Once upon a time in Bossy’s hometown of Philadelphia lived a cheesesteak. In fact many cheesesteaks live in Philly, and for sport, Philadelphia natives like to argue which cheesesteak is the best. Dalessandro’s, Jim’s Steaks — you could fill a sports arena with the various opinions, and in fact, here in Philly, we do just that.
But from Bossy’s point of view, the best cheesesteak has always been Pat’s.
Pat’s Steaks is located in the heart of South Philadelphia, which means Rocky jogged past it on his way to the Art Museum steps. On the opposing corner is yet another cheesesteak place, Geno’s, which is arguably the best, emphasis on argue.
To this end, a couple of months ago Bossy’s son devised a taste test to determine which of these two Philadelphia mainstays, located at the same intersection, truly makes the best cheesesteak.
The results were inconclusive. Bossy’s son’s best friend appreciated the fact that Geno’s doesn’t chop their meet to the degree that Pat’s does, and overall the taste-testers agreed that Geno’s did a better job of assimilating the cheese with the bread. However Bossy’s son decided that when the bite was perfect, containing the exact ratio of cheese to bread to chopped steak and fried onions, you can’t beat Pat’s.
Meanwhile Bossy determined Geno’s has one thing Pat’s definitely does not have:
Bossy can sum up her city’s local delicacy, and who makes it best, in this way: Tony Luke’s Pork Broccoli Rabe with Provolone probably beats cheesesteaks.
Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, can you tell Bossy about your local delicacy, and where to get it?
And be sure to check back later today for the best resource list of regional food on the web!
If you missed last week’s Ten-Word challenge, go here to read about the many interesting crossroads Bossy’s council has encountered in their lives.
marathonmom says
June 15, 2010 at 10:57 amArriba spicy black bean dip – only now at Central Market.
Heather says
June 15, 2010 at 11:01 amVienna beef + poppy seed bun + pickle + mustard + onion – ketchup = heaven
BossysMom says
June 15, 2010 at 11:04 amAnything at Reading Terminal Market just a quick trainstop away.
Lisa says
June 15, 2010 at 11:06 amPierogies, halushki, halupki, and potato pancakes, found at any local church bazaar in the Wyoming Valley of NE PA. Mmmmm, I love summer in NE PA!
Meg T. says
June 15, 2010 at 11:07 amPhoenix, AZ: Carolina’s bean and potato burrito. Unstoppably awesome.
hollygee says
June 15, 2010 at 11:09 amThat would be barbecued Tomales Bay Oysters with cocktail sauce.
Mary K says
June 15, 2010 at 11:11 amHome grilled chinook salmon bought fresh from Pike Place Market.
Michele says
June 15, 2010 at 11:16 amBoiled peanuts from any Georgia roadside stand; always spelled p-nuts.
Meredith says
June 15, 2010 at 11:20 amTwo Nathan’s Hot Dogs with banana/pistachio soft serve swirl at Denny’s. From where else? Brooklyn!
(Yeah, that was longer than 10 words….you wanna make something of it?)
Lauren says
June 15, 2010 at 11:22 amShrimp & grits from Mr. Friendly’s in Columbia SC. YUM!
Sallie (FullTime-Life) says
June 15, 2010 at 11:22 amGrouper sandwich. Andy’s Seafood. Matlachea Island (near Ft. Myers FL)
Amy says
June 15, 2010 at 11:23 amTexas-Two-Step (not in Texas–but Zambia) serves Nshima & Relish.
Kris says
June 15, 2010 at 11:26 amInch and a half thick ribeye, medium rare, Country Neighbor.
Kris says
June 15, 2010 at 11:30 amPonzaRotta from JImmy’s Grotto…Waukesha, WI. Cheesy pastry grease bomb.
Connie Harbor says
June 15, 2010 at 11:37 amMike’s Hot Dogs, Homewood. Handshaped patties, grilled onions, special sauce.
bossy's friend amy says
June 15, 2010 at 11:39 amChowder (red or white) from Smitty’s (you can’t lick our clams) Clam Bar in Somers Point NJ.
pam says
June 15, 2010 at 11:49 amBLT Pizza at Fool’s Gold, Webberville, Michigan. The Best. Period.
kristin @ going country says
June 15, 2010 at 12:22 pmMulberry juice. Available ONLY at Blackrock, far as I know.
