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Finding The Best Food In New York | Food Tours Season 2 Marathon | Harry And Joe's Full Trip

Insider Food・181 minutes read

Joe and Harry embark on a food tour in New York City, exploring iconic foods like pizza, hot dogs, bagels, pastrami, and burgers, discussing flavors, textures, and unique ingredients at various establishments. They conclude their tour praising favorites like John's of Bleecker Street for pizza, McSorley's for hot dogs, 2nd Avenue Deli for pastrami sandwiches, and Rolo's for burgers, highlighting the diverse culinary experiences in the city.

Insights

"Food Wars" season two takes place in New York City for a two-week food tour, featuring iconic foods like pastrami, bagels, burgers, hot dogs, bodegas, and pizza.
Reviewers Harry and Joe visit Bleecker Street Pizza, known for its thin, crispy crust and flavorful sauce with stringy cheese pulls.
The duo continues to John's of Bleecker Street for full pies cooked in coal ovens, noting a harder crust and distinct cheese caramelization.
They explore unconventional pizza toppings with Joe's Pizza, preferring the classic cheese slice for its simplicity and ease of eating.
Reviewers sample various pizzas, favoring coal-fired oven pizzas for their unique flavor and appreciate John's of Bleecker Street for its fantastic sauce, cheese, and smoky taste.
Harry and Joe embark on a New York hot dog tour, enjoying notable spots like Gray's Papaya, McSorley's, and Billy's hot-dog cart, praising Feltman's hot dog and the powerful mustard at McSorley's.
Nathan's Famous in Coney Island impresses with thinner but flavorful hot dogs enjoyed with sauerkraut and onions, offering a satisfying and iconic experience.
The duo transitions to a cheesesteak tour in Philadelphia, sampling sandwiches at Tony & Nick's, John's Roast Pork, Pat's, and Geno's, highlighting unique flavors and ingredients in each.
Harry and Joe conclude their food tour with a burger expedition in New York City, savoring burgers at JG Melon, PJ Clarke's, The Long Island Bar, and Rolo's, appreciating the juicy, flavorful offerings with unique twists.

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Summary

00:00

New York City Food Tour: Pizza Highlights

"Food Wars" season two is set in New York City for a two-week food tour.
The tour includes iconic New York foods like pastrami, bagels, burgers, hot dogs, bodegas, and pizza.
Harry is excited about trying New York bagels but not thrilled about hot dogs.
The first stop on the tour is Bleecker Street Pizza, known for its authentic New York slice.
The pizza at Bleecker Street Pizza has a thin, crispy crust and full cheese coverage.
The sauce on the pizza is highlighted for its flavor and tomato presence.
Bleecker Street Pizza uses two types of cheese, resulting in stringy cheese pulls.
The tour continues to John's of Bleecker Street, known for its traditional full pies cooked in coal ovens.
John's of Bleecker Street does not offer pizza by the slice, only full pies.
The pizza at John's of Bleecker Street has a harder-cooked crust and distinct cheese caramelization.

09:58

Pizza Tour: UK vs US, Artichoke Slice

Harry and Joe discuss the size of a pizza in the UK compared to the US, noting the impact of a coal oven on the pizza's texture and taste.
Joe explains that the faster cooking time in a coal oven results in gooier cheese and crispier dough with a charred flavor.
They express disdain for strict pizza rules and advocate for enjoying pizza without restrictions.
Joe introduces a unique pizza slice with white sauce, cheese, and artichoke, emphasizing its distinctiveness and deliciousness.
Harry and Joe describe the artichoke pizza as creamy, savory, and decadent, highlighting its richness and unique flavor.
They discuss the unconventional toppings on the artichoke pizza and how it defies traditional pizza norms.
Joe takes Harry to Joe's Pizza, a famous New York spot featured in "Spider-Man," known for its thin, crispy, and saucy slices.
They compare the classic cheese slice to a fresh mozzarella slice, noting the differences in sauce and cheese distribution.
Harry and Joe express their preferences for the classic cheese slice at Joe's Pizza due to its simplicity and ease of eating.
The duo continues their pizza tour, visiting a popular chain in Dumbo, Brooklyn, known for its numerous locations and quality pizza.

