My First (and Best) Philly Cheesesteak

I have a confession to make. Despite living in or outside of Philadelphia for all my life, I have never had a cheesteak. In the heart of the Cheesesteak capital of the world, the place where every visitor tries at least one; where "Pat's or Geno's?" is a valid question to any denizen, I was an outcast.

I'll begin my tale by recounting a past experience. When I was around 9, I vaguely recall having a "plain" steak thrust in front of me at the dinner table. At the time I abhored the sandwich -- I readily confessed that the only cheese I liked was "pizza cheese," all other options were out (how far from reality that is today!). This experience of having a terrible plain steak (albeit one from a local faux-Italian pizza shop), along with my abhorrence of cheese in general, detracted me from the greasy logs for years.

Enventually I mustered-up the nerve to try a cheesesteak and join the group. I decided that I must begin with the best: if I did not like the best, well, cheesesteaks and I were through forever. I was prepared to go to either Pat's, Geno's, or Jim's, hearing that they formed the pinacle of cheesesteak goodness. But alas, just as I was ready to embark, Philadelphia Magazine's annual Best of Philly came out, and the "Best of" went to Cosmi's Deli (1501 S. 8th Street).
Pat's, Geno's, and Jim's received decidedly mediocre marks, so they were out of the question. Disappointed, I set another date. I just had to have the Best!

Last Saturday, the 23rd of October, I ventured into South Philly. I had not set unrealistic culinary expectations on the cheesesteak, because after all, its just meat and cheese on a roll ("wit" or "wit-out" onions), isn't it? When I came upon the deli, its sign glowing like a beacon in the brumous night, a slight twinge of anticipation quickened my pace. Cosmi's was nearly empty, except for a local watching the BoSox game. He paid me no mind. From behind the counter, I was comforted by a pair of thin smiles and glowing deep-set eyes: "You ready to order?" If they only knew! The two urbanely dressed, blonde-haired, caucasian cooks were brothers, twins maybe. One donned a Kangol cap and a svelt collared black shirt; the other had a Orange County style, complete with hemp necklace.

"I'll have the 'Best of' - that's got onions right?" I hesitatingly questioned (I heard that a similar question might incur a scowl at Geno's). With a nod, the smaller brother motioned to another employee, who knew exactly what to do.

Of course, being my first cheesesteak, I had my digital camera on hand. I decided to take it out and fuss with it, hoping if no one noticed, that meant it was no big deal. Someone did notice, "You wanna better look?" an older owner type called. "Come around here and you'll get some better shots." Delighted, I scampered around the counter and stationed myself next to the grill. "So what you gotta website or something?" one asked. I suppose they knew the deal. They were gracious and inviting, actually thanking me in advance for putting the pictures on the web.

Getting caught up in the buzz, I almost forgot that I had to actually taste the steak. Paying the $6.75 (steak and a Snapple), I said my thanks and grabbed a chair outside the deli. (Yea it was cold, but I was hungry.) I unwrapped the log and chomped off a sizeable portion. I let the steak, the juices, and the American cheese slide back onto my molars. It certainly was a different taste, I thought, but after a few chews I enjoyed the flavors. The steak was thin-cut, and the cheese hugged the roll. Although not a fan of American, it provided the necessary sharpness. The roll (not sure if it was from the famous Sarcone's bakery) went fine with the sandwich: soft, but providing the necessary denseness.

As I look back on my first cheesesteak experience, I am happy to say it surpassed my expectations. Sadly, the steak didn't agree with my inexperienced stomach, but at least I had enjoyed the moment. I can't say for sure whether Cosmi's is the best in the city (for obvious reasons), but I would recommend it to anyone who wanted a damn good sandwich. The best part of the experience? Now I can proudly call myself a Philadelphian.

Comments

[Joe the Dog Lover]

I agree about Tony Luke's.

[JEFF]

HI CAN YOU SHIP TO NEW YORK FLAT RATE PACKAGE..
THANK YOU JEFF

[e]

Overbrook Pizza on 63rd street near City ave makes a great cheesesteak. My first apartment in philly was close to it, now I have to make the 30 minute drive! The meat is sliced to the perfect thickness, they're not greasy and you won't get yelled at.

[Josh]

If you're back in the city, head to John's Roast Pork (Snyder & Weccacoe) to get the absolute best steak out there. Tony Luke's comes in a close second.

I always really liked the Chicken Steaks from Luciano's on Lancaster Ave.

[Estelle]

And BTW, I have never had a Philly Cheesesteak either :)

[Estelle]

Eventually!! A main-line food-blogger! I live in King of Prussia, work in Devon, and will be moving to Frazer very soon. I will check your blog again!