Campo’s at the ballpark

Matt and I are taking advantage of our trips to Citizens Bank Park this summer and trying different vendors and food each time. Last night (during that really “close” game against the Reds), since we had treated ourselves to good seats in section 109, we were sitting close to Ashburn Alley. Cheesesteaks were definitely in order. Tony Luke’s line was obnoxious so we opted for Campo’s, whose line was just a bit less obnoxious. We got in line at 6:15 and sat in our seats just in time for the first pitch at 7:05.

We both decided that cheesesteaks are by far the best option at Citizens Bank Park. Matt ordered “The Works” and I ordered a chicken cheesesteak with Whiz and fried onions. They were juicy but not greasy, filling but not heavy, and tasty but not too salty. We did not feel the need to get any other food or snacks throughout the rest of the game because we were so satisfied with these steaks. It will be hard to try a different food at our next game–maybe we’ll give Tony Luke’ s a try for a basis of comparison. The only way Luke’s could top Campo’s was if they used more Whiz. I can never have too much Whiz.

The Schmitter

Matt and I finally tried The Schmitter, a sandwich created by McNally’s Tavern in Chestnut Hill **which is not named after Mike Schmidt!** (Thanks, Joe, for the correction–I can’t believe I didn’t catch this.) When Citizens Bank Park opened, the sandwich got its own stand at section 139.

Long lines are obviously always expected.  On a stormy evening, though, there was no wait after the game started.

The sandwich is a bit pricey–I don’t think I would pay for a whole one again although I might consider sharing one with some fries on the side.

The concept is genius and the diagram very handy.

Anticipation!  Why do yummy foods that cause heart attacks always come wrapped in foil?  It drives Matt crazy to wait for me to take my photos but it is usually worth it.

This sandwich is cut in half.  Thumbs up!

Matt lifted up the top so I could get an inside shot.  It was so unappetizing no matter what angle you looked at it.

The bun was soggy and the meat a little slippery.  I’m pretty sure that the “special sauce” is Thousand Island and the onions were more sauteed, not fried.  We were hoping for ring-style deep-friend onions–that would give it more texture and some fun crunch.

The cheese was melty.  Matt liked the salami and I liked the steak, mainly because of how they were cooked.  The salami was a bit underdone for me and the steak a bit over done for Matt (the edges were a little brown and crunchy, just the way I like it).

The general consensus: The Schmitter is greasy, cheesy, and tasty, but we agreed that it wouldn’t taste as good with no beer in your blood stream and would probably be like Filet mignon after too many beers.  The price is high although only a $1.25 markup in the ballpark from the Tavern’s price.  If we get this again, it will be in the 7th inning (after a couple more beers) and not the 3rd and we will share it.  I am very interested to taste one directly from the Tavern because I have a feeling it tastes much better out from underneath the heat lamps.

Check out these reviews of The Schmitter:

Eat Charm City

foobooz

The 700 Level

Philadelphia Summer Wish List

While day dreaming, I decided to create a Philadelphia Summer 2009 Non-Recession-Friendly Wish List.  Enjoy!

1. Eat at Matyson once a week.  Try every tasting menu ($45/person) This week: “Outrageous Onions!”

2. See Jason Mraz and G. Love at the Festival Pier ($45/ticket) on Aug. 9th 

3. Get baseline seats to a Phillies game.  Any Phillies game.  ($60/ticket)

4. Eat at Susanna Foo before it closes (dumpling sampler+crispy duck+short ribs+fried rice+bok choy+dessert+”Sparkling Susanna”+Lychee Martini+tax+tip=$135)

5. Grease at the Kimmel Center!  ($25-$100/ticket)

6. Attend the Culinary Herb Party at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College ($45/person)

7. Sunday Supper at Supper ($35/person)

8. Spend a weekend in New Hope at The Mansion Inn or Porches (~$200/night) and eat dinner at Marsha Brown.

9. Go shopping at Terrain at Styers (maybe pick up a terrarium) and go to the Cafe for a monthly Chef’s Dinner ($45/person).

10. Eat at Vetri (grand tasting=$135/person). 

I’ll be sure to report on anything I might check off of my wish list this summer!