On the Proper Philly Cheesesteak

Major Matt Mason · 07-31-2005, 06:44 AM

A lotta folks outside of Philly are being fed things that are called "Philly cheesesteaks" which range from "nice try but no cigar" to "You HAVE to be kidding!"

Main problem's the roll. Outside of the Phila-NY corridor, really decent Italian bakeries are thin on the ground. And let's face it, a cheesesteak isn't a cheesesteak unless it has a Sarcone's hoagie roll, with Amoroso's as a good second choice. The roll really should be fresh with a crispy crust. Sourdough long rolls or panini are a workable substitute.

The beef itself is fairly simple: The cheapest cut of pot roast/brisket/etc. you can find, sliced thin against the grain. Pile this on a flat metal grilling surface (or a wok is OK, too) and grill it using olive oil. Use metal spatulas to chop the meat further as it cooks.

Sides: Fried onions are the classic topping. Again, grill with olive oil until the onions are transparent and set aside while grilling the beef. Fried green peppers are OK, too.

Cheese: Purists use nothing but Cheez Whiz. However, sliced provolone is good, too.

Bon appetit!

-MMM-

richlevy · 07-31-2005, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Major Matt Mason

Main problem's the roll. Outside of the Phila-NY corridor, really decent Italian bakeries are thin on the ground. And let's face it, a cheesesteak isn't a cheesesteak unless it has a Sarcone's hoagie roll, with Amoroso's as a good second choice. The roll really should be fresh with a crispy crust. Sourdough long rolls or panini are a workable substitute.
-MMM-

Are you ready to go to war with Chicago and Boston (and New Orleans) over this?

I think I've had Sarcone's in the past, but I prefer Amoroso. When I was in Atlanta a long while back, I met a guy who opened an 'authentic' steak shop. If I remember, he had Amoroso's rolls shipped in.

SteveDallas · 07-31-2005, 10:45 AM

Shortly after we moved here, I was introduced to steaks with Cheese Wiz at The Spectrum. I considered this completely revolting, and I just naturally assumed that this was an abomination that anyone of good sense would abhor in favor of some good Italian product like provolone. I couldn't believe it when I found out that wiz is considered the traditional default choice!

capnhowdy · 08-01-2005, 09:39 AM

You Philly guys really do have the cheesesteak thingie down to a science. I had one years ago while visiting and since then I have wandered aimlessly in search of another "real" cheesesteak sandwich. Nothing around here but futile attempts. Might be a good business angle. But then again, some things just aren't authentic unless they have the proper geographical origin. My grandmother's buiscits weren't as good when she baked them at our house. Maybe I'll fly to the Penn State soon. I'm hungry.

breakingnews · 08-01-2005, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richlevy

When I was in Atlanta a long while back, I met a guy who opened an 'authentic' steak shop. If I remember, he had Amoroso's rolls shipped in.

Really? Where was this? I tried Philly Connection, which was horrible. I did go to a pizza-ish type joint in Decatur that did an <I>okay</I> sandwich made of beef fried on a flat griddle with melted american cheese, but a Philly cheesesteak it most decidedly was not.

dar512 · 08-01-2005, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Major Matt Mason

Main problem's the roll. Outside of the Phila-NY corridor, really decent Italian bakeries are thin on the ground.

Yeah, for most of flatland, at least, I'd agree. But there's no shortage of good Italian bread etc. here in Chicago. And even in St. Louis, decent bread can be found on The Hill.

On another topic: Cheez Whiz???? You're kidding, right?

Clodfobble · 08-01-2005, 01:37 PM

I need one of you to come to Texas and tell me if the cheesesteaks served at Texadelphia are as great as I think they are, or way off the mark.

capnhowdy · 08-01-2005, 01:41 PM

We''ll ALL be right over.... you buyin'?

jinx · 08-01-2005, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dar512

On another topic: Cheez Whiz???? You're kidding, right?

You actually have to see the big ol' can of it, with dried whiz crust around the rim, sitting next to the grill to fully appreciate...gah, I can't finish...

breakingnews · 08-01-2005, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jinx

You actually have to see the big ol' can of it, with dried whiz crust around the rim, sitting next to the grill to fully appreciate...gah, I can't finish...

It's the lucious texture of this cheesy, creamy goodness that makes you marvel at the artificial ingenuity that it is.

jinx · 08-01-2005, 02:37 PM

I've heard that it's gray before they put all the artificial colors in...

wolf · 08-01-2005, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dar512

On another topic: Cheez Whiz???? You're kidding, right?

No.

