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Here in Philly, cheesesteaks are a civic icon and BIG TIME obsession.

In fact, FOOD is an obsession in Philly. There are more restaurants in this city than there is fur on a Persian cat.

Yes, Philadelphia takes its food and eating very seriously. However, when it comes to their cheesesteak sandwiches, they believe that no one else on the face of this planet can make them as well as they do.

There is even a fierce competition amongst all the cheesesteak restaurants in Philly, claiming that THEY are the BEST!


For those of my blogging friends who do not live in America and have no idea what the hell a cheesesteak sandwich is, here is a definition:


What is a  Cheesesteak?

"A cheesesteak is a long, crusty roll filled with thinly sliced sautéed ribeye beef and melted cheese. Generally, the cheese of choice is Cheez Whiz, but American and provolone are also common choices. The art of cheesesteak preparation lies in the balance of flavors, textures and what is often referred to as the “drip” factor. Other toppings include fried onions, sautéed mushrooms, ketchup and hot or sweet peppers."

Okay, now I have a confession to make. And this will most likely upset anyone from Philly who happens to read this post because to them, what I am about to say is a Philadelphia food sacrilege.

In my entire life, I have probably eating only two cheesesteak sandwiches, and they were both back when I was a kid because every family who was born in Philadelphia ate cheesesteaks. It was like a "required eating." However, I never liked them. In fact, I HATED them.

And do you want to know why?

Well, first of all, there is just entirely too much going on in a cheesesteak sandwich in the way of taste and texture overload - fried onions, mushrooms, peppers, ketchup and various cheeses. Also, I can't stand the ribeye beef that goes into making them because it's riddled with gristle; therefore whenever you take a bite, it's like eating beef laced with rubber bands because the steak snaps back into your face.

And in addition, just looking at a cheesesteak sandwich makes my arteries harden with all the grease and fat. It's a cholesterol 911 nightmare.

Yes, I confess....I hate cheesesteak sandwiches.

And I'm sure there will soon be a witch hunt and a warrant for my arrest for saying that, from all the native Philadelphians who cherish their precious cheesesteaks.

So, if you don't see me posting for awhile, just know that I'm probably behind bars doing a 5-year sentence in JAIL...


Philly Cheesesteak 101


Have a grrrreat weekend everyone!
And Happy Easter!
X

38 comments:

  1. I am so with you there - they are most unpleasant (is that polite enough?). Once was enough for us. When my brother visited us that was the first thing he wanted. He went to both Geno's and Pat's - and pronounced them both dreadful LOL

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  2. Well thank goodness I read on.... I was wondering how on earth I would get my mouth round that lot. Suddenly delicate sandwiches have some appeal. Although my mouth watered slightly when reading the ingredients, my stomach lurched at the thought of eating them all at once. Another thing, how DO people eat them? Doesn't the food spill out before it reaches the mouth?


    Don't worry about getting arrested, your pals will bail you out. We could even take cheesesteaks with us to stuff it in the mouths of arresting officers if they refused to let you go. That should do the trick haha.


    Happy Easter, from Joe and me x

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  3. LOL.....I love this post, Ron! I've watched those Food Network shows about Geno's vs. Pat's. I've never had an authentic Philly, but I think I had something similar a kid and you described PERFECTLY the gross consistency of the beef!

    People look at me like I'm insane when I say I don't eat perogis here. They just look and smell gross to me.

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  4. Hey, Ron, great post! I admire you for speaking out and expressing your dislike for Philly cheesesteak sandwiches--especially since you live in Philly! They never really appealed to me--as you so rightly mentioned they are a cholesterol 911 nightmare! Yuk!


    But I'm a safe difference away. You, my friend, have to be careful, lest some Philly fanatic drives a stake through your heart!


    Have a Happy Easter, buddy!

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  5. " it's riddled with gristle; therefore whenever you take a bite, it's like eating beef laced with rubber bands because the steak snaps back into your face." LOL When my husband and I first moved to Philly, we couldn't wait to try one of their infamous cheesesteaks because we kept hearing so much about them. We had one at Pat's and we're not impressed. You're right about the competition too. And you can tell from the video how seriously Philadelphians take their cheesesteaks!


    Hilarious post, Ron! My husband read it too. Love the Wanted picture of you!


    Happy Easter!

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  6. Oh my god, Ron, I laughed so hard at this post! "And I'm sure there will soon be a witch hunt and a warrant for my arrest for saying that." You are so funny!

