Are We Slaves To This Economy?

Hello Everyone- Sorry for the delay. The "Blog Man Cometh" has been a busy man. Recurring theme: Let's get back to basics. Here goes.......


As we all evaluate and reevaluate our hopes, dreams, worth, goals and everything that falls in between, each and every one of us overlooks the simpler things in life. The smaller joys and successes; a child's laughs and tears, seeing an old friend and reconnecting, or just stepping back and realizing we have only one life to live, let's make the most of it. Yes, I have a lot going on, and even more time-sensitive decisions to be made in the interim. And then it happened, amongst all of this chaos in the pursuit of happiness: I walked in to Phil's Deli And Market, located at 2079 Route 70 East in Cherry Hill, NJ. New look to the previous establishment, a grill with hot food, friendly and efficient staff, and, drum roll please, prices that are actually adapting to the economy. Cutbacks to the quality of the product? This is to be determined. But at this point in time in this writer's opinion, not at all. After ordering take-out or eating in, you will agree as well, so far, not even close to a lower standard. And the added bonus? Proprietor Phil Hausler himself manning the grill. In this day and age, owners do not seem to be in the trenches. I am going to order a sammmmich.....



"What can I get for you?" I need something not too heavy, I have to go back work. Can I get Chicken Salad on a Whole Wheat wrap? You sure can. And the the love affair began.. (with the food, silly). So upon completion, I grab a paper, a cup of coffee and my sandwich and I sit down at one of the tables. The wrap of Chicken Salad? Excellent. Second only to my own mothers. (And yes, she reads this blog). The newspaper is sitting next to me, though I look through the menu sitting on the table. Hot, cold, appetizers, hoagies, steaks, burgers, lunch meat, salads, and a breakfast menu (available all day). There are (24) Specialty Sandwiches; wait, (24)? Correct. Wow. I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. Something must go wrong. Next meal will be a disaster. Or I will be struck by lightning when leaving. Maybe a crazed patron will throw a chair at me after ordering and eating the Specialty Sandwich called The Heart Attack. (Delicious I am sure though what type of Personal Trainer would I be to suggest this.) Combine a cheese steak, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and American cheese, and there you have it. A complete meal within the confines of a sandwich. Try it if you dare.

Upon the next visit, I am seeking breakfast. I pour a medium coffee, grab a Philadelphia Daily News, and after setting down my keys, order an Egg and Cheese, with onions, and was given the option of having it on a whole grain bagel. Sure I want it on that. The sandwich was brought out and consumed. I think I almost bit my own finger off. Time for work so I step over to the register. "What did you have today, sweetie?" I tell her what I had. "$4.45, please." Wow. Wow. Sandwich, paper, coffee, under five dollars. I am sold. End quote.

So now, regardless of the narrative descriptive that I just created, you MUST try this establishment for yourself. The staff is efficient and pleasant, the food and products are above the rest, the prices reasonable even in this economy, and just an overall great experience. It is now part of my day. Don't take my word for it, make time for a visit to Phil's. In the same shopping center as ACE Hardware and the Spirit Shop, it is worth the trip. Don't thank me, visit for yourself, ask for Phil, and tell them Joe sent you. Until next time folks.