In 2010, WIP host Glen Macnow named the Chicken Cutlet Italiano at Shank's Pier 40 the best hot sandwich in Philly.Three years later is today's version still like Roy Halladay in his prime or more like the aging 36-year-old pitcher losing his reign? That's what we wanted to answer on a recent visit to Shank's.
Some background in case you're not familiar with Macnow's famous food hunts. Each year, the radio host picks a category, like hot sandwiches, and embarks on an exhaustive search across the Greater Philadelphia region, trying as many as 50 different places to find the best. The contest makes for great radio as Macnow reports on where he's been and callers debate their favorites.
Past winners have included Rossi's Bar & Grill (burgers), Fat Jack's (ribs), Tacconelli's (pizza), John's Roast Pork (cheesesteaks) and Paesano's (hoagies).
Macnow is a good beacon for what the average person looks for in sandwiches. He's not a self-professed culinary connoisseur or food snob. Like me, he just wants to good sandwich.