19:48

"Coal-fired pizza reigns supreme in NYC"

In 2010, scientists examined water used in making dough at a location with a proprietary machine to replicate New York City water.
The pizza sampled included classic options like cheese and margherita, as well as signature choices like the Brooklyn Bridge with sausage, ricotta, and tomatoes.
The pizza had a burnt top due to high heat, resembling coal-fired pizza like John's, with a distinct cheese taste.
The Brooklyn Bridge pizza was noted for its cheesiness, lacking a strong coal-finish flavor desired by the reviewers.
The reviewers appreciated the charred bits on the pizza, discussing the use of charcoal in products like soaps and toothpaste.
The reviewers preferred coal-fired oven pizzas, attributing their distinct flavor to the cooking method.
Despite trying various pizza places, the reviewers favored whole-pizza locations over pick-up-and-go slice spots.
The reviewers concluded that John's of Bleecker Street offered the best coal-fired pie with fantastic sauce, cheese, and a smoky flavor.
The reviewers found the sauce at a particular pizza place to be exceptional, leading them to reconsider their initial favorite.
After a day of pizza tasting, the reviewers moved on to trying New York hot dogs at Gray's Papaya, enjoying the classic toppings and papaya drink.

30:23

McSorley's: Historic Bar, Famous Hot Dogs

McSorley's is an old establishment with historical significance, frequented by notable figures like Houdini, Abraham Lincoln, and E.E. Cummings.
The bar offers two types of beer, dark and light, and is known for its fantastic hot dogs.
A unique item on the menu is a plate of raw onions, cheese, and saltine crackers, which is not a common choice.
The mustard served is described as strong and not typical English mustard, reminiscent of Grey Poupon.
The hot dog served at McSorley's is from Feltman's, one of the oldest hot dog companies in the US, known for its distinct taste and casing.
The hot dog is praised for its flavorful meat and good snap, with a comparison made to biting someone's finger off.
The sauerkraut on the hot dog is noted to be gentle and not overly tangy, complementing the overall taste.
The mustard served with the hot dog is described as powerful and capable of clearing sinuses, adding a unique flavor to the dish.
The experience of eating the hot dog is likened to eating hot wings, with the spicy mustard providing a pleasurable pain.
The hot dog from a street vendor near Central Park is affordable at $2, boiled rather than grilled, and lacks a distinct flavor but is still enjoyable, sparking a discussion on condiments like ketchup.

39:56

Iconic Hot Dog Joints in NYC

Billy's hot-dog cart on 93rd Street has hundreds of five-star reviews, making it one of the most popular in the city.
Located near Central Park, Billy seemed knowledgeable and friendly, contributing to the cart's success.
The Shake Shack at Madison Square Park, known for its high ratings, offers a unique flattop hot dog with a butterfly cut to prevent rolling.
The Chicago-style hot dog at Shake Shack includes tomato wedges, diced white onion, relish, sport peppers, celery salt, yellow mustard, and a pickle wedge.
The Chicago-style hot dog is praised for its tangy flavors and texture contrast, with sport peppers being a standout ingredient.
Nathan's Famous in Coney Island, established in 1916, is renowned for its hot dogs and hosts the famous hot-dog-eating competition.
Nathan's hot dogs are thinner but flavorful, with a distinct beef taste that stands out even in a lineup.
The hot dog at Nathan's is enjoyed with sauerkraut and onions, offering a crunchy and tangy experience that may not even need mustard.
Nathan's is synonymous with Coney Island, with a friendly atmosphere and a hot-dog complex that churns out hot dogs rapidly.
The experience at Nathan's is likened to Coney Island itself, with the hot dog being as iconic as the location, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal.

49:52

Joe and Harry's Hot Dog and Cheesesteak Tour

Joe and Harry spent the day eating hot dogs around the city to determine the best one.
They tried hot dogs from Gray's Papaya, a spot near Central Park, Shake Shack, and McSorley's.
Joe found the hot dog at McSorley's to be the best, enjoying the vibe and flavor.
They also tried a Feltman's hot dog with mustard, finding it simple yet effective.
Joe and Harry agreed that McSorley's had the best hot dog of the day.
They then decided to go on a road trip to Philadelphia to try the best cheesesteaks in the city.
Their first stop was Tony & Nick's in South Philadelphia, where they tried cheesesteaks with Cheese Whiz and American cheese.
Joe explained the savory and cheesy deliciousness of a Philly cheesesteak to Harry.
They discussed the differences in flavor between Cheese Whiz and American cheese on the cheesesteaks.
Despite having more places to try, Joe and Harry were eager to continue their cheesesteak tour in Philadelphia.

