Pauls Philadelphia Eatery

Many in Philadelphia maintain that the Hoagie was invented in here.  Declared the official sandwich of Philadelphia in 1992, the sandwich is composed of an Italian roll with sliced meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.  Although it’s description may sound like a regular sandwich, the Philly Hoagie is a unique blend of flavors that is uniquely Philadelphia.

There are many restaurants in Philly laying claim to the best Hoagie.  Most recently, Lee Hoagie House has consistently won awards for the best sandwich.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to try it, it’s definitely worth a trip to any of the locations throughout the state.

Philadelphia traces its roots back to German settlers.  During the early days around the 1700’s, a large portion of Philadelphia spoke German.  In fact, many places in southeast Pennsylvania have German names.  So it’s not too surprising that those German settlers brought their traditions and taught the natives the art of making pretzel.  From that tradition came the love for pretzels and the desire to make it better than any other state.

The delicious soft pretzel is a fresh, soft, chewy – sprinkled with coarse salt.  With a golden brown color that makes your mouth water just looking at it.  Dripping it in yellow mustard is the idea way to eat it.  If the pretzel does not appear to be fresh then avoid it.  Its best to get one that is freshly made as opposed to something you find in a plastic bag from the local grocery store.  If you want to try the real time then accept no substitute because there is a large gap between the real time and imitation pretzels.

It doesn’t get much better than the Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich.  The sandwich is traditionally made of sliced beef and melted cheese on an Italian roll.  In Philadelphia, the debate rages own between Pat’s Steaks and Geno’s Steak, which are both interestingly located across the street from one another, in terms of who has the best cheesesteak.  Just ask any one in Philadelphia and they will have an opinion considering who is the best.  Parents, grandparents, children, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters will argue until they are red about who has the best steak sandwich.  Some will even go as far as what type of cheese is the best on top of these sandwich, American cheese, Provolone, or cheese whiz.

For those that don’t know, the cheese is melted and poured on top of the sandwich and creates an unbelievable favor.  So the next time you are in Philadelphia, make sure you get ourselves over to some of the top restaurants or eatery to try what the natives are fighting over.  Oh.  I almost forgot.  Go on any empty stomach and get one sandwich from Pat’s and one from Geno’s so that you can settle the debate, at least in your own mind, whom is better.  And if you are not sure what to order, just stand to the side and watch the natives or ask.  They will be happy to give you their recommendations.