Golden says
June 15, 2010 at 12:26 pmAm I weird? I don’t think I have ever had a cheese steak. And my little town? It isn’t exactly known for it’s food. There are a couple of Applebee’s chains and a a couple of pizza places. I did a little dance when a sushi place opened. I wasn’t impressed though. I did like their Coconut Lemongrass soup though.
MemeGRL says
June 15, 2010 at 12:28 pmIf you haven’t, try John’s Roast Pork for pork AND cheesesteak perfection. YUM.
Totalspacecadet says
June 15, 2010 at 12:29 pmA rich, frothy, perfect latte from Caffe Ladro, Seattle, Washington.
Meg at the Members Lounge says
June 15, 2010 at 12:35 pmLobster roll, Cold beer. Adirondack chair, Kingman Marina/ Cape Cod.
lora says
June 15, 2010 at 1:00 pmGeno’s is racist. Pat’s is meh. Tony Lukes trumps all.
Linda_M says
June 15, 2010 at 1:02 pmSouthern Nevada local delicacy? Surely you jest! 🙁
Joie says
June 15, 2010 at 1:03 pmThat’s one reason I don’t like Geno’s, though I always thought their steaks were tastier. I think next time I will just ask Pat’s to put extra wiz on my steak. All that said, who knows what the people at Pat’s believe about immigration….but at least they don’t advertise it.
Tawny says
June 15, 2010 at 1:05 pmI am originally from Maryland so our claim to fame has to be the jumbo lump crabcake. I favor a local eatery in Solomon’s Island, MD called Stoneys – my husband adores another local eatery with several locations including Annapolis, MD called Jerry’s Seafood. No matter who says they have the best crabcake one thing should always be the same JUMBO LUMP Blue Crab Meat.
Also thanks for the heads about Tony Luke’s Pork Broccoli Rabe with Provolone, sounds divine. Speaking of Broccoli Rabe – first time I ever ate it was at a local Philadelphia eatery called Monk’s Cafe. Take about great mussels, burgers, and fries. So good!!!
BECKY says
June 15, 2010 at 1:08 pmpad thai at bangkok wok. orgasm in my mouth. amen
Sheri Bheri says
June 15, 2010 at 1:13 pmfrench fries, cheese curds, gravy – POUTINE!
Jenn says
June 15, 2010 at 1:52 pmTexas barbeque at the Salt Lick baby. BYOB
Jacquie says
June 15, 2010 at 1:52 pmFish tacos at South Beach with icy Pacifico con limon.
Little Miss Sunshine State says
June 15, 2010 at 2:17 pmBurger And Beer Joint. South Beach. BEST burger EVER eaten.
The Domestic Goddess says
June 15, 2010 at 2:42 pmWith you on cheesesteaks. Pork with rabe? Not so much.
Dawn's Dad says
June 15, 2010 at 2:44 pmShark and bake on a beautiful beach in northern Trinidad
Blog Princess says
June 15, 2010 at 2:56 pmChurassco’s chicken sandwich at St. Lawrence market makes me drool.
Caroline says
June 15, 2010 at 3:08 pmWhat could be more local than ones own backyard? It’s yielded unbelievably delicious avocado, rose apples, pomelos, apple bananas, rare yellow strawberry guava, and currently, the best lychee we’ve ever tasted. It’s breaking my heart to leave it.
Timmy says
June 15, 2010 at 3:12 pmKielbosa and krout with spicy mustard from Mary’s diner, Havertown.
Carroll says
June 15, 2010 at 3:33 pmNot an entry (Cupertino CA has, what??? Other than incredibly delicious and eclectic ethnic food of all persuasions, I’m stumped) just a rousing cheer for you for publicly dissing that sign, Bossy. In Philly of all places you’d think there would be *some* awareness that we all originally came from “someplace else”!
Polt says
June 15, 2010 at 3:34 pmHagerstown MD: Ham and Cheese sub from Freddie’s Subs, with any fixins!
HUGS…
rockle says
June 15, 2010 at 3:34 pmI prefer Jim’s Steaks, West Philly location, Wiz wit’ please.
Philly says
June 15, 2010 at 4:04 pmWe travel the 40 minutes south on 95 to Tony Lukes. I must say their chicken cutlet hoagie wit sharp is by far the best
jp says
June 15, 2010 at 4:27 pmPortugues Bread@ Something Natural……………
I miss Nantucket!!!