    I've never eaten a cheesesteak, but don't think I would enjoy it because I don't like greasy, fatty food. Plus, I'm not a beef eater. And Cheez Whiz? Eww!

    I enjoyed the video clip though. I loved the one guy who said that he liked provolone cheese!



    Thank you for the Friday morning laughs, Ron! Happy Easter and have a wonderful weekend x

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  7. Hey there Grace!

    "they are most unpleasant (is that polite enough?)."

    Yes, that's more polite than me because I use the word GROSS! HA!

    " When my brother visited us that was the first thing he wanted. He went to both Geno's and Pat's - and pronounced them both dreadful LOL"



    OMG, yes, anytime anyone comes to visit me in Philly, the first thing they always want to do is eat a cheesesteak. And I'll take them for one, but I never partake. I will usually order something else.


    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a super weekend!
    X

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  8. Good morning Valerie!

    " Suddenly delicate sandwiches have some appeal. Although my mouth watered slightly when reading the ingredients, my stomach lurched at the thought of eating them all at once."

    Yes, that's the thing, eating them all together is just too much. And as I shared, the ribeye beef that goes into them is just riddled with gristle!

    "Another thing, how DO people eat them? Doesn't the food spill out before it reaches the mouth?"

    Yes, it does. It is SUCH a messy sandwich! You need to eat them with about TEN napkins!

    "Don't worry about getting arrested, your pals will bail you out. We could even take cheesesteaks with us to stuff it in the mouths of arresting officers if they refused to let you go."



    Bwhahahahahha! Brilliant!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Happy Easter to you and Joe!


    X to you both

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  9. "I've watched those Food Network shows about Geno's vs. Pat's."

    OMG, the competition is fierce! And now there are so many other cheesesteak restaurants that have opened, it's added even MORE competition. Before it was just Geno's and Pat's.

    "People look at me like I'm insane when I say I don't eat perogis here. They just look and smell gross to me."



    No, you're not insane. I've never eaten perogis and never will. I agree, they look GROSS.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great weekend and Happy Easter!
    X

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  10. Hey there Rob!

    "They never really appealed to me--as you so rightly mentioned they are a cholesterol 911 nightmare! Yuk!"

    OMG...just looking at them makes my arteries cringe!

    "But I'm a safe difference away. You, my friend, have to be careful, lest some Philly fanatic drives a stake through your heart!"



    HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Amen!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a great weekend and Happy Easter!


    X

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  11. Hey there Elaine!

    " When my husband and I first moved to Philly, we couldn't wait to try one of their infamous cheesesteaks because we kept hearing so much about them. We had one at Pat's and we're not impressed."

    Whenever someone comes to visit me in Philly, they first thing they want to do is eat a cheesesteak sandwich. And I'll take them for one, but never partake myself.

    "You're right about the competition too. And you can tell from the video how seriously Philadelphians take their cheesesteaks!"



    OMG...they are SOOOOOOOO serious! Like I said, I'm sure there is going be a witch hunt and warrant for my arrest for posting this - HA!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super weekend and Happy Easter!
    X

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  12. Hola Denise!

    "I've never eaten a cheesesteak, but don't think I would enjoy it because I don't like greasy, fatty food. Plus, I'm not a beef eater. And Cheez Whiz? Eww!"

    Isn't Cheez Whiz just hideous? It's looks and tastes like melted plastic!

    "I enjoyed the video clip though. I loved the one guy who said that he liked provolone cheese!"



    I agree, wasn't he hysterical?


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Happy Easter and have a wonderful weekend!
    X

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  13. Ron, you're so funny! Can I confess I've never had a Philly cheesesteak either? Something about the combination of mushrooms and onions -- plus all that DRIPPINESS -- just makes me want to gag!!

    It's funny, though, how certain areas become known for certain foods. Chicagoans are BIG on their style of deep dish pizza, but I much prefer the thin New York style (which is practically heresy in Illinois, ha!)

    I hope you don't have to spend Easter weekend in lockup, my dear -- and I hope the Big Bunny finds you with LOTS of chocolates!!

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  14. " therefore whenever you take a bite, it's like eating beef laced with rubber bands because the steak snaps back into your face." ROFLMAO Ron, no one can tell a story and use descriptive's like you!


    The only way I can eat a cheesesteak is without cheese and lightly sprinkled with green peppers and a splash of ketchup. And I prefer the green peppers raw, not cooked. So I guess if I were to ever come to Philly and order a cheesesteak, they would arrest me to for not being authentic!


    I love the guy in the video wearing the pink shirt. He's so cool!


