Get Inspired and Hungry

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome, y'all to all Things Philadelphia, your go to visitor's
guide to the City of brotherly Love. From Liberty bell
to cheese steaks, cobblestone streets to world class museums. We're
here to show you everything Philly has to offer. We'll
explore the neighborhoods, the food, the history, the sports, and

(00:21):
the local flavor that makes this city one of the
most iconic in America. Whether you're here for a weekend
or for a while, We've got your Philly fix. Back
to the city of brotherly love that is, of course, Philadelphia.
I mean, we're talking to all things Philadelphia here in
the past eight weeks, and I'm trying to get into

(00:44):
some of the more finer things about Philadelphia and other
than just talking about how to get there, how to
get around once you get there. You know, the airport,
the transportation, the temperature and climate, micro climates. I mean,
We've talked about so much stuff here, but today I
want to talk about something that makes Philadelphia Philadelphia and
something that you can't really talk about Philadelphia without getting

(01:07):
into this. So I'm getting into it because I did
a little thing on Chicago a few weeks ago and
I had a whole episode almost on Deep Dish Pizza
and I learned. I learned about that because I didn't
know all that stuff. And I'm gonna be honest with you.
I'm not a huge pizza guy. But you know what

(01:28):
I am. I'm a Philly cheese steak guy. That's what
I am. My wife is from Philadelphia, Bucks County, Doylestown,
where else, some other places up around there. So you
know that. We've been married for twenty years. So that's
part of my life right now. I don't get good,

(01:48):
really great Philly cheese steaks down here in Charleston, South Carolina.
But when we get up there, man, I can hardly
move when I get home because I had so many.
I don't know exactly what makes them so good, but man,
they're just good. So to me, it's a culinary icon.
And the very mention of Philadelphia conjures up images of

(02:11):
cobblestone streets, historical landmarks, and we've talked about all those,
and of course the iconic Philly cheese steak. It's this
seemingly simple sandwich is a culinary masterpiece that was born
from the streets of Philadelphia. It has transcended its humble

(02:32):
origins to become a global phenomenon. It story is as
rich and layered as the thin, least liced ribbi steak
that forms its heart. And that means that my heart
pours out to its heart because I love revis. To
truly understand Philadelphia's culinary soul, one must dive really deep

(02:55):
into the history of the many iterations of the iconic
creationcise origin of the Philly cheese steak remains shrouded in
a bit of delicious mystery, a testament of its organic
growth from street food to a cultural icon. Several competing
narratives exist, each adding to a layer to the legend.

(03:17):
One popular tale attributes the invention to pat Olaviria Olavera,
Olaveri Oliveri. I'll go with that one, who in the
nineteen thirties began selling chopped beef sandwiches from his hot
dog stand on South ninth Street. His simple creation, grilled

(03:37):
reby steak sliced in and piled high on a long roll,
quickly gained popularity among late night workers and hungry locals.
Another claim centers around brothers Harry and Leo Lavin, who
reportedly started selling similar sandwiches in the nineteen thirties at

(03:58):
their hot dog stand reading terminal, So you know which
one the uh reading terminal? And I get that wrong?
And here's my wife's gonna really yell at me. The
Lavitt Brothers, it said, used a different technique, and it's

(04:20):
all about monopoly too. Come on, man, what's wrong with you?
The Laviin Brothers, it said, used a different technique, grilling
the steak whole and then slicing it onto the role,
potentially influencing the evolution of various cheese steak styles. Regardless
of the exact Oregon origins, these early iterations laid the

(04:41):
foundation for the cheese steaks enduring legacy. The addition of cheese,
typically melted provolone or cheese whiz, marked a significant evolution
in the cheese steak story. While the exact timeline is debated,
the addition of cheese is generally considered to have occurred
sometime in the nineteen forties or fifties, adding a creamy,

(05:05):
rich counterpart to the savory steak. The seemingly simple addition
elevated the sandwich, solidifying its place as a staple of
Philadelphia cuisine. The cheese steak's popularity spread rapidly, transforming from
a simple street food into a full fledged institution. Today,

(05:26):
cheese steaks shops dot the Philadelphia landscape, each with its
own unique approach to this beloved sandwich. Some adhere strictly
to tradition, offering a simple, classic preparation. Others experiment with
different types of cheese, breads, and even add ons like onions, peppers, mushrooms,
and even jlipinos, showcasing the versatility of the seemingly straightforward dish.

(05:52):
Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks, located directly across
the street from each other on South at nine Street,
have become legendary institutions, almost synonymous with Philly cheese steak itself.
The rivalry between these two establishments adds a vibrant layer
to the cheese steak experience, attracting tourists and locals alike,

(06:14):
who often debate the merits of each. Pats, with its
long history and traditional approach, both a loyal following that
appreciates its classic preparation. Genos, on the other hand, is
known for its slightly different approach to grilling and slicing
the steak, leading to a unique texture and flavor profile.

