Cheesesteak

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cheesesteak Cheesesteak Cheesesteak Cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz Origin Alternate name(s) Country of origin Region or state Creator(s) of the dish Dish details Course served Serving temperature Main ingredient(s) Variations Main course Hot Sliced steak, cheese, bread Multiple Philadelphia cheesesteak, Philly cheesesteak, Philly United States Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Pat & Harry Olivieri by serving chopped-up steak on hoagie rolls in the early 1930s.[2] They began selling the concoctions at their hot dog stand near south Philadelphia’s Italian Market. They became so popular that Pat opened up his own cheesesteak restaurant in 1930. This restaurant still operates today as Pat’s King of Steaks. The restaurant’s website calls the preparation a "steak sandwich" (not a "cheesesteak") and says that "as the years passed, both employees and customers alike demanded change ... cheese was first added by a Pat’s steak manager out at the Ridge Avenue location. His name was Joe "Cocky Joe" Lorenza and the first cheese he added was provolone."[3][4] Cheez Whiz, first marketed in 1953,[5] is now a common option. Ingredients and preparation The meat used is thinly sliced rib-eye or top round although other types are often used.[6] The steak is placed on a lightly oiled griddle at medium temperature. The slices are quickly browned and then scrambled into smaller pieces with a flat spatula. Often, the steak is placed on top of already slightly fried onions to prevent the steak from becoming over-cooked. Thicker slices are also sometimes used (as are chunks of frozen thin slices which are defrosted as they are cooked). Some vendors omit the chopping, serving their sandwiches with these slices of steak in whole form. Some locations with large volumes will griddle the steak in a large pile, chopping and flipping the steak with a large metal spatula until cooked to a light brown. The thicker pieces of steak, due to their need to be cooked more thoroughly, will be set in a single layer on the griddle and flipped until brown. Cheese can be added at the last stage of griddling, placed on the bread before the meat is added, or ladled on top of the sandwich as the last step. The cheesesteak, known outside the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area as the Philadelphia cheesesteak, Philly cheesesteak, Philly, or steak and cheese, is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of steak and melted cheese on a long roll. Cheesesteaks are one of the favorite foods of the city of Philadelphia, along with hoagies, water ice, and soft pretzels.[1] History Philadelphians Pat and Harry Olivieri are often credited with inventing the cheesesteak 1 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For adding cheese while griddling, the steak is shaped on the griddle so that the roll could cover it, the cheese is laid on top and allowed to melt for a minute, then the roll is placed over the steak and the spatula is used to scoop the entire contents into the roll. In another method, the cheese is placed along the inner sides of the sliced roll and is either melted beforehand by a warmer or is melted by the heat of the freshly cooked steak. Lastly, melted cheese or Cheez Whiz can be ladled on top of the sandwich. The sandwich is served in a long roll, typically a 6-inch or 12-inch (15 or 30 cm) loaf of Italian bread (also known in Philly as a hoagie roll). The bread is sliced lengthwise to form a cradle, similar to a hot dog bun. A cheesesteak may include other optional ingredients such as fried onions, sautéed green peppers, and mushrooms. Some menus include mayonnaise, hot sauce, ketchup, or pizza sauce (a Pizza Steak, often with mozzarella as the cheese). Cheesesteak A homemade cheesesteak made with American cheese. cheesesteaks. Some places pre-melt the American cheese to achieve a Cheez Whiz–like consistency, while others just put freshly cut slices over the meat, letting it slightly melt under the heat. Provolone Mild, unaged provolone is almost universally offered. One Los Angeles reporter claimed that "provolone is the cheesesteak cheese, preferably an extra-sharp provolone with a distinctly savage bite."[11] Cheese White American cheese, provolone, and Cheez Whiz are the most frequently used cheeses and are available for steaks at most places. Swiss, Cheddar, and mozzarella are available at a few locations. Other cheese Television chef and food scientist Alton Brown recommends Mimolette, a French cheese with a similar color and texture to cheddar. His Chain of Bull Cheese Steaks recipe uses Mimolette and offers no suggestions for alternatives. Cheez Whiz Cheez Whiz, first marketed in 1952, was not yet available for the original 1930 version, but it has come to achieve some popularity. A 1986 New York Times article called Cheez Whiz "the sine qua non of cheesesteak connoisseurs."[7] In a 1985 interview, Frank Olivieri (Pat Olivieri’s nephew) said that he uses "the processed cheese spread familiar to millions of parents who prize speed and ease in fixing the children’s lunch for the same reason, because it is fast."