And I feel like licking the sides of my mouth right now and taking a bite of Philly Cheesesteak Day.
Only in my little corner of this British island I can’t find a restaurant to serve one.
Never a problem in the City of Brotherly Love.
Where there’s even a restaurant with my name on it… no, not Bandanaman Beef although that’s what I’d call mine.
But Jim’s South Street Steaks which dates back to the Thirties.
When the proprietors sold sandwiches out of their house before opening a restaurant on the same spot.
Paté off Pat
Now in the beginning which is a very good place to start there was hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri.
Who was grilling his own lunch by slicing up some beef and throwing it on an Italian bun with some grilled onions.
When one of his patrons stopped by, asked what he was eating and suggested he start selling them.
In blue-collar Philly the new sandwich soon took off.
Visitors can eat too at the original Cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks, owned by the family.
Take it to the Max
And any number of other establishments including the bar where I whiled away an afternoon with the locals.
Spitballing about sport and politics, Philadelphians’ favourite subjects.
Or Max’s takeaway/restaurant with its huge neon sign out front.
Open until late where you can chew the fat with the punters.
Eating your fave sizzling steak and gooey provolone cheese and all the onion, pepper and mushroom fittings.
Proper Charlie
Such is the popularity of the Philly Cheesesteak that its been syndicated right across the country by Charlie Shin.
Who, whisper it, started out in Columbus, Ohio.
Charley’s Philly Steaks chain now serves around 700 different restaurant locations.
In 46 U.S. states as well as 17 countries throughout the globe.
Though not as yet Scotland which is another of my excuses for getting back out to the States in May.
Where it is tradition for me to eat one of my fave American takeaways in whichever US airport I’m in with an Arnold Palmer.
Which brings me to the other day celebrated today World Cocktail (Mocktail) Day.
Although we’ve down that highway before which is why today we’re concentrating on food.
With a bite of Philly Cheesesteak Day.
Great comment Jim! I’m off to the Deep South of the USA in September. Can’t wait! I”M coming upto Scotland in July hopefully catch up with you then. We’re doing the 500 with 3 of us from University and a dog. Any inspiration? Cheers, Sophie xx
Sophie,
Brill. Be great to see you. When you coming?
Bandanaman