59:43

"Cheesesteak Showdown: John's vs. Pat's vs. Geno's"

John's Roast Pork is a James Beard Award-winning spot known for roast pork but also offers cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches.
They use a seeded roll from Carangi bakery instead of the standard Amoroso roll for their cheesesteaks.
Harry prefers Cheez Whiz on his cheesesteak, but John's Roast Pork does not offer it.
The cheesesteak at John's Roast Pork is a 12-ounce sandwich with extra cheese, onions, and loin tail meat.
The sandwich is described as loaded and substantial, with a good meat-to-cheese ratio.
Joe and Harry discuss the texture and flavor of the cheesesteak, noting the unconventional ingredients used.
They also try the roast pork sandwich at John's Roast Pork and praise its generous portions and flavors.
They then visit Pat's, the original cheesesteak spot, known for its Whiz cheese and high volume of sales.
Joe and Harry compare the cheesesteak at Pat's to John's Roast Pork, discussing the meat texture, cheese flavor, and bread ratio.
Lastly, they visit Geno's, a rival of Pat's, known for its tourist popularity and intense rivalry with Pat's, as seen on a TV show.

01:09:39

"Cheese Whiz vs. Real Cheese: Sandwich Showdown"

The establishment uses Provolone cheese, referred to as "real cheese," but they consume eight to 10 cases of Cheese Whiz daily.
The hosts discuss the terminology of "a case of Whiz" and the need for larger containers for the product.
The sandwich at the first location features long slices of rib eye, contrary to the preference for finely chopped meat.
The meat in the sandwich is not finely chopped, leading to a different texture than desired.
The sandwich is described as being more manageable and less weighty compared to others tried.
The bun of the sandwich quickly absorbs the meat juices due to its spongy and absorbent nature.
The second location's sandwich is praised for its tender meat and good Whiz-to-meat ratio, but the overall flavor is not outstanding.
The toppings in the second sandwich are not well mixed, leading to a mediocre experience.
The hosts visit a third location, Dalessandro's, where they enjoy a sandwich with a perfect cheese-and-meat mixture and a pillowy bun.
Dalessandro's sandwich impresses the hosts, with one host considering it the best they've had all day.

01:19:53

"1947 Oven, NYC Bagels, Lox Adventure"

The oven in the place they visited is from 1947, around World War II.
They plan to have traditional New York City bagels and lox throughout the day.
Harry describes his ideal bagel: golden brown, seasoned on both sides, with toppings on top and bottom.
Joe prefers fewer toppings on a bagel for better taste and ease of eating.
Bagels and lox became popular as a kosher alternative to eggs Benedict.
They visit Liberty Bagels, known for their quality bagels, including a rainbow bagel.
Joe selects a bagel with scallions and scallion cream cheese, emphasizing quality over quantity.
The bagel at Liberty Bagels is generously topped with cream cheese, capers, and scallions, covered in poppy seeds.
Harry and Joe enjoy the bagel, noting the firm tomato, good bagel texture, and generous cream cheese.
They discuss the flavor balance of the bagel, with Harry finding the salmon flavor slightly lost among the other ingredients.

01:29:47

Bagel Varieties Explored in New York

The cream cheese in the bagel is generous, making it squishy, with a mild and creamy taste.
One person prefers the cream cheese to be tangy, while another prefers it to be more subtle to let the bagel shine.
A rainbow bagel with birthday cake cream cheese is tried, described as vibrant and sweet, leading to a sugar high.
The rainbow bagel is noted for its texture, being crispy outside and sweet, with a comparison to American breakfast choices.
Tompkins Square Bagels in Manhattan is visited, known for kettle boiling their bagels for a crisp crust.
Bagel facts are shared, including their Eastern European Jewish origin and symbolism of life cycle and good luck.
A sesame bagel with cream cheese, capers, salmon, red onion, and tomato is tried, noted for its crispy outside and spongy inside.
The sesame bagel is praised for its flavor and texture, with a slight messiness due to the stacking of ingredients.
A unique pastrami lox, prepared like pastrami with a pepper crust, is tasted and compared to a hot dog flavor.
Ess-a-Bagel, a historic New York bagel spot since 1976, is visited, known for its Austrian family roots and multiple locations.

