A PHILLY CHEESESTEAK THROWDOWN
On our recent trip to Philadelphia we simply had to try a famous Philly Cheesesteak, as according to my son, no trip to the City of Brotherly Love is complete without one. So, after our gastronomical feast for the eyes at the wonderful Italian Market (read about it here), we headed a little further down 9th Street until we arrived at the intersection of cheesesteak heaven. It is here that the world famous Pat’s and Geno’s go head-to-head, 24/7, serving up their sandwiches from street corners opposite each other. Since this was the first time we would try this Philadelphia food staple, we decided to have a Philly Cheesesteak Throwdown of our own and try a sandwich from both establishments. First stop: Geno’s
When walking down 9th Street from the Italian Market area, one comes upon Geno’s first. For this reason we stopped at Geno’s first. We arrived at around noon time and noticed that Geno’s seemed to have more patrons than Pat’s. Was this a sign that Geno’s was better? Or, was it just because it was the Philly Cheesesteak proprietor that, like us, people come to first? Below is the menu of everything they offer. We selected the Cheesesteak, priced at $10.00 at both Geno’s, and at their competitor, Pat’s, across the street.
Both establishments offer their Cheesesteaks with a choice of 3 types of cheese: American, Cheez Whiz or Provolone. Keeping with tradition, we ordered our Cheesesteak with “Whiz”, which according to those Philadelphians in the know, is the only way to go. Rumor has it that the so much Cheez Whiz is used on Philly Cheesesteaks that they are literally keeping the brand in business. So, under the circumstances I acquiesced, eating a processed cheese product that ordinarily would never cross my lips.
We watched through a steamy window (sorry for the quality of the photo) the thinly sliced beef being cooked on a griddle.
Chopped onions were grilled alongside. Then Cheez Whiz was spread on a roll, the meat was added and onions were sprinkled on top.
The result was this, my first Philly Cheesesteak, which I split with my husband. To be perfectly frank, as you know I can be, I was a little disappointed with the flavor. I thought the steak lacked salt and the onions would have tasted better had they been allowed to caramelize.
I also thought that they could have been more generous with the amount of steak, as it sure didn’t look anything like the Philly Cheesesteak pictured on the menu or on top of the building.
So, moving right along, let’s cross the street to Pat’s. Pat, the self-proclaimed inventor of the Philly Cheesesteak, who also calls himself the “King of Steaks, is also the “Original” proprietor of Philly Steaks. He has been in business since 1930. His neighbor Geno is the new kid on the block, as he started selling steaks in competition with Pat starting in 1966.
The menu offered at Pat’s is very similar to Geno’s, however Pat also cooks up hot dogs and fish cakes.
And Pat’s had a condiment bar with self-serve pickled peppers.
Both establishments have covered, outdoor seating on picnic tables.
So here is the big reveal, Pat’s Philly Cheesesteak.
So, what were the results of our very own Philly Cheesesteak Throwdown??
We preferred Pat’s!!!
It not only looked better, Brad and I agreed that it tasted better as well. While the bread it was served on seemed to be identical to Geno’s bread, Pat’s was more generous with the Cheez Whiz, and all in all, Pat’s Cheesesteak seemed to have more flavor as well. So what do you think? Have you been to Pat’s and Geno’s?
What’s your favorite?
Geno’s…
or Pat’s??
Please take this poll and let me know.
So there you have it: A PHILLY CHEESESTEAK THROWDOWN
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All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Unless otherwise credited, all photos are the original property of Celia Becker @ www.AfterOrangeCounty.com and may not be reproduced without specific permission.
