Every Cheesesteak entry has a contestant video. Videos can found by using menu at the bottom of this page. Videos are by region.
Philly Region
12 Jaxx Steaks Taproom vs 14 The Nut Hut Saloon
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure judging 12 Jaxx Steaks Taproom vs 14 The Nut Hut Saloon. It’s interesting how in the early rounds the cheesesteaks can be very different but as we get closer to a champion they get to be very similar. These are two similar cheesesteaks. The Nut Hut may lean towards a bigger beefier cheesesteak while Jaxx maintains a very good balance. Jaxx makes a very good balanced easy to eat cheesesteak. I don’t know what was going on with Nut Hut’s fried onions. Jaxx goes to the Final Four..
Delco Region
6 The Tattooed Pig – Media vs 13 Murray’s Bar & Grille
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure judging 6 The Tattooed Pig – Media vs 13 Murray’s Bar & Grille. I am glad The Tattooed Pig – Media was in the tournament this year. They have made their name and reputation on a different food group (?). They make a very good cheesesteak. They cover the meat and cheese while it cooks. The meat comes out tender, juicy and cheesey. I’ll be back for the Gumbo and Banana Pudding. Vince at Murray’s is making a name for himself making a very good cheesesteak. He has stepped up his game. He has added a secret sauce, another layer of cheese and toasts the whole cheesesteak in his pizza oven. Still priced nicely at $14. It comes with very good french fries. Murray’s moves on to the Final Four.
Other Counties Region
8 Curly’s Comfort Food vs 14 Steaks West Chester
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure judging 8 Curly’s Comfort Food vs 14 Steaks West Chester. It’s the Elite Eight and very good cheesesteak are not going to be moving on. Steaks West Chester makes a very good cheesesteak. Big and cheesy is my analysis in the video. Maybe scoop the roll a little? They ran into Curly’s. Curly’s has cheesesteak dialed in. The ratios and balance are spot on. Thick slice of meat. Perfect amount of cheese so it is a complement to the meat. Very good flavor from the onions. Curly’s did it a little better. Curly’s moves on to the Final Four.
New Jersey/Delaware Region
1 Lillo’s Tomato Pies vs 6 Nick’s Pizza Parlor
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure judging 1 Lillo’s Tomato Pies vs 6 Nick’s Pizza Parlor. This did not turn out the way most people thought it would. Lillo’s represented this region in the Final Four last year. Nick’s Pizza Parlor and Bar is a new establishment 5 years in the making. Nick started out as a pop-up. Then a stand alone. Now a Pizza Parlor and Bar. This was an easy decision for the judges. Nick makes his own rolls. The meat, cheese and onions work very well together. I would have liked more meat flavor. Lillo’s uses a very good roll. It has to be scooped. The bread is dense. You bite it and everything falls out of it. The cheese covers every other flavor. Nick’s goes to the Final Four.