Eat Like a Lady

Eat Like a Lady on location in Philadelphia

A recent visit to Philadelphia called for a stop at the Reading Terminal Market, home to merchants, vendors and a farmer’s market that opened in 1892. Adam Richman, on Travel Channel’s “Best Sandwich in America,” named one of the market’s vendors as having the best sandwich in America. DiNic’s famous roast pork sandwich is simple; it contains slow-roasted pork, topped with broccoli rabe and aged provolone on a baguette. So how could something so minimal really be America’s best sandwich? While I’m in no position to make such a claim, I certainly can say without any doubts the sandwich is pretty darn great!

I was skeptical of the sandwich’s reputation, due to its simplicity in ingredients. The sandwich is just slow-roasted pork, with aged provolone and broccoli rabe on a baguette. But where the sandwich lacks in interesting components and any dressings, it shows complexity with a perfect flavor combination and balance. The slow-roasted pork is perfectly seasoned. Normally I’d be one for spice and full-flavor, but here restraint is what makes this sandwich so great. The flavor of the pork doesn’t compete with the broccoli rabe and provolone, and in fact, lets those flavors stand out. The broccoli rabe is what contains the kick and the aged provolone adds richness. The pork is also really juicy, and that juice is absorbed into the baguette and by the cheese lining the bottom of the sandwich. As you are eating it, these three components really come together, and before you know it you’ve eaten the whole thing. DiNic’s famous roast pork sandwich gained its number one title because it’s a true comfort sandwich; it leaves you knowing you’ll be craving it again.

DiNiC’s (in the Reading Terminal Market): 51 North 12th Street  Philadelphia, PA ($)