Here in Philly, we’re always looking for the next big thing, especially when it comes to food! Tony Luke Jr., Philly-bred actor, musician and food connoisseur, has begun the latest trend alongside New York chef Josh Capon: FRANKENFOOD! Quick vocab lesson:
Frankenfood (ˈfraNGkənˌfo͞od/) (noun): a revolutionary culinary creations that mash up original and unexpected food combinations and ingredients, resulting in delicious dishes…or awful misses.
This brand new Spike TV show tours the nation’s biggest foodie cities for the world’s craziest culinary concoctions. Local businesses and restaurants bring their combinations and go head-to-head for the chance at a $10,000 prize! Whether it’s a mouth-watering hit or a total bust is up to Luke and Capon.
We scoured Philly for some Frankenfoods that we want to taste for ourselves. Check out Philly PR Girl’s list of must-trys…if you dare!
Frankenfood: The Hot Pocket Burger
Restaurant: PYT Philly
Location: The Piazza At Schmidt’s
…But What is it?! Sandwiched between two deep-fried Philly cheesesteak Hot Pockets lays a signature PYT burger topped with American cheese and wiz-wit cheesesteak. CAUTION: Not for the calorie-conscious!
Frankenfood: Balsamic Banana Ice Cream
Restaurant: Little Baby’s Ice Cream
Location: 2311 Frankford Ave or 4903 Catharine Street
…But What is it?! Looks pretty innocent, doesn’t it? When we think of ice cream, we think sweet chocolate or fruity strawberry. Combine the salty bite of a house salad with the mushy sugar of a banana and this is what you’ll get. This isn’t your average ice cream trip, ladies and gents.
Frankenfood: Roasted Bone Marrow Luge
Restaurant: Penn 6
Location: 114 S. 12th St.
…But What is it?! A carnivorous treat paired with a side of fun! Enjoy the unhinged pleasure of bone marrow while slithering it down it’s bone luge with 2 ounces of Woodford Reserve Bourbon. Talk about a fun way to try a slightly terrifying frankenfood.
Frankenfood: Beef-head Meat Tacos
Restaurant: Taqueria: Los Taquitos de Puebla
Location: 1149 S. 9th St.
…But What is it?!: Yes, it’s exactly what you think. Taqueria has an entire section giving you options like eyeball, tongue and mixed head meat. This restaurant prides itself on challenging with you a Mexican favorite combined with a few spare body parts.
Frankenfood: Your own bagel masterpiece
Restaurant: Schmear It! Food Truck
Location: Depends on the day!
…But What is it?!: Schmear It! allows customers to put original shmear and as many crazy toppings as the heart desires on a bagel. From sriracha cream cheeses to bananas and wasabi on top, how far are you willing to go? My personal idea of a “frankenbagel?” Mango & Sriracha cream cheese on an egg bagel topped with jalapenos and soy sauce. Any foodies up for the challenge?
Frankenfood: Peanut Butter Hot Dog Cookies
Restaurant: Cookie Confidential
Location: 517 S. 5th St.
…But What is it?! Looks pretty normal, right? What starts off as an innocent peanut butter cookie gets turned cooky extremely fast. Loaded with nitrate-free hot dogs, Philadelphia Bee Co.’s honey and balsamic vinegar, this treat will have your taste buds so confused…you won’t know whether it’s breakfast or dessert!
Frankenfood: Cheesesteak Eggrolls
Restaurant: Continental Mid-Town
Location: 1801 Chestnut St.
…But What is it?! Philly’s own cheese steak rolled into crispy egg rolls brings together two totally different world for an unbelievable fried taste. Topped with crispy onions and sriracha ketchup this combination will have you coming back to The Continental again and again.
Frankenfood: Dinner & a Movie Float
Restaurant: Foam Floaterie
Location: 517 S. 5th St., but served at many locations!
…But What is it?!: Roasted Tomato Ice Cream on its own sounds like a risk. Whip that up with some basil flavored soda and you have taste like no other!
Think these are out of the ordinary? Tony and Josh have sampled things like flaming monkey brain and a seafood spongecake kebab. To see what the experts on Frankenfood think about this outlandish dishes tune into Frankenfood on Spike, Sundays at 10/9c!
