But I also went to the famous Pat's for cheesesteak and thought it was just kind of meh. Not bad mind you but I didn't think it lived up to the hype. So when I started to hear about Twinsburg's Original Steaks and Hoagies, I just kind a shrugged and said, "yeah so?" But the more I heard about it, the more intrigued I became. And then I hear they do a version of the pork/rabe sandwich and that was that! I had to go. The first time I went, thinking the roast pork was that days special (they don't make it daily), they didn't have it. I opted for an Italian hoagie: Proscuitto, Genoa salami, capicola with sharp and mild provolone. It was pretty damn stellar, especially with their special Bay Fries (fries seasoned with Old Bay). Killer!
I don't find myself in Twinsburg all that often, but my vets office is practically right across the street from Original Steaks and Hoagies at 10735 Ravenna Road (330-998-6586) and my kitties had an appointment this past Saturday. OK, I'm going!
I arrived around 5:30 pm and was a little sad and a little surprised to find that there was practically no one there. But I was there, so I ordered an original cheesesteak with onions, sweet peppers and Cheez Whiz. Cheez Whiz isn't something I would normally consume but that is the traditional way to have a Philly Cheesesteak so I decided to give it a go. And of course, Bay Fries. While waiting for the sandwich, you could hear the cook in the back slamming away at the grill with his spatula, cutting up the meat. You can actually watch him if you want.
And then it arrived at my table....
Just look at that for a minute. You can get the small for $7.25 or the large (pictured here) for $8.50. Do you even see a reason to ever order the small when it's only $1.25 more for the large? I don't either. And the first bite was heaven! I couldn't believe how incredibly delicious the sandwich was. And an absolute mess! But who cares. It was so good I couldn't believe that I actually got something else the last time I was there. The meat is so full of flavor, the onions sweet and the sweet peppers are a nice burst when you hit one. The traditional Amoroso roll is soft and absorbs all the meat juice. And the Whiz, the Whiz melts into the meat so beautifully. And the best part of ordering a large is getting a half to take home and have later or the next day. Although it really took every ounce of willpower I had to not start snacking on it on the way home!
In addition to the sandwich, Bay Fries of course (although I have to admit, the sweet potato tots were a consideration).
These are some seriously good fries. Crisp outside, fluffy inside and seasoned perfectly. The serving is definitely generous too.
While eating the cook came out and asked how everything was, and I told him right then and there that this sandwich blew Pat's in Philly away. Sorry my Philly friends, but it's true! He said that was no the first time he's heard someone say that. I'm not surprised.
I asked about the roast pork sandwich and was told that it isn't ever a scheduled thing, just when the mood hits, so I got myself on an email mailing list to be informed of when they will make it. I don't think they can top DiNic's but I'm willing to give it a try. If it even comes close I'll be one happy girl!!
The owner, Billy from Philly, owned three Laspada's Original Steaks and Hoagies in the Philadelphia area, so he knows his stuff! The shop features other Philly specialties as well, like Herr's chips and Tastycakes for dessert. It's so worth to go give them a try. As for me, I think I may find myself in Twinsburg a little more often :)
