Philadelphia Cheesesteak

The Philadelphia Cheese Steak Sandwich... WHO COOKED THAT UP?

J.J. wonders...

I don't know about your neighborhood, but where I live Philadelphia Cheese Steak sandwich shops are popping up in mini malls. For years it has been said that it is impossible to get a true Philadelphia Steak Sandwich outside of eastern Pennsylvania because you would not be able to get the proper Italian rolls, let alone the ultra thin sliced steak. If a French roll forms the foundation of a French Dip sandwich, an Italian roll from South Philadelphia is necessary for a "cheesesteak," as it is often called.

It was in the Italian immigrant section of South Philadelphia that Pat Olivieri sold hot dogs and sandwiches in 1930, and it is said that he first prepared the original thinly sliced beef sandwiches at the corner of 9th and Wharton Streets. Today, his grandson, Frank Olivieri, Jr., continues the tradition at Pat's King of Steaks in the same area. However, Pennsylvanians, like Ohioans with their Cincinnati chili, have favorite local spots all over town and have adopted the cheesesteak in definite and loyal ways.

What makes a cheesesteak a cheesesteak? Apparently it is first the beef, which should be so thin it must be sliced slightly frozen (1/16 of an inch is preferred). People at a distance from Philadelphia sometimes use shaved beef, minute steak, chipped steak or reconstituted steak, but to see how the meat is commercially prepared in Philadelphia, click here. Second, the rolls must be long and thin, not fluffy or soft, but not too hard either. Some swear the rolls must be made only in South Philadelphia at an Italian bakery. From there on, there are additions according to taste: sliced onions or mushrooms, and sometimes garlic or green or red peppers.

Finally, there is the question of the cheese. You might assume it is mozzarella or provolone because the sandwiches are often served with pizza sauce, but you'd be only partly right. In recent years the craze has been for -- get this -- Cheese Whiz, which, when ordered in Philadelphia is shortened to "Whiz!"

Philadelphians mostly agree you can't find a real Cheesesteak (or cheese steak) sandwich anywhere but in Philadelphia. However, if you want to try your hand at creating a Philadelphia Cheesesteak Sandwich at home, here are some ways to prepare it:

Authentic Recipe from Pat's King of Steaks
Richard Simmons' Farewell to Fat Recipe
The Lowdown on Cheesesteak from the "C.I.A"
The Wine Explorer's Gourmet Recipe

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