Trending: Pit Beef
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
Prepare for a Baltimore sandwich invasion?
Pit beef special at Rex 1516 tonight.
In the past few weeks we've seen the beginnings of a southern invasion, namely the pit beef sandwich. This regional specialty has roots firmly planted in the Baltimore area and is something of a Southern barbecue meets roast beef sandwich hybrid. Served on a kaiser roll, the beef is generally charred on the outside, rare within and finished with a few rings of white onion and swipe of tiger sauce i.e. horseradish and mayo.
About a week ago a photo of a very good lookin' pit beef sandwich popped up on Peter Serpico's (604 South St.) Instagram feed with the following caption: "Working on a Baltimore style Pit beef sandwich for a weekday special at Serpico in Philly. Grilled Shortrib, jalapeño mayonnaise, horseradish, and raw onion all on a custom kaiser roll with black pepper and onion. Know what I'm sayin @drewlazor?" We're assuming that Lazor who grew up in Baltimore certainly knows what Serpico is talking about.
And then this afternoon another pit beef appeared via Justin Swain, chef of Rex 1516 (1516 South St.). Here's what he has to say about his: "We are doing a test run of pit beef sandwiches tonight @Rex1516 come grab them while they last. Tri tip with horseradish and onion on a martins potato roll."
