PATS THE PHILLY WAY

338 Bridge Rd, Richmond - ph: 1300 007 287

I was intrigued by this new sandwich shop on Bridge Road. My 'burger' label to this post is probably not the most appropriate description for it. Using their own words: 

"PATS promises gourmet sandwich-lovers Premium Australian Trimmed Steaks ... sandwiches and cheesesteaks are made from a delightful mix of top quality, locally-sourced, market fresh or hand-made ingredients so you can be sure their dishes are both nutritional and easy on the waist-line." 

Sounds promising, doesn't it?  

Well, I was having on of those trying-to-diet-but-not-trying-too-hard days last week and decided it was a good time to give PATS a try. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients that are easy on the waist-line sounded like the perfect answer to my half-hearted diet plan. 

I ordered one of their seared beef salad with rocket leaves, beetroot, fresh tomato, eggplant, parmesan and basil pesto dressing; basically all the sandwich ingredients without the bread. 

PATS The Philly Way Seared beef salad with rocket leaves, beetroot, fresh tomato, eggplant, parmesan and basil pesto dressing ($13.5)

The salad was tasty and the beef was well cooked. However, I wasn't too convinced on the fresh, locally sourced slogan. The parmesan cheese was crusty and tasted old! I practically didn't eat it. The beetroot tasted exactly like any homebrand canned beetroot you can get at the supermarket. I liked the pesto dressing. Although it's tasty and rich - I get the impression it won't do wonders for my waist-line. 

Hubby ordered one of the sandwiches and chips. The chips were well cooked and I liked the seasoning on them - a bit like Grill'd back in the good days. 

 PATS The Philly Way small chips ($3.50)

Hubby's sandwich was awesome. Very, very tasty combination of seared steak, fried onion, cheese, mayo, mushrooms and salad. However... not light and waist-line friendly at all! 

PATS Philly cheese steak sandwich - seared steak, fried onion, cheese, mayo, mushrooms and salad ($14.50)

Looking at their website it looks PATS The Philly Way is planning to expand as a fast food chain beyond their Richmond restaurant. I did like the food, but thought the message totally missed the mark. 

Good place for a tasty sandwich? Absolutely! But PATS is NOT healthy, waist-line friendly food.