Brits try real Philly Cheesesteak for the first time!

JOLLY

26 Apr 202411:27

Summary

TLDRThe video script features a culinary adventure in Philadelphia, where the narrator and his friend, Chef Chris Cho, explore the city's famous cheesesteak culture. Initially considering the renowned Pat's or Geno's, they are advised against it by locals and instead visit Angelo's Pizzeria, known for its superior cheesesteaks. The video captures the bustling atmosphere and the experience of trying an authentic Philly cheesesteak, comparing it to other regional sandwiches and discussing the use of different types of cheese and meat. The narrator also humorously touches on the cultural differences in food terminology and the simplicity yet complexity of getting a 'real' Philly cheesesteak outside the city. The script also includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp, where the narrator shares his positive experience with online therapy. The video concludes with the group's appreciation for the local cuisine and the unique experience of eating a cheesesteak in its city of origin.

Takeaways

🚗 The group traveled to Philadelphia with the primary goal of trying an authentic Philly cheesesteak, which they were very excited about.
🍔 They consulted with Chef Chris Cho, a local Philadelphian, for guidance on where to find the best cheesesteaks.
🏠 Contrary to popular advice from New Yorkers, they were advised against going to the famous Pat's or Geno's, and instead, were directed to Angelo's Pizzeria, known for its exceptional cheesesteak.
🤤 Upon arrival at Angelo's, they were impressed by the bustling atmosphere and the weight of the cheesesteak, which was likened to that of a baby.
🧀 The classic Philly cheesesteak features a 'whiz' cheese, which is a processed cheese that comes out of a can.
🍞 The cheesesteak is served on a seeded bread roll, which has a crispy exterior and a soft interior, perfect for absorbing the beef fat.
🔪 The traditional preparation of a Philly cheesesteak involves chopped ribeye meat, which is why it's referred to as a 'steak'.
🧈 They tried both the classic cheese whiz version and a variation with Cooper Sharp cheese, which was described as more sophisticated in flavor.
👴 The group noted that younger people might prefer the cheese whiz for its rich and indulgent taste, while older individuals might opt for a more refined choice like Cooper Sharp.
🍦 In addition to cheesesteaks, Philadelphia is known for its pretzels, water ice, and 'wa-wa' (Wawa), a popular convenience store/gas station chain.
🌭 The term 'hoagie' is used in Philadelphia to describe a sub sandwich, which is known as a hero or subway in other regions, and simply a sandwich in the UK.
👍 The group expressed gratitude for the local insights provided by Chef Chris Cho, which significantly enhanced their Philadelphian culinary experience.

Q & A

What was the first thing on the menu for the individuals when they arrived in Philadelphia?
-The first thing on the menu was Philly cheesesteaks.
Who is the local friend they contacted for guidance in finding an authentic cheesesteak in Philadelphia?
-They contacted Chef Chris Cho, a friend who is based in Philadelphia and was born and raised there.
What was the initial recommendation from people in New York regarding where to get a cheesesteak in Philadelphia?
-The initial recommendation was to go to Pat's or Geno's.
What was the surprising reaction they received from people in Philadelphia about going to Pat's or Geno's?
-The surprising reaction was that the locals advised them not to go to Pat's or Geno's.
What is the name of the place they ended up going to for a cheesesteak, which was highly recommended by locals?
-They went to Angelo's Pizzeria, which was recommended for its superior cheesesteak despite the confusing name.
What is the term used in the UK that has a different meaning than the 'Whiz' used in the cheesesteak?
-In the UK, 'Whiz' is a slang term for urinating.
What is the typical type of cheese used in the classic Philly cheesesteak?
-The typical type of cheese used is cheese whiz, which comes out of a can.
How did they describe the texture and taste of the bread used for the cheesesteak?
-The bread was described as crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, which helped absorb some of the beef fat.
What is the difference between the cheesesteak from Angelo's and those from Pat's or Geno's?
-Angelo's cheesesteak features chopped meat rather than sliced, and the cheese is more prominent with a different variety like Cooper Sharp.
What is the local term for a sub sandwich in Philadelphia?
-In Philadelphia, a sub sandwich is referred to as a 'hoagie'.
What is 'Water ice' and how is it similar to another dessert?
-Water ice is a simple dessert similar to sorbet, but it is considered more of a local specialty in Philadelphia.
What is the local term for Wawa and why is it significant to Philadelphians?
-Wa-wa or Wawa is a term for a popular convenience store and gas station chain that is significant to Philadelphians due to its prevalence and local ties.

