I know, I know… if I can’t find a decent cheesesteak in New York, what makes me think I’ll find one in the middle of the desert of Tucson?
Well, first off, when you walk into the place, there’s a stand with a ton of brochures for Philly and Philly-area things, like Philadelphia Walking Tours, Outlet Stores (Limerick, PA, WOWOWOWOW!), Rehoboth Beach (eff Delaware), and some Jersey Shore points. Not totally convincing, but a nice effort and a nice start. Next, there’s the wall-to-wall dec
or of famous cheesesteak places. And not just your typical Pat’s and Geno’s, but also Jim’s, Tony Luke’s, and two of my favorites, Dalessandro’s and Chubby’s. What REALLY sold me, though, was the Frank Rizzo campaign poster. My late grandfather, an ex-Philly cop, once served as Frank Rizzo’s personal bodyguard. So, you know…
GET IT: I went to the counter where I was greeted by Frankie himself. When I told him I was from Philly, he immediately got excited and told me the cross streets where he grew up (3rd and Porter), and then asked what neighborhood I was from. In an effort to not sound like a pussy, I dodged his question and just placed my order: “Provolone, without.” That was it. Done and done. A few minutes later, I was handed my sandwich and I was out the door.
EAT IT: I must admit, when I unwrapped the thing, I teared up a little. It looked beautiful. Perfect amount of cheese. Steak chopped just the right amount. And the roll – Frankie flies in Philly’s own Amoroso rolls – smelled great. On first bite, I knew right away: this is the BEST DAMN SANDWICH I HAVE EVER HAD OUTSIDE OF THE PHILLY/SOUTH JERSEY AREA. PERIOD. Now I can go on worrying about more important things, like “Will Brad Lidge blow another save today?” (yes), and “How long before some idiot from Kensington makes a mural of Michael Vick killing a dog with a Cowboys jersey on?” (less than two weeks).
WELL? Here I was, over 2000 miles away from Philadelphia, and someone finally figured out how to make a freaking cheesesteak. All it took was a displaced South Philly guy named Frankie who has the balls to fly Amoroso rolls into Tucson, AZ. So what did we learn? People who grew up outside of Philadelphia are still idiots who don’t know what they’re doing. Ladies and gentleman, we have our first…
CHEESESTEAK!!!
Thank you for the wonderful endorsement, I believe eating thousands of cheesesteaks as you and I surely have does give us great understanding of what a real cheesesteak should taste like. A secret I will share with you is that Frankie’s cheesesteaks uses Aged Certified Angus Beef in its cheesesteaks, and there is non better meat in the country. The Amoroso roll and the C.A.B. makes the cheesesteak have that true Philly taste that you and I live for. Jim’s also taught me how to caramelize the onions, and no body does the onions better then Jim’s. Thank you having your wonderful web site available for all us Philly people and letting others know what to look for in true Philly cheesesteaks. keep up the wonderful work of cheesesteaks love.
Frankie
Hey I was reading your great reviews and wanted to pick your brain.. I from Phila, last address was 3rd and Carpenter but have been living in Italy for the last 2 years. anyway, we return to Alabama (outside Huntsville) in May. Have an opportunity to do my own thing and REALLY want to open a cheesesteak place in our little downtown area. Want authentic rolls, the best meat, etc. Also will just do steaks, and soda, and chips from philly if possible. I will be far away from you, so thought you could give me some connections. Have been in medical sales for many, many years and have cash but will need a loan as well. That is another story, I know. Any help would be appreciated and when I come your way, will stop in for sure….