Related Links:

Other Stories in Lifestyles:

"As a native Philadelphian, I just had to have a cheese steak as soon as I stepped off the plane in Philly,” said the entrepreneur. "I've been hankering for a 'provolone wit' (provolone cheese steak with grilled onions) for weeks now."

Pat’s King of Steaks has been a fixture in the heart of South Philadelphia for over 70 years. This infamous eatery is still owned and operated by the original Olivieri family, the originators of the steak and cheese steak sandwiches. Established in 1930, the restaurant is open 24 hours a day (361 days a year), and is located where 9th Street crosses Wharton and Passyunk Avenue (at the base of the Italian Market). Celebrities such as Senator John McCain, Larry King, *NSYNC, the Foo Fighters, and Brian Setzer have all savored this Philadelphia tradition, which is regularly depicted as a true American treasure.

"They have their own style and flavor, just like the city,” said one connoisseur who consumes an “American wit” at every opportunity. "Long live Pat's!"

It has been acknowledged both far and wide that the cheese steak sandwich was born in South Philadelphia at Pat's Steaks in the 1930's. However, some sources believe that the sandwich was originally composed of thin sliced rib eye topped with a pizza sauce (now known as a pizza steak) until Pat's put cheese on it. Consequently, South Philadelphia (especially the intersections of 9th, Wharton, and Passyunk Avenue) has become the "Mecca" to cheese steak fanatics around the globe."There is nothing quite like the intoxicating aroma of a Pat's steak 'wit' onions,” said one seasoned veteran of the restaurant. "Whether it's the bubbling grease and [cheese] whiz that runs down your chin, or the simple ecstasy of that cheese steak melting in your mouth, the feeling and taste are both indescribable."

"There is nothing quite like the intoxicating aroma of a Pat's steak 'wit' onions,” said one seasoned veteran of the restaurant. "Whether it's the bubbling grease and [cheese] whiz that runs down your chin, or the simple ecstasy of that cheese steak melting in your mouth, the feeling and taste are both indescribable."

Surprisingly, there are folks who reside in the City of Brotherly Love who are oblivious as to what comprises a Pat's cheese steak. Fortunately, though, the Olivieri's are more than happy to answer the naïve natives among us. "It is a combination of all the freshest ingredients that can be found. It's quite simple. Its rib-eye steak sliced thin, onions, cheese, and of course, the freshest Italian bread you can find. Put them altogether and you've got a Pat's Philly Cheese steak.” Can't you just smell that cheese steak?

Continue to page 2...