WoW Off The Hook

Although most people outside of Philadelphia are familiar with the Philadelphia cheese steak, locals think in terms of steak sandwiches with or without cheese. Without cheese, the sandwich is referred to as a "steak" (not a "steak sandwich"). With cheese, it's a "cheese steak" (or "cheesesteak" - both spellings are in use). Beware of any restaurant, even in Philadelphia, that offers a "Philly Cheese Steak". Most likely, you will be disappointed. If they have to say "Philly", then it's not authentic!

A Philly steak is not really a steak at all - it's a sandwich made with shredded beef, cooked on a grill top. The story is often told of the Philadelphian who ventures to a restaurant in Chicago. He orders his favorite, a "steak". After some discussion, the waiter determines that what the customer really wants is a steak sandwich. He returns with a beautiful thick Chicago steak on a piece of white bread. The customer is appalled!

Philly Steak Variations:

* "With Onions" - add fried onions
* "With Raw Onions"
* "With Sauce" - top with tomato sauce
* "Pizza Steak" - a cheese steak with tomato sauce
* "With Hot Peppers" - add sliced hot cherry peppers (medium hot flavor)
* "With Sweet Peppers" - add jarred sweet peppers
* "With Cooked Peppers" - as above, but grill the peppers first
* "Steak Hoagie" - a steak sandwich with fresh tomatoes, raw onion, cheese, and herbs - can also be ordered "without cheese"

* "Chicken Steak" and "Chicken Cheese Steak" - substitute grilled shredded chicken for the beef - a new concept that is seeking a market among tradition bound Philadelphians - worth a try, but not as good as the original.

The "Philly Lean" It seems that a well dressed visitor was in town. Desiring to partake of a real local food offer. He was taken to South Philly by his friend, a native Philadelphian. Knowing how much Mr. Clinton likes to eat (and no slouch himself), Rendell offered the President a steak from Pat's. As Mr. Clinton was about to take his first bite, our Mayor (Now Gov) asked him if he was familiar with the Philly "lean," a necessary adjunct to a steak sandwich from Pat's. Mr. Clinton ignored the remark, opting , instead, to take a big bite. No dummy, however, as the juice dripped onto his suit front and sleeve, Mr. Clinton smiled, said, "Oh, I get it!" and bent forward before he took his second bite!

Where to Get a Philadelphia Sandwich
There are a few famous spots particularly noted for their steaks, including:

* Pat's in South Philadelphia
* Jim's Steaks on South Street (which, surprisingly, isn't in South Philly)
* Geno's In South Philadelphia

CheeseStakes are why I level so slow sometimes :P

Good Luck In Game!