National Cheese Steak Day

Delicious cheese steak sandwich with melted cheese, served on a classic Philadelphia-style roll, surrounded by a bustling city street scene.. — National cheese steak day illustration

Hey there cheese steak lovers! Are you ready to sink your teeth into a cheesy and meaty celebration? Well, mark your calendars and prepare your taste buds because National Cheese Steak Day is coming your way!

When is Cheese Steak Day?

It's national cheese steak day on the 24th March.

The History of National Cheese Steak Day

One fateful day, in the bustling streets of Philadelphia, a culinary masterpiece was born - the cheese steak! Legend has it that it all began in the 1930s when a hot dog vendor named Pat Olivieri decided to try something new. He slapped some juicy beef onto a grill, added some onions, and grilled it all to perfection. Then, with a dash of creativity, he added a generous helping of melted cheese. And voila! The glorious cheese steak was born.

Word quickly spread about this mouthwatering creation, and before they knew it, people from all walks of life were lining up to get their hands on this heavenly sandwich. It became a staple in Philadelphia and soon gained nationwide popularity, turning cheese steak into a beloved American comfort food.

Celebrating the Cheesy Goodness

So, how can you celebrate National Cheese Steak Day? Well, the options are as plentiful as the melted cheese on a freshly made sandwich! You could channel your inner chef and try your hand at making your own cheese steak masterpiece in the comfort of your kitchen. Grab some thinly sliced steak, sauté some onions and peppers, melt your favorite cheese, and stuff it all into a crusty roll. Boom! A homemade cheese steak that would make Pat Olivieri proud!

If cooking isn't your thing, fear not! There's no shortage of fantastic cheese steak joints across the country. Seek out your local cheese steak haven and indulge in a delicious meal that's sure to satisfy your cravings. And don't forget the cheese! The ooey-gooey goodness is what makes a cheese steak truly special.

A Fun Fact for Cheese Steak Enthusiasts

Did you know that the largest cheese steak ever made weighed an astounding 1,024 pounds? That's right, over half a ton of juicy steak, onions, and cheese! It was created in 2008 at the 23rd Annual South Street Spring Festival in Philadelphia. Talk about a big appetite!

History behind the term 'Cheese Steak'

1930

Origin of the term 'cheese steak'

The term 'cheese steak' originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the early 1930s. It refers to a sandwich made with thinly sliced beefsteak and melted cheese, typically served on a long roll. The popularity of this sandwich quickly spread throughout the city and became synonymous with the Philadelphia food scene.

1940

Growing popularity and iconic restaurants

By the 1940s, cheese steaks had gained significant popularity and several iconic restaurants started serving this flavorful sandwich. Geno's Steaks and Pat's King of Steaks, both opened in South Philadelphia in the 1940s, are often credited as the pioneers of serving cheese steaks. These establishments became famous for their delicious offerings and contributed to the widespread recognition of the term 'cheese steak'.

1966

Cheese steak controversy and the 'Whiz wit'

In 1966, a new controversy emerged surrounding the use of cheese in cheese steaks. A popular choice for cheese in these sandwiches was Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese product. The phrase 'Whiz wit' started to be used to ask for a cheese steak with Cheez Whiz and onions. This phrase became an iconic part of the Philadelphia cheese steak culture, representing a unique combination that any true cheese steak aficionado would recognize.

1970s

National recognition and popularity

During the 1970s, cheese steaks gained national recognition and were no longer limited to Philadelphia. The sandwich started appearing on menus across the United States. This widespread popularity was a testament to the deliciousness and unique combination of flavors offered by the cheese steak.

2019

National Cheese Steak Day

To celebrate the cultural significance of the cheese steak and its impact on American cuisine, National Cheese Steak Day was established. Observed on March 24th each year, this day allows people all over the country to indulge in the deliciousness of this iconic sandwich and appreciate its rich history.