Has anyone here ever had a (genuine) Primanti Bros. Pittsburgh sandwich and, if so, did you like it? I am wondering if I should go a little out of the way my next drive west to stop at one of Primanti's sandwich shops just to have a Pittsburgh classic, shown below (from their web site). . And, yes, there's french fries layered in this 'near Dagwood.' If not this famous sandwich, then what?
I think I prefer my fries on the side, but that looks like a good sandwich. I've always wanted to try a "real" Philly cheesesteak or one of those Chicago Italian beef sandwiches.
I think your options would be (1) use your h\and muscles to squish it down good, like one does with a fully-laden sub or (2) use Ken's suggestion to pick up a knife and fork., That said, I am thinking I'd really like to bite into one of these and see if it's as tasty as they (i.e., PA folk) claim. It would seem to be a whole meal between two slices of bread.
Beth, being born and raised in Chicago, I can attest to the fact that an Italian beef sandwich is a little (or rather a big) slice of heaven. We've gone back to Chicago just to have an Italian beef or a pizza from one of the little local pizzarias. When we can't travel to Chicago, we fill in with Portillo's Italian beef which we order on line and it's delivered to our door! No one down here in Kentucky has even heard of Italian beef sandwiches. Even if they had it down here it wouldn't be the same. It's a Chicago thing. I also love what I call a cheese bomber. It's like an Italian beef, but first you put an Italian sausage on the bread, pile on the beef, some roasted green peppers, then put a good amount of mozzarella cheese on top and slide under the broiler until the cheese is melty. Not exactly a diet dish, but it should be in it's own food group!
You are my kinda' gal, Jane!! Those sandwiches sound fabulous. I have been to Chicago a few times and have yet to have an Italian Beef sandwich!! I'll have to look for Portillo's online.
If you decide to try it, please make a photo of the "real deal" and report back on how you like it. I'm skeptical of website photos...
If you decide to try Portillo's (https://www.portillos.com/index-shop-and-ship.html) be sure to follow directions on the sheet they send. Very important: don't let the gravy boil but keep it really hot. "Fluff" the meat after it's defrosted and separate the slices carefully. Only put the meat in the gravy for about 1 minute. Be sure to spoon some gravy on the bread before adding the beef. Just a few things I've learned along the way!