Critic's Review
The authenticity of Big Al's is much debated; I've heard from "Pretty Close" to "No Way". I guess it depends on your level of snobbery. I've never had a Philadelphia Cheesesteak in Philly. So my review is based purely on how much I liked it.
A 9" Cheesesteak will run you $8.45 here, which isn't cheap but its one of your least expensive options in this part of town. If you're not familiar with how to order, its pretty simple. "Wit" means with onions, "Witout" means without. Add "Whiz" if you want cheese wiz. So you've got:
- Wit = With onions, without Cheese Whiz
- Wit Whiz = With onions and cheese whiz
- Wit-out Whiz = Without onions, with Cheese Whiz
- Wit-out = Without onions or Cheese Whiz
It's very simple. I ordered mine with Provolone because cheese wiz is just too creepy for me. So it was something like "Wit Provolone". The girl didn't quite get it and asked if I wanted onions. "Yes", I said.
It looks pretty good; not the chop-chop stuff you get at most places. There weren't too many onions and they don't do mushrooms as most do. I was on the road so I ate half of the sandwich in the car. It's a quality sandwich, with good bread, and thinly sliced steak. But it doesn't have much taste. The meat wasn't seasoned at all, and there weren't enough onions. I felt like I was eating just for nutrition and not for enjoyment.
I ate the second half of the sandwich as a late night snack. I sauteed up some onions and mushrooms and loaded them onto the sandwich, and it was much, much better.
Maybe I don't like authentic Philly Cheesesteaks. While this one has higher quality ingredients, the cheesesteaks at Mr Nicks are much more enjoyable. Taste matters.