Carmens
PrimeTime & I went back for a cheesesteak with hot banana peppers on a seeded roll. The best cheesesteak so far. The peppers were just the right flavor not too hot to overwelm the sandwich. They also provided plenty of crunch. PrimeTime described the sandwich as dense even though it was on a smaller roll.The service continued to be slow but the sandwich was worth the wait. Primetime scored 4.5*. I revised my score to 4.5. New score of 4.25 from 3.5. Point to note President Obama apparently ate there on his visit to Philadelphia (at least that is what the photo of him will lead you to believe). I'm guessing the Coach will never eat there.
DiNics (see previous post on December 10, 2010) December 10 DiNics Post
PrimeTime and I went back and had roast pork sandwich. As good a previous. Best provolone on sandwich so far. PrimeTime scored it a 4.5*. The overall score continues to be 4.5*
Spataro ’s Cheesesteaks
Original comments - Cheesesteaks were surprising good. No line and very quick service. Good size roll, which didn't fall apart. The steak was juicy (maybe a little too juicy), the cheese melt in well. T-Bone thought the peppers were very good.
Today's comments - PrimeTime and I went back. The service was still exceptional and the cheesesteak with provolone, onions and ketchup hadn't changed but compared to Carmens it was inferior. In retrospect it is a slightly above average cheesesteak. It continued to be a "little sloppy" with "medicore bread". PrimeTime scored it 3*. BA revised score to 3.5* from 4*. Overall score drops from 4* to 3.5*. Still a good score but no longer on the elite level.
Today's comments - PrimeTime and I went back. The service was still exceptional and the cheesesteak with provolone, onions and ketchup hadn't changed but compared to Carmens it was inferior. In retrospect it is a slightly above average cheesesteak. It continued to be a "little sloppy" with "medicore bread". PrimeTime scored it 3*. BA revised score to 3.5* from 4*. Overall score drops from 4* to 3.5*. Still a good score but no longer on the elite level.
PrimeTime with the Xmas week Reading Terminal update for Cast Iron's report. Would have written sooner, but I am still recovering from the 8 venues I hit up over the past 7 days. With me for for the 12/23 visit were my partners in crime Bone Marrow and T-Bone:
ReplyDeleteDown Home Diner - venue underwent renovations earlier this year and we were excited to test it out. Too bad the renovations were just just to the decor and not to the food and or the service:
Waited about 7 1/2 minutes too long to be seated. Bone Morrow was disgusted when waitress could not respond to his inquiry about what dish they were "known for." Waitress stuttered and said burgers and sandwiches and then began mumbling and before trailing off. 15 minutes later she took our order. A vein began to visibly pulse on Bone Morrow's forehead.
Bone Marrow ordered the Meat Loaf Platter and had the following comments - hearty, peppery taste with regard to the meat loaf. Mash was excellent and veggies, especially carrots were good although the broccoli was a little too firm. He gave it a 3.5 at first.
T-Bone made his decision very quickly...perhaps too quickly. He ordered the Open Brisket and was shocked and red-faced when his meal came on top of a tortilla with lettuce and random meat sprinkled throughout. T-Bone claimed it was "misleading," not a good presentation, and overall "not very good." When I asked him to be a little more descriptive he just looked at me with a blank stare and said "I am struggling to comment." He gave it a 2.5.
PrimeTime - ordered the fired chicken sandwich - chicken was moist with good batter and mystery sauce. Bun was very good but side of french fries was mediocre. Rated it a 3.
We then waited about 25 minutes after our meal was finished for the check and brought all our ratings down by 1/2 a point for a combined overall rating of 2.5.
Hatville Deli - grabbed some spicy jerky and boy was it spicy (could see red peppers on outside). T-Bone - extremely hot, eyes watering - 3 rating, PrimeTime - loved it, very spicy, made me extremely thirsty, best jerky so far, Bone Marrow - tasted like cardboard, "how do you eat this stuff?" - 1.75 rating.
Bassetts - Primetime hit this up solo to catch-up. Got dark chocolate and it was very satisfying. Very rich and filling. Too bad it was 25 degrees out and my hands froze to the cup on the walk back. 4.5 overall.