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 sandwich, potentially overwhelming for some.
- Meat: In the past, the meat may not have stood out, but in small portions, it was tender, juicy, and flavorful.
- The Roll: I remember the Roll to be different.
The Cheesesteak Breakdown:
- The Roll: The Roll is described as “big” and “bready.” While not necessarily a negative, the roll’s size and texture contribute to the sandwich’s cumbersome nature.
- The Meat: The meat receives positive marks, described as “tender, juicy, and flavorful” when eaten in small portions. This suggests good quality and preparation. However, the sheer quantity of meat seems to be a contributing factor to the sandwich’s unwieldiness.
- The Cheese/Onions: The review doesn’t mention cheese or onions, suggesting they were present but not particularly noteworthy, either positively or negatively. Further detail would be helpful in this area.
The Cumbersome Factor:
As described, the primary issue with this cheesesteak is its size and how the components interact. The combination of a “big bready roll” and “a lot of meat” makes the sandwich “cumbersome to eat.” This suggests a lack of balance, where the sheer size detracts from the overall enjoyment.
Overall:
Mama’s Meatballs and Pizzeria offers a cheesesteak that prioritizes quantity. The meat is flavorful and well-prepared, but the overall sandwich is hampered by its size and the proportion of Roll to filling. It’s a good cheesesteak in its components, but the eating experience is described as cumbersome. This suggests a sandwich that might be better suited for sharing or those with enormous appetites.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (A good cheesesteak with quality meat, but the size and Roll make it unwieldy.)
Recommendations:
- To Diners: Be prepared for a large cheesesteak. Consider sharing it, or be ready to take some home.
- To Mama’s: To improve the overall balance and eating experience, consider offering a smaller size option or re-evaluating the roll-to-meat ratio.
Address:
Mama’s Meatballs and Pizzeria 2673 Haddonfield Rd Pennsauken Twp, NJ
Review by Jim Pappas, Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure
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