Since the Franklin Institute debuted the world premiere of ‘Harry Potter: The Exhibition’ early last month, it seems that all of Philadelphia has been taken over by the magical spirit. Including Reading Terminal Market.
While visitors who head to the Franklin Institute will travel through 21 different sections that cover the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen in the films and stories of ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Fantastic Beasts’ and the expanded Wizarding World, visitors who head to RTM will almost be able to do the same—but with themed treats and offerings instead.
Reading Terminal Market, which boasts over 70 vendors all with unique items, has enlisted some of their booths to offer different Harry Potter-centric sweets, treats and gifts. As an iconic locale that offers something new at every turn (as a representative told Metro, you will never find the same kind of cuisine more than twice), visitors who travel through the market will be under the spell of more than one new offering.
El Merkury for one (which recently opened at RTM in the spring of last year) typically offers menu items that mirror Central American street food, but probably the most popular edible treat to come out of the hotspot is their gourmet churros. And now, there are multiple opportunities to indulge in both the flavor and the magic with their Four House Churros.
If we’re talking staples however, perhaps what has been the most popular treat from the Harry Potter series comes from Diagon Alley in the form of Butterbeer, and some Reading Terminal vendors are finding their own spin on the pop-cultured flavor with Butter Beer Whoopie Pies from Flying Monkey Bakery and a Butter Beer Pop-Tart from Molly Malloy’s (although the flavor is subject to change.)
Other treats include Pretzel Wands from the Pennsylvania General Store, a Pumpkin Cake from Tambayan, London Fog Tea from Old City Coffee Wizard-themed Iberico Cones from A Taste of Spain, Four House Smoothies from Kamal’s Middle Eastern Specialties and Diag’Onion Alley Rings from Fox and Son Fancy Corndogs.
One of the Market’s most notable names, the Famous 4th Street Cookie Company will even have Wizard Cookies.
Not all magical items are food however, also on the list for aspiring wizards and witches are Protection Spell, Serenity and Inner Peace Spell Candles, magical wands, magical stones and mystical world books from Herbiary, an organic shop in RTM selling all sorts of natural beauty and healthcare products.
According to a release, Philadelphia’s historic public market is also popping up a fun Harry Potter photo opportunity. Piano Court will be transformed into Hogwarts Station complete with an eye-catching backdrop and themed props available for visitors to use as they snap pictures. Philbert the Pig, located in Center Court, can also be seen sporting his dress robes.
For a limited time, customers can experience the Magic at the Market and enjoy these special items. Some will be available regularly while other businesses will offer a rotating selection of Wizard-themed treats. For more information on RTM (51 N. 12th St.) visit readingterminalmarket.org
