My traveling days have been a bit limited these last three years since the birth of my son, Jack.  But a trip with international flair is still a weekly habit for his mother, Jack and me when we take a Saturday morning trip to Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia.

No longer a train station, it’s now a market — the market for locals who go for the fresh produce, meats, seafood and so forth.  It’s also a bit of a tourist stop because of the convention center and hotels nearby, and it’s definitely a lunch spot for office workers in the area.  Of course, there are places where you can spend a ridiculous $6 on a decorated cookie your son absolutely must have, but the integrity of the urban shopping for local goods remains intact.

Despite calls to modernize the joint with marble tile and brass chandeliers, Reading Terminal Market maintains nearly the same look as when it first opened in 1892.  I’m pretty sure the 1930s bathrooms hadn’t been updated at all until a recent renovation. And despite cleaner market stalls and air conditioning, there’s an authentic feel that still draws regulars who could not imagine shopping at a supermarket when this place exists.

Beyond the local produce, though, is the international feel I mentioned earlier.  You can get a macchiato as good here as in Italy, guacamole and salsa varieties like they’re from Mexico, Chinese duck noodle soup, a genuine New York pastrami on rye, passion fruit from the tropics, Thai curry, sushi, Spanish throw blankets and Middle-Eastern style chicken and lamb.

Jack literally has grown up here.  His first outing, at two weeks of age, was RTM; and now he’s as familiar to fellow regulars as to the long-term purveyors.  Whatever is happening in our lives, RTM is a must each Saturday morning, or the week ahead just doesn’t feel right.

If you go, parking is only $4 for two hours across 12^th Street as long as it’s validated inside the market at a place where you spend $10 or more.  Try the Olde City latte and a bagel from LeBus.  Ask the price before buying a decorated cookie and save the difference for the homeless guy outside.  Give him a buck, and you’ll be greeted with a wide-eyed shout: “Goddamn!”

— Bob Borzotta, director of digital media