MEDIA, PA—I’d visited The Tattooed Pig (110 S Edgmont St, Media, PA) before, and this recent trip, part of my Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, reminded me of both its strengths and the importance of context when reviewing a cheesesteak. This visit was on a snowy night, which, as it turned out, played a role in the overall experience.
The Tattooed Pig (110 S Edgmont St, Media, PA)
The Cheesesteak:
- The Roll: The roll suffered from being transported in my trunk on a snowy night. This is a crucial reminder that factors outside the restaurant’s control can affect a cheesesteak’s quality.
- The Meat, Cheese, and Onions: Despite the roll’s less-than-ideal condition, the core components of the cheesesteak – the meat, cheese, and fried onions – were “pretty darn tasty.” This suggests good quality ingredients and preparation.
The Distractions (Gumbo and Banana Pudding):
This review is unique because the cheesesteak wasn’t the show’s star.
- Gumbo Envy: The Tattooed Pig had gumbo as a weekly special, and I deeply regretted not ordering it. This highlights the appeal of their non-cheesesteak offerings.
- Banana Pudding Triumph: The banana pudding was a clear winner. Described as “amazing,” it was so good it even warranted a bonus video! This suggests that The Tattooed Pig excels at more than just cheesesteaks.
Overall:
Based on this experience, The Tattooed Pig’s cheesesteak is a bit of a mixed bag. The core ingredients (meat, cheese, onions) are good, but the roll suffered from the circumstances of the visit. However, the exceptional banana pudding and the missed opportunity for gumbo suggest that The Tattooed Pig offers a broader culinary experience worth exploring. The fact that my memory is “jaded” by the non-cheesesteak items speaks volumes.
Rating: (Difficult to give a definitive rating due to the circumstances. The ingredients of the cheesesteak seem like a 4-4.5, but the overall experience, factoring in the roll and the distraction of other menu items, might be closer to a 3.5-4.)
Recommendations:
- To Diners: Don’t just go for the cheesesteak! Explore the specials, and try the banana pudding. If possible, eat your cheesesteak immediately for the best roll experience.
- To The Tattooed Pig: Keep up the good work with the meat, cheese, and onions, as well as the banana pudding!
Address:
The Tattooed Pig 110 S Edgmont St Media, PA
Review by Jim Pappas, Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure
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