01:39:54

Unusual lettuce bagel with high filling ratio

Lettuce is an unusual addition to bagels, not commonly found.
The bagel in question has a high filling-to-bread ratio.
The lettuce in the bagel is eventually removed, with points deducted for its presence.
The lox in the bagel is generously thickly cut and fresh.
The cream cheese is described as gentle in flavor.
The bagel's cook is praised for its crust and blistery bits.
Lettuce is criticized for its interference with the bagel's overall experience.
The bagel is overall rated as very good, with a preference for Tompkins Square.
The bagels sampled are considered some of the best ever had.
The pastrami sandwich at Katz's Deli is highly recommended and praised for its thickness and tenderness.

01:49:58

"Delicious Pastrami and Pickles at Deli"

Harry and Joe discuss their experience at a deli, trying pastrami and pickles.
Joe convinces Harry to try the pastrami, which he ends up enjoying.
They discuss the strong beefy flavor of the pastrami and the quality of the meat.
Joe recommends trying the pickles, which he enjoys but Harry does not.
They discuss the pairing of pickles with deli meats due to their fatty and salty nature.
Harry and Joe talk about their plan to sneak a picture of themselves onto the deli's wall.
They continue to enjoy the pastrami sandwich and discuss the thickness of the meat and the quality of the rye bread.
They compare the pastrami sandwich to others they have tried and discuss the flavor profile.
The server offers rye bread with seeds, which they prefer, and they discuss the different tastes.
Harry and Joe discuss their preference for the seeded rye bread and the thin strips of meat with seasoning.

01:59:36

"Bronx Deli's Pastrami Sandwich Stands Out"

Liebman's is an authentic Jewish deli in the Bronx, the last of its kind in the neighborhood, known for its pastrami sandwich.
The deli also offers a celery beverage called Cel-ray, which has been on the menu for a long time and is surprisingly refreshing with an apple-like taste.
The pastrami sandwich at Liebman's is visually appealing with a spiral formation, thick rye bread, and generous meat content, providing a dense and satisfying texture.
The sandwich is described as tender, savory, buttery, and packed with meat, offering a good value for the amount of meat included.
Despite its density, the sandwich is enjoyable and flavorful, with a taste closest to bacon among the ones tasted that day.
The experience of trying multiple pastrami sandwiches throughout the day led to a newfound appreciation for the dish, highlighting the varying levels of beefiness, seasonings, and textures.
The importance of the rye bread, seasoning balance, and meat cut in creating a perfect pastrami sandwich is emphasized, with each deli showcasing unique approaches.
The tradition, practice, and attention to detail at each deli contribute to the excellence of their sandwiches, making it a matter of personal preference to choose a favorite.
The 2nd Avenue Deli is ultimately selected as the favorite due to its flavorful, tender meat, balanced elements, and overall exceptional taste.
Both reviewers agree on 2nd Avenue Deli being their favorite, appreciating its unique flavorfulness, quality of meat, and overall excellence in creating a memorable pastrami sandwich.

02:08:54

"NYC Burger Tour: Juicy, Flavorful Delights"

Joe and Harry are enjoying pastrami and discussing their food tour in New York City.
They plan to visit four top burger spots in one day to find the best burger in New York.
Their first stop is JG Melon, known for its traditional double beef blend, griddle-cooked burgers with simple toppings.
The burgers at JG Melon are described as juicy, flavorful, and not too dense, impressing Harry.
Harry and Joe enjoy their burgers at JG Melon, praising the quality of the ingredients and the cooking method.
They compare the American burger experience to the UK, noting the freshness and juiciness of the burgers in New York.
At their second stop, PJ Clarke's, a historic New York burger spot, they order the Cadillac burger with bacon.
The Cadillac burger at PJ Clarke's is described as large, juicy, and well-assembled, with crispy bacon and smart lettuce placement.
Joe and Harry appreciate the attention to detail in the burger assembly and the quality of the bacon at PJ Clarke's.
They enjoy the burger and discuss the differences between American and UK bacon, praising the crispy texture of the American bacon.

