Phillys and Fries

I think Phillys and Fries is new–haven’t really heard about it, haven’t seen them before. I wonder why this place isn’t busier. Who, in this town with so many steakhouses, doesn’t love beef and cheese sandwiched between bread? When I first tried to go, they weren’t open, even though they were supposed to have been open for at least 30 minutes. Bummed from my first attempt, I still desired one of their 5 dollar cheesesteak combos that they advertise in a brightly painted sign on their window. When I stepped into the shop my second time visiting, it was like stepping into a classy restaurant that had been ghetto-fied to keep the reputation of neighborhood cheesesteak shop. They had a couple of booths and stools that were all plushy and looked like they were made from Oriental rugs. Each table had antiquated candlebras, and there was a large flatscreen TV on a wall that looked like it had been taken out of an old Victorian home. Fancy huh? But everything had a slightly used and dirty feel, possibly from all the grease and steam, and what I thought looked like two bulletholes in the window.

I’d say that it’s a pretty unique looking restaurant.

But the food. It was expensive. I don’t see how there could be a 5 dollar cheesesteak combo since the 6 inch sandwich alone was almost 6 dollars. Add on some extras like mushrooms and garlic, and it surpasses that. Footlongs were bordering on 10 dollars. Now I haven’t been to many cheesesteak places, but the ones I have been to weren’t quite that pricey. It didn’t stop me from ordering, but it does make me reconsider placing this place on my list of cheap eats. But although pricey, they were pretty delicious. And greasy. But exorbitant amounts of grease soaked on the bread and dripping onto your hands are what gives it flavor. Tons of it. Having it slathered with mushrooms and garlic help a lot too.

Have I ever described something as unhealthy? Is there a tastebud that detects unhealthy? It might also detect deliciousness, but I should try to limit how much unhealthiness/deliciousness I ingest to a fairly moderate amount. But if I ever feel like overdosing on the fried and greasy, I could just order a footlong mushroom and garlic and chase it with a fried twinkie, which they also sell.

Phillys and Fries

7975 N Cedar ave

Fresno, CA

(559) 446-1111‎

Whole Foods

What’s a safe bet? Something that you can be absolutely sure of? In the world of food, a safe bet would be something like McDonald’s–a place, where ever in the world it may be, where you can expect consistence, albeit consistently McDonald’s. In America, or rather, select locations in America, we can count on Whole Foods to be a safe bet for consistently above-average food. Some locations may be better than others, depending on the chefs and the recipes at particular places. For example, I regard the Whole Foods in Fresno to be way better than the Whole Foods I visit sometimes in Nashville, TN because the food preparation and specific local menu items in Fresno (such as their burgers and sandwiches) just taste better. And I assume that the Whole Foods in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles would be better in Fresno. Regardless of my imaginary hierarchy of Whole Foods’ prepared foods sections, the local Whole Foods is better in terms of price and taste to many gastronomic establishments here.

One local menu item that I miss sometimes when I’m in Nashville is the San Joaquin, roast beef, caramelized onions, arugala, and aioli (and possibly cheese?) comfortably smushed in between a ciabatta bun. It uses basic ingredients that are prepared well and balanced together for some beefy, oniony, and a slightly bittery taste in every mouthful. Sometimes I wish there wasn’t so much bread to the ciabatta, but that’s because I’m not a big fan of overloading on the carbs when I eat sandwiches. However, I could go for some more arugala and caramelized onions to make me feel like I’m eating a healthier meal (plus, I like the bitterness in arugala and love the taste of caramelized onions, BREATH MINTS BE DAMNED!).

For my side dish, I chose an oversized key lime bar. I guess this is Whole Foods’ gourmet twist on the lemon bar. As far as citrus goo-covered bars, this is one of the better pastries I’ve had in Fresno. In fact, in my history of frequenting the Whole Foods bakery, I don’t think I’ve ever had a disappointing baked good. Other items that I would purchase if given the opportunity are the pumpkin pies and a caramely cake that is also only made during the holiday season and sold out every day I went there. I really wish the Whole Foods bakery was in holiday mode all the time. Anyways, the key lime portion wasn’t too sweet, and had a good amount of sour lime flavor. The crust wasn’t too sweet either, and was a good textural accompaniment to the lime goo.

I know that Whole Foods isn’t perfect. In fact, there have been instances where vegetarian foods are mislabeled (to be posted later possibly). But in Fresno, Whole Foods is a safe bet for a good meal. At least when the food is fresh. I can’t really comment on hot buffet food that’s been sitting out for hours.

Whole Foods Market

650 W Shaw Ave

Fresno, CA

(559) 241-0300‎