An in-depth analysis of The Cheesesteak

You can’t be this close to the beach and to Philadelphia (Wilmington or New York City) without being up-to-date on your cheesesteak data. Though the regional differences among hoagies, subs, grinders, spuckies, po' boys, wedges and heros is certainly the stuff of endless discussion (putting it mildly…), the cheesesteak is still hero around here.

You can’t go wrong with the old standbys. Delaware’s Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop in Lewes does a great job with a firm and fresh roll. The steak is thinly chipped and grilled with the all-important onions. Casapulla’s South (behind Buffalo Wild Wings) also puts out an excellent ‘steak, with the main difference being the slightly softer Amoroso’s-style roll. Both places offer virtually endless toppings for the asking. Which one is best? Life is short. Get both. The knowledge will set you free.

It’s hard to choose between the beef and the chicken at Pete’s Steak Shop in the Food Lion Shopping center. Pete’s steaks are thinly sliced from never-frozen ribeye and piled high on fresh rolls from Touch of Italy. The chicken cheesesteak is unorthodox but dangerously habit-forming with chunks of marinated chicken slightly reminiscent of souvlaki. Don’t expect to leave hungry.

One of the few places around here that will serve your ‘steak “wit’ Wiz” is The Starboard. The kicker is that classic Philadelphia touch: Cheez Whiz. It’s nobody’s business exactly what it is, but it sure is good on a cheesesteak. There are some things we simply do not need to know.

Down by the Rehoboth Boardwalk, Louie’s may be synonymous with pizza, but they don’t call themselves “Home of the Grinder” for nothin’. The grinder is run through the pizza oven, not only melting layers of white cheese, but also crisping up the roll in the process.

Denizens of New Castle, Delaware know that ‘steaks are the best-kept secret at The Dog House. But there’s an almost identical version right on the Boardwalk at Gus & Gus’ Place! The similarity is amazing. A Dewey sleeper is, of all places, the Sunrise Restaurant. Get the chicken cheesesteak that’s stuffed to capacity with spiced, sliced and grilled white meat. Yellow peppers and onions top it off. No shirt, no shoes … no problem.

Another sleeper is the cheesesteak at Hazzard’s Savannah’s Deli & Grill on Savannah Road in Lewes. Made right before your eyes, you’ll get out of there for less than ten bucks whether you get the small or large, chicken or beef. Then go back for the pulled pork barbecue.

Gourmand, epicure and educator James Beard said, “Few people understand a good sandwich.” Stick with the Beach Paper and The Foodie. We’ll steer you right. No sense goin’ ‘round hungry!