Outlines

00:00

🍔 Discovering Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks

The video begins with the hosts driving to Philadelphia with the primary goal of trying an authentic Philly cheesesteak. They express their excitement and anticipation for the experience. Upon arrival, they connect with Chef Chris Cho, a local who was born and raised in Philly, to guide them through the process. They discuss the famous Pat's and Geno's but are advised by locals to avoid them, instead being directed to Angelo's Pizzeria, known for its superior cheesesteak. The hosts are amazed by the bustling atmosphere and the weight of the cheesesteak. They delve into the local terminology, learning that in Philadelphia, it's simply called a 'cheesesteak,' not a 'Philly cheesesteak,' which is a term used by outsiders. They also explore the different styles, such as the 'whiz' version with cheese from a can and the classic recipe with its rich, meaty texture. The segment ends with a paid partnership acknowledgment with BetterHelp, highlighting the importance of mental health and therapy.

05:02

🧀 Comparing Cheesesteak Styles and Philadelphia Culture

The second paragraph delves into the cheesesteak experience further, contrasting the traditional cheesesteak from Pat's and Geno's, which are sliced, with the chopped version they're enjoying at Angelo's. The hosts appreciate the simplicity and quality of the cheesesteak, consisting of high-quality meat, onions, and cheese on a seeded roll. They also discuss the preference for different types of cheese, such as Cooper Sharp, which offers a more sophisticated flavor compared to the classic cheese whiz. The conversation shifts to Philadelphia's cultural pride, touching on the city's sports fans, the term 'brotherly love,' and other local specialties like pretzels and water ice. The hosts contemplate the appeal of local institutions like WaWa, a convenience store chain that is popular in the area but less known outside of it. They also reflect on the variety of names for sandwiches in different regions, highlighting the cultural nuances in food terminology.

10:04

🇬🇧 English vs. American Sandwich Culture and Gratitude

In the final paragraph, the hosts continue to compare sandwich culture, emphasizing the simplicity and limited variety of sandwiches in England. They discuss the typical English sandwich, which usually consists of ham, cheese, cucumber, and cream cheese between two slices of white toast bread. The conversation is light-hearted and humorous, with the hosts playfully representing their nation and 'the king' in their comparison. The video concludes with expressions of gratitude towards their guides for the cheesesteak experience and an encouragement for viewers to follow Chef Chris Cho for the best Korean food in the States. They also thank Angelo's for the memorable cheesesteak and acknowledge the excitement of being recognized by the staff upon entering the pizzeria.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Philly cheesesteaks

Philly cheesesteaks are a type of sandwich that originated in Philadelphia and are known for their distinctive taste. The sandwich typically consists of thinly sliced ribeye steak, melted cheese, and often onions, served on a long roll. In the video, the excitement around trying an authentic Philly cheesesteak is a central theme, as the hosts are eager to experience the local cuisine.

💡Authenticity

Authenticity in this context refers to the genuine experience of a food item as it is traditionally prepared in its place of origin. The video emphasizes the search for an authentic Philly cheesesteak, which is a significant part of the Philadelphia culinary culture. The hosts express their desire to try the 'real deal' and not just any version of the sandwich found elsewhere.

💡Chef Chris Cho

Chef Chris Cho is a character in the video who is a friend of the hosts and a local Philadelphian. He is introduced as a guide to help the hosts navigate the local food scene. His role is important as he provides insider knowledge and recommendations, which is crucial for the hosts to have an authentic experience.

