Priscilla E.

Off the Eaten Path Today was my day off. I thought what better way to enjoy the crisp air than on a food-hunt. I considered where I would hideout if I were a culinary criminal. Surely it would be "off the eaten path". Someplace a foodie like me wouldn't normally go to, someplace I wouldn't be caught dead in. My plan was to take a drive heading south on 75. I trusted my gut and its grumblings. I would know where to stop. I felt a twinge that told me to take the 167 exit. I headed down Pierce Ave/ Pio Nono Ave/ Hwy 247...the road had so many aliases I knew I was on to something. Two miles down the road I saw it, sitting on the corner of Pio Nono and Hillcrest at 919 Pio Nono Ave, The American Deli. What caught my eye wasn't the no frills exterior or the weird chickens on their sign. It was the fact that the parking lot was full. I found a space and walked in. There was nothing special about the interior aside from it being clean. I noticed the 100 health code rating and breathed a sigh of relief. The menu read like a hodge-podge of dishes, chicken wings, gyros, burgers and cheese steaks. I knew this would be the first stop of a long day so I took it easy on the food. I ordered a Philly Cheese Steak. It is always a bold move ordering a Philly cheese steak when you are not in Philly. I hoped I wouldn't come to regret it later. While I was waiting on my sandwich I smelled some wings cooking. I had to try some. Sean was nice enough to let me sample a Lemon Pepper wing. It was crispy, tangy, and not sweet like others I've had. I would be sure to come back for more. My order was ready and I took it out to my car where I could eat unnoticed. The fries were in need of some salt and just your average crinkle cuts, but the sandwich left me feeling like Rocky Balboa running up the Philly Museum of Art's steps. Victorious! It was a pretty large sandwich, heavy with beef, onions and tons of cheese. I would save it and finish it later. I was just starting my hunt and didn't want to get too full. I headed off again down Pio Nono Avenue not sure where I would end up but eager to get there. to be continued...