[8] A recipe published by Pat’s King of Steaks says, with regard to cheese, "We recommend Cheez Whiz; American or Provolone works fine."[9] The proprietor of Geno’s, however, considers provolone or American cheese more authentic, but Pat’s introduction of Cheese Whiz allowed it to quickly become a "topping of choice."[10] Variations American American cheese, with its mild flavor and medium consistency, is another favorite on A vegetarian cheesesteak made with seitan. 2 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Numerous variations on the basic cheesesteak theme are offered by various vendors. A steak sandwich topped with pizza sauce and sliced or crumbled mozzarella constitutes a pizza steak, which is often placed briefly in a pizza oven or under a broiler to melt and lightly brown the cheese. Some establishments offer sliced pepperoni as an optional topping, to make a pepperoni pizza steak.[12] A cheesesteak made with chicken is called a chicken cheesesteak. When served with buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese dressing, it is called a buffalo chicken cheesesteak.Other variations include a "cheesesteak hoagie" which contains lettuce and tomato. Stephen Starr’s Barclay Prime steakhouse offers a $100 cheesesteak sandwich made with Wagyu beef, seared foie gras, and black truffle shavings.[13] Cheesesteak told reporters, "He (Romney) said the cheesesteak had no nutritional value."[15] Famous locations Among the many Philadelphia cheesesteak eateries, Pat’s and Geno’s Steaks are the best known (and most publicized). The rivals are located across the street from each other on 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia.[16][16] Geno’s is also famous for the controversy involving posted signs that read: "This Is America: When ordering please speak English".[17] Many Philadelphians proclaim allegiance to a particular steak shop as the maker of "the best" cheesesteak. There is much lively debate to be had in Philadelphia over what makes one establishment’s cheesesteak better than another’s. Street vendors also prepare and sell cheesesteaks from trucks and carts in and around the city, especially on the larger college campuses. Pat’s grandson, Rick Olivieri operated Rick’s Steaks in the Reading Terminal Market and also in Citizens Bank Park, home of the MLB team the Philadelphia Phillies. Cultural etiquette Best of Philly award winners The following are winners of the "Best of Philly" awards from Philadelphia magazine. Best Cheesesteak • 2008: • Bucks County - Frank’s Pizza[18] • Chester County - Pepper Mill[19] • King of Prussia - Angelo’s Pizza[20] • Main Line - Pie in the Sky[21] • South Philly - Cosmi’s Deli[22] • South Jersey - Sarcone’s Deli[23] • 2007: Steve’s Prince of Steaks[24] • 2006: Johnny’s Hots[25] • 2005: Tony Luke’s[26] • 2004: Cosmi’s Deli[27] • 2003: Chicks Deli[28] • 2002: Chink’s[29] • 2002: Lorenzo’s Pizza[30] • 2001: Pat’s Steaks[31] • 2000: Geno’s Steaks[32] "How to order a steak" sign at Pat’s. During the 2004 presidential campaign, candidate John Kerry ordered a cheesesteak with Swiss cheese in South Philadelphia. According to the Philadelphia Daily News, "reporters snickered," because "in Philadelphia, ordering Swiss on a cheesesteak is like rooting for Dallas at an Eagles game. It isn’t just politically incorrect; it could get you a poke in the nose."[14] In 2005, before Super Bowl XXXIX, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney turned down a cheesesteak wager by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell in the traditional pre-Super Bowl bet between leaders of the states represented in the game. Rendell later Variations of Best Cheesesteak • 2007 Best Cheesesteak Update 2007: Bliss[33] • 2007 Best Cheesesteak, Suburbs: Garrett Hill Pizza[34] 3 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia • 2006 Best Cheesesteak, updated: Deuce Restaurant & Bar[25] Cheesesteak Cheesesteaks elsewhere In other parts of North America, many sandwich shops offer their own versions of the cheesesteak. However, according to Pennsylvania Governor and former Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell, cooks outside Philadelphia cannot produce an authentic Philly cheesesteak because, "first, they use good meat. You need the fattiest, stringiest meat to get a proper taste... The second mistake is, they use real cheese. Real cheese doesn’t melt like Cheez Whiz... And third, when they fry their onions, they actually drain off the grease. You can’t do that."[35] Another missing element in most cheesesteaks outside Philadelphia is the use of Vilotti-Pisanelli or Amoroso’s rolls, which are used by most cheesesteak places in Philadelphia.[16] There are, however, some restaurants outside of Philadelphia that have Amoroso rolls or dough shipped to them. The Reading, Pennsylvania headquartered, Steak-umm Company has long been famous for its thin-sliced frozen steaks that are sold in supermarkets throughout the US and are used for making homemade Philadelphia-style [36] The company claims to be cheesesteaks. "the best-known sandwich steak brand in America" and to have "helped turn the regional "Philly Cheese Steak" Sandwich into standard fare on America’s dinner tables over four decades ago".