    Great post, dude!

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  15. Hello there Debbie!

    " Can I confess I've never had a Philly cheesesteak either? Something about the combination of mushrooms and onions -- plus all that DRIPPINESS -- just makes me want to gag!!"

    Yes, GAG! Yet, so many LOVE them!?!

    "It's funny, though, how certain areas become known for certain foods. Chicagoans are BIG on their style of deep dish pizza, but I much prefer the thin New York style (which is practically heresy in Illinois, ha!)"

    You're so right! It is funny how certain area are known for certain foods. And it's ironic you mentioned the differences in pizza because even though I LOVE NY, I much prefer Chicago pizza because I like the deep dish style and the thicker crust.

    "I hope you don't have to spend Easter weekend in lockup, my dear -- and I hope the Big Bunny finds you with LOTS of chocolates!!"



    HA! Me too!


    Happy Easter, my friend! Thanks so much for stopping by and have a super weekend!
    X

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  16. Hiya Matt!

    "The only way I can eat a cheesesteak is without cheese and lightly sprinkled with green peppers and a splash of ketchup. And I prefer the green peppers raw, not cooked. So I guess if I were to ever come to Philly and order a cheesesteak, they would arrest me to for not being authentic!"

    HAHAHAHAHA! Yes, they would!! But honestly, I can see enjoying a cheesesteak the way you prefer it over the authentic way because it's simpler and not greasy.

    "I love the guy in the video wearing the pink shirt. He's so cool!"



    Isn't he a HOOT?


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent weekend!
    X

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  17. Wow - so many of your commenters share your disdain for cheesesteaks.


    NOT ME, buddy! I love 'em. (I will probably never have one again thanks to my health, but dammit, if I could I'd eat one every week).


    You say "gristle" like it's a bad thing. My response? Elasticity! FLAVORFUL elasticity. Slap me in the face and I simply have some delicious meat juice to wear as a fragrant cologne. Not eating cheesesteaks in Philly would be like avoiding pasta in Rome or baguettes in Paris or curry in New Delhi. Sacrilege!


    Hope your cheesesteak-free weekend is a great one!

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  18. Well, I don't eat mammal so I wouldn't try them anyway. But in general, I try to avoid foods that are that heavy on saturated fat and grease!

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  19. Oh Ron, Ron, Ron, Ron.....maybe you just haven't had a good philly cheesesteak yet?! It's actually my "go-to" sandwich when I don't know what to order! But I agree, when the steak has gristle in it, it's simply awful. Maybe we just do them better in the Midwest?!! Like BBQ.......just saying' :-)

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  20. "NOT ME, buddy! I love 'em. (I will probably never have one again thanks to my health, but dammit, if I could I'd eat one every week)."

    Mark, I knew you were going to say that because I remember a few years ago when you mentioned something in your comment about loving cheesesteaks!

    "You say "gristle" like it's a bad thing. My response? Elasticity! FLAVORFUL elasticity. Slap me in the face and I simply have some delicious meat juice to wear as a fragrant cologne."

    HAHAHAHAHA! That CRACKED ME UP! Well, that's one way to look at it - flavorful elasticity!

    " Not eating cheesesteaks in Philly would be like avoiding pasta in Rome or baguettes in Paris or curry in New Delhi. Sacrilege!"

    I know. And there are MANY Philadelphians who would agree with you! However, cheesesteaks are just not my thing.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have an AWESOME weekend!

    X to you and Tara

    P.S. Hope you're enjoying that fabulous new car of yours!

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  21. " But in general, I try to avoid foods that are that heavy on saturated fat and grease!"


    Me too. A good hamburger is as far as I go when it comes to beef. And I prefer them grilled, not fried.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super weekend and Happy Easter!
    X

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  22. Hellooooo there Lisa!

    " It's actually my "go-to" sandwich when I don't know what to order!"

    OMG...then you would LOVE the cheesesteaks here in Philly. If you and your hubby ever come for a visit, I would be more than happy to take to you to one of the many restaurants!

    " But I agree, when the steak has gristle in it, it's simply awful."



    AMEN!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great weekend and Happy Easter to you and your family!
    X

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  23. Ron, don't hate me but I love cheesesteaks! There's a restaurant where I live that serves them and they're delicious! I don't eat them often, but when I do I savor the experience. And the owner of the restaurant claims that his cheesesteaks are just as good as the ones served in Philly because he used to live there. If I ever come to visit you, you'll have to take me to Geno's so that I can do a taste comparison, okay?


