The best Cheesesteak

quote:

Originally posted by Davydd

OK, here's the deal. I get one shot in downtown Philadelphia for lunch coming up soon. I promise I will not seek out a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich.
One shot downtown. What's the best Philly cheesesteak sandwich opportunity?

Don't go to Pats. It's for the tourists and is not really that good

I was underwhelmed when I went to Jim's 10 years ago. It wasn't the same that it used to be

The best cheesesteak in Philly is actually in South Jersey- Gaetano's

Although check out hollyeats website- this might help
www.hollyeats.com/Philadelphia.htm

I wouldn't get a cheesesteak at all. I'd go for an italian hoagie from Primo. www.primohoagies.com

But if I was going for a cheesesteak, I would absolutely go for my one shot to the intersection of 9th, Wharton, and Passyunk where I would get a provy wit from Pat's and Geno's too. They may not be the best, but you must have that experience at least once, and they don't chop the meat into tiny little pellets.

I went to Philadelphia but sorry to say I did not have the cheesesteak sandwich. I got in late on a delayed flight that seems normal with Northworst Airlines. So I did not check into the hotel until about 9:30 PM Tuesday night. I stayed at the Inn at the Union League on Sansom and Broad right downtown. This was quite a place, an old fashion downtown private club with very elaborate interiors. It was started in support of Abraham Lincoln in 1862. Lots of rules. You had to be dressed in a sport coat at minimum. I caught a late dinner of veal cutlets with ragout spinach, beans and currants. I may have broken protocol with a Yuengling on tap when a pinot noir was suggested on the menu.

Breakfast was at the Union League buffet style with a custom made omelette and a wide choice of other things. Then a morning meeting downtown two blocks away and capped with lunch at Davio's, a Northern Italian Steakhouse. I had a Margharita pizza, no steak.

Then it was back to the airport and the 11 hours of flight through he11 began. First my direct flight back to Minneapolis was cancelled. They put me on a 6:00 PM flight through Detroit and on to Minneapolis only that flight never left until 7:30 PM after a Yuengling and a Flying Fish in the bar. Of course I missed my connection and had to wait a couple more hours in Detroit late at night after everything had shut down. I finally got on another delayed flight and got home at 1:00 AM.

It was hectic. I missed the Philly cheesesteak sandwich despite walking by a couple of street vendors serving them.

DavyDD: Maybe you didn't have a cheesesteak, but you did something not many people, let alone Philadelphians, have experienced. And that is being inside The Union League. I've had the pleasure. It is something to behold. Wonderful architecture. Tradition. History. Some scenes in the movie Trading Places were shot there. A very masculine atmosphere.

I work in Philly and could eat a cheesesteak every day if I wanted. I doubt if I'll ever get to eat at the Union League. I never even knew they an Inn there. You learn something new every day!

We are not sure how we ended up at the Union League since it is a rather exclusive private club. Two of us asked for a hotel close to our meeting at 15 Market St and our admin assistant somehow booked us there. Maybe they needed the business. A couple of others traveling to the meeting found out and tried to switch from an airport hotel to the Union League and they were turned down being told it was a private club.

Our new Marucas Tomato Pies franchise in Homosassa, Florida also sells GREAT Philly cheesesteaks, 20 inches long on fresh-baked Northern bread. Out best selling item, can't keep them in the freezer. I am curious who out there has tried the cheesesteaks at the other Marucas franchises in Cherry Hill, Gibsboro, and Easton, Pa., I have no reference of northern customers for feedback.

If anyone gets down here, we are just north of the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, home of the Manatees... lots to do there, and a real good lunch/dinner with us after the day is out...

I can email a menu if you email me at pizzamaker1@aol.com or scullerton@tampabay.rr.com...

Have a great day.. Steve C.

quote:

Originally posted by RC51Mike

It does seem to be one of those subjectively polarizing subjects. So, identifying the "best" is likely unattainable. I'm not a fan of Cheese Whiz or greasy, oil laden cheesesteaks. Some folks are. I like them a little crispy on the edges, provolone and the roll has a sort of chewy, egg wash sheen to it, not like the usual Amoroso- which I think has become a little to white breadlike of late. Some aren't to picky about the roll but, should be. The places mentioned above are all good, the one in Reading Terminal Market was pretty good. Jim's on South too. A friend points out that the best one you ever had was the one at 2:00 in the morning after the bars close.

Jim's on South could be a good sandwich but it is laced with too much cooking grease. They should cook it without all that grease being served. yuk. not me.

Allright my specialty Philadelphia foods. Great cheesesteaks to try.

