"philadelphia cheesesteak" news and stories

Our correspondent, Kara Chiles, sent us this report. Kara is an editor, freelance writer, media junkie and shameless consumer of high art, low culture, comfort food, elegant design and excellent shoes. You can write to her by way of karachiles1 AT aol.com

You hear about classic rivalries and think surely they’re blown out of proportion. The Hatfields and McCoys waved to each other in passing, right? If Maria & Tony could bridge the Jet-Shark divide in ‘West Side Story,’ can’t we all? Not so much in Philly, where cheese steak loyalty can halt a cocktail party.

While visiting friends last weekend, I decided it was time for a true Philly Cheese Steak-Off. To keep things semi-legit: all sandwiches were the same – a classic Wiz Wit (that’s Cheese Whiz “Wit” onions) and all had to be eaten at time of purchase (hot & fresh being crucial). With those “rules,” I felt free to ignore the screaming of my digestive tracks and dive in.

Herewith, the results: