Big Red's Steaks, 610 University Avenue, serves up a traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak with ingredients brought in from Philly. The history of this sandwich combined with the good-spirited competition as to who makes the best is reason enough to order one up. Just try not to raise the bar too high.
This cheesesteak has some major potential, but it doesn't quite deliver the amount of flavor a great cheesesteak should. The steak is tender and tasty, but the authentic Italian roll is a little dry. Big Red's website says an authentic cheesesteak should be dripping in grease. Unfortunately, it isn't.
Add American cheese, provolone or cheese whiz for a gooey topping that tickles the taste buds. Other toppings include peppers, caramelized onions and mushrooms. The onions are delicious and add a great deal of flavor.
The peppers are, sadly, banana peppers from a can or jar. Fresh bell peppers on a grill would be a much nicer addition. Likewise, the mushrooms seem to come from a can and don't add to the authenticity of the sandwich. Maybe this is what an authentic cheesesteak is supposed to taste like. If so, Philly can have their cheesesteak and eat it, too.
