Well, its a matter of opinion and an issue that has been debated for generations and will never be resolved.
Last Saturday I ventured up to my hometown of Philadelphia with a few friends to take in some of the sights and enjoy a few cheese steaks. We started our day in Reading Terminal Market and ordered steaks at Carmen's Famous Italian Hoagies & Cheese Steaks. Now cheese steaks are to those of Philadelphia like pizza is to those of the five Burroughs. You can get your fix almost every other block and everyone has their favorite. That said, I have been eating cheese steaks and hoagies since I had two teeth and folks I gotta say this is the best cheese steak I've ever had the pleasure of pairing up with grilled onions and provolone cheese. The rolls, which almost always make or break the sandwich were soft and chewy but the flavor of the meat is what really stood out here. I don't know if it was the seasoning on the grill or if the meat was marinated but whatever they are doing at Carmen's, IT WORKS! Up until Saturday I would say that my favorite cheese steak was a small dive on the 300 block of South Street and a friend of mine swears the best steak isn't in Philly at all but actually in Atlantic City. And in great part that is what is so wonderful about doing this. I travel to cities with friends and even occasionally make a few new ones when I arrive at my destination, we sit down and enjoy good food and a drink as we talk and laugh. From time to time I find places like Carmen's that completely change your opinion of just how good something can be and raises the bar to a whole new level.
If you have never been to Philadelphia, it is an experience to be had, especially if you love history as I do. But if you really want to take in a local delicacy done right, stop Buy Carmen's at the Reading Terminal Market. You'll find plenty to snack on while you are there in addition to your steak so pace yourself.
No comments:
Post a Comment