slightly off topic, but is cheez whiz authentic philly or not? i've heard that it's just something tourists think is authentic, but the philly crowd never actually gets it.

It's authentic, but not universal. That is, some cheesesteak places in Philadelphia (such as my old favorite Jim's Steaks at 4th and South) use Cheez Whiz, but other places use different cheeses.

dudefella wrote:slightly off topic, but is cheez whiz authentic philly or not? i've heard that it's just something tourists think is authentic, but the philly crowd never actually gets it.

Made our maiden voyage to Monti's today and I regret that it took us so long. Good food, great service, family-friendly, and an interesting beer list. I'm not a huge ketchup person but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the 78 Red All Natural Ketchup they brought to the table. Rolled the dice on a Cisco Brewers Grey Lady beer and was very happy with it.
On our way out, my daughter turned around and yelled "bye restaurant!" and nearly everyone in the place said "bye" in return at the same time. Gives you an idea of the friendly neighborhood vibe the place has.

dudefella wrote:slightly off topic, but is cheez whiz authentic philly or not? i've heard that it's just something tourists think is authentic, but the philly crowd never actually gets it.

From what I’ve been taught it is just another option “Wit Wiz”.

Both available and on the menu.

Panther in the Den wrote:

dudefella wrote:slightly off topic, but is cheez whiz authentic philly or not? i've heard that it's just something tourists think is authentic, but the philly crowd never actually gets it.

From what I’ve been taught it is just another option “Wit Wiz”.

Both available and on the menu.

In my youth in the philly area, few of the neighborhood places that provided 80-90% of my cheesesteaks even had Whiz on the menu. White American cheese (sliced but melted) was the most popular option. Provolone, pizza cheese and swiss could make an appearance but it was a special order. Never default. Some of the more popular steak places had hot-and-melted tubs of american (white), provolone, and whiz for rapid application. Getting a steak with whiz was fairly infrequent and it felt like an option for high-volume places only.

Looks like Monti's is for sale . . .

Lucrative restaurant and bar in Lincoln Square/Ravenswood serving authentic Philly cheesesteaks (link opens a .pdf of the listing)

SUMMARY
Outstanding opportunity to own an established authentic Philly cheesesteak and pizza, restaurant and bar with yearly accolades and awards. Very profitable with stable cash flow and exceptional lease terms. 1,000 sq. ft. of bar, dining and kitchen, plus extra storage room. Gross lease with 8 years remaining and the opportunity to extend. Add even more revenue with outdoor seating for increased visibility and delivery. All books are in order and ready to review upon receipt of an NDA and proof of funds. Clean corporation and excellent credit with vendors. Perfect concept to add to a portfolio or easy entry for a start up. Operating Business. Please do not disturb management or employees.

=R=

I enjoyed a good meal with friends at Monti's tonight. We split an order of wings to start out. They were lightly battered and just fine. I sometimes find myself paradoxically wishing for smaller chicken wings. The various delights of a fine chicken wing can't fully align when starting with an oversized flapper. Of course, we want a meaty wing but they can be too wet, for lack of a better term, and throw off the skin/sauce/meat/delight ratios. They're good, just not fantastic. All that said, I'd get them again at Monti's.

The steaks are great. I got a Rocky with peppers on the side. I like it hot and that Rocky sauce is the real deal. On the side is the way to go, it had me sweating.

ronnie_suburban wrote:Looks like Monti's is for sale . . .

I think I'd heard it was for sale last summer.

I visited Monti's tonight, solo, and in need of food to fuel a poker marathon. I got a Rocky, chile on the side, always the right way to go. That Rocky sauce has got to be one of the spiciest things on a menu in Chicago. Yelp reports they've recently been sold but everything seemed just as before. It was really quiet at what should have been a busy time, get over there and have a steak and wings.

though wary of posting rumors/speculation, a friend said there was a fire at Monti's recently.

dudefella wrote:though wary of posting rumors/speculation, a friend said there was a fire at Monti's recently.

They definitely had a fire. Damage looks pretty extensive.
https://twitter.com/rodingus/status/1306023635832930304

‘We’ll Be Back’: Monti’s Cheesesteaks Closes After Fire
https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/09/15 ... sday-fire/

it's gotten to the point that everytime I see a favorite place mentioned I panic click.

Glad everyone is ok, and TRULY hope they make it back.

I, indeed love Montis.

Further notes, we need to get someone to stop their automated twitter feed.

Bspar wrote:Further notes, we need to get someone to stop their automated twitter feed.

Yeah. I'm sure that's not top-of-mind, but it' kind of embarrassing.

Effective 10/31/2020, we’ve temporarily relocated to 4131 N Rockwell St for pick-up and delivery.

We’re taking advantage of the Covid restaurant shut-down to remodel our Talman location and will re-open soon!

Source: Monti's website

The GP wrote:

Effective 10/31/2020, we’ve temporarily relocated to 4131 N Rockwell St for pick-up and delivery.

We’re taking advantage of the Covid restaurant shut-down to remodel our Talman location and will re-open soon!

Source: Monti's website

I am glad they were able to find a space in that virtual/cloud kitchen!

Monti’s Cheesesteaks is now a virtual restaurant with plans to rebuild in Lincoln Square.
https://chicago.eater.com/2020/12/21/22 ... ood-center

After a very long renovation, Monti’s has returned to its home on Talman Avenue

https://chicago.eater.com/2021/9/24/226 ... -fall-2021

I'm glad they're reopening and can't wait to get back but the timing for me is just so bad. Starting last summer, my poker buddies resumed our more or less weekly games which had me driving right past Monti's. Pre-fire & pandemic, I could grab a spot on Lawrence*, jump in and have a steak and a beer and be back on my way so I could lose my ass at cards (usually). It was so convenient and something I really looked forward to. The poker host guy is leaving town, moving out west tomorrow.

*Yea, you don't want to get lost in the side streets south of Lawrence near there. Confusing one-ways, street level L tracks, the river, very hard to get back on track.