Philly cneese steak..why so difficult to get outside of Philly? (Philadelphia: home, legal)

[*Sweetkisses*]

Like others have said, there is a reason why its called a Philly Cheesesteak. I wouldn't go to Boston to look for a Chicago deep dish.

[toobusytoday]

Okay, big confession. I don't think I've ever really had a Philly cheesesteak. When I go into the city there are so many other tasty things to try that a cheesesteak has never been tops on my list. Since we live within driving distance of the city, I've only spent the night there once and that was when I visited with my vegetarian daughter. And I didn't know about the no steak-um rule. I guess I'll take myself out of the running for a Philly cheesesteak expert. (but I did know about the Amoroso rolls!)

[Pilot1]

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

That's also not true, I've stopped at Wawa's in Maryland and Virginia. Quakertown is definately not in Philadelphia.

Well, I've been out of the area for a while. Didn't realize Wawa was in MD and VA. However, I consider Quarkertown and the five counties that make up the Philly metro area "Philly". Just have to agree to disagree I guess.

These are the components of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA). Last time I checked Quakertown was in Bucks County.

6160 Philadelphia, PA-NJ SMSA
6160 34005 Burlington County, NJ
6160 34007 Camden County, NJ
6160 34015 Gloucester County, NJ
6160 42017 Bucks County, PA
6160 42029 Chester County, PA
6160 42045 Delaware County, PA
6160 42091 Montgomery County, PA
6160 42101 Philadelphia County, PA

[Soju]

Originally Posted by BeenAroundTheBlock

Guess what we are Philly transplants in Orlando Florida and we have a place that is awesome. The owners are from Philly and they use Amoroso rolls. It's heaven on earth here. They also have a huge mural of the Philly's ballpark on the wall. Love it!!

Brianto's Original Hoagies

yeah, I heard there are alot of Philly transplants down there. I wonder why? From what I heard Orlando is pretty bland and crime infested. Do they have Rita's water ice as well?

[toobusytoday]

[quote=Pilot1;4792692]Well, I've been out of the area for a while. Didn't realize Wawa was in MD and VA. However, I consider Quarkertown and the five counties that make up the Philly metro area "Philly". Just have to agree to disagree I guess.

These are the components of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA). Last time I checked Quakertown was in Bucks County.

QUOTE]

Well, yes it's technically in the "Philadelphia Metropolitan Statistical Area" but it's an hour from the city, doesnt have bus service and the nearest train is 30 minutes south. oh well, I don't live there. They do have one of those soft pretzel franchises that was mentioned in another thread.

Hey, if I eat a cheesesteak in Quakertown, can I say that I've had a Philly cheesesteaK?

[Pilot1]

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

Hey, if I eat a cheesesteak in Quakertown, can I say that I've had a Philly cheesesteaK?

Sure, I've had great cheesesteaks in the Philly burbs.

I even like Wawa hoagies, compared to what i can get in CO.

[dorado0359]

Originally Posted by newmarlig

For cheesesteaks -- it's all about the roll. It needs to be soft, yet not spongy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Bingo....that's the secret to a Philly Cheesesteak and what makes a Philly Cheese Steak unique. Amoroso's Bakery has been the major supplier of rolls in Philadelphia for years and they have perfected the steak roll.

[toobusytoday]

Okay, if the Amoroso roll is the key and they sell them in Wawa's and Wawa's now extend all the way to Richmond Virginia does that mean that they can make good-as-Philly-Cheesesteaks in Virginia?

[Pilot1]

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

Okay, if the Amoroso roll is the key and they sell them in Wawa's and Wawa's now extend all the way to Richmond Virginia does that mean that they can make good-as-Philly-Cheesesteaks in Virginia?

No. Its not in their genes and if you move away from Philly, you quickly loose the magical cheesesteak powers.

[juniperbleu]

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

Okay, if the Amoroso roll is the key and they sell them in Wawa's and Wawa's now extend all the way to Richmond Virginia does that mean that they can make good-as-Philly-Cheesesteaks in Virginia?

Sure, if you like it with mayonnaise...

Actually, I've had 1 or 2 that weren't half bad. Not great, but I've had far worse. One was in Alexandria, but the place is owned by guys from Philly. The other was in Fredericksburg, but I had to make sure to emphasize that no lettuce, tomato, or mayo was wanted anywhere near my sandwich. I should probably add that before ordering I made sure to read the menu very carefully. Descriptions such as "sliced strip steak, swiss cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion, mayonnaise" are common.