Paesano's South Philly

Finally made it down to the Italian Market location of Paesano's.  Readers of this blog know that I've got a soft spot for anything that Chef Peter McAndrews puts on a seeded italian roll.  The south philly location of Paesano's, which has moved down 9th street to make way for Monsu, has a large kitchen and more extensive menu.  I've been dying to try the Bolognese - served only at this location.  It consists of that perfect italian seeded roll, a large serving of fried lasagna with meat sauce, sweet peppers, smoked mozzarella, red sauce, sharp provolone, AND a fried egg.  You didn't think someone could get that many ingredients on a roll, huh? 

This is right in line with the food baby concept.  A dish/meal/sandwich so good you can't stop eating so that afterwards you feel ready to give birth.  While I did really like this sandwich - the runny egg yolk and melty provolone & mozzarella being the best part - it actually wasn't my favorite creation from Paesano's.  The sheer over-indulgence factor of friend lasagna on a roll is worth trying and writing about, but the end result is lacking somehow on the big flavor contrasts that their other offerings provide.  I'd easily prefer the Paesano with the brisket, horseradish mayo, and pepperincino or my new favorite the Gustaio with lamb sausage, gorgonzola, and cherry mustarda.  

I love to stroll the italian market on weekends, looking for inspiration & something good for dinner that night.  I will certainly stop back in to try the Liveracce & Meatloaf Parm sandwiches, which are also offered only at this other outpost of Paesano's.  Both sound enticing, and not something you're going to see at another sandwich shop in Philly.

*Bonus - for watchers of Food Network - Paesano's is featured tonight, Feb 23rd at 8:30 pm, on Throwdown with Bobby Flay.  Peter McAndrews pits his Paesano sandwich against the best that Chef Flay can come up with.  I don't envy him trying to beat that one. Good one for the DVR.

-T.Kaso

Paesano's - Italian Market
1017 S. 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-440-0371




Food Baby rating for the Bolognese at Paesano's:

It's a Boy!