(painter’s backs are lovely this time of year also!)
alanaransley says
June 15, 2010 at 4:29 pmOlde Tyme Grocery roast beef poboy in Lafayette, LA. Yum!
alanaransley says
June 15, 2010 at 4:30 pmYes, I’m from Louisiana and don’t like seafood. Weird, huh?
Little Miss Sunshine State says
June 15, 2010 at 4:33 pmPublix Supermarket Deli Subs. Better than any other sandwich shops!
ZDub says
June 15, 2010 at 4:37 pmMicro brews and smoked brisket at Rocky Mountain Brewery. HOLLA.
Diane says
June 15, 2010 at 4:37 pmpork verde chili at local pub with ice cold cider.
Deb Rox says
June 15, 2010 at 4:47 pmGulf shrimp, oysters, boiled peanuts, margaritas and beer = Florida’s Panhandle.
ScottsdaleGirl says
June 15, 2010 at 5:29 pmShredded beef taco plate at Los Olivos (Old Town Scottsdale)
bossy's friend martha's sister says
June 15, 2010 at 6:00 pmDinosaur Bar-B-Que pulled pork Syracuse, Rochester or NY, NY dinosaurbarbque.com
Sierra says
June 15, 2010 at 6:50 pmI’m local:
Crisp amaroso’s roll cradling beef , caramelized onions and whiz!
Editdebs says
June 15, 2010 at 6:52 pmSuperDawg hot dog, Chicago, best in the world. I love!
David says
June 15, 2010 at 6:53 pmNick Tahou’s garbage plate in Rochester, NY after many beers.
LizP says
June 15, 2010 at 7:26 pmFresh blueberries
available at u-pick farms
southern Willamette Valley Oregon
MYinTX says
June 15, 2010 at 7:43 pmTastiest Fried Chicken ever at Babe’s in Roanoke, TX. BYOB
Sheryl in Wa says
June 15, 2010 at 8:15 pmHave enjoyed reading your website for a couple of years now. Have tried to ignore all political commenting thus far. Can’t anymore. Won’t be back. I didn’t come from somewhere else: I came from here. My ancestors came from somewhere else. Legally. Then learned the language and customs. I am thankful that they did. It’s what I would do now if I emigrated to a non-English speaking country. Legally. Learn the language. Not try to turn it into the country I just left. Tolerance is good. Too much tolerance is dangerous. Have a good life, Bossy.
kathleen says
June 15, 2010 at 8:47 pmPasta fazool The Dove on the beach it is the best
Jenn @ Juggling LIfe says
June 15, 2010 at 8:52 pmOur ballpark serves sushi. You can stop laughing any time.
Lynn in Tucson says
June 15, 2010 at 9:24 pmSonoran hotdogs, baby! (And I’m so with you on the Geno’s thing.)
unmitigated me says
June 15, 2010 at 9:49 pmGet a coney dog in Detroit at Lafayette Coney Island.
here’s my second entry:
About that sign? I can say, “Bite me” in English.
KathyB says
June 15, 2010 at 9:56 pmRebecca Ruth bourbon balls a home grown delicacy Frankfort KY
dgm says
June 15, 2010 at 9:56 pmI’ll go with fish tacos at one of many little taco stands, and the breakfast burrito at Antoine’s.
Marjorie of Connecticut says
June 15, 2010 at 9:59 pmPerfect fried seafood. Can’t tell you where. It’ll be overrun.
Catherine McP says
June 15, 2010 at 10:31 pmHometown Mpls. Matts bar, wonderful dive, Jucy Lucy burger..heaven.
Dacia says
June 15, 2010 at 10:33 pmMy ten word Tuesday response fails word limits – Sorry Bossy.
Because – I’m with Bossy as far as Geno’s. Except that I won’t eat beef, or whatever other red meat substance from which “cheese steak” is made. Which brings me to another point – how come Bossy didn’t get derailed about “What is *cheese steak* exactly?” That is precisely the type of thing Bossy would ask!
The sign is bad. Also, why is “Speak English” in quotes? Is it like air quotes? A joke of some sort? A snide commentary? I do not know.
Catherine McP says
June 15, 2010 at 10:34 pmNow Cave Creek Arizona, El Encanto Mexican restaurant, Pollo Fundido.
