Being the sushi-eating, Cosmo-drinking Penn student that you know you are, when you think of the Rittenhouse area, you no doubt envision trendy stores chock-full of chic clothes perfect for you to outdo your friends on Thursday nights, swanky new bars and restaurants in which to see and be seen and maybe Scoop de Ville. But at the corner of 19th and Sansom, Rachel's Nosheri throws all those pretentious Rittenhouse standards right back in your latte-sipping face.
Quite different from the white tablecloths and hostesses in neighboring restaurants, a cash register and a food tray line greet you at the entrance, immediately evoking nightmarish memories of freshman year dining halls. But don't worry, the friendly staff (happy to give samples and make suggestions), extensive menu and daily-posted specials will put your mind at ease. The black and white striped wallpaper, framed and signed photos adorning the wall and fake roses remind you more of a New York deli than a diner. Stools at the front window are perfect for downtown people-watching.
You cannot leave without trying one of the loaded and creatively named sandwich specials. The Hickory Dickory sandwich -- layers of ham, turkey, lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing -- is incredible. The chicken salad is delicious (not too mayonnaise-y and without nuts), perfect for those of you self-proclaimed chicken salad connoisseurs. If you're trying to keep your girlish figure, Rachel's even has healthy options including fat-free soups and salads.
But please save room for the enormous cookies. The "loaded" one: walnuts, chocolate chips, raisins, and coconut (basically everything but the kitchen sink) may sound like a messy conglomeration of too many flavors, but it's perfect to snack on as you stroll back to campus. Be sure to silently laugh to yourself as you pass the cute cafe/sandwich shops serving mini watercress sandwiches for a small fortune. After all, who would have thought you could leave the Rittenhouse area with both a full stomach and a full wallet?
One last word of warning: Rachel's stops serving breakfast at 11 a.m., and closes at 4 p.m. But for eggs any style under $2, what are you whining about?
Rachel's Nosheri 120 S. 19th St. (215) 568-9565
