Latest news with #CheezWhiz
Mint
02-08-2025
- Mint
What to eat in a 19th century food market in Philadelphia
The first time I saw Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market, it wasn't in person; it was on the TV series Cold Case. In one memorable episode, the detectives emerged from the market, cheesesteaks in hand, biting into the city's most iconic sandwich as they discussed clues and suspects. The scene and the cavernous market with neon signage stuck with me. Years later, when I finally walked through Reading Terminal's historic iron-framed doors, it was exactly as I imagined: an aromatic, sensory overload of sizzling grills, baking bread, spiced stews, and rows of fresh produce. But the historical market is much more than a culinary centre point. The crowded aisles and colourful counters are a showcase of the layered food story of Philadelphia. More than cheesesteak Philadelphia's culinary identity often begins with the cheesesteak: thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, and a cascade of cheese (provolone, Cheez Whiz, or American, depending on your allegiance) tucked into an hoagie roll (type of bread roll). The loved dish often sparks best-of-all debates, with each Philadelphian defending their preferred vendor like a sports team. But Philadelphia is also about roast pork sandwiches spiked with broccoli rabe (a green vegetable) and sharp provolone; its Nigerian jollof rice, Jewish deli classics, Korean barbecue tacos, and vegan soul food plates. In a city shaped by waves of immigrants and working-class ambition, it's natural that cuisines are adapted and reimagined – and the Reading Terminal Market is where all flavours converge. 'The market was established in 1893 under the Reading Railroad terminal, and soon became a hub where farmers, butchers, and bakers sold their wares to the fast-growing industrial city," says Louisa Hernandez, at Old City Coffee where I choose a flat white and a batch of small batch, roasted on-site coffee to take home. 'Today, this is one of the oldest, continuously operating and diverse public markets in the US. You'll not see such variety anywhere else," she tells me. I walk the aisles and realise the truth of her statement. Pennsylvania Dutch vendors sell apple dumplings and shoofly pie (made of molasses) next to halal butchers and Middle Eastern grocers. Cajun gumbo is being ladled out beside Thai papaya salad, and New England-style lobster rolls are available alongside Caribbean jerk chicken. I stand in line Sweet T's Bakery, which opened in 2021 and made history as the market's first Black-owned bakery. Founded by Mark and Tia El, Sweet T's trains the spotlight on the humble sweet potato. 'We use Tia's grandmother's recipe, updated with a signature graham cracker crust, to make the pies. We also transform the tuber into mini pies, cheesecakes, pound cakes, and more," says Abiba Harris, as she packs boxes to go. Not too far, Kamal's Middle Eastern Specialties has been dishing out family favourites since 1981. 'Our menu has everything from a quick shawarma lunch to a generous spread of mezze. People love our baba ghanoush, hummus, eggplant stew, Moroccan chicken, kibbeh, tabbouleh, and flaky spinach and feta pies," says Saami Ahmed, who's manning the till. 'So many people tell us the falafel and shawarma reminds them of home." A space of shared stories But Reading Terminal is more than a food hall; it's a marketplace anchored in memory and community. Many vendors are multigenerational family businesses; others are newcomers keen to live their dream. The blend of old-timers and first-timers creates a space where culinary traditions are honoured and experimented with. As I walk around, I realise that in one lunch hour I could treat myself to a veritable variety: matzo ball soup, followed by a South Philly roast pork sandwich, a slice of Pennsylvania peach cobbler, and a cup of coffee. At Beiler's Donuts, an Amish bakery that has been owned and operated by multiple generations of the same family and uses recipes that have been passed down for hundreds of years, I see people lined up. 'There are 50 different flavours which means that we can have one every day of the month and more," says Renee Campbell, a student buying a box to go. 'We have been eating these donuts since childhood," she reveals. In a city where industrial decline led to numerous problems, places like Reading Terminal Market have offered continuity. They've also embraced change. The market has survived depressions, recessions, and even a brief closure in the 1970s. In recent years, it's weathered the challenges of COVID-19, adapting with online orders, contactless delivery, and expanded outdoor seating. But a walk through the aisles and a selfie with Philbert the Pig, a bronze statue created by sculptor Eric Berg and the mascot of the market, reveals that the spirit of the place is intact. 'Most people make plans to visit the many museums of Philadelphia. But I suggest they don't miss this market, a living, breathing space that offers a chance to savour the real Philly," Hernandez says. Reading Terminal is the ubiquitous answer if you were to ask a Philadelphian for eating hotspots. Even today, it's where locals bring guests, where students gather for budget eats, and where families end up after weekend outings. It's also where you can uncover Philadelphia's culinary identity and its evolving, collaborative food culture shaped by centuries of migration and adaptation. When I left Reading Terminal Market that day, laden down with a bag stuffed with berries, coffee, and cheesesteak (because, of course), I couldn't help but think back to that Cold Case scene. On TV, the market was a brief stopover in the search for answers. In real life, it felt like I'd found a small but delicious answer to the question of what makes Philadelphia tick. Teja Lele writes on travel and lifestyle.
