U Do It discovers the Italian Meatball Parm Cone while attending the Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia. On Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at 8:30AM I drove over to Phila from Mickleton, NJ in my little 2003 Chevy S10 beater. I bought this truck for that very reason. It’s a 30 minute ride for me taking 295 North to 76 East to Exit 349 Broad Street right where Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks is located. One day I will go there! Then onto East Snyder and to 11th St. gets you close.

The Walk in the Park-ing

I was told parking on South 9th Street is easy to find but it’s completely closed since the festival occupies it as well as some side streets. After 20 minutes I found a great spot a few blocks away. It helped that I left early since the festival starts at 10AM. Parking a little distance away gave me time to observe the beauty of Philadelphia as I walked towards the festival. My drive in and along my walk you couldn’t help but notice that the city is patriotically decorated. It normally is but more so this year since it’s the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

What and Where

The 9th Street Italian Market starts at Fitzwater St and ends at Wharton St. along South 9th St. That’s 10 blocks of great restaurants and shops for you to enjoy in South Philadelphia. It’s home to places I have yet to visit like Angelo’s Pizza, Sarcone’s Bakery, Ralph’s Italian Restaurant, and more.

On Wednesday, May 13th I attended our friend René’s birthday celebration at Rim Cafe. Cosimo of Puglia Pizza introduced me to Zio, who is the owner of J and J’s Pizza on the opposite corner of Rim Cafe on Federal and South 9th Streets. In the gif, Zio is directly behind me on the right. Chef Cosimo is to the left of Zio along with The Moose Chris Cunningham on the very left.

J and J’s Pizza

J and J’s Pizza occupied a strip of South 9th St. that ran the length of their property with their pizza, sausage, desserts, and their Famous Italian Meatball Parm Cone on display. I was welcomed into their space and captured some footage of them working their magic.

They had traditional cheese pizza on display as well as gourmet pizza. I asked Ernesto what he recommended and he suggested a slice of Vodka Parm! And then I had to try the Italian Meatball Parm Cone.

The Famous Italian Meatball Parm Cone

I love meatballs and finding someone who makes them the way I like is tough. Mrs U Do It’s mother makes some of the best meatballs. I asked her how she makes them and she says a little of this and a little of that. HA! But, she did send me something that explains what she uses and how she makes them.

This was Mrs U Do It’s meatballs down the shore at our house in Wildwood

Biting into this Italian Meatball Parm Cone was a flavorful experience that is equivalent to mom’s meatballs. It was so good. Who doesn’t like meatballs on a roll? This is next level because it’s pushed into a hollowed out roll. Each meatball is topped with parmigiana cheese, a little sauce, and garnished with grated cheese and basil. This was amazing. I really hope you get out and try it!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by U Do It (@realudoit)

A Slice of Vodka

Ernesto suggested I try a slice of Vodka Parm. I’m really a traditional slice of piece kind-a-guy. And I’m grateful for his suggestion because this slice was amazing. From this point forward I will try gourmet pizza whenever possible. From the first bite to the last, each was filled with a new flavor. The blend of the vodka sauce, combined with chicken, parmigiana cheese, the dough, and the crust was one I’ve never had before. Nearly every bite had a chunk of chicken in it.

Ernesto showing me the slice of Vodka Parm before I give it a try! Chef’s Kiss!!!

Date Night

I’ll be taking Mrs U Do It on a date night to J & J Pizza for sure. And when we’re done, we’ll grab an espresso from René’s Rim Cafe across the street. I also want to visit their other location: Zio’s Brick Oven Pizza on 111 13th St. in Philadelphia.