Catherine McP says
June 15, 2010 at 10:36 pmHome with Philly Mr McP, makes his own cheesesteaks! Best!
Gette says
June 15, 2010 at 11:09 pmValentino’s, Montevideo MN: Pie. And Pie. Did I mention Pie?
Kelly, The Glass Dragonfly says
June 15, 2010 at 11:16 pmFort Collins, Colorado…does BEER count as a local delicacy???
Bonnie says
June 15, 2010 at 11:26 pmMt. Zion Baptist Church – BBQ – Gospel Style! – Huntsville, TX. Hallelujah!
Bonnie says
June 15, 2010 at 11:28 pmClassic Tex Mex – Joe T. Garcias – Ft. Worth, Texas. Arriba!
Bonnie says
June 15, 2010 at 11:30 pmFish Tacos, Berryhill Hot Tamales, Houston, TX. With a Cerveza!
Lisa V says
June 15, 2010 at 11:32 pmOkay, I have to tell this story.
Our favorite Mexican restaurant is owned/run by immigrants. One night we were in there and there was a table of 16 next to us. The children were running wild. The adults were taking turns standing outside the front door smoking. One of the women ordered a “chimaneychangey”. The waitress asked her to repeat what kind of “chimaneychangey” she would like. The woman rolled her eyes and said “the normal kind.” When the poor waitress left the table the woman said to her friend “I wish when they come to this country they’d learn to speak the langige”.
My teenager said under her breath – “I wish she’d learn to speak the langige.”
Guess the folks at Geno’s don’t care for tourist dollars do they?
Bonnie says
June 15, 2010 at 11:32 pmHomemade Chocolate Popcorn – The Chocolate Bar – Houston, TX. Oh My!
Annie says
June 15, 2010 at 11:53 pmI’m torn … between agreeing with Michele about Georgia’s boiled p-nuts … and the super, fabulous Portuguese rolls I bring home by the suitcase-full from Palmer’s Supermarket in Darien, CT …
CS says
June 16, 2010 at 12:39 amMt. View, CA: La Bamba Taqueria’s carne asada burrito . . . drooolinghhhh.
rachael says
June 16, 2010 at 6:21 amWorld’s Best fry-up at The Jazz Cafe in Bath England.
Sewmouse says
June 16, 2010 at 7:25 amDeep Dish Pizza from Giordanos, or perfect hotdogs from Portillos!
yvonne nc says
June 16, 2010 at 7:42 amEastern NC BBQ. Vinegar based ~ coleslaw, hushpuppies. Not tomato. Bullocks.
Sandy_Shoes says
June 16, 2010 at 8:30 amNumber 23, lora, you bet Geno had to learn English
km says
June 16, 2010 at 8:33 amcliched rivalry Pepe’s and Sally’s. Pepe’s known for white clam pizza.
Oddly, Americans abroad are renowned for speaking English not the native tongue of the land they are visiting, truly believing that slowly and loudly helps.
Also skirt flouncing exiter Sheryl -how do you know the non-English speaking immigrant is illegal.? The immigration officer that made me write my English sentence had worse English than I did. My sentence was “I came here today by bus and train”. Rocket science !!!! There was a spelling error on the 5 question test that they gave me.
And my last cynical comment is ; it’s absolutely amazing how everyone’s ancestors were the perfect immigrant. The country must have had zero crime, zero unemployment and zero other languages to be heard. Amazing!
Debbie says
June 16, 2010 at 8:47 amTony Luke’s Pork Broccoli Rabe with Provolone definitely beats cheesesteaks
WebSavvyMom says
June 16, 2010 at 9:06 am–>Doumar’s creator of the waffle cone, Norfolk, Va.
mandy says
June 16, 2010 at 9:21 amSweet tea, BBQ, blue cheese coleslaw, collards in Charleston, SC
Kate says
June 16, 2010 at 9:29 amChicago: hot dog from Woofy’s, pizza from Lou Malnati’s.
St. Louis: salad from Pasta House; toasted ravioli from Culpeppers; concrete from Ted Drewe’s, gooey butter cake (my favorite bakery closed but it’s everywhere).
I hope I don’t encounter a similar sign when I go to France this summer or I’m in trouble.
Dawn in Austin says
June 16, 2010 at 9:37 amAnything out of a converted Airstream! Austin, TX
GrandeMocha says
June 16, 2010 at 10:00 amIf I found a similar sign in a non English speaking country, it wouldn’t bother me. I wouldn’t be able to read it.
