A Brief Moment In Culinary History: The Philly Cheesesteak

The cheesesteak sandwich, more commonly known as the Philly Cheese Steak, hails from humble beginnings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1930, Italian immigrants Pat and Harry Olivieri opened a hot dog stand and quickly grew tired of eating the dogs they served. One day, the men bought some beef at their local grocery, sliced it and grilled with onions. Just as the men were about to taste their creation, a cab driver came by and insisted on trying the sandwich. Upon tasting it, he advised the men to ditch the dogs and start selling their innovative idea. Twenty years later, at the request of employees and customers, cheese was added to the popular sandwich. Sales soared and culinary history was made.

There is some controversy surrounding this popular American sandwich icon, though. Traditionalists swear the only way to eat a "true" cheesesteak is if it is topped with "whiz", a cheese type sauce that is ladled across the top of the sandwich. Others prefer melted provel or provolone cheese to be melted on top of the meat before it is placed in the bun for serving. Either way, you can't go wrong by ordering one of these yummy sandwiches!