French Fry Diary 377: Outta Philly

I had been aware of this place for quite some time, but finally, with the family, this past Memorial Day weekend, I got a chance to go to Outta Philly, on White Horse Road in Voorhees, NJ. There's no reason to sugarcoat it, folks, but I was blown away. This is where you should be eating, and not just for the fries.

We were greeted at the counter by one of the owners, Dean, who runs the place with Rob. Dean is a very entertaining host and he immediately and playfully got on my mother-in-law's case for being from Philadelphia but not knowing how to properly order a cheesesteak. For the uninformed, and those who have never been to South Philly's Pat's or Geno's, there is even signage at Outta Philly to help you along.

I loved Dean's attitude and banter from the moment we walked in. We were made to feel relaxed and at home, not just customers, but neighbors, friends, family. This is all a part of the atmosphere of the restaurant. The walls were decorated with various examples of Phillyspeak, with meanings and pronunciations. Besides a TV with the Phillies game on, there were also large logos of the Philadelphia sports teams, announcing proper allegiance to the Phillies, the 'Iggles,' the 76ers, the Flyers, even the Union. We confronted Dean on why no Wings logo, and found he's actually a big lacrosse fan, so I'm guessing he's working on that one.

They had a fair selection of fountain drinks, and add it yourself ice chest, a personal retro touch I liked. There was also a full selection of Herr's potato chips, keeping in the Philly vein, for folks who didn't want fries or rings as a side. Our food was brought out to us, after we watched it made. Fries and rings were not dropped until we ordered, and we were informed they were made from scratch. We watched them cut the meat in front of us. When I say from scratch, and made in front of us, I mean it.

I got a Wiz Wit (refer to the sign). For folks outside the Philadelphia area, that's a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz - the good orange stuff - and onions. It's Phillyspeak, and how you order if you were at Pat's or Geno's. Now let me be clear here, and it might be blasphemy. I haven't been to either of those places in about two decades, I know, a trip is long overdue, but this Wiz Wit was the best cheesesteak I have had in years, maybe decades, maybe ever. It even beats Jim's on South Street, and local Cherry Hill fave Big John's. Yeah, it was that good. I loved it. The cheese was very hot, and the onions were very big, the shaved rib-eye steak, and roll were perfect. Regular readers know how hard I am to please, so take this as the truth.

The French fries are natural cuts, and as I said, not dropped until they were ordered. They were hot, crisp, just right, and easily rival those of Five Guys and Cool Dog locally. They are also available with old bay seasoning and white cheddar cheese (Outta Fries), with jalapeño and onions (South Street Fries), with homemade chili with cheese (Chili Fries) and with Whiz, bacon and sour cream (Loaded Fries). Great stuff!

Taking to co-owner Dean afterward, I know that he knows his fries. He has it down, and rattled off the secrets to making the perfect fresh cut fries like he knew it like the back of his hand, and he does. Dean has a background that includes many other restaurants, including Ruth's Chris Steak House, put simply, the man knows what he's doing.

The onion rings were big thick rings, possibly Vidalia, but I'm not sure. The coating was perfect, and not greasy at all. Much like the cheesesteak, these were the best juiciest onion rings I have had in quite some time. The mom-in-law loved the remoulade sauce that came with them.

The entire visit was an absolute treat. I loved Outta Philly and will definitely go back. They also have hoagies, sandwiches, salads, lots of other great stuff I didn't get to sample on this visit. They are a little off the beaten track but sooo worth the trip. Definitely check out Outta Philly! Fully and highly recommended.

French Fry Diary 268: Disney Dream Room Service

After seeing the midnight showing of new Fright Night on the Disney Dream, The Bride and I were still up and a little hungry so we ordered up some room service. Just some comfort food - mac and cheese, a Florida version of a cheesesteak, and, of course, some French fries.

The Bride inhaled the mac and cheese, not only because she was hungry but also because she digs mac and cheese the way I do the favorite fried food. The fries were the same baked steak fries I had had elsewhere and earlier on the Disney boat. Hot and tasty, and perfect for a well-after-midnight snack.

The "cheesesteak" was a steak, yes, a real steak with a slice of cheese and an onion slice on it in a mini kaiser roll. Not quite a Philly cheesesteak, but still pretty good for a hungry late night snack. We split it, enjoying it, but still wishing for a real cheesesteak. I guess we'll have to hit Big John's, or Tony Luke's, or the big two - Geno's or Pat's when we get home. All around, it was a good and interesting late night snack, it definitely hit the spot.

A Philadelphia Legend Passes Away

I've been on vacation for a couple weeks, and while I was gone, away from the computer, a Philadelphia legend passed away. Joey Vento, the founder of the neon lighted Geno's Steaks in South Philly, across the street from just-as-famous rival Pat's Steaks, died Tuesday of a heart attack in his home in South Jersey. He was 71.

Vento started the restaurant with its amazing cheesesteaks (and fries) in 1966, and been going strong ever since, warring with friendly rival Pat's and other up-and-comers like Jim's and Tony Luke's. There may be preferences, but any real Philly cheesesteak is the best. Ask anyone from 'round here who gioes to this end of the Italian Market, they will tell you they order a steak from both Geno's and Pat's.

In recent years, Vento had gotten into some hot water with a sign at his establishment that read: "This is America: When order please speak English." Despite what it sounded like, Vento really had the best of intentions - making the ordering process smoother, rather than anything racist. Either way, we have lost a local legend with a mad passion for his food. We should all go get a "Whiz, wit'" in his memory, and don't forget the fries.

More Twitter Fries

LucindaLunacy We have the back door open because it's so nice out. There's a distinct smell of french fry now wafting in from Genos/Pats. Pffft

Jentipede At New York New York... At the bar. The lights look like french fries. I'm hungry. http://twitpic.com/2ile20

JoanneJupiterx Can't sleep, kinda hungry, making french fries, and watching spongebob ^^

keananagtalon It’s much easier not to know things sometimes. And to have french fries with your mom be enough.

miirachaan french fries always taste best when stolen from the person next to you. :)))

marisanunbhakdi Craving for french fries with aioli dip, with a glass of red wine..uhmmmm ;)

niccolus Philly Cheesesteak French Fries? I just stepped into heaven.

likelylikely Because of masterchef, I just learned why I could never deep fry really good french fries. You have to boil them before deep frying...

lelandjs Today I learned that Tater Tots can be turned into mediocre IHOP-style "home fries".

Nekkobus My attempt at making a breakfast hash has basically ended up as bacon fries topped with a fried egg. Fine by me! http://yfrog.com/5mc2zqj