As most of you know, I found my fame and fortune in a place known for its fanatical fans, furious fallaciousness, and at one time, fabulous facilitation of factory outputs. Ah, home.
If you've been to Philly, I am sure you are tired of hearing "f" words by now. So, what gives? What do you need to know about the history, tradition, and consumptions of cheesesteaks?
History
I'm not here to duplicate any work because well I'm a cheesesteak and that's not really my M.O. However, I did find this account of my heritage provided by the OFFICIAL PHILADELPHIA VISITORS WEBSITE: www.visitphilly.com
The cheesesteak made its official debut in 1930. Pat Olivieri was a South Philadelphia hot dog vendor who one day decided to put some beef from the butcher on his grill. A taxicab driver noticed the alluring aroma and asked for his own steak sandwich. The next day, as the story goes, rumor of the delicious lunch had spread, and cabbies around the city came to Olivieri demanding steak sandwiches. Soon after, Olivieri opened up a shop on 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, Pat’s King of Steaks, to sell his new creation. Eventually, according to legend, he added cheese to the recipe. Today, Pat’s grills are sizzling 24 hours a day, as are Geno’s, the rival shop across the street. For 40 years, the two shops have waged a friendly competition to win the title of best cheesesteak in town, with Geno’s founder, Joe Vento, claiming it was he, not Olivieri, who first added cheese to the cheesesteak.
Tradition
Merriam-Webster defines Tradition as
Another tradition, never insult the cheesesteak by topping it with lettuce and/or tomatos. Sure, there may be an option for those items scrupulously included on the menu and labelled as the "Cheesesteak Hoagie". But, rest assured that when you attempt to order anyone within earshot (including those making your cheesesteak) will be laughing at you and labeling you a newbie.
- a : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom) b : a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable
- the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction
- cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions
- characteristic manner, method, or style
Another tradition, never insult the cheesesteak by topping it with lettuce and/or tomatos. Sure, there may be an option for those items scrupulously included on the menu and labelled as the "Cheesesteak Hoagie". But, rest assured that when you attempt to order anyone within earshot (including those making your cheesesteak) will be laughing at you and labeling you a newbie.
Consumption
How do you eat me? With enthusiasm and two hands because my kind of deliciousness can tend to be a bit messy.
But seriously, order "wit whiz" if you find yourself at a place with good whiz. What's the good whiz? Kraft Whiz is. There may be some other good ones out there but Kraft is classic. This fact is important because if the whiz ain't the shiz then you will end up with a plastic-like, tasteless, orange substance. If you find yourself in this situation: don't panic. Just order it with american cheese. I've seen it done with other cheeses (like provolone) but at that point I don't think you can call it a "classic philly cheesesteak". (Hint: Don't be afraid to go double cheese.)
The bread is crucial. Soft inside and a crusty outside. Also, DO NOT EVER CUT THE BREAD FULLY INTO 2 PIECES. Consequences? A world of trouble with the potential to ruin your whole experience and maybe even make you give up and go home hungry. I can not be more adament about this point, DON'T DO IT!!!
Onions, mushrooms, and peppers of any kind and prepared in any way are acceptable and encouraged. If you're into that kind of thing.
On the meat, it should be thinly, very thinly sliced and of good quality. The video below, shot at the Famous Jim's Steaks on South St. in Philly, shows how it all comes together.
Other than that, it's pretty much straight forward.
But seriously, order "wit whiz" if you find yourself at a place with good whiz. What's the good whiz? Kraft Whiz is. There may be some other good ones out there but Kraft is classic. This fact is important because if the whiz ain't the shiz then you will end up with a plastic-like, tasteless, orange substance. If you find yourself in this situation: don't panic. Just order it with american cheese. I've seen it done with other cheeses (like provolone) but at that point I don't think you can call it a "classic philly cheesesteak". (Hint: Don't be afraid to go double cheese.)
The bread is crucial. Soft inside and a crusty outside. Also, DO NOT EVER CUT THE BREAD FULLY INTO 2 PIECES. Consequences? A world of trouble with the potential to ruin your whole experience and maybe even make you give up and go home hungry. I can not be more adament about this point, DON'T DO IT!!!
Onions, mushrooms, and peppers of any kind and prepared in any way are acceptable and encouraged. If you're into that kind of thing.
On the meat, it should be thinly, very thinly sliced and of good quality. The video below, shot at the Famous Jim's Steaks on South St. in Philly, shows how it all comes together.
Other than that, it's pretty much straight forward.
To find out the benchmarking standards of cheesesteaks and how the metrics, which this website will judge all future cheesesteak by, visit our METRICS & BENCHMARKING PAGE.
Happy Eating!!
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