This week’s question (Have your own? Submit it here.):

I have family visiting and they want an “authentic Philly cheesesteak.” Should I take the entire day, battle traffic and parking, and shuttle them down to South Philly? Or can I order take out from our local pizza place in the burbs? Is there that much difference?

Stephanie Farr, Features Columnist

I don’t want to start any beef, but I’m a big believer that wherever you get your cheesesteak (as long as the shop is in Philly, the burbs, or from certain portions of South Jersey) it’s probably just fine for an authentic Philly cheesesteak meal to an outsider.

Now, if they want the authentic Philly cheesesteak experience — standing in a ridiculous line, overhearing people argue, seriously pondering whether they want liquid cheese ladled onto something they will consume, now that is a different story. What do you think, Tommy?

Tommy Rowan, Programming Editor and Cheesesteak Connoisseur

That’s totally cool! You can find good sandwiches anywhere. But I’m a snob, and I want a certain type of roll, and a certain type of cut of meat, and certain cheese options. So I’m the kind of person who would brave the traffic and parking to get something that tastes as authentic as possible.

Stephanie Farr

Great, now I feel terrible that I just ordered my dad a cheesesteak from our local pizza shop when he came to visit last year! Missteaks were made, obviously.

Tommy Rowan

You should not feel terrible! If he enjoyed it, that’s all that matters!

Stephanie Farr

Let me ask, if your out-of-town guest wants an authentic cheesesteak experience and requests to go to Pat’s or Geno’s, as a cheesesteak snob, would you take them or try to convince them to let you take them somewhere else (and, if so, where)?

Tommy Rowan

I would absolutely convince them to go otherwise. At its best, cheesesteaks from John’s Roast Pork, Angelo’s, or Shay’s, offer an authentic taste of home: a fresh-baked roll worth its salt, tender meat with taste, and cheese that doesn’t soak the whole thing into submission. And, to your excellent point, all three offer an interesting experience. All three are in uniquely Philadelphia buildings, in uniquely Philadelphia spots, and you can pick them up on the way to the ballgame. And the people you meet will add to the experience of eating an authentic sandwich.

Stephanie Farr

I fully support your last point. The people you meet when ordering a cheesesteak in Philly definitely flavor the experience.

Would you feel the same way if this reader was asking about another of Philadelphia’s gastronomical delights: Is the hoagie from your local pizza shop the same as one from say a Cut Above Deli or Fink’s or Paesano’s?

Tommy Rowan

Absolutely!

But again, I’m picky with these things. And variety is what makes life great. What is your favorite spot to get a steak, Steph?

Stephanie Farr

My local pizza shop! I’m really not very picky about my steaks and I don’t eat them often, maybe once or twice a season (is eight cheesesteaks a year a lot? When I write it out it sounds like it, but I feel like I’m below average).

Now hoagies on the other hand, I do think it matters where you get those if you’re trying to impress someone with the local culture. I find serious hoagie shops seriously impressive. I’ve definitely called some hoagies works of art before, but I can’t recall ever doing the same for a cheesesteak.

As a cheesesteak snob, do you go for taste or presentation when trying to impress an out-of-town guest? I feel like a lot of folks I’ve taken for cheesesteaks don’t find them as aesthetically-pleasing as they’d imagine (where I come from cheese is usually placed on top of the steak and toasted, not mixed all up in it).

Tommy Rowan

I get it! I think cheesesteaks are to me what hoagies are to you. If you are passionate about something you have rules.

The cheesesteak is a heavy sandwich, but there is definitely an art to the composition. And the best places keep an eye on both taste and look. The key is making sure it’s not a soggy mess.

Stephanie Farr

I feel like the key to cheesesteaks, hoagies, and life is to make sure it’s not a soggy mess!

Tommy Rowan

Amen!!!

Stephanie Farr

Out here in Delco, I love the hoagies at A Cut Above in Newtown Square and Pagano’s in Drexel Hill, but this conversation has made me realize I need to try some new places — both for cheesesteaks and hoagies. I’m a creature of habit, so I tend to find a place I like and stick with it, but there are so many options in the region and so many I haven’t tried yet it’s embarrassing!

Tommy Rowan

We may have to do a part II. I’ll go with you to a few hoagie places and you come with me to a few cheesesteak places and we can compare notes!

Stephanie Farr

Oh I am so in! Lettuce proceed on this noble quest before us!