💡Angelo's Pizzeria

Angelo's Pizzeria is a local eatery in Philadelphia that is highlighted in the video for its superior cheesesteaks, despite being known for its pizza. The mention of Angelo's Pizzeria demonstrates the locals' preference and the hosts' willingness to follow local advice, which leads them to a less touristy but highly regarded cheesesteak experience.

💡Cheesesteak variations

The video discusses different variations of the cheesesteak, such as the use of different types of cheese (e.g., Cheese Whiz and Cooper Sharp) and the way the meat is prepared (sliced vs. chopped). These variations showcase the diversity within the traditional dish and the personal preferences that can influence one's enjoyment of the sandwich.

💡BetterHelp

BetterHelp is an online therapy platform mentioned in the video as a paid partnership. It is highlighted as a resource that has helped one of the hosts with their mental health struggles. The mention of BetterHelp serves to promote the service and to encourage viewers to seek help for their mental health, emphasizing the importance of self-care and professional support.

💡Cultural landmarks

Cultural landmarks such as Pat's and Geno's are iconic places in Philadelphia known for their cheesesteaks. The video discusses the contrast between these well-known spots and the local preference for other, less famous places like Angelo's Pizzeria. This highlights the tension between tourist attractions and local favorites, which is a common theme in travel and food culture.

💡Water ice

Water ice, also known as Italian ice, is a frozen dessert that is another local specialty in Philadelphia. It is mentioned in the video as a simple yet beloved treat that the hosts are encouraged to try. Water ice represents the broader scope of Philadelphia's culinary offerings beyond the famous cheesesteak.

💡Wawa

Wawa is a popular convenience store and gas station chain in the northeastern United States, particularly associated with Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In the video, it is mentioned as a cultural phenomenon and a place to get hoagies, which are a type of sub sandwich. The mention of Wawa reflects the regional pride and the unique aspects of local food culture.

💡Hoagies

Hoagies are a type of sub sandwich that are popular in the Philadelphia area. The term 'hoagie' is used regionally to describe a specific kind of sandwich, which is a point of interest in the video as the hosts discuss the regional differences in naming and preparing sandwiches.

💡Regional food culture

Regional food culture is a significant theme in the video, as it explores the unique dishes and culinary practices of Philadelphia. The hosts' journey to try a cheesesteak, as well as their discussions about local preferences and variations, highlight the importance of place in shaping food traditions and the experiences of those who partake in them.

Highlights

The group's excitement about trying an authentic Philly cheesesteak for the first time.

Receiving advice from a local, Chef Chris Cho, who is born and raised in Philadelphia.

The contrast in recommendations between locals and people from New York regarding Pat's or Geno's.

Choosing Angelo's Pizzeria for its reputed superior cheesesteak over its pizza.

The bustling atmosphere at Angelo's Pizzeria likened to a stock exchange.

The revelation that in Philadelphia, the sandwich is simply called a 'cheesesteak', not a 'Philly cheesesteak'.

The cultural difference in the term 'whiz' between the UK and the US.

The description of the cheesesteak's presentation, comparing it to fish and chips in the UK.

The use of seeded bread for the cheesesteak and its impressive texture.

Humorous comments on the health implications of the cheesesteak's rich taste.

The preference for cheesesteak consumption frequency based on age.

Drawing parallels between the Philly cheesesteak and the New York chopped cheese sandwich.

The use of ribeye meat in the traditional Philly cheesesteak.

The introduction of the 'Whiz' version of the cheesesteak and its soft, smooth texture.

A paid partnership with BetterHelp and its impact on the speaker's mental health.

The difference in the cheesesteak at Angelo's compared to the traditional Pat's and Geno's.

The pride and preference for local spots like Angelo's over more famous but less favored options.

The introduction of Cooper Sharp cheese as a more mature and sophisticated option.

The simplicity and yet the complexity of getting a true Philly cheesesteak outside of Philadelphia.

Mentions of other Philadelphia specialties like pretzels, water ice, and 'wa-wa' (Wawa convenience store).

The cultural significance of the hoagie and its different names in various regions.

The memorable experience of the first-ever cheesesteak and the change in greeting etiquette afterward.