Winnipeg Free Press
01-08-2025
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Les Whiz-erables
Nostalgia is one heck of a drug. There are things from our past we think about fondly. Maybe they recall simpler or happier times from our formative years: watching Bugs Bunny cartoons on Saturday mornings as a kid in the '80s while scarfing down a bowl of Honeycomb cereal, for example, or basking in the sun at the man-made Kinsmen Lake in Stonewall Quarry Park while scarfing down the best darn Pizza Pop I've ever had in my life. Oh, and premium, fancy desserts be damned — give me one of those small, single-serve plastic cups with the vanilla ice cream and the wooden stick/spoon thing. Good times. Advertisement Why this ad? Well, about a month ago, out of nowhere, I had a random craving for another throwback snack — Cheez Whiz. You can read all about the history of Kraft's 'cheese spread' on the Cheez Whiz Wikipedia page (My favourite fact: one of the guys who created the stuff in the 1950s tasted it in 2001 and declared it tasted 'like axle grease' — I mean, how do you know what that tastes like?) About a month ago, a jar of the orange spread ended up in my grocery basket. The sticker shock alone should have deterred me; the regular price of a 450-gram jar of the stuff now costs upwards of $9. Yikes. It had been about 30 years since Cheez Whiz had graced my palate. And, well, having tried it in a few configurations, allow me to save you $9 worth of your own 'culinary' experiments… Hors d'oeuvres, anyone? (Ben Sigurdson / Free Press) First off, the stuff tastes less cheesy and far saltier than I remember. Two tablespoons of Cheez Whiz brings 410 mg of sodium (or 18 per cent of your recommended daily intake). That made the choice to smear it on an already-salty Triscuit cracker a poor one. My next move was to try it on a few different veggies, which offered mixed results — only on celery (the classic Cheez Whiz delivery mechanism) did the stuff taste remotely decent. Ritz crackers probably proved the best combo — not surprising, I guess, given that you can buy packs of Ritz 'snackwiches' pre-loaded with some sort of cheese/cheese-adjacent spread. My final Cheez Whiz experiment: I remembered eating (and enjoying) hot dogs with Cheez Whiz slathered on the bun as a kid, so earlier this week, after barbecuing some regular and veggie dogs, I applied a very modest amount to my hot dog bun in an attempt to recapture that nostalgic flavour. The verdict: this throwback combo didn't do much flavour-wise, and actually proved pretty texturally troubling. So, Dish readers, what are some of your own nostalgic cravings and, when revisited, did they hold up? (I'm also taking suggestions on what to do with a 90 per cent full jar of Cheez Whiz, other than the obvious binning it.)
