If you’ve read my review of Jake’s Steaks, you know I’m a big fan, and that I have faith that real cheesesteaks CAN be found in the Bay Area. That’s why I was very intrigued when a friend of mine said that I just HAD to try the steaks at Phat Philly in the Mission. While I resent the insinuation the restaurant’s name makes about my Philadelphia brethren and our weight issues, I can be swayed pretty easily.
GET IT: Several things rubbed me the wrong way as I made my way to the counter. First of all, there’s a “Pepper Bar” in the back that contains a selection of assorted hot sauces. I love hot sauce just as much as the next guy, but there’s no place for hot sauce (not to mention, such variety) on a cheesesteak.
Secondly, the place isn’t even a Philly bar! There’s absolutely no allegiance to any of the Philadelphia sports franchises, and the guy behind the counter looked at me like I was crazy when I asked about it. So, you’re going to steal the greatest sandwich ever invented from the greatest city ever established, use gimmicks like Tastykakes and Herr’s chips (“We ship these snacks in from Philly direct!”), and not have the decency to even PRETEND to support their sports teams? GTFO!!! This better be one damn good cheesesteak.
And finally, there’s the menu (see below). It lists the cheeses: “Whiz (for the purists), White American, Provolone or our all Natural House-Made Cheddar Beer Sauce made w/New Castle Beer.” For the love of God, Whiz is not for purists! Some people prefer Whiz, most people think it’s terrible, and outside of Pat’s and Geno’s, no one really offers it, at least not by default. And what is this “House-Made Cheddar Beer Sauce”? Sounds gross. No thanks. The menu also lists caramelized onions by default. So unless you specifically ask for the cheesesteak “without,” you’re getting those onions.
EAT IT: When I was handed my sandwich, I looked at it, wondering who got to it first (see pic at top of review). A thin layer of steak covered about half of the Amoroso real estate, reminiscent of a shitty diner in Atlantic City. When I bit into it, I found myself gasping for ketchup, something I resort to only when a cheesesteak is too dry. This thing was beyond dry, way too overcooked. They even managed to screw up the Amoroso roll, which seemed a little stale.
WELL? Well, Phat Philly taught us a couple valuable lessons. First, I will never take that friend’s advice about food ever again. Second, even if you manage to procure the right ingredients for a proper cheesesteak, you can still make a mess of it. Phat Philly, you can TAKE A HIKE!
NOT A CHEESESTEAK!
I love how you made a site to talk shit about other peoples establishments. I just got back from a week trip to Philly with my staff and I learned that Phat Philly is nothing but authentic. I went to 21 places in 3 days, met the owners and all. The reality is that our cheesesteak is pretty authentic. Sure, you can disagree and that’s your opinion and I gladly respect that.
But to create a website slandering other peoples’ business is in poor taste. “Take a Hike!” is what you wrote. Really classy. And you know what? I’m not from Philly nor do I ever claim to be. I don’t want all the Philly Sports team in my face all day. But we have albums all over the walls of great artists who are all from Philly. Philly can be known for other things besides sports.
In fairness, you are right. We learned while in philly not to over cook the onions and menus will be changed to say “Fried Onions” instead of “carmelized onions” in the next two weeks. And for the record, I ate at 21 places in philly and they all had Whiz. Steves prince of steaks, Steaks on south, chubbys, delassandros, pats genos, cosmis, campos, mamas the list goes on and on. But hey, whatever you say man.
I only wish you had the balls to meet me in person and give your personal feed back just like everyone else instead of hiding behind some website. I’m more than willing to hear constructive criticism and how we can improve. But to be so pussy as to go online and write this up instead is a joke. I appreciate your thoughts but next time, do what a man does and ask to speak to the owner and share your thoughts. Had you shared your thoughts with me I would have disagreed with out about the sports stuff, but agreed on a few other points.
Having said that, thank you for your comments. So what is it that you do besides devote a web site purely aimed at slandering and libeling businesses that work hard to provide a living for themselves? Maybe we can all come to your work and tell you how it’s done? Actually, where’s your cheesesteak shop? Do you have one? I’d love to check it out. And if it is indeed better than all these others you slander, I’d gladly tip my hat for you and applaud your hard work. Or maybe this is your cry for attention since you can’t take the risk to open up your own place, you go around slandering others. Out of respect for people who run their establishments, write them a letter direct or meet them in person instead of slandering their hard work with your personal opinion. This website is tasteless. If you’re going to be critical, do so from an objective standpoint.
Isaac
If Isaac hadn’t come on and revealed himself, I might have, at some point in the future, been willing to see for myself if Phat Philly’s is up to the hype. But not with that attitude. I don’t give my business to anyone who can’t defend themselves more appropriately. Like…”thanks for your opinion. I hope others can stop in and form their own opinion” …
As for you, Mr. notacheesesteak, you’ve got a great blog. It’s interesting, it could be worth taking your advice, and it’s a good hook. Any plans to visit Texas or Oklahoma sometime soon?
I completely agree with Carlo. I’m from SF and used to hit up Phat Philly’s every once in awhile. Not anymore! Isaac really comes across as a defensive asshole. How can you own a restaurant and not take a little criticism? Keep fighting the good fight, Johnny Notacheesesteak. As for Isaac, you just lost a customer.
dear isacc,saturdaynite i experieced a watress spilling malt vinegar on my clothing.iam following tru with you,i feel 50.00 dollars will take care of the cleaning and the inconvenience of smelling like vinegar and wearing wet clothing for the evening.thank you for your professional attention