Jami says
June 16, 2010 at 10:20 amDry rub pecan smoked brisket at Dozier’s. Or Swinging Door.
Jami says
June 16, 2010 at 10:26 amBut Dawn’s is a close second!
Tami in NY says
June 16, 2010 at 10:51 amPork, lamb, chicken or beef spiedies – Binghamton, NY
km says
June 16, 2010 at 11:11 amGrandeMocha, you made me snort out my coffee 🙂
Amy in NJ says
June 16, 2010 at 1:55 pmJims jims jims jims jims jims jims jims jims jims
And people who put up a sign insisting that others speak English really ought to make sure they have mastered it themselves. Those quotes have no business being there. The panda says, “No.”
I’d really better learn some Italian before I go to Rome this summer.
Suniverse says
June 16, 2010 at 4:45 pmChicken shwarma or shish tawook salad. Bye-bye LaShish [tax fraud].
Meg T. says
June 16, 2010 at 6:06 pmCan I second Dawn in Austin? oh my lordy Torchy’s queso is my favorite food in my home away from home city of Austin.
foolery says
June 16, 2010 at 6:33 pmSierra Nevada Harvest Ale (or Celebration or — ) Yup, beer counts.
NaysWay says
June 16, 2010 at 7:35 pmWow. And I really wanted to taste a cheese steak from Geno’s. That sucks.
runnergirl says
June 16, 2010 at 9:34 pmWow, more politics than poi today!!! And violators of 10 word tuesday!!! I’ll violate too…..crab and spinach quesadilla they took off menu @ Boathouse in Conshy….and as far as the politics, whether you agree w/ Joey Vento or not, he has the 1st ammendment right to say it, just as Bossy has the right to boycott his business if she doesn’t agree w/ him, and if he doesn’t choose to accept tourist dollars, that’s his choice too. While I see Joey Vento’s point and agree w/ him, I also go out of my way to speak spanish if it helps someone understand, because it’s hard to be in a place that doesn’t speak your language whether you are a tourist or here illegally, and who says they aren’t trying to learn?. Can’t punish all for the sins of a few, and I hope when I travel somewhere, and fumble at my attempts to speak their language, they are kind to me. Joey V’s just frustrated at the illegals and the financial stress it puts the country into. Bossy, I won’t stop reading 🙂
Jessie says
June 17, 2010 at 8:13 amPork Roll and cheese on a hard roll, Trenton NJ!
Tawny says
June 17, 2010 at 8:43 amI already commented but just wanted to put my additional two cents in. I think Geno’s is referring to the whole Wit and Wit Out, maybe? It has been so long I forgot how to order at Pat’s. : )
Jen says
June 17, 2010 at 9:13 amStrawberries and asparagus. Not together, of course. Any local farm.
So, that was 10 words, but needed to qualify – I am in Southern Oxfordshire, UK. Our local strawberries and asparagus right now are AWESOME.
Blogger says
June 17, 2010 at 9:46 amThanks for the thoughts, you’re making me hungry!! You might find this interesting!
http://www.thenextgreatgeneration.com/2010/03/16/food-thought/
Meg says
June 17, 2010 at 12:58 pmMaryland blue crabs, from the Bay. Crack open and enjoy!
Mary from California says
June 18, 2010 at 12:48 amMar y Tierra Chile Verde in Redwood City – ask Ronny!
Natalie says
June 18, 2010 at 8:47 amI try to think of good food– sadly ynone here!
Carol from San Francisco says
June 18, 2010 at 12:23 pmSpicy Chicken Banh Mi — Larkin Street in SF, Little Saigon!
Kelly says
June 18, 2010 at 4:58 pmI will never order from Geno’s because of that sign. I DESPISE that shit. There are so many layers of nastiness there.
AngAK says
June 18, 2010 at 6:11 pmfreshly caught Kenai River Alaskan salmon from my smoker.
Carolyn says
June 22, 2010 at 7:41 pmSt. Louis–for toasted ravioli or any Italian food skip the chains and go straight to The Hill. Adrianna’s is my favorite!
Leslie B says
June 25, 2010 at 6:55 pmBest.Indian.Food.Ever. Hema’s Kitchen off Devon in Chicago. Love it. Even my Indian American mother in law loves it.