Authentic Philly? In Nashville?

All famous American foods began as unique local favorites and gained popularity until they were copied throughout the country, even the world.  Philly cheesesteak is one of them.

You can find a Philly on the menu just about anywhere that serves sandwiches.  Some commercialized Phillies are darn good (Jersey Mike’s may be the best), but I’ve been disappointed more times than I can recall.  There are so many wannabes you can never be totally sure what you are going to get, especially if you have no baseline of what an “authentic” Philly is even supposed to be. 

I’ve been to Philly, but was either too young or too pressed for time on a business trip to be able to stop and experience a real cheesesteak.

Thanks to Labor of Love Mobile Food, I finally had the experience today, just a few short blocks from my office.

We learned of LOL from a recent article in the local business news and plotted a visit today when they were scheduled to be parked close.  These friendly folks are Philly transplants and take their sandwich-making seriously. 

The meat was juicy and tender.  The peppers and onions were fresh and not too firm, not too soft.  The provolone was oh so melty.  And the bread.  Oh the bread.  They use Amoroso’s hearth-baked rolls shipped direct from Philly.  They’re soft and tasty, but sturdy enough to hold all the fixings and the juices they produce.  

The way it all worked together was like a 100-piece orchestra playing a sold out concert in Flavor Town (shout out to Guy Fieri and TripleD).

These photos should tell you all you need to know.

BEFORE

AFTER

We’ll be back.  LOL.