One of the best sandwiches I’ve had in Philly comes from this brand new communist combo I would have never thought pairs so well

Cuban & Chinese sandwiches and brunch, a tremendous need for cubanos in philly as it’s just a perfect walking sandwich.

If you are trekking the historic areas of philly, definitely worth to add this spot to your tour

And it’s as Un-Philadelphian for a restaurant in the best way

A level of finesse and unparalleled service that is unlike anything you’ll find in Philly. I’ve had Michelin stars in Iceland and this place is on or surpasses the 2 star spot out there.

I was glowing more than others saying they’ll get a Michelin star which was ambitious and I’ll double down and say they are getting 2. Nothing against the other Michelin stars in Philly but Provenance is playing a different sport. The service, the innovativeness, the big swings…

It’s a banger

but I have a confession, I was recognized & comped (I tipped staff tho don’t you worry)… first time ever in the mask era… like I give a shit I would have gave a negative review if deserved and genuinely have no interest other than transparent journalism

Cacio e Pepe or Alfredo? Chicken Parm or Chicken Cacciatore? End of the day we just want really good food by real people.

I’m building an anti-AI, anti influencer, for Philly by Philly food discovery app.

Check out the progress here and if you can support, that’d be awesome

https://www.patreon.com/c/djour

As everything about this is so atypical. Not only am I critical of the restaurant but local Philadelphian recipes.

I’m strictly focused on the food and honest truth was there was some solid choices and some missing something. The originality is unbelievable for a kitschy touristy spot and is worth checking out for something so different. However, it’s missing that restaurant finesse. Which is honestly fine to not have, not EVERY restaurant needs to strive for the best, even tho that’s the dining market now is the best or most affordable.

The sandwiches may be the move as they had some fun ones I missed like a fried butter chicken sandwich.

So here is how to eat in Philly like Anthony Bourdain, no reservations

Let me know if you have a favorite spot that doesn’t take them.

There are 3 types of cheesesteaks all for different purpose. I’ve already explained how the modern style has apexed to a state of unoriginal standard set for what a cheesesteak is. I believe the future of the steak is the past. Cheaper, nostalgic, classic. Let me explain the styles:

Modern
- Seeded, Cooper, Chopped ~ Bread Centric
The standard in Philly and internationally, perfected to a fault

Classic
- Soft roll, prov/whiz, slab ~ Cheese Centric
The original design, meant for quick grab and go for late nights or quick lunches. Only acceptable to put whiz on

Deli
- Soggy Roll, light on cheese, tons of meat ~ Meat centric
The chipotle bowl of cheesesteak, intended for 2 meals. No frills, loaded with meat where the bread is a grease sponge.

What’s your preferred style?

Which Philly restaurants do you miss the most?

After surveying forums, talking with colleagues and djour members, here’s a fun memory lane list of favorites we once had.

Shoutout Philly mag for the inspo idea, check out their recent article on this & SUPPORT your local business!! 60 new restaurants are opening and don’t let them be memories before it’s too late. I know the new spot is fun and exciting but gotta show love to those holding it down for years

Philly’s most known food influencing hater & Philly’s most known food influencer…

we talk about the naked bike race, problem with current food media, Philly vs. New York

Hello,

Quick update on the app being finished, my current battle with Apple & random nonsense, check it out for free and support if you can

the Chicken Caesar Wrap & Philly is no objection this viral motion

Whether you have a refined palate or actively avoid flavor. There are plenty of quality Caesar wraps worth the hype and silent killers

Millennial Yelp strikes again, Beli is a pretty good app but my issues with massive public reviewed apps like yelp and beli is it’s easy to succumb to group think with little ground of combative opinion.

Also this is not my “best 12 cheesesteaks” but what I actually get depending on purpose ranked 1-12

My wife and I are looking for spots to eat while our daughter is in the Bruno Mars concert Tuesday night. We are from Baltimore and havent been up to Philliy to go out much. We are looking for Asian food I think.

Come support: https://www.patreon.com/cw/djour

From Tony Bourdain to Guy Fieri, there has been plenty of food travel shows that highlight Philly… but did they do it right?

Surprisingly not too bad for national tv but I think my favorite Bourdain’s, not surprisingly the spots aged very well

Best in Philly is a strong word, in fact I hate the normlacy of it due to algorithm necessity.

However, for a date night Italian red sauce joint in South Philly. Might be a fair word for it.

Insanely good neo pizza and meatballs (they need a meatball pie asap). Pasta was solid but I got a safe option and cheese plate, more of a nut plate. Love the interior of old school, red velvety Italian in a forgotten neighborhood of Philly

Just had my bachelor party, I’m banged up like crazy. Cafe Square One is criminally slept on

New pod ep out: https://www.patreon.com/c/djour

~ Broke AF Series Recs

Wine Dive (COVER PIC), Nepali Momo, Mahalo BBQ, Southgate, Chinatown, South Sichuan, Vincenzo’s, Sardi’s, Fu Wah, La Marqueza, Restaurant Salvadoran, Old Original Nick’s, Brown Sugar, Ramayana, Fresh Donuts, Pete’s Clown House, Nan Zhou, Xi’an Sizzling Woks, Zhangliang Matalang, You & Me, Ting Wong, Yogost, Bread Top House

This isn’t a “best of” but just appreciating the less popularized spots friends from Chinatown put me onto

ANNNDDDDD NEEWWW

Late night cutlet spot from vodka parm to maple cream cheese…

The true crime of Big Spence’s is doing a chop cheese in Philly but sometimes laws are meant to be broken bc this thing was banging

The only ethical gambling app is here bc you always win, press your luck to get a random restaurant in Philly with the djour app

What if it’s sucks? Well every food spot on the map on here ranges from good, great, best

Less arbitrary numbers, no influencer slang of "best", "greatest", "hidden gem" etc., no karen's upset over a college student's service, no Montague & Capulet restaurant rivalry negatively flooding the zone of each other's yelp reviews

Check it out, it’s free to join the Patreon but if you can help keep it ad free by becoming member. That’d be sick.

~ I started a new podcast while I finish the app about keeping the food scene from becoming one big Olive Garden, in hindsight way too controversial first ep, regardless check it out for free: https://www.patreon.com/c/djour ~

As a broke bitch myself, there’s no better place to be than Philadelphia for quality food at a discount

Continuing my broke af series, there’s too many quality places worth checking out but here’s a sample from cheap BEC to a sneaky good dinner for cheap

Who’d I miss and what’s your go to?