Condé Nast Traveler
22-05-2025
- General
- Condé Nast Traveler
15 Best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, According to a Philly Lifer
The City of Brotherly Love is filled with meat-and-cheese sandwich lovers. We Philadelphians live and die by the big three: Hoagies (known as subs in the rest of the country), roast pork (with garlicky broccoli rabe and sharp provolone), and cheesesteaks. The cheesesteak's story began in the 1930s in South Philadelphia, but the item has become a regional staple served at corner 'Papi' stores and even given the gourmet treatment by award-winning chefs. It's a deceptively simple sandwich—beef, cheese, and onions—but nailing the ratio, texture, and flavor is the real challenge. No two spots make their cheesesteak the same, but the 12-inch recipe calls for thinly sliced (or diced) ribeye steak, melted cheese (American, Cooper Sharp White, or Cheez Whiz), and small fried onions on a long (seeded or non-seeded) soft roll. Additional toppings range from mushrooms to long hot peppers and cherry peppers. Never ketchup or mayo. As someone who's been eating cheesesteaks since college and is now a Philly lifer, there are a few tips to know: Prepare for long lines and wait times, and, at most spots, a lack of seating. Just like New York pizza slice culture, cheesesteaks are typically ordered to go and best savored sitting outside. Grab some extra napkins and get your stomach ready for an epic crawl. (Trust us, even if you have to wait, eating a fantastic cheesesteak is one of the best things to do in Philadelphia.) Here are 15 places to find the best cheesesteaks in Philly (in no particular order). The steaks at Jim's on South Street Jillian Guyette 1. Jim's Steaks 400 South St., 431 N. 62nd St. Philadelphia is lucky to have two Jim's Steaks. Jim's South Street has two dining spaces where you can eat their famous whiz wit (slathered with Cheez Whiz and fried onions). There's a first-floor diner-style space and a second floor adorned with rare mosaic works from Philly legend Isaiah Zagar of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (it's even on Condé Nast Traveler's list of the best restaurants in Philadelphia). In West Philly is Jim's West, the O.G. location where you can get a $20 combo special: A beef or chicken cheesesteak, drink, and a side of banana pudding. 2. Dalessandro's Steaks 600 Wendover St.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Cheesesteak Anthony Bourdain Said Should Be A 'National Landmark' Isn't From Philly
Philadelphia is often considered home to the greatest cheesesteaks in the world, and considering the sandwich was first created in the city in the 1930s, that isn't a shocking distinction (though the original cheesesteak was missing a crucial ingredient). Some, however, such as illustrious celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, disagree with this take. Instead, Bourdain believed that Donkey's Place, a restaurant across the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey, was just as good as (or better than) any cheesesteak in the neighboring state. Bourdain revealed his love for Donkey's cheesesteaks in Season 5, Episode 6 of "Parts Unknown," which exclusively covered the cuisine found across New Jersey. In it, Bourdain questioned whether or not Philadelphia was truly the "center of the cheesesteak universe," or if the 80+ year-old restaurant in Southern New Jersey arguably makes a better version of the dish. "Behold the Jersey cheesesteak," Bourdain narrated, "It's round, it's got steak, spices, browned onions, real American cheese, such as it is, and a poppy seed roll. And it is sublime." Read more: Once-Popular Pizza Styles That Are Slowly Disappearing Philly cheesesteak diehards — folks that know the proper way to order a cheesesteak — likely think the idea of New Jersey doing the dish better is insane (or, as Bourdain put it, treasonous). However, the changes implemented by these Jersey cheesesteak-makers have proven to be quite appetizing for many sandwich lovers in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and beyond. For Bourdain, the poppy seed kaiser roll used at Donkey's gave the Jersey cheesesteak a more satisfying taste and texture than the hoagie roll or baguette typically used in Philly. Otherwise, some may prefer the sliced American cheese in Jersey cheesesteaks over the Cheez Whiz and provolone cheese that the Philly version is known for. Despite cheesesteaks being one of those foods that cause an argument whenever they're mentioned, after his experience at Donkey's Place, Bourdain wasn't afraid to draw a line in the sand and admit his controversial preference. "This should be a national landmark right away. This sandwich is unbelievably good," Bourdain praised, "Jersey cheesesteaks, I'm not saying they're better than Philadelphia — yeah, I am, actually. This is great." For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout.