Rank
NAME
LOCATION
RECOMMENDATION



1 Cosmis South Philadelphia, PA Sarcone roll am. with
2 Chink’s Philadelphia, PA Any
3 Steve’s “Prince of Steaks" Philadelphia, PA Dbl meat, wiz, with
4 Silvio’s , Hatboro, PA Dbl cheese, pepperoni
5 Leo’s Delaware County, PA Whole cheese steak
6 Lorenzos South Philadelphia, PA DBL American with Onions
7 Chubby’s Philadelphia, PA Dbl cheese, American
8 *Kopper Kettle Feasterville, PA Xtra cheese, fried onion
9 John’s Roast Pork Philadelphia, PA Regular
10 *Geno’s Philadelphia, PA Wiz with, ht sauce, relish
11 *Dalasandro’s Philadelphia, PA Regular
12 Hulmeville Inn Hulmeville, PA Regular
13 Welshies Sea Isle, NJ Xtra AM / Onions
14 Mr. D's Wildwood, NJ Xtra AM / FO
15 Gaetanos NE Philly Garlic Bread Cheesesteak
16 Campo’s Olde City, PA American, Fried Onion
17 Casino’s Sea Isle City, NJ Regular
18 Gooey Looeys South Philly, PA American, Fried Onion
19 Ralph’s Tavern Blue Bell Double Pepper, American F/O
20 Sonny’s Olde City, PA American, Fried Onion


These are my top 20 I have many many more but these if I had to name a top 20 would be it.


Tony

quote:

Originally posted by eatingteam

Allright my specialty Philadelphia foods. Great cheesesteaks to try.

Rank
NAME
LOCATION
RECOMMENDATION



1 Cosmis South Philadelphia, PA Sarcone roll am. with
2 Chink’s Philadelphia, PA Any
3 Steve’s “Prince of Steaks" Philadelphia, PA Dbl meat, wiz, with
4 Silvio’s , Hatboro, PA Dbl cheese, pepperoni
5 Leo’s Delaware County, PA Whole cheese steak
6 Lorenzos South Philadelphia, PA DBL American with Onions
7 Chubby’s Philadelphia, PA Dbl cheese, American
8 *Kopper Kettle Feasterville, PA Xtra cheese, fried onion
9 John’s Roast Pork Philadelphia, PA Regular
10 *Geno’s Philadelphia, PA Wiz with, ht sauce, relish
11 *Dalasandro’s Philadelphia, PA Regular
12 Hulmeville Inn Hulmeville, PA Regular
13 Welshies Sea Isle, NJ Xtra AM / Onions
14 Mr. D's Wildwood, NJ Xtra AM / FO
15 Gaetanos NE Philly Garlic Bread Cheesesteak
16 Campo’s Olde City, PA American, Fried Onion
17 Casino’s Sea Isle City, NJ Regular
18 Gooey Looeys South Philly, PA American, Fried Onion
19 Ralph’s Tavern Blue Bell Double Pepper, American F/O
20 Sonny’s Olde City, PA American, Fried Onion


These are my top 20 I have many many more but these if I had to name a top 20 would be it.


Tony

Glad to see Gaetano's is on your top 20. Definetely my favorite in the Philly area so far In my opinion it ranked above Steve's (the roll was good but that's all I tasted, the amount of meat and cheese was very very skimpy) and I haven't tried the others.

quote:

Originally posted by wanderingjew


Glad to see Gaetano's is on your top 20. Definetely my favorite in the Philly area so far In my opinion it ranked above Steve's (the roll was good but that's all I tasted, the amount of meat and cheese was very very skimpy) and I haven't tried the others.

I, too, rank Gaetano's #1. I've never had a sandwich better than the cheesesteak they make.

I"m making my own cheesesteaks tonight here in Chattanooga. The problem, of course, is the bread. There used to be a place in Atlanta called the Mad Italian that made a mean cheesesteak, flew their bread in from NYC, said it was the water. Okay, assume that's true, but what if you were in Chattanooga with some nice ribeye meat and all the other stuff, what would you use for bread? (Obviously, I had to do something, and went for the softest grocery store rolls I could find, but if anyone has a better idea or recipe, I'd appreciate it.)

Steve's in the Norhteast is a much better steak then Steve's in Levittown. You can also ask for double meat if you would like some more.

As far as Gaetano's I love the idea of a roll lined with garlicand melted cheese.

as far as rolls go, I too believe it is a huge factor in any cheesesteak. I would see if you can't find an Italian market by you or a bakery that might offer an assortment of rolls. Most of the good rolls from Philly are supplied by Bakeries...

Tony

quote:

Originally posted by scullerton

Our new Marucas Tomato Pies franchise in Homosassa, Florida also sells GREAT Philly cheesesteaks, 20 inches long on fresh-baked Northern bread. Out best selling item, can't keep them in the freezer. I am curious who out there has tried the cheesesteaks at the other Marucas franchises in Cherry Hill, Gibsboro, and Easton, Pa., I have no reference of northern customers for feedback.

If anyone gets down here, we are just north of the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, home of the Manatees... lots to do there, and a real good lunch/dinner with us after the day is out...

I can email a menu if you email me at pizzamaker1@aol.com or scullerton@tampabay.rr.com...

Have a great day.. Steve C.

Steve - I have been a customer at the Gibbsboro location since it opened, but please note that Pat Milanese has bought that franchise location and now it's even better. It's called Milanese's Pizza. He's been able to add things to the menu, decorate the way he wants, etc. A nicer local family operation I haven't encountered in a really long time. And yes, everything I've eaten from there, which would include cheesesteaks, has been really good!

