Ep 2. Cheesesteak Showdown

The show Carnivorous season 1 episode 2 is titled "Cheesesteak Showdown" and is an exploration of the quintessential Philadelphia sandwich, the cheesesteak. Host Courtney Rada sets out to find the best cheesesteak in the city and meet the chefs who make them.

Rada starts her journey at John's Roast Pork, a local institution known for their roast pork sandwiches, but also for having one of the best cheesesteaks in the city. She meets with owner John Bucci and tries his famous sandwich, which features thinly sliced ribeye steak, onions, and melted provolone cheese on a freshly baked roll.

Next, Rada heads to Dalessandro's Steaks and Hoagies in Roxborough, where she meets with owner Frank Olivieri Jr. and tries their cheesesteak with traditional toppings of melted cheese and grilled onions. Olivieri Jr. explains the history of the cheesesteak and how his family has been making them for over 75 years.

After trying two traditional cheesesteaks, Rada decides to explore some innovative variations of the sandwich. She heads to SliCE Pizza, where owner Jason Dilks serves up a cheesesteak pizza, featuring the classic cheesesteak ingredients on top of a thin crust pizza. She also tries a cheesesteak egg roll with Sriracha ketchup dipping sauce at South Philly Cheesesteaks & Fries.

Finally, Rada visits Campo's Deli, where she meets with owner Michael Strange and tries their unique spin on the cheesesteak, the Schmitter. The Schmitter features thinly sliced steak, grilled salami, Swiss cheese, tomato, and special sauce on a Kaiser roll.

Throughout the episode, Rada interviews the chefs and owners, learning about their unique backgrounds and cooking styles. Along the way, she also shares some interesting facts about the history of the cheesesteak, including its origins in the 1930s and its popularity with famous Philadelphia figures like Sylvester Stallone and Will Smith.

At the end of the episode, Rada shares her top picks for the best cheesesteaks in the city, highlighting the unique flavors and techniques of each establishment. Cheesesteak Showdown is a mouth-watering exploration of one of Philadelphia's most beloved culinary traditions.