual tour
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| gnome, wit' whiz |
And then that Roaming Gnome came to town. Surely if he were spotted visiting the Philadelphia Zoo, Art Museum, Boat House Row, Reading Terminal and many other tourist spots around the city during his stay, then he would a) have to gobble down a cheesesteak and b) choose between Pat’s or Geno's.
But he didn’t. I mean, he ate a South Philly cheesesteak — two, in fact. But not from Pat’s or Geno’s.
Instead, the Gnome ate at Cosmi’s Deli (Eighth and Dickinson streets), which had been recommended to him while he visited South Street’s Magic Gardens. While most places know beforehand that the Gnome and his entourage of two are coming for a visit, the folks at Cosmi’s had no idea. Luckily, owner Michael Seccia happened to be in the shop to welcome the lawn embellishment. He gave the Gnome and his posse some brief history about Philly, snapped some pictures, and even admitted, “I feel like I’m in greatness more so than with the President of the United States.
Seccia believes that his cheesesteaks won over Pat’s and Geno’s because “everything is fresh, on the spot. You know, we don’t have things pre-cooked or waiting for you. Everything is made to order for you.â€
His customers agree. Logan Britt, 20, was visiting Philly with a group of friends from Greenville, N.C., and saw the Gnome stuffing his face outside Cosmi's. Ecstatic, she ran toward him, camera in hand. “ Y’all picked the right place for a cheesesteak!†she told the Gnome and his crew. “I’ve been here for two days and I can really tell why Philly won — I wish the Gnome would come to Greeneville!â€
Aside from Cosmi's, the Gnome's favorite place may well have been the Art Museum. After running up the steps like Rocky, he shouted, “I love this city!†Us, too.
Now, watch an audio slideshow showcasing all the places the Gnome has roamed (also on the list: Eastern State Penitentiary, McGillin's Old Ale House and the National Constitution Center):
Thanks for visiting Philly, Travelocity Gnome! Have fun in Cancun/Hawaii/Jamaica.
Thank you Matt at everyone at the Clog for helping make the Roaming Gnome’s journey to Philly such a memorable experience. Keep on rockin!