NEW JERSEY—Mama's Meatballs and Pizzeria (2673 Haddonfield Rd, Pennsauken Twp, NJ) has transformed, at least regarding its cheesesteak. My recent visit, part of the ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, revealed a significantly bigger sandwich than I remember, presenting advantages and challenges. Mama's Meatballs and Pizzeria The Changes: "Bigger is Better" Mantra? Mama's has adopted a "bigger is better" philosophy for their cheesesteak. This translates to a substantial … [Read more...]

NEW JERSEY - Cockadoodle Dan's Wings & Steaks (75 E Main St, Moorestown, NJ) offers a cheesesteak that, while enjoyable, falls just short of greatness. This review, part of my ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, finds a sandwich with several positive attributes but with a few key areas that could be elevated to reach top-tier status.   Cockadoodle Dan's Wings & Steaks The Good: Seeded Roll: A definite plus! Cockadoodle Dan's starts with a seeded roll, a … [Read more...]

NEW JERSEY - While technically across the river in New Jersey, Lillo's Tomato Pies (2503 Marne Hwy, Hainesport, NJ) remains a serious contender in my Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure. This isn't just a pizza place that happens to serve cheesesteaks; it's a spot that puts thought and effort into its sandwich game. However, as always, there's room for refinement. The Strengths: Thick-Sliced Steak: Lillo stands out for its thickly sliced steak, a deliberate choice that emphasizes … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Bar Jawn (4247 Main St, Philadelphia, PA) in Manayunk delivered a cheesesteak experience that was anything but predictable. From a parking-related pre-meal encounter to an unexpectedly delicious vodka sauce addition, this visit was a rollercoaster of emotions – and, ultimately, a very positive one. The adventure began before I entered the bar, with a "conversation" (as I'll diplomatically call it) with a parking authority representative. Let's say it added some … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA - Mama's Pizzeria (426 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA) delivers a cheesesteak experience about abundance. This isn't a delicate, nuanced sandwich; it's a hefty, flavor-packed cheesesteak that leans heavily on its cheese and meat. As part of the ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, this stop revealed a cheesesteak not for the faint of heart (or stomach). The Cheesesteak Breakdown Three-Legged Stool: The reviewer uses the analogy of a three-legged stool (roll, … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA - Dagwood's Pub (4625 Linden Ave, Philadelphia, PA), a Northeast Philly establishment, is already a place I hold in high regard. This visit, part of my ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, reinforced that positive impression, though, as always, there's room for a cheesesteak to evolve. The Dagwood's Vibe: Dagwood's is more than just a place to grab a cheesesteak; it's a neighborhood spot. The couple beside me, sharing four appetizers, speaks volumes about the menu's … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA—Fishtown's Nut Hut Saloon (Frankford Ave & E Norris St, Philadelphia, PA) embraces its Philly roots with a strong local vibe. I stopped in for a cheesesteak as part of my ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, and here's my take. The Atmosphere: Right off the bat, I loved the Philly motif. It's got that classic neighborhood bar feel – a good bartender, a good vibe, and a sense of genuine local character. The Cheesesteak: The Roll: The roll was a "big soft … [Read more...]

PENNSYLVANIA - Pennsylvania boasts a healthy and well-managed black bear population and regulated hunting plays a significant role in maintaining that population's balance and minimizing human-bear conflicts. This article explores the annual black bear harvest in Pennsylvania, examining the typical number of bears taken by hunters, the management strategies employed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), and the regulations that govern bear hunting in the state. It's crucial to understand … [Read more...]

PENNSYLVANIA - The battle for Philadelphia cheesesteak supremacy is raging! March Cheesesteak Madness, the annual bracket-style tournament presented by Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, is in full swing, and Round Two voting is officially open. Sixty-four of the region's best cheesesteaks entered the competition, but now the field is narrowing, and your votes are more critical than ever. Will your favorite make it to the next round? Will a dark horse emerge to challenge the … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Let's clarify: Pat's King of Steaks (1237 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA) is a Philadelphia institution. It's a landmark, a tourist destination, and, yes, a place that serves cheesesteaks. Some dismiss it as a tourist trap, but I'm here to tell you that it's not a bad cheesesteak. It's not the best I've ever had, but it's a solid, classic representation of the genre. The Pat's Experience: Pat's is as much about the experience as the food. The 24/7 operation, the … [Read more...]