The Great Debate in Philly

            Where do you get your cheesesteak from? In my opinion, there are four major competitors-Pat’s, Geno’s, Tony Luke’s, and Jim’s. Some people would say totally different competitors.

             Geno’s founded in 1966 by Joey Vento. Geno's steaks is located in South Philadelphia at the intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, directly across the street from rival Pat's King of Steaks, which claims to have invented the steak sandwich in 1933. Tony Luke’s original place isn’t far from the Philadelphia airport, also located in South Philly. Tony Luke’s has turned his name into a chain and even sells his steaks in grocery stores to make it at home. My personal favorite, Jim’s Steaks on South Street. 

Jim’s has been around for 70 years. They also have a few locations in Philadelphia, but you have to go to the one on South Street.

            The next question many rookies ask-yes I said rookies, there is a right and wrong way to order a cheesesteak. First, state what kind of cheese you want on your roll-whiz, American, provolone, or all of the mentioned. Next, wit or witout-fried onions (wit is Philly slang). Then comes the extras peppers or mushrooms. The most traditional steak is with whiz and fried onions-personally I’m a provolone kind of girl wit. Make sure you are prepared to order your sandwich before you get to the window and all of these places only accept cash!

 Enjoy!

Philly's Up and Coming-Moosh & Twist

Hello Everyone! I have returned from my trip to PA/NJ. Lots of exciting reviews and tips on places to visit. Wanted to spotlight an duo I saw perform in Manayunk's Mad River-Moosh & Twist.

 This duo are the up and coming rapper's of Philly. Do a quick Google search and see how many search results you get. These two are still in high school and are making a big name for themselves up north. Like them on Facebook and get their CD for Free! Music and videos look great-watch out for these two guys. Reppin' Philly!

Jersey Shore-AC

Yesterday was my first day back in good old Jersey. Landed in AC and fist pumped my way to the baggage claim where my parents awaited. First stop after picking up my bags-the outlets! I love Coach bags and conveniently they were running a sale. Food can wait when there’s a sale on Coach. 

Stopped in a few more stores then headed to Harrah’s Casino to The Waterfront Buffet. I’m not really into buffets, but in any gambling town it’s usually your best bet. At The Waterfront there’s different stations with food separated by cuisine-Sushi, Steaks, Fish, Mongolian BBQ. Lots of options and not enough space in my stomach! When it came time for dessert I had gelato and a bite of cheesecake.

            We stopped at White House Subs to bring back a cheesesteak for my Uncle. We usually have lunch here. This place has been around for ages-they only take cash so be prepared. The full size is about the size of my arm-you can split it with 2 or 3 people!

  Afterwards we headed home which is about an hour away. My family and I stopped at my great Aunt Jenny’s farm (grandfather’s sister). I love this lady-she always is giving advice even if you don’t want it and ofcouse she loaded me up with a bag of apples, oranges, and whatever else she could get her hands on before I told her no more! I had a great first day in Jersey and my puppy Bentley was so happy to see me when I got home. Wednesday is going to be an eating marathon-all day in Philly!!! One Bite at a Time!!

Heading back to Dirty Jerz

Finally,  after almost a year, I will be back in Jersey for only 3 days! My ever-growing food list is continuing to grow (like my hunger for a Jim’s Cheesesteak)-how will I make it to all my favorites and what I have added to my list?! I’ll be flying into Atlantic City on Monday morning. My parents are picking me up and I’ll first be headed to the outlets to do some shopping. For lunch, possibly White House Subs. This restaurant has been around forever, its small, and always busy! I have to make a stop in Haddonfield, NJ. There’s a place called The British Chip Shop-for of course fish and chips!!! When I’m in Philly I would love to go to North 3^rd  (old stomping grounds) or PYT (new burger joint that is making big headlines). So many place to eat and just so little time. I’ll take this one bite at a time. 

Lake Eola Farmer's Market-a Delicious Day!

