Whenever the subject of cheesesteaks comes up, I almost instantly feel my guard going up and get ready for an argument. I have lived my entire life in the Philadelphia area so I know a thing or two about the subject. Odds are more than the folks at Charleys Philly Steaks.
Fun fact: If you get a Philly cheesesteak in Philly, we just call it a cheesesteak. Strange but true.
Anyway, any Philadelphian who has been here for more than a minute knows that a cheesesteak comes with four ingredients. A roll, thinly sliced ribeye steak, cheese and onions. If you want the classic, iconic cheesesteak that’s a “Whiz wit” or a cheesesteak with fried onions and Cheese Whiz.
We do not, under any circumstances put things like vegetables or sauce or any other such nonsense on a cheesesteak. That just not how we roll in Philly.
The Pizza Cheesesteak is available at Charleys Philly Steaks for a limited time.
What cheesesteak* are you ordering for #NationalCheesesteakDay!?
— Charleys Cheesesteaks 🧀 (@Charleys) March 24, 2022
*or cheesesteaks, we don't judge pic.twitter.com/DmmqMHUz5M
However, I completely understand that in other parts of the country that isn’t the case. If you’re not from Philly you probably just don’t get it, which is fine. I will never understand kale salad so to each their own.
So when Chewboom reports that Charleys Philly Steaks (which has their headquarters in Ohio. Need I say more?) announces that they have added a Pizza Cheesesteak to their offerings, I may not quite understand it but I won’t begrudge the fact that foodies may want other things on their steak sandwiches.
Even if it’s just wrong.
The Pizza Cheesesteak includes choice steak covered with marinara sauce and provolone cheese with a dash of Italian seasoning on a toasted roll. Which doesn’t sound all that bad if I’m being completely honest. But unfortunately, it’s not a cheesesteak as we in Philly understand it. And we should know.
If you want to try one, you’ll have to head to Charleys Philly Steaks sooner rather than later because the Pizza Cheesesteak will only be available for a limited time. And if you do, walk up to the counter and before you order ask for a “Whiz wit.” I almost guarantee you’ll get a blank stare in return.
What do you think Guilty Eaters? Does a Pizza Cheesesteak sound like something you would enjoy? Leave a comment below and let us know or join the conversation on our Twitter and Facebook pages.