Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is not only famous for the historical landmarks of Benjamin Franklin. Tourists find it irresistible to visit the city for the famous cheese steak. Named the number one sandwich on the East coast, many restaurants across the city of Philadelphia sell cheese steaks. Popular places like Jim's Steaks and Ishkabibbles located on South Street specialize in the cheese steak or cheesesteak. There are many shops located in every neighborhood in the city serving these tempting sandwiches. Center City and South Philadelphia spots are more distinguished than others.
The cheese steak is not actually what it is named to be. It is a sandwich with chopped steak cooked on a grill top and topped with Cheeze Whiz; American and provolone play as substitutions. The Philadelphia cheese steak is truly one of the most beloved foods available in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
According to Philadelphians, the “Philly Cheese Steak” is not authentic unless made in Philadelphia and made with the correct roll and steak. The roll is genuine because it must be the correct length and soft. Many restaurants in Pennsylvania imitate the cheese steak but have failed to please because they are not truly “cheese steak makers.”
Besides other South Street restaurants, the legendary Pat's King of Steaks was the first to sell the sandwich. During the 1930s in the Italian section of South Philadelphia, brothers Harry Olivieri and Pat Olivieri were hot dog and sandwiches vendors. Tired of making the same food every day, they decided to try something different. A cab driver passing by smelled the aroma of the cheese steak and insisted for a sandwich. Not knowing what to charge, the brothers sold the sandwich for a nickel. The cab driver enjoyed the sandwich and influenced the brothers to sell them.
In 1940, the brothers open Pat's King of Steaks at 1237 East Passyunk Avenue in the Italian Market; a must see area. The 24 hour business has been there ever since. Many years later Kraft introduced Cheez Whiz, the cheese spread. It was added to the cheese steak and made it to what it is today. Geno's, the rival shop across the street is also open 24 hours. For 40 years, the two shops hold a friendly competition to win the title of best cheese steak in town, with Geno's founder, Joe Vento, claiming it was he, not Olivieri, who first added cheese to the sandwich.
