Cannolis in Philly

Adam wrote (on the Boston message board):

"it's hard to beat the best cannoli I've ever had, which was at Termini Brothers in South Philadelphia, near Pat's King of Steak. That was the best ever, by far."

I don't know the place? Is it still in business? And is anything else real good there?

I wonder if my favorite Philly bakery, Pink Rose (630 S. 4th St. at Bainbridge St, 215-592-0565), makes cannoli (they're not Italian, but they can make anything well)

When I lived in Philly ten years ago my boss used to bring in boxes of cannoli from Termini Bros. every once in a while (i.e., whenever we all started to look like postal workers on Christmas Eve). They were so good they made the job tolerable for at least that day, higher praise than which I do not know.

Termini Brothers have four locations. The one at Reading Terminal is probably the easiest to find. (While you're there, also check out Bassett's ice cream, one of the richest, creamiest...) But for a trip to the past, to an old-fashioned, Italian style pastry shop, visit Termini's original store at 1523-25 South 8th St. in Phila, 334-1896. Try the pine nut cookies, cannoli, anything with hazelnuts. They have a website, www.termini.com, and an 800# for mail orders 1-800-882-7650. Other stores are at 2125 Oregon Ave in Phila and 59 W Lancaster Ave in Ardmore.

thanks, Carolyn!

do you work for them? (if so, no sweat...I mean, I DID ask for info!). Also, what do you think of Pink Rose bakery?

ciao

The best Italian pastries/cookies I have had yet in Philly are at Isgro's Pastries at 1009 Christian Street (10th and Christian). I know they fill the cannolis to order, but the last time I was there I got those Italian pinnoli nut cookies made with almond paste, and they did not survive the trip down to Balitmore to friends, because we scarfed them all down in the car. The Italian cookies were excellent, better than anything I have ever had in NYC, believe it or not. I highly reccommend trying a cannoli there.

I second the vote for Isgro's. Everything there is wonderful...the cannoli are a thousand times better than Termini, as is the Italian cream cake. The cookies are exceptional, and I know cookies...I go to Leske's in Bay Ridge Brooklyn for great Scandinavian cookies. Around the corner from Isgro's is Sarcone's Bakery with the best rolls and slices of room temp. white pizza with onion and rosemary to die for.

I recently received cannoli via mail from Termini Brothers. Let me tell you, there is no comparison anywhere. The shells were so fresh and crisp they tasted like I just made then myself. I am a South Jersey transfer and have tried I think every bakery from New Jersey to Chicago and there is simply no comparison. PS THE TORRONE IS INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!

Termini's cannoli are off the charts...they are that good, but if pure ecstasy is what you seek then you MUST try the fried ravioli...that's right a fried ravioli at Termini's will blow your mind. Mangia!

That's all well and good, but I need Chicago's best or pretty good cannoli to bring to a Godfather DVD party TOMORROW. If you can share a Chicago location -- restaurant, bakery, deli market -- where I can get cannoli, I promise to try Termini's next time I'm in Philly.