SteveDallas · 08-01-2005, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dar512

On another topic: Cheez Whiz???? You're kidding, right?

I wish. Like I said, when I saw it at The Spectrum as a Philadelphia newbie, I thought it was a stadium concession stand travesty.

dar512 · 08-01-2005, 08:04 PM

Well, now I want to try one. As much as I shudder at the thought, I'll have to try it with cheeze whiz for authenticity - once.

I've got a good local butcher. What cut of beef should I buy if I don't really want to buy a five pound roast?

plthijinx · 08-02-2005, 08:43 AM

there's a philly connection near the house, it's o.k. NBN eats the crap out of 'em. i on the other hand have only had it a couple of times. there's a perfectly good subway just down the street from there.

cheese whiz? on steak? if that's what philly conn. uses then it's sorta ok but damn, that just sounds nasty.

07-31-2005, 06:44 AM	#1
Major Matt Mason Old School Cellardweller Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Springdale, Arkansas (of all places) Posts: 38	On the Proper Philly Cheesesteak A lotta folks outside of Philly are being fed things that are called "Philly cheesesteaks" which range from "nice try but no cigar" to "You HAVE to be kidding!" Main problem's the roll. Outside of the Phila-NY corridor, really decent Italian bakeries are thin on the ground. And let's face it, a cheesesteak isn't a cheesesteak unless it has a Sarcone's hoagie roll, with Amoroso's as a good second choice. The roll really should be fresh with a crispy crust. Sourdough long rolls or panini are a workable substitute. The beef itself is fairly simple: The cheapest cut of pot roast/brisket/etc. you can find, sliced thin against the grain. Pile this on a flat metal grilling surface (or a wok is OK, too) and grill it using olive oil. Use metal spatulas to chop the meat further as it cooks. Sides: Fried onions are the classic topping. Again, grill with olive oil until the onions are transparent and set aside while grilling the beef. Fried green peppers are OK, too. Cheese: Purists use nothing but Cheez Whiz. However, sliced provolone is good, too. Bon appetit! -MMM- __________________ It's crackers to slip a rozzer the dropsy in snide.

08-01-2005, 09:39 AM	#4
capnhowdy Blatantly Homosapien Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,200	You Philly guys really do have the cheesesteak thingie down to a science. I had one years ago while visiting and since then I have wandered aimlessly in search of another "real" cheesesteak sandwich. Nothing around here but futile attempts. Might be a good business angle. But then again, some things just aren't authentic unless they have the proper geographical origin. My grandmother's buiscits weren't as good when she baked them at our house. Maybe I'll fly to the Penn State soon. I'm hungry. __________________ Please type slowly. I can't read very fast............... and no holy water, please.

08-01-2005, 01:41 PM	#8
capnhowdy Blatantly Homosapien Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,200	We''ll ALL be right over.... you buyin'? __________________ Please type slowly. I can't read very fast............... and no holy water, please.

08-01-2005, 02:37 PM	#11
jinx Come on, cat. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: general vicinity of Philadelphia area Posts: 7,013	I've heard that it's gray before they put all the artificial colors in... __________________ Crying won't help you, praying won't do you no good.

08-01-2005, 08:04 PM	#14
dar512 dar512 is now Pete Zicato Join Date: May 2003 Location: Chicago suburb Posts: 4,968	Well, now I want to try one. As much as I shudder at the thought, I'll have to try it with cheeze whiz for authenticity - once. I've got a good local butcher. What cut of beef should I buy if I don't really want to buy a five pound roast? __________________ "Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain." -- Friedrich Schiller

07-31-2005, 10:45 AM	#3
SteveDallas Your Bartender Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Philly Burbs, PA Posts: 7,651	Shortly after we moved here, I was introduced to steaks with Cheese Wiz at The Spectrum. I considered this completely revolting, and I just naturally assumed that this was an abomination that anyone of good sense would abhor in favor of some good Italian product like provolone. I couldn't believe it when I found out that wiz is considered the traditional default choice!

08-01-2005, 01:37 PM	#7
Clodfobble UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 20,012	I need one of you to come to Texas and tell me if the cheesesteaks served at Texadelphia are as great as I think they are, or way off the mark.

08-02-2005, 08:43 AM	#15
plthijinx Master Dwellar Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 4,197	there's a philly connection near the house, it's o.k. NBN eats the crap out of 'em. i on the other hand have only had it a couple of times. there's a perfectly good subway just down the street from there. cheese whiz? on steak? if that's what philly conn. uses then it's sorta ok but damn, that just sounds nasty. __________________ For your dreams to come true, you must first have a dream.

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