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PROGRESS with Pagano
PROGRESS - It means, we are making Progress by connecting with other like minded people. For us, those like minded people tend to be in Real Estate, Business, Sales, or Fitness. This Podcast is about fun, based in Philadelphia, PA, we explore fun games and trivia based around Philly and the surrounding area. The "with Pagano" part, that for is the Host and Loan Officer Alex Pagano.
PROGRESS with Pagano
Djour Philly: Masked Identity, Michelin Stars, and the Ultimate Cheesesteak Rules
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Welcome to the Progress Podcast! In this episode, we feature Djour Philly, an expert and well-known Philadelphia foodie and critic known for his signature luchador mask and his fiercely honest takes on the city's culinary landscape.
Inspired by the legendary anonymity of critic Craig LaBan, Djour shares how he uses his mask to separate "influencer fame" from authentic restaurant experiences, ensuring he gets the same meal as any "normal person".
In this high-stakes episode, host Alex Pagano and Djour Philly dive into the heart of the Philadelphia food scene:
- The Man Behind the Mask: Djour explains the origin of the luchador mask—first worn during the Eagles' Super Bowl parade—and why he refuses to take "freebies" or "comped" meals to maintain his journalistic integrity.
- Ranking Philly’s Best: Djour reacts to The Infatuation’s top lists, accurately guessing many of the Top 10 Best Restaurants, including Provenance at No. 1, and identifying River Twice as the No. 1 burger in the city.
- The Cheesesteak Commandment: Djour drops the "single non-negotiable rule" for a true Philadelphia cheesesteak: No bell peppers. He explains that while you can add them if you "hate your taste buds," they have no place on a stock steak, favoring Long Hots instead.
- Cheesesteak "Would You Rather": In a rapid-fire bracket, Djour crowns Del Rossi’s as his current favorite over heavyweights like Angelo’s, Jim’s, and John’s Roast Pork.
- The Buffalo Chicken Power List: A breakdown of the city's best buffalo chicken cheesesteaks, with Little Sicily 2 taking the top spot.
- Neighborhood Winners and Losers: Djour identifies the Northeast as a hidden gem for authentic international cuisines like Georgian, Uzbek, and Vietnamese food. Conversely, he labels Fairmount and Manayunk as the worst neighborhoods for food seekers.
- Philly vs. The World: Djour explains why he would choose the Philadelphia food scene over Chicago, Austin, and LA every single time due to its variety and affordability.
- The "Djour for More" Map: Djour discusses his alternative to Yelp—a community-collected, expert-vetted map of Philadelphia designed to fight "pay-for-play" advertising and give locals an honest place to find the best eats.
Where to Find Djour Philly:
Instagram: @djour.philly
TikTok: @djour.philly
Website: djourformore.com
Where to Find the Host:
Instagram: @mortgagewithpagano
TikTok: @mortgagewithpagano
Where to Find the Podcast:
Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts @progresswithpagano
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are personal and not representative of any professional organization.