New York Post
01-05-2025
- New York Post
Philadelphia Judge Scott DiClaudio faces ethics complaint over role in wife's high-end cheesesteak shop
A Philadelphia judge's role in a cheesesteak shop owned by his wife has prompted a panel to allege he's violated the state's ethics rules. The Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board on Tuesday filed a complaint against Common Pleas Judge Scott DiClaudio over Shay's Steaks, a high-end cheesesteak restaurant that opened more than a year ago a few blocks from city hall. He's accused of using his status as a judge to promote the business. 5 Common Pleas Court Judge Scott DiClaudio poses with his wife, Jackee, at their new Shay's Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia on Feb. 23, 2024. AP 'This complaint is such a farce,' DiClaudio, who is acting as his own lawyer, said in a phone interview Tuesday evening. 'People do not come to Shay's because a judge may make their cheesesteak.' 'I have a support role, which I'm permitted to have,' he said. In a podcast interview cited by the board, DiClaudio discussed decisions about pricing, ingredients, salary levels for employees and competing restaurants. 'I don't mind charging $19, because I'm giving you a better quality steak,' DiClaudio said on the podcast. Lately, he said, health issues and the demands of having a young child have limited his time in the business. As a criminal court judge, his focus these days is on court actions filed by defendants after they have been convicted. The Judicial Conduct Board investigates and prosecutes possible instances of judge misconduct in Pennsylvania. The case will be heard by the Court of Judicial Discipline. 5 Shay's Steaks is a high-end cheesesteak restaurant in Philadelphia. AP The board complaint notes that news coverage of the restaurant in Philadelphia, where cheesesteaks are the subject of perpetual public interest, has noted that he is a judge. One story referred to him as 'whiz honor' — a reference to the use of Cheez Whiz on some cheesesteaks. If anything, DiClaudio said, his role in the restaurant may be improving the image of judges in the minds of his fellow Philadelphians, giving them 'confidence in the judiciary — that we're not all robots.' Shay's Steaks is named for his late mother and the luncheonette his parents ran for more than two decades in South Philly. The complaint references several news stories about the restaurant that describe him as a judge. 5 Judge Scott DiClaudio is accused of using his judicial status to promote his business. Fox29 'I had no idea what they were going to write,' DiClaudio said. 'I had no say in the editing process until I saw it myself.' He noted a sign at the restaurant states Jackee DiClaudio is the owner — the couple lives in the same building as the restaurant. He said Shay's Steaks has never used an image of him in judicial robes or described him as a judge in advertising materials. He says he's never been paid for his work there, and that the profits go to his wife. 5 Shay's Steaks is named for his late mother and the luncheonette his parents ran for more than two decades in South Philly. Fox29 DiClaudio is accused of falling short of a requirement that judges always act in a way that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. Another allegation is that he violated a rule that judges 'not abuse the prestige of judicial office to advance the personal or economic interests of the judge or others, or allow others to do so.' County judges such as DiClaudio may not have other employment that would in any way interfere with their judicial duties and responsibilities, said Sam Stretton, a prominent judicial ethics lawyer. He has represented DiClaudio in the past, and may again in the current matter. 5 The judge noted a sign at the restaurant states Jackee DiClaudio is the owner — the couple lives in the same building as the restaurant. Fox29 'He's very proud of his wife and what she's doing there,' Stretton said. 'Sure, he gives input but I don't see that as being prohibited. The issue he's got to deal with is: Is there self-promotion here?' Complicating the case is that DiClaudio is currently on probation under a decision by the Court of Judicial Discipline that involved tax liens and an unpaid bill. He was found to have not acknowledged debt on his financial disclosure forms and did not obey court orders, leading to repeated contempt citations against him, the court said. He was suspended without pay for two weeks, so in order to qualify for a pension and retiree health care he needs to serve two additional weeks after his term expires in January 2026. A Democrat, he is seeking retention to another 10-year term. If he wins retention he says he is considering retiring early next year.
