The glowing notice, posted outside, helped identify one classic "Philly breakfast." Inside, a clearer signal was sitting on the counter: a rectangular sheet of tomato pie, already minus most of its squares ($2 each). At 9:30 in the morning, many other customers had already come and gone.
Other tomato pies, exemplified by those in Trenton, New Jersey, first top the crust with mozzarella, then with sauce. (Some say "gravy.") Sarcone's prepares the archtypal Philadelphia style, which has little cheese and is served at room temperature. The effect is similar to swabbing your spaghetti plate with good bread for a last saucy dose of garlic and oregano.
See also Dom's Bakery Grand, in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Sarcone's Bakery (also known as L. Sarcone & Son)
756 South 9th St. (Fitzwater-Catharine Sts.), Philadelphia
215-922-0445
Closed Monday
www.SarconesBakery.com
