New OrleansWith the exception of the bread and cheesesteaks, Steve Gingrich adored every aspect of New Orleans.
Before relocating to New Orleans in 2009, Gingrich, a 56-year-old Eagles fan who grew up in the Philadelphia region, disliked the French bread that most local eateries used to prepare their cheesesteaks. After a few pieces, he claimed the bread was too crispy and crumbled. He took action as a result.
The cheesesteaks at Gingrich’s favorite Philadelphia restaurants, such as Jim’s on South Street, were prepared on Amoroso Rolls, a softer bread.
A cheesesteak was one of the first dishes Gingrich added to the menu when he launched The Schooner Saloon, a bar and restaurant at 700 Burgundy Street, in the fall of 2023.
Every week, five to ten cases of Amoroso Rolls are flown to Gingrich from Philadelphia to provide the people of New Orleans with a more authentic cheesesteak experience.
After picking up the order from the pilots at New Orleans Lakefront Airport, he drives back to his pub.
On Sunday night, Gingrich told NJ Advance Media, “I wanted to do something a little different than everyone else is doing.”
The Schooner Saloon cheesesteak is served with fries and is composed of meat, provolone cheese, peppers, and grilled onions.
Cayden Steele’s cheesesteak at The Schooner Saloon
Although his cheesesteak may not be as wonderful as those at the greatest restaurants in Philadelphia, Gingrich said he thinks it’s the best in New Orleans.
Gingrich remarked, “We do it as well as we can down here.” Unlike Jim’s and many other establishments, our kitchen is not designed to be a mass-production cheesesteak factory.
Some Eagles supporters dropped into Gingrich’s tavern in September to purchase a cheesesteak after traveling to New Orleans for the team’s Week 3 game against the Saints.
Although they weren’t specialists, New Orleanians gave his cheesesteak positive reviews. To feel secure, he wanted Eagles supporters’ approval.
Naturally, Philadelphia can be a rough town, so I was a little worried, Gingrich added. The critical fans. I was a little concerned that I would get a lot of negative feedback regarding the cheesesteak, such as, “What are you trying to do down here making a cheesesteak?” But it was a hit.
Wesley Mitchell, a frequent client, spent a brief period of time in New Jersey in 2012 to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. He went to Philadelphia to get a cheesesteak on his days off. He claims that the cheesesteak at Gingrich’s is superior than everything else there.
We’re from the south. Mitchell remarked, “We put love on it.” It’s like mass production up north. Release them, release them, release them. Steve gives it affection. The bread he flies in. From Philadelphia to New Orleans, who flies in bread? Who does that? Nobody. Do you know why? He is aware that the bread is a Philly cheesesteak. It makes a difference when you add the southern spice, or in other words, love.
In order to enjoy his cheesesteaks and watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, Gingrich hopes that more Eagles supporters would visit his pub this week.
Gingrich plans to compete in a Po boy competition at some time with his cheesesteak in the hopes of winning an award. All he wants to do this week is win over more Eagles supporters.
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