When Philadelphia brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri created the “steak sandwich” in the 1930s, it wasn’t much different from the Philly cheesesteak we know today. After all, there’s not much to it on paper. Thinly chopped steak piled high on a hoagie roll was the Olivieris’ original version, with additions like provolone, fried onions, green peppers and mushrooms eventually finding their way onto the menu. The torch has since been passed down through generations of cheesesteak proprietors who have put their own stamp on the classic. Some have swapped chicken for steak, while others have experimented with vastly different types of cheese– and even added unlikely flairs, such as pizza sauce or jalapenos.
Whether it’s a blinged-out bomb or an Olivieri original, one thing is for sure: the Philly cheesesteak is the pride of the City of Brotherly Love. As with any iconic regional dish, the Philly cheesesteak has a passionate army of ambassadors. Here’s a mouthwatering close-up of four of the best-known cheesesteak hubs.
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