02:18:36

Burger Tour: Exploring NYC's Unique Offerings

Harry and Joe discuss the lack of crispiness in bacon sandwiches they've had.
Joe praises the beef patty's size and flavor, attributing the success of the burger to it.
Harry and Joe discuss the importance of cheese in a cheeseburger, with differing opinions on the ideal amount.
The duo moves on to try burgers at The Long Island Bar in Brooklyn, appreciating the American menu and Art Deco vibe.
They enjoy the unique burger offerings, including battered fries and cheese curds, appreciating the attention to detail in the burger assembly.
Harry and Joe indulge in the delicious burgers, highlighting the quality of the bacon and the unique elements like pickles and layered cheese.
They try deviled eggs and cheese curds, appreciating the flavors and textures, with Harry expressing concern over the snack's health implications.
The duo moves on to Rolo's in Queens, where they try a burger with a unique meat blend and cooked on an open wood-fire grill.
They discuss the modern ambiance of Rolo's compared to other spots, noting the limited number of burgers made daily and the fresh ingredients used.
Harry and Joe end their burger tour, reflecting on their experiences and the variety of burgers they've tried throughout New York City.

02:28:22

"Wood-Fired Burger Delights in Ridgewood"

The burgers being discussed are not smash burgers but have a smash-burger-like appearance with caramelization and a dark crust due to being cooked over a wood fire.
The burger being tasted has cheese between both patties, a mustard-mayo sauce with Dijon, and garlic-butter-dipped onions, making it flavorful and juicy.
The burger is priced at $18, with an additional $3 for bacon, totaling $21, and is considered high-end due to its quality and preparation.
The burger is located in Ridgewood, a less touristy area, and is praised for its inventive and flavorful extras like grilled onions.
The burger is cooked in a wood fire, enhancing the flavor of the meat and making it stand out among others tasted that day.
The burger is described as the most flavorful and juicy among those tasted, with the onions adding to the overall taste experience.
The favorite burger of the day is Rolo's, known for its flame-grilled quality, 75:25 lean to fat ratio, and overall fantastic taste.
The Long Island Bar burger is also highly praised for its care in assembly, well-seasoned beef, and classic Americana vibe, making it a top choice.
The New York City burger experience is summarized as offering a variety of styles, from traditional to innovative, with all burgers being juicy and flavorful.
The text concludes with a visit to Mama Jo's Breakfast Cart for a classic New York City bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, known for its simplicity and deliciousness.

02:37:59

"Chopped Cheese: NYC's Unique Sandwich Experience"

Bacon and cheese sandwich doesn't feel heavy or fatty, with a surprising ketchup addition.
Ketchup complements the bacon well, offering a salty-sweet combination, sparingly applied.
Small griddle used for cooking, emphasizing efficiency and quick service.
American cheese on breakfast sandwiches is appreciated, despite initial skepticism.
Introduction to a chopped cheese, a popular New York City dish, with variations in preparation.
Chopped cheese consists of hamburger, cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato, salt, pepper, ketchup, and mayo on a toasted roll.
Chopped cheese quality and flavor praised, with a focus on the beef hamburger's juiciness.
Bodegas in New York offer a community-oriented experience, distinct from typical corner shops in London.
Bodega Truck combines elements of a cart and bodega, offering a hybrid sandwich of chopped cheese and bacon, egg, and cheese.
Hybrid sandwich includes sunny-side-up egg, bacon, chopped hamburger, hash browns, ketchup, and mayo, providing a harmonious blend of flavors.

02:47:25

"Unique Bodega Sandwiches in NYC"

The chopped cheese has a mix of cheddar and American cheese.
The price point is slightly higher but offers more value.
Chopping the hamburger and adding cheese creates a cohesive mass.
The idea of driving around the city to provide food is smart.
The bodega is TikTok famous for its unique sandwich creations.
The bodega allows customers to add various items to their sandwiches.
The sandwich includes honey buns, bacon, egg, cheese, mozzarella sticks, and syrup.
The sandwich is surprisingly delicious and well-balanced.
The bodega culture in New York is praised for its community vibe and convenience.
Different bodegas offer unique sandwich experiences, each with standout qualities.

02:56:40

Hajji's: Authentic Bodega with Best Chopped Cheese

For an authentic bodega experience and a favorite sandwich, Hajji's is recommended, particularly for their chopped cheese sandwich which is simple, elegant, and delicious. The bodega game in New York is praised, with the hosts expressing exhaustion and indulgence after two weeks of food tours, feeling like true New Yorkers and hoping to return soon.

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