1 Angelo’s Pizzeria vs 9 Tony & Nick’s Steaks
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure judging Philly – 1 Angelo’s Pizzeria vs 9 Tony & Nick’s Steaks. This is a much closer match than people think. 2 points separated these 2 cheesesteaks. Angelo’s, I think we all know their story. This was a better Angelo’s cheesesteak than I have had lately. There was some moisture in the roll. I am not a fan of onions laying on top of the cheesesteak. I forgot how much I like Tony & Nick’s. They cook on a low heat so the meat stays tender and juicy. The cheese and onions were mixed in nicely for being on a slab cheesesteak. In the end, Angelo’s chopped meat mixed with the melted cheese squeaked out a victory. Angelo’s moves on to the Sweet 16.
2 John’s Roast Pork vs 7 Callahan’s South St
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure judging 2 John’s Roast Pork vs 7 Callahan’s South St. JRP third generation. James Beard award winning pork sandwich. Everyone in South Philly’s top 3 cheesesteaks. I never had a cheesesteak from JRP that made me think I had to go back and get another one. Until now. For March Cheesesteak Madness we are not getting mushrooms on the cheesesteaks. Mostly because of JRP. I never had a bad time or cheesesteak from Tommy’s kitchen at Callahan’s. Tommy made me a good cheesesteak. I would have liked a slice of two more cheese. JRP moves to the sweet 16 on a few more slices of cheese.
4 Bar Jawn vs 12 Jaxx Steaks Taproom
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure judging 4 bar Jawn vs 12 Jaxx Steaks Taproom. I would like to thank March Cheesesteak Madness for forcing me to go to Bar Jawn. Bar Jawn is a hip spot in Manayunk. If you follow me you know I am not the definition of Hip. I was feeling Bar Jawn. The bartender picked the perfect beer for me. I took her suggestion and I got my cheesesteak ‘drunk.’ Drunk being with Vodka Sauce. The cheesesteak comes with cottage fries. This was top 5 things I have eaten on my Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure. Unfortunately NOT as a cheesesteak. The roll was amazing. I don’t think it is a good cheesesteak roll. I ate most of the meat/cheese/onions/vodka sauce on the cottage fries, amazing. I took the roll home. Air fried it with a smear of meat/cheese/onions/vodka sauce on it, amazing. March Cheesesteak Madness is a cheesesteak competition. Jaxx makes a very good traditional cheesesteak. Victoria, Stephanie and crew always pick a great beer for me. Jaxx moves on to the Sweet 16.
6 Cafe Carmela vs 14 The Nut Hut Saloon
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure judging 6 Cafe Carmela vs 14 The Nut Hut Saloon. Past winner Cafe Carmela is still making a very good cheesesteak. This cheesesteak sat in my car for a while. It held up nicely. Very cheesy. I would have liked more. I would have liked more flavor from the meat. The Nut Hut Saloon is newly renovated and upgraded. This is a big boys cheesesteak. I would have preferred roll scooping. They seasoned the meat. That is a risky move. I am glad they took it. I liked it. In March Cheesesteak Madness size and meat flavor matter, The Nut Hut Saloon moves on to the Sweet 16.