What Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton Should Have for Lunch in Philadelphia

It's the tradition for presidential campaigning here in Philadelphia: A big dust up in the media about Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama shoving a cheese steak in their mouths on camera.

The famous proprietor of Geno's Steak, Joey Vento, has even challenged the candidates for the Democratic nomination to show up at his store and bring publicity with them. I mean, it worked out so well for Rudy Guliani this year. Why wouldn't they want to, right?

But no matter whether you eat Geno's bad, over-priced cheese steaks, the bad, over-priced across the street at rival Pat's, or any in between, your local voters could really care less.

You see, we Philadelphians aren't really crazy about cheese steaks. You must be saying to yourself, "What? Have I been mislead?" Well, frankly, yes. Oh sure, cheese steaks are pretty good. They're greasy, covered in drippy cheese, stuffed with beef and peppers and onions. But you outsiders act like we each eat four a day or something -- like we would die without our fix.

Every regional billboard has a clever reference to their particular product being as good as a cheese steak. Every show or movie supposedly set in Philly has got someone eating one. And every presidential candidate gets filmed and snapped digging into one to look regional and folksy. John Kerry's asking for Swiss on his steak at Pat's is one of the things that cost him the presidency, in the opinion of many.

However, I implore you, please, don't do it. We don't care if you like beef and cheese together. Might I suggest a more well-rounded and truly Philadelphian food-related press opportunity: Reading Terminal Market.

Right in center city, not far from your hotel, the Market offers more food than you could ever hope to eat. Not only is it folksy, because it's where we shop for groceries, but the market also provides a gateway to local foods that we love and cherish.

Here are some tips for what to pick up while you're there:

* Roast Pork Sandwich from Dinnic's - The Washington Post recently published an article about how a roast pork hoagie (which they stupidly called a sub) with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone was the true defining Philly sandwich. This truly is the sandwich that would cause us to die without our fix. Dinnic's in the market is one of the best in town, and since I sat down to write this article, my mouth hasn't stopped watering. This is the kind of sandwich you want for a photo op.

* Local Booze - Try a wine tasting at the Blue Mountain Vineyards shop or see if there is a local brew like Yard's or Troeg's at the beer garden.

* Delilah's Mac and Cheese - This one is particularly helpful for Obama, as Oprah has openly called this her favorite Mac and Cheese.

* Sample Some Amish Fare - What could spell out a connection with rural ideals more than your significant other chatting with a woman in a bonnet while you buy a pound of homemade pickles?

* Have Some Dessert - We have a delicious selection available. I recommend Famous 4th Street cookies or a slice of the regional favorite shoofly pie.

As you can see, there is absolutely no reason for a presidential candidate to ever eat a cheese steak again. The overwrought, over-hyped, over touristy foodstuff has seen its day in the political eye, and it is time for its sun to set. However, if you must take Mr. Vento up on his challenge, could you at least order a "wiz wit"?