A Philly Original

     You no doubt noticed on my most recent weekly menu planner that I scheduled Philly cheesesteaks for Saturday night's meal.  Those of you who are local know exactly what I am going to prepare.  Others around the world might be mystified as to what exactly a cheesesteak sandwich is.
     Permit me to provide you with a bit of historical insight.  The cheesesteak first made an appearance in South Philadelphia in 1930 when hot dog vendor Pat Oliveri experimented with putting beef on the grill instead of his customary "tube steaks."  A taxicab driver passing by caught the aroma and called out for a steak sandwich.  The next day word got out about the mouth watering meal and cabbies from all around the city sought out Oliveri to get their very own sandwich.  It wasn't long before Oliveri opened up a stand at 9th and Passyunk, which he called Pat's King of Steaks.  Not long after that humble beginning he added cheese to the recipe.  Currently the steak shop is open 24/7, just like his friendly rival across the street, Geno's, founded by the late Joey Vento.
     A cheesesteak is a long, crusty roll, preferably from Amoroso's Bakery, filled with thinly sliced sauteed ribeye beef and slathered with melted cheese.  The kind of cheese is open for debate.  Some insist on Cheez Whiz, while others prefer American or Provolone.  Some also include fried onions, sauteed mushrooms and hot or sweet peppers.
     Cheesesteaks can be found in various forms all around the world.  But only a native of Philadelphia can distinguish the genuine article.  If it's served on anything other than an Amoroso roll it's just not a real Philly cheesesteak.  That is why the Amoroso Baking Company currently ships their baked goods to over 40 states.  The company began in 1904 when Vincenzo Amoroso and his two sons, Salvatore and Joseph, began baking and delivering their rolls to neighbors in their South Philadelphia community.  Today their bakery is located in West Philly and they employ over 300 people.  Their products are sold locally in such notable local venues as Wawa and Genuardi's.
     Saturday afternoon I stopped by Talluto's deli and picked up 2 rolls to use for our "taste of Philly" evening meal.  But I must confess that I used some shredded cheddar to top our sandwiches.  It was all I had in the refrigerator.