    Love the photo of you! LOL! And what a cute video on Philly Cheesesteak: 101!

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  24. Hey ho Robert!

    No, I could never hate you for loving cheesesteaks! Trust me, I'm am SO in the minority here in Philly because everyone LOVES them too!

    "And the owner of the restaurant claims that his cheesesteaks are just as good as the ones served in Philly because he used to live there."

    Oh, that is so cool! And if he lived here, I'm sure they are just as authentic as the one's served in Philly!

    "If I ever come to visit you, you'll have to take me to Geno's so that I can do a taste comparison, okay?"



    Absolutely! In fact, whenever anyone comes to visit me the first thing they want to do is try a cheesesteak sandwich, so I take them to one of the famous hot spots!


    Isn't the video funny? And it's soooooo Philadelphia!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a fabuloso weekend!

    X

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  25. I like the taste of a Philly Cheesesteak except I'd rather have real cheese than cheese whiz...and then there's the after affects, doesn't settle well on my stomach so I tend to steer clear of them. (this said, perhaps we can share a cell, ha!)

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  26. "I like the taste of a Philly Cheesesteak except I'd rather have real cheese than cheese whiz..."

    Yes, OMG...I can't stand Cheese Whiz because it looks and tastes like melted yellow plastic - HA!

    "(this said, perhaps we can share a cell, ha!)"

    Yup...we can be cellmates!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Suzi. Have a great weekend and Happy Easter!
    X

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  27. " It's looks and tastes like melted plastic!" LOL Perfect description, Ron!

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  28. Dave loves a good cheesesteak, but I probably haven't eaten one myself in over a decade. Give me a good BLT with too much mayo on a crusty roll instead. Because bacon.

    That said, I do like an occasional Steak-umm sandwich with American cheese on a hoagie roll. The meat isn't as fatty, gross and sloppy as regular cheesesteak meat, so it's got that goin' for it. But it's very high-cal and salty, so I have them maybe once a year. Aaaaaand, now I want one for breakfast. See what you've done?

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  29. " Give me a good BLT with too much mayo on a crusty roll instead. Because bacon."

    OMG, YES, Kathy! In fact, I'm not a mayo-person but I love it on a BLT, or even a turkey club sandwich. YUM-MY!

    "I do like an occasional Steak-umm sandwich with American cheese on a hoagie roll. The meat isn't as fatty, gross and sloppy as regular cheesesteak meat, so it's got that goin' for it."

    I just Googled "Steak-umm sandwich" because I had no idea what it was, and saw that they're made in Reading, PA!

    "Aaaaaand, now I want one for breakfast. See what you've done?"

    HA! You GO, girl!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. Have a terrific weekend. The weather is gorgeous, isn't it?

    X

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  30. I love me a turkey club, too. All this talk about food is bad for me because I just did an hour straight of cardio on a near-empty stomach and have to go grocery shopping after a quick shower. If I come back with Steak-umms, I'm blaming you. Just sayin'.

    Today should be sunny and 50. Getting close to perfect now!

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  31. Have a Happy Easter tomorrow, Ron! I hope you don't have to work.

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  32. You too, Elaine! And yes, I have to work but I really don't mind. In fact, I offered to work so that the managers who have family close by could spend the day with them.


    X

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  33. " All this talk about food is bad for me because I just did an hour straight of cardio on a near-empty stomach and have to go grocery shopping after a quick shower. If I come back with Steak-umms, I'm blaming you. Just sayin'."

    HAHAHHAHAHA! That's okay because at least you did an hour of cardio, so you deserve a Steak-umm!

    "Getting close to perfect now!"



    Yup, that's MY kind of weather!
    X

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  34. I have to say I don't think a Cheesesteak would be my choice either!

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  35. Many people love them, however, they've never been a fave of mine :(

    Thanks so much for stopping by, m'dear! Hope you had a lovely Easter!
    X

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  36. I have never eaten an actual Philly cheesesteak sandwich - BUT President's Choice used to make a thin crust Philly Cheese Steak pizza I loved! Thin, crispy crust. Thinly sliced beef. Finely sliced onions & sauteed mushrooms. Cheese sauce instead of pizza sauce & lovely shredded provolone cheese.
    I eat very little beef but this pizza was to die for! Unfortunately, they have discontinued it - I guess there were too few of us who loved it as much as I did!

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  37. "I eat very little beef but this pizza was to die for! "

    OMG, and it sounds to die for! Now THAT I would eat, even though I too eat very little beef.

    Thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a super week!

    ((((((( You )))))))
    X

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