Philadelphia’s 9th Street Italian Market (the oldest and largest working outdoor market in the US) was in full swing on Saturday morning.
The Italian section of the market turned Hispanic as we walked south.
We had a great time wandering through the stores and the outdoor stalls, checking out the fresh fruit and veggies walking into stores filled with amazing Italian meats and cheese, fresh pasta, bread and spices. Gordon’s chef genes kicked in as he planned our evening meal of grilled chicken breast stuffed with pancetta and pine nuts.
The Italian section of the market turned Hispanic as we walked south.
At the end of the market blocks, we got to the “Philly Cheesesteak” corner – with dueling restaurants of Pat’s and Geno’s. John and I had tried Pat’s so decided to Geno’s a try. (Our decision- go with Pat’s). We split a cheesesteak and an order of cheese fries….just to give the Brits the obligatory taste of this Philly classic. (Their concensus- “once was enough”)
Cheese Fries!
Jean did, however, do a great job on the ordering of our cheesesteaks, following these simple rules:
How to Order a Cheesesteak: A Guide for Tourists
There is a protocol to ordering a cheesesteak at the cheesesteak epicenter of Ninth and Wharton, which, if not followed, can result in being sent to the back of the line Soup Nazi–style, or even worse, getting less meat. At Pat’s and Geno’s, you must order by saying the name of the cheese you want and then “with” or “without” (or as it is often pronounced in South Philly, “wit” or “witout”), which means with or without grilled onions. A correct and traditional order there would be “Whiz wit.” “Mushrooms witout” will get you a steak sandwich with mushrooms but no onions or cheese. You order and pay for your drinks and fries at a separate window.
Acceptable cheesesteak condiments include peppers of all kinds, hot pepper relish, hot sauce, ketchup, dill or sweet pickles but not mustard and mayo (although a really good steak won’t need any condiments).
How to Order a Cheesesteak: A Guide for Tourists
There is a protocol to ordering a cheesesteak at the cheesesteak epicenter of Ninth and Wharton, which, if not followed, can result in being sent to the back of the line Soup Nazi–style, or even worse, getting less meat. At Pat’s and Geno’s, you must order by saying the name of the cheese you want and then “with” or “without” (or as it is often pronounced in South Philly, “wit” or “witout”), which means with or without grilled onions. A correct and traditional order there would be “Whiz wit.” “Mushrooms witout” will get you a steak sandwich with mushrooms but no onions or cheese. You order and pay for your drinks and fries at a separate window.
Acceptable cheesesteak condiments include peppers of all kinds, hot pepper relish, hot sauce, ketchup, dill or sweet pickles but not mustard and mayo (although a really good steak won’t need any condiments).
Once we got back to Laurel Pond, Jean and I made a beeline to the Outlet Mall—just a mile away—and got a short shopping trip in while the guys started the fire and cracked open a few brews. We got back in time to play sous-chef to Chef Gordon and helped him chop and dice.
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