When I see something like the Eating Team ranking Cosmi's Deli as the best cheesesteak, well I just have to take up the challenge. So today I stopped in, and was very impressed with Cosmi's Cheesesteak Trio (onions, peppers, and mushrooms). Although the steak was chopped, it was in bigger pieces, and not as objectionable to me as the glop that is served at D'Allesandro's.

I had a nice long chat with Mike, the owner, and brought a few Italian Hoagies home with me. Their menu is very impressive. I will have more to say in a separate thread, but will definitely be back to try some of their variety of sandwiches. They are located at S. 8th and Dickinson, just a few blocks from Pat's and Geno's, no table seating though.

Thanks Tony for turning me on to this place.

I was born and raised in NJ and lived there until I was 31. We have lived in New Hampshire for 7 years and the food here stinks! First of all they call it a steak and cheese. If you are ever anywhere and it is called that-do not order-yuk. They cannot make pizza either however we did find one pizza place- a transplant. We are trying to move back "home" to NJ but in the meantime we visit often and consume a lot of Cheesesteaks, pizza, tastycakes, etc.

My favorite would be Geno's. I also like Slacks. The only cheese steak that I have eaten in NJ or Philly that I did not like was Tony Luke's.

Signman, we do tours of Philly all the time if you are interested or anyone else for that matter let me know. We have all the tours allready mapped out with directions on the eatingteam site. I know I am not allowed to give my site on here so if you are interested just email me. Althtough you could probaly figure out the site by my handle.

Tony

Somebody moving in on my Philly tour gigs??
signman: You know where to reach me. Anytime again dude. Let me know when you're in town.

Scott, You know I'll try to connect when I'm in town with some time to spare.

Hey, Have you been to Cosmi's on S. 8th at Dickinson. I was impressed. Nice guy Mike owns the place. Steak is chopped but in big pieces.

Hi Howard, yes, I've been to Cosmi's. Actually, I prefer their hoagies over their cheesesteaks.

Not sure if you heard, but Steve's won this year's Best of Philly Cheesesteak from Philadelphia Magazine.

I have two steak shops that very few people know about that will knock your socks off. They are in my current rotation including Steve's. They are in Delaware County and don't get any of the tourist trade.

When we can coordinate our schedules, I would love to take you them.

I finally made it to Steve's for the first time a few weeks ago and have no problem with them winning Best of Philly. It was one of the better steaks I've had. Mine was whiz with. I'll probably go for double meat next time. The roll was fantastic. From there, we went to Chink's. I have to say the small cheesesteak I had there suffered by comparison to the one I split with a friend at Steve's. The roll just wasn't nearly as good. Still, I enjoyed Chink's for the atmosphere and the fact that it doubles as a soda fountain.

On our site we have a tour with Steve's, Frusco's, Gaetanno's and Chinks. If you are not full yet, while on grant ave go up to Nifty Fifty's and wash it all down with a milkshake and a Texas Tommy Hot dog. Also while at Frusco's look at there french fry options...

* We have a SOuth Philly tour and a SOuthStreet/OldCity Tour as well wIth directions from each place to the next allready done.

Tony

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Stern

Can't help you in NYC or DC, but if you ever get into Connecticut, along I-84 at exit 16, up route 188 in Middlebury is Perrotti's. It's a great place for pizza and calzones ... but they also make an excellent cheesesteak with the onions all hacked up with the beef and buttery mushrooms an option.

Holy Bejeezus! I live about two miles and work about a half mile away from the place and I have been meaning to try the slices, but now this recommendation. I feel that I am behind the on this and more research is required.

mark

quote:

Originally posted by CheeseWit

Somebody moving in on my Philly tour gigs??

Uh...hello?!?!?!

We were planning to go to an Indian buffet for lunch today (Abhiruchi on Murray in Beaverton, Or. - really, really good!) but I was checking out Roadfood and my SO saw the Steve's cheesesteak on the homepage. So that changed our plan. We went to the best cheesesteak place we know of in Portland, Philledelphia's on Milwaukie in Sellwood, and, with a couple of great microbrews the cheesesteaks really hit the spot. I'm not sure what kind of cheese they use but I don't think it's cheese whiz. It's very distinctive, tho. This along with the way the chopped steak is cooked and the roll all add up to something to be craved! Mysteriously, they had no Tastykakes available this visit.

 I grew up in Conshoocken and we ate tlhe best Zep's at Linfante's Restaurant on East Main St. in Norristown. That was in the 50's. We had Zep's at other restaurants, especially in Conshy since we lived there. The best Zep's were always at Linfante's though. The Philly steaks were pretty good most places. I have lived in California since 1960 and would only enjoy Zep's or Philly Steaks when I visited, which wasn't often.
No one out here has captured the true essence of either one of these sandwiches. When on occasion I make my own I get pretty close. Even the so called "original" recipes don't do Linfante's justice. Sure would like to get some authentic Italian bread or a receipe to make my own more often.
 
Bill Carpenter Sr.
Auburn, CA