In 1930, Pat Olivieri was tired of selling and eating the same hot dogs from his stand in south Philadelphia, so he asked for the butcher to send him some chopped meat, which he loaded onto an Italian roll with some onions. A cab driver who frequented the stand daily stopped and asked Pat to make him the same sandwich. The cabbie pushed Pat to begin selling these sandwiches, and later cheese was added to them by popular demand. The well-known Philly cheesesteak was born.
When visiting Philadelphia, it's hard to resist standing in line at one of the Philly cheesesteak sellers and devour such a wonderful sandwich. We have visited Philadelphia twice in the past month and partaken in this tradition at three different places. After trying the different combinations, PDub and I have found the perfect sandwich for our individual appetites. With three choices of cheese (Whiz, provolone, or American) and your selection of onions and peppers (hot or sweet), my sandwich has become a masterpiece covered in cheese whiz while PDub's is more of a party-for-your-mouth with the sweet peppers, onions, and cheese whiz. Philly cheesesteaks have become a popularity in our family! Remember when you visit Philadelphia, never say "Philly cheesesteak" but "cheesesteak" instead.....it's a given, my friends.
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| Located across the street from Pat's, Geno's claims to have added cheese to the sandwich. Lines extend from both of these competing cheesesteak providers. |
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| Such a difficult choice....Pat's or Geno's? |
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| We chose the original. |
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| At each restaurant, you must get your order correct, or they will send you to the end of the line. A reflection of the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld. |
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| Pat's.....PDub's Favorite. |
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| After asking our Philly friends which steak they liked best, Carmen's was on the list in addition to Pat's and Geno's. |
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| Impressing the people in line by chopping some steaks....a true skill. |
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| Waiting for goodness.....worth every minute. |
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