4 /5 Jason Z Christie: Man, I love me some Sampsons. When I passed it headed somewhere, I knew I had to hit it on the way back. I was not disappointed, as many a cheesteak joint is wont to do.
Instead, I was pleasantly surprised.
I ordered almost half the menu, which is limited. Thats usually a good sign, and I was right. The only main variant I didnt get was a chicken sandwich, so thats on the list for next time.
What I did get was not one, but two Phillies. I was that confident in Mr. Sampson, owner and culinary wizard extraordinare. Because Im a big old fat pig whose only vices are food and phone calls with girlfriend, I got a cheeseburger to eat on the drive home, before I ate a Philly on the drive home... Oh, and some fries.
Now, at first glance, I felt two ways about the burger. On one hand, the bun looked a bit small. On the other, this was no pre-fabbed frozen patty.
But when I bit into it? Party in my mouth! I swear, I havent tasted hamburger this tasty since the late 80s. How is this even possible? Is my man slaughtering cows in the back? This was more than masterful seasoning. It was pure voodoo.
Every bit was perfect. And it was probably a half pound of beef after cooking. The thick, krinkle-cut fries were exactly perfect as well, light brown and crunchy on the outside, hot and French on the inside, like a really pretty creole girl.
I only regret trying to be healthy and not getting a few cans of Coke.
On the Philly, he also delivered. I got mine with just steak and mushrooms, and cheese, naturally. While not quite as spectacular as the burger in flavor, it ticked all the marks I look for in terms of taste.
I am a bit of a Philly snob, so I had to ding him a single star for not catering to my specific requirements of using sliced provolone.
What the eatery lacks in ambiance, it more than makes up for in hospitality. Sampson (I am putting us on a first name basis for the sake of brevity) is a genuinely great gentleman. Exactly who you want to give your money to in these trying times. I was glad to drop a paltry $24 and some change for enough food to feed two or three people. My only regret was not having a provision to tip him as well.
The second warmed up nicely later, and I went to bed full and satisfied. Also like dinner with a creole girl. I shall return like a portly General Custer, and next time Ill get the chicken sandwich, too.
"Ya need to see Sampson " - Half-Baked movie, paraphrased.