            This past Sunday, I was able to make it down to the Lake Eola Farmer’s Market. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of people that were there. I didn’t know what to expect from a farmer’s market in downtown Orlando, as this was my first time going.  There were about 15 different vendors.

            As I wandered around the area to give the vendors a once over I was trying to decide what I would eat first.  My partner in crime, Dean, spotted fire roasted corn and after seeing the corn on the grill still in the husk that’s what we decided to go for first. The man in charge of grilling and then husking the corn was in high spirits and very excited about the fresh produce. After pulling the husk back, the corn was steaming; he dipped it in butter that he claimed was from Lancaster “Amish Country” Pennsylvania. They sell the butter for about $6 a pound! (a bit to high for my pocket) The corn man also offers additional seasonings to put on your corn like salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, ect. This stand also sells local produce. Some of the other vendors included Korean BBQ, Jamaican food, and the great American hot dog.  After Dean and I got our corn on the cob, which cost us $2, an ear (reasonable) we found our way into the seating area, but without a drink in hand we made our way to the Orlando Brewery tent. They offer a wristband for $10 all you can drink mimosas from 10-4pm (sweet deal if you can walk or cab it home)! We opted for the $4 draft organic beer.  I believe the beer was the red ale, but not totally sure. The brewery located downtown offers free tours (something I will check out soon). There was a local musician taking requests for songs. The atmosphere in the area was great.

            The merchants varied from arts, crafts, and homemade foods. One company I would especially like to give shout out to is the Sun Chowder Emporia. I found this company about a year ago at the Whole Food’s farmer’s market in the Dr. Phillips area. The lady who makes the jams, butters, and chutney is super sweet. My favorite is her jalapeno, apricot, and wildflower honey jam! It has a little kick and is sweet at the same time. It can be used a glaze or dip! Delish! I put it over cream cheese and served it as a spread at a party-amazing! You must give her stuff a try! Everything is homemade without corn syrup or preservatives! Another merchant that caught my eye was Bella’s Gourmet Cheese. They have a variety of cheeses to try. I walked away with brie and the drunken goat cheese (made from goats milk and then soaked in red wine). Unfortunately, I walked away without finding out where their cheese came from or their location!

            The Farmer’s Market at Lake Eola is a must visit, it promises a delicious day ahead of you. It’s open every Sunday from 10am-4pm. Bring along friends and family and spread the local food love. 

Food coming from a Truck?

The food truck culture has started to take shape in Orlando. Finally! Coming from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (a food truck city) there was a vendor on almost every corner. One of my favorite food trucks, The Creperie, was always posted on my college campus, Temple University.  Choices from food trucks were endless, fresh smoothies or bagels for breakfast; warm Philly pretzels for lunch, and cheesesteaks or hoagies for dinner. In the past, many people ate from food trucks because there were not many choices if you did not bring a meal from home. Food trucks were not known for having good food-only a last resort. Today, chefs are ditching their own restaurants to head to the streets to create their next dish in food trucks!

            I just recently learned about the food trucks in Orlando through Yelp!. Yelp! is a website that allows people to review local eating establishments and posts different social activities within the community. After reviewing the website I saw an advertisement for a Food Truck Bizarre. Catching my attention, I went to the event on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando.  There were about eight different food trucks and the lines were outrageous. Some of the trucks that were at the event: Yum Yum Cupcakes (who ran out of cupcakes to sell), Big Wheel Provisions Truck, The Crooked Spoon, and many more. Most trucks have set locations that they appear on a constant basis, but they make special appearances and some even offer catering. Each food truck has something that makes them unique to the food society. Yum Yum Cupcakes makes cupcakes like your grandmother used to. Big Wheel Provisions uses all local ingredients. The Crooked Spoon serves gourmet style food, but at a low cost from their food concession truck.

            The food community in Orlando is growing, a wonderful start. I’m excited to see what the future of food vendors will bring for the city of Orlando. Hopefully the city will loosen restrictions to allow vendors to set up in more locations. Support your local chefs!