(06:36):
Visiting both provides a fascinating comparison, allowing you to form
your own opinion and this age old culinary debate. I
want to go. I've never been either one of those.
I want to go make my own opinion. That's what
I want to do. However, the Philly cheese steak story
goes far beyond these two icons established establishments throughout the city,

(06:58):
Countless smaller and restaurants offer their unique takes on culinary icon.
Many family run businesses have been crafting their own versions
of the cheese steak for generations, often passing down secret
recipes and techniques from one generation to the next. Exploring
these hidden gems, often tucked away on side streets and

(07:19):
in less touristy neighborhoods, provides a more authentic and intimate
culinary experience. The style of the cheese steak preparation varies
significantly even with the same establishment. The wit versus the
without that's a big question, referring to the inclusion or
exclusion of onions. It is a crucial element in the

(07:43):
ordering process. The method of slicing the steak thinly sliced
versus chopped dramatically influences the overall texture. The choice of cheese, Provolone,
cheese Whiz, American, or a blend each contributes to a
distinct flavor profile. The type of role also plays a
critical role, with some establishments favoring a specific type of

(08:05):
bread for its ability to hold the generous amount of
meat and cheese. Experimenting with these variations adds layers of
flavor and texture, allowing for a personalized cheese steak experience
beyond the classic variations. A wave of innovation has swept
across Philadelphia's cheese steak seen in recent years. Many establishments

(08:27):
now offer gourmet cheese steaks, incorporating high quality ingredients and
unconventional flavor combinations. Some include exotic cheeses, premium meats, and
an array of creative toppings, showcasing the adaptability of this
classic dish. These gourmet offerings cater to adventurous plates and palettes,

(08:48):
demonstrating continuing evolution of the Philly cheese steak and its
ability to remain relevant in a rapidly changing culinary landscape.
Finding the best Philly cheese steak is a truly subjective experience.
The best often depends on personal preference, and it usually
does with variables, including the type of cheese steak, preparations

(09:11):
and bread. So what do you what do you think?
I think bread is very important to me because I
want something that is going to hold all the you know,
all the liquid that comes out of there too, you know,
I don't want it dripping all over me. And I
want that flavor to stay in the bread. And then
I definitely, you know, the chopped versus the then thinly sliced.

(09:36):
You know, I go either way because I love I
love chopped brisket. So I definitely I like both of those.
You can't go wrong with either one. Maybe it's just
what kind of mood I'm in that day. So and
the cheese, I don't know how a big cheese was guy.
I definitely would take the melted probolane, but a lot

(09:58):
of it, So that's kind of the way I lean
on that one. But I would not turn down the
cheese whiz if that was the only thing I had,
just so you know. There is a general consensus among
food critics and locals that some establishments consistently deliver the
exceptional cheese steak experience. Many critics suggest venturing beyond the
well known Pats and genos to uncover hidden gems, smaller

(10:21):
or less publicized establishments that often provide a more intimate
and authentic experience. How does it get more authentic than
Pats and genos? The sheer abundance of cheese steak options
can be overwhelming for first time visitors. One approach is
to try several different establishments during your stay. I think
next time I go, that's all I'm gonna do is

(10:42):
go eat cheese steaks. I'm gonna tell my wife good
the way you want to do, go see your friends.
Whatever I'm going down the list, I'll see you, and
I'll roll you can roll me into wherever you roll
me into, because I'm gonna be full comparing and contrasting
the variations in style, preparation, and flavor. Our good strategy
is to start with a classic cheese steak from one

(11:03):
of the more established shops to grasp the fundamental elements.
I mean, this is big time stuff we're talking about.
Then explore the less known spots, you know, the up
and comers, the lodball spots doing things a little bit
different to discovering hidden treasures and unique variations and maybe

(11:23):
you find something that you really just like so much better.
You just never know unless you try this open mind.
You got to have an open mind. This approach offers
a complete picture of Philadelphia's rich cheese steak heritage. Beyond
simply eating the cheese steak. Understanding this cultural context context
enhances the overall experience. No, no, I don't know. I

(11:49):
didn't write that part. It doesn't do you know what
eating the cheese steak is. What does the whole thing? Right?
That is the experience. I don't need to know about
all the history to enjoy it now. No, it is
a good thing, and that's fine, but that is not
going to change what I feel like when I'm eating
that sandwich. The Philly cheese steak is more than just food.

(12:12):
It's a symbol of Philadelphia's vibrant culinary heritage and the
reflection of its diverse culture. It's a story of immigrant entrepreneurship,
culinary innovation, and fierce local pride. Taking the time to
explore the history, the different styles, and the cultural significance
of this iconic sandwich significantly enriches the culinary journey. In conclusion,

(12:38):
the Philly cheese steak is far more than just a sandwich.
I believe that it's a cornerstone of Philadelphia's culinary identity,
a testament to its rich history, and a captivating tale
of immigrant entrepreneurship and culinary evolution. It's enduring popularity, the
variations in preparation, and the passionate debates and fistfights that

(13:03):
have probably gone along with this, surrounding its best version
or testaments to its cultural significance. Truly appreciate Philadelphia, one
must embrace the cheese steak experience not just a meal,
but as a journey and to the heart of the
silly as far as kind of silly, but of the

(13:25):
city's culinary soul. Whether you prefer the classic simplicity of Pats,
the distinct style of Genos, or the innovative creation of
countless other establishments, the Philly cheese steak is an unforgettable
culinary adventure awaiting you in the city of brotherly love. Bruh,
that's right, Bruh. Enjoy the journey and savor every bite.

(13:49):
Now that part I completely agree with. So I hope
I did that justice to my wife and her Philadelphia
friends back in Philly and family. I think I did Okay,
I give myself a C plus. Well, I hope I
made him proud at least a little bit. But thanks
for joining and tuning into all things Philadelphia. I hope

(14:11):
that you're feeling inspired to explore a vibrant history and
the endlessly exciting city. I've been in a bottle of
wine already, not really, don't forget to subscribe and leave
a review and share the podcast with fellow travelers. Got
a favorite Philly Spoder story, please let us know and
we'll try to feature it and get it involved. That'd

(14:33):
be absolutely amazing. That's where we get a lot of
our stories. So until I see you next time, God
bless