[37] Due to the rise of large chain restaurants such as Subway and Quiznos, an imitation of cheesesteak is available across the US and in many parts of the world.[38][39][40] See also • Steak sandwich • Louis’ Lunch • Italian Beef References [1] Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, "Philadelphia - African American Visitor’s Guide". Retrieved 21 November 2008. [2] Katie Stuhldreher (July 30, 2007). ""Rick’s Steaks takes Reading Terminal Market dispute to court"". philly.com. Archived from the original on 2008-01-24. http://web.archive.org/web/ 20080124113843/http://www.philly.com/ philly/hp/news_update/ 20070730_Ricks_Steaks_takes_Reading_Terminal_Ma Retrieved on 2007-07-30. [3] The Cheesesteak Cometh - Philadelphia Magazine - phillymag.com [4] "The History of Pat’s King of Steaks". Pat’s King of Steaks. http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/ aboutus.html. Retrieved on 2006-06-09. [5] Hevesi, Dennis. 9 June 2007, New York Times, Edwin Traisman, 91, Dies; Helped Create Iconic Foods". Retrieved 10 November 2008. [6] Fischer, John. About.com, "How To Make a Philly Cheese Steak". Retrieved 17 December 2008. [7] The New York Times, May 21, 1986, p. C6 "The Cheese Steak: An Original" [8] The New York Times, November 16, 1985, p. 10: "About Philadelphia: Where Cheesesteaks are King, One Family Has Assumed the Crown" [9] "The Original Pat’s King of Steaks Philadelphia Cheese Steak recipe". patskingofsteaks.com. Archived from the original on 2007-10-16. http://web.archive.org/web/ 20071016032902/ http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/ recipe.htm. Retrieved on May 22 2006. [10] David Whitford (2003-06-01). "Sandwich Superheroes Philadelphia’s cheese-steak kings have fought for more than 30 years. Now they can’t imagine life without each other.". Fortune: Small Business. http://money.cnn.com/ magazines/fsb/fsb_archive/2003/06/01/ 346418/index.htm. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. [11] "LA Weekly — Ask Mr. Gold, September 2, 2004". http://www.laweekly.com/ index.php?option=com_lawcontent&task=view&id=9 Retrieved on February 26 2007. [12] The Perfect Philly Cheesesteak [13] Associated Press. 4 October 2004, msnbc.com, "Restaurant serves $100 Philly cheesesteak". Retrieved 16 February 2009. [14] Philadelphia Daily News story on the Kerry contretemps [15] "Mass. Governor Disrespects The Cheesesteak". NBC10. 2005. Archived 4 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia from the original on 2008-01-24. http://web.archive.org/web/ 20080124164327/http://www.nbc10.com/ sports/4134100/detail.html. Retrieved on May 22 2006. [16] ^ op. cit. [17] English Only at Philly Cheesesteak Joint, Philadelphia Cheesesteak Joint Tells Customers English Only When Ordering Famous Sandwich [18] Philadelphia Magazine "Best of Philly 2008 - Cheesesteak, Bucks County". Accessed 6 April 2009. [19] Philadelphia Magazine "Best of Philly 2008 - Cheesesteak, Chester County". Accessed 6 April 2009. [20] Philadelphia Magazine "Best of Philly 2008 - Cheesesteak, King of Prussia". Accessed 6 April 2009. [21] Philadelphia Magazine "Best of Philly 2008 - Cheesesteak, Main Line". Accessed 6 April 2009. [22] Philadelphia Magazine "Best of Philly 2008 - Cheesesteak, South Philly". Accessed 6 April 2009. [23] Philadelphia Magazine "Best of Philly 2008- Cheesesteak, South Jersey". Accessed 6 April 2009. [24] Philadelphia Magazine: Best of Philly 2007 [25] ^ Philadelphia Magazine: Best of Philly 2006 Cheesesteak [26] Philadelphia Magazine: Best of Philly 2005 [27] Philadelphia Magazine: Best of Philly 2004 [28] Philadelphia Magazine: Best of Philly 2003 [29] Philadelphia Magazine: Best of Philly 2002 [30] Philadelphia Magazine: Best of Philly 2002 [31] Philadelphia Magazine: Best of Philly 2001 [32] Philadelphia Magazine: Best of Philly 2000 [33] Philadelphia Magazine: Best of Philly 2007 [34] Philadelphia Magazine: Best of Philly 2007 [35] "RENDELL’S POLITICAL SAVVY IS," [[Philadelphia Daily News (Philadelphia, PA) September 29, 2006] [36] Frozen Meat Retail Sales Hit $837 Million In USA Market. (01-JUL-00) Quick Frozen Foods International [37] About Steak-umm [38] Steak & Cheese [39] Official SUBWAY Restaurants Country Counts [40] http://www.quiznos.com/subsandwiches/ Menu/PDFs/menu.pdf Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheesesteak" Categories: American sandwiches, Culture of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cuisine of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, American cuisine, Sandwiches, Fast food This page was last modified on 6 May 2009, at 05:20 (UTC). All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. (See Copyrights for details.) Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) taxdeductible nonprofit charity. Privacy policy About Wikipedia Disclaimers 5