A man visiting a British-themed cafe in the United States decided to sample its interpretation of the classic full English breakfast, and one particular ingredient left him utterly stunned. English cuisine is renowned for its comforting dishes, from pies and fish and chips to the beloved Sunday roast and the iconic fry-up.
Philadelphia's British Culinary Haven
Stargazy, a Philadelphia venue established in 2015, has garnered acclaim for offering proper English fare in the heart of South Philly. The cafe serves an array of traditional items including sausage rolls, pasties, and pies, complemented by imported British beverages and snacks. Its menu frequently changes and sometimes sells out due to high demand from patrons eager to experience authentic English meals.
The Legendary Full English Breakfast
The full English breakfast is a cherished British institution, often hailed as a hangover cure and valued as a substantial, high-calorie meal that provides lasting energy. Typically, it includes bacon, sausages, eggs prepared in various styles, hash browns, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and baked beans, with black pudding and toast commonly added. While variations exist, the core components remain a staple of British culinary culture.
A Reddit Review Sparks Discussion
A Reddit user named RiseUpAndGetOut visited Stargazy to try its version of the full English breakfast and posted a photo on the fry-up subreddit. The dish featured two fried eggs, sausages, bacon, grilled tomato, black pudding, and more, priced at $22 with complimentary tea. In the caption, the user highlighted the authenticity of one ingredient, writing, "Cafe in Philadelphia. Solid effort with proper (imported) bacon."
The breakfast enthusiast expressed that he had only discovered the cafe recently but might become a regular due to the meal's quality, particularly praising the imported bacon. This sparked a lively discussion in the comments section, where users shared their impressions.
Online Reactions and Praise
One British expatriate living in the US for over two decades commented, "That bacon for a proper fry up in the US is on point. Not easy to source. Speaking of sauce - nice to see you got the HP, OP. Splendid. City of Brotherly Love is doing well." Others added positive remarks, with one saying, "That looks pretty banging tbh," and another noting, "That looks better than a lot of fry ups in the UK."
Additional comments praised the attention to detail, such as, "That looks a proper greasy spoon breakfast - they even bothered to cook the eggs hot for a proper frill. Nice one," and, "Not a bad job from our colonial cousins." The overall sentiment highlighted the cafe's successful effort in replicating an authentic British experience abroad.
