FOCOT Claire, whose loving boosterism of eateries in her home turf of New Haven has inspired me and many others to try out Pepe's and Louis' Lunch and who shared in one of my most memorable overeating episodes, offers this epic tour of Philadelphia. What I love about this write up are Claire's instructions for what to eat when, based on her knowledge of how full you're going to get. You'd best listen to her advice!
Tina -- am wasting time at the airport before flying out to Reno. Just read Mike's post on Pepe's (good thing he didn't go to Sally's) and am inspired to contribute a bit of food tourism we recently organized for a friend of Seth's: I was recently asked by a visiting friend where to eat when in Philadelphia and I realized that the perfect Philly food tour really only consists of meat between bread. And so, I have composed the Philadelphia, one-day, all-sandwich, extravaganza.
Late Breakfast/Lunch: the classic hoagie. Start at Sarcones near the Italian Market. Order any hoagie (avoid the cheesesteak or roast pork, you’ll have that for dinner). You could do just as well at Chickies on Federal Street or at any of the multiple locations of Primo Hoagies but the plus is that Sarcones is convenient to your second stop. (Note: Sarcones is only open for lunch.)
Lunch/Second Lunch: Paesano's Philly Style on Christian Street near 9th. While Sarcones’ was the classic, Paesanos is the innovative take. Order anything interesting/innovative. They also have a second location in Fishtown on Girard Ave where they have a cheap and excellent Italian BYO, Modo Mio. (Note: Paesano’s is only open for lunch.)
Dinner Part 1: Get in the car, cab, or take the Broad Street Subway down to Tony Luke’s on Oregon Ave near the stadiums. Go to the stand, not the sports bar. This is a good spot if you are going to a Phillies or Eagles game. Though Tony Luke’s has concessions in the stadium, the Oregon Ave stand is superior, making all the sandwiches fresh. Order a roast pork with provolone and either broccoli rabe or spinach. You are having a big day, hold off on the cheese fries. In yours truly's humble opinion, if you are going to have only one sandwich in Philly, it should be this one. It will make you cry.
Part 2: For many, the only Philly sandwich they will ever experience is a cheesesteak. You can now pity these people, for you have seen the cornucopia the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection has to offer. To close your sandwich tour, we end at the juncture of Pat’s and Geno’s. If you are a group and you are not all ready to have your stomachs pumped, you may want to do a taste test. The meat is arguably more tender at Geno’s and the cheese fries (yes, now it is time for cheese fries) more luscious at Pat’s. You make the call, you can’t go wrong. And yes, you want the cheese wiz on your steak. Peppers, onions, and mushrooms optional. (Note: open 24/7).
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