Saturday, October 24, 2009

If Your Blog Goes Stale, Have a Cheesesteak!

After not blogging for a while I feel that my comeback post should be something memorable--perhaps a scathing indictment of the Health Care debate or some funny story with a sad twist at the end that brings a tear. Upon reading this entry, Herb of DC fans everywhere would rise as one and say "Who the heck wrote this for Herb?"

So I'll write about Cheesesteaks.

Not Cheese Steaks.

Cheesesteaks from JJs Cheesesteaks 1939 14th St NW (corner of 14th and U). 202-518-7777. Authentic Philly style Cheesesteaks here in the 'hood.

I have to admit I've never had a Philly Cheesesteak in Philly. I've had them here in DC from various "delis" with ingredients consisting of a variety of beef, chicken, sausage, pepperoni, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, green peppers, mushrooms, spinach, chipotle peppers, olives, capers, eggplant and memorably once--shrimp.

Cheese toppings have ranged from provolone to mozzarella to apple wood smoked cheddar. Spices from salt and pepper to oregano to cumin.

Shall I mention the local "deli" option of a whole wheat bun?

After sampling an "All American" during JJs soft opening (lean steak, chicken, onions on a soft white sub roll topped with American cheese) I was 5th in line for today's Grand Opening at Noon.

The Special: $1.99 Cheesesteaks from Noon to 4:00 am. (today only).

I ordered the "Ben Franklin" or the "BF" as the staff called it. Extra lean thinly sliced rib eye steak grilled to perfection with onions on a soft white sub roll topped with provolone cheese and Cheez Whiz. Yes Cheez Whiz! It's authentic baby, straight from the City of Brotherly Love and Cheese Food products!

After one or two bites of culinary heaven I now know why Philadelphia football fans once famously booed Santa Claus at halftime--they thought he was there to take their beloved Cheesesteaks back to the North Pole to feed Mrs. Claus and those hungry, hungry elves.

Did I mention that they are Heavenly? (The Cheesesteaks, not the elves).

At 14th and U. Now serving.

Rapturously Yours,

Herb

Update:

Recently the FTC published rules requiring bloggers to disclose when they are writing about a sponsor's product or have been supplied samples or other gifts. My uncompensated endorsement here today is based purely on my own purchases this week; however, I would consider weekly rave reviews of JJs in exchange for a steady supply of Cheesesteaks and Beta Blockers.