What does a Philly Cheesesteak have to do with QuickBooks? Besides the fact that if you enjoy a philly and wish to expense it, you would post it to “Meals”; otherwise nothing. Then why I am writing about Philly Cheesesteaks? We, at QuickTrainer, are not simply some accounting nerds or geeks without a personality. We are fun loving people and we want people to see all sides of us. So, you never know what we might be writing about. Today, it’s about my being in search of THE best Philly Cheesesteak to be found in the Wilmington area.
Now, let me be clear. This whole cheesesteak “thingy” was not my idea. I first learned about it recently on my Twitter (@QTi). One of the many Twitterers I follow is Star News Online (@starnewsonline). They keep me informed about what’s happening in our area of the world. On Tuesday, April 21st, SNO twittered about their search for…
Who makes the best cheesesteaks in the Wilmington area?
After reading about this quest on Tuesday, I immediately began craving a Philly Cheesesteak. Having grown up in Wilmington, I knew were to turn for fulfillment of said craving; J. Michael’s Philly Deli. It was scrump-delicious; just like I remember them from my youth. I posted within the Star News Online article that J. Michael’s Philly Deli was still my choice.
However, being the open-minded person I am, I continue to pay attention to the places where other’s are casting their votes. Big D’s is killing the other votes with a margin of 3:1 to the nearest front-runner (J. Michael’s). It is my understanding this clear front-runner is somewhat new to the area. In fact, the previous link is to a Google Map, as I was not able to find a website for Bigs D’s.
In any case, I decided today that I would give Big D’s a try. So I set out in search of 6648 Gordon Road. Wait a minute, that’s the Kangaroo Gas Mart. Yep, that’s right. Located at the right-hand portion of the Kangaroo, you will find Big D’s. Very little signage, so you got to know where you’re going.
What was my take-away? If we are only to judge on the sandwich itself, it was good. I would put it dead-even with J. Michael’s. But when I go out to eat, I also want to enjoy the environment I’m in. To that end, let me say these things:
- The help was friendly enough, though lacking some people skills.
- The environment itself appeared clean, though worn (which makes it look dingey). It could use some work.
- They serve Diet-Mt. Dew; always a thumbs up for me.
- The FF’s were very good.
- The one thing which annoyed me the most? The two flies wanting my food.
Big D’s, in my opinion, has a good product which can get better. What will help Big D’s even more is if they can attract good people who are going to deliver great service with a smile. Another help would be to give their environment some character. Maybe it’s just me; perhaps I’m the only one who cares about the surrounding environment I’m eating in. I recall years ago a man saying to me, “you can’t eat atmosphere”. He’s right. But I can certainly enjoy the atmosphere while I enjoy my meal.
For now, J. Michael’s Philly Deli (Hanover Center) is still the place for the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, NC. But I’m not done. I will likely try Pine Valley Market next, as I live in the vicinity and I am already familiar with their excellent chili. Additionally, I suspect the Copper Penny’s Cheesesteak might be the “sleeper” in all of these. I also plan on trying A Taste of Italy, and Parchie’s soon.
Finally, share your opinions with me. Where am I right and where am I wrong? And, don’t forget to cast your vote in search of the best Philly Cheesesteak to be found in the Wilmington area.
#ilm