Greater Philadelphia natives are passionate about many things, including food. 

• Authentic tamales, homemade pasta, exquisite sushi -- it's all here. 
• Small, intimate BYOs abound.
• Local open-air markets tout "buy local, eat fresh."
• Philadelphia cheesesteaks.

Here is just a taste of some of the regions culinary stars:

Amada, Philadelphia -- Chef Jose Garces has established himself a leader in creating modern interpretations of Latin cuisines. Chef Garces has a recent Iron Chef win under his belt and has won praise for his restaurants in Bon Appetit, Travel & Leisure, Esquire, Food & Wine and Condé Nast Traveler.

Zahav, Philadelphia -- Savor the culinary creations Chef Michael Solomonov's take on Israeli Street food. Bon Appetit included this Israeli restaurant in its “Hot 10 Summer Blockbusters.” Esquire named Chef Solomonov’s latest to its “Best New Restaurants of 2008? and now Food & Wine includes Zahav in its “Best Restaurant Dishes of 2008.”

Morimoto, Philadelphia -- Chef Masaharu Morimoto, star of television's popular cooking show Iron Chef, creates contemporary Japanese cuisine in his ultra-chic restaurant, Morimoto.

Rats, Central New Jersey -- Anyone longing for a visit to a historic European village, but without the time or means to get there, may satisfy their craving with a visit to a new restaurant with the unlikely name of Rat's.

The Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, is one of the oldest farmer's markets in the United States with an astounding selection of baked goods, meats, poultry, seafood, produce, flowers, ethnic foods, cookware and ethnic restaurants. 

The Green Room at the Hotel DuPont, Wilmington, Delaware  -- It's a tough decision...the Porcini-Dusted Veal Porterhouse or the Cumino-Dusted Tuna Medallion?