History: The Cheesesteak

Maybe it's the return of football season, maybe it's the cool weather, maybe it's the plethora of FoodNetwork shows I have been watching this week - whatever the reason, I woke up this morning craving a cheesesteak. This is a complicated desire here in MN. Much like the search for a great bagel or cannoli, an authentic cheesesteak is a rare commodity here in the MidWest. I know, I know, BLECH to the comments about the superiority of the NorthEast (NYC, DC, Philly, et al) but I do think there is some truth to this. Two summers ago I found myself in Philadelphia on one of the hottest weeks of the year. Even in all that heat I found myself on multiple forays into the steamy streets to hunt down the best of the best. Cheesesteaktown gives an amusing and thorough history to this truly American delight! We had several sandwiches at Sonny's and I definitely felt like an idiot when I first tried to order. So many abbreviations and traditions that I knew nothing about. Luckily the guy behind the counter guided me in the right direction. The cheese style, the fried veggies, the bun...so many options so little time when there's a line of regulars stacking up behind you!