The PV America and Photovoltaic Specialists Conference in Philadelphia gave 3,000 people the chance to check out the latest in solar technology. Those who were fortunate enough to attend the opening session also received a valuable cheesesteak lesson from none other than Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell.


To kick off his turn to speak the Gov. gave an inspiring anecdote regarding the historic Philadelphia sandwich. He didn’t mention the bread but Rendell’s philosophy behind the sandwich’s filling would make, what many believe is, the original cheesesteak.


Rendell stated, “the number-one secret for a good Philadelphia cheesesteak is to not use good meat.” That knocks the $100 Dollar cheesesteak’s Kobe beef off the list of potential ingredients. The exact words Governor Gourmand used were, “fatty, stringy meat.” For the most part this isn’t such a bad thing. If you have the Food Network on as much as some of us then you know fat equals flavor. Stringy on the other hand sounds a bit off. Perhaps a better adjective should’ve been used, like flakey. The only stringy thing people want to eat is string cheese.


To top off the cheap cuts of beef he recommends the use “artificial Cheez Whiz.” Rendell believes this part of the essence of a true Philly cheesesteak; I believe in the right to choose. When the mood strikes American is a good way to go. Most days Provolone is the only choice, but what I’m certain of is never whiz and never yellow American.


According to Rendell the third secret to a good cheesesteak is “onions with the grease.” This is something he learned while on a trip to Seattle. Though toppings are optional the Pennsylvania Governor is on the money with this culinary suggestion. Whether it’s a cheesesteak, burger or liver; greasy onions are the only way to go.


If I were the Governor of Pennsylvania speaking at a solar-energy convention my cheesesteak rundown would have stressed the importance of the bread. The foundation for the steak and cheese is as important as the word foundation implies. The ingredients on top are nothing without a delicious and sturdy Amoroso roll.


Placed on top of the bread is a delicate layer of Provolone waiting to be melted by a hot mixture of steak and onion. Some argue against a chopped up steak while others are adamant about the texture the chopping gives the sandwich. I say chop that steak up! Throw in some sautéed onions and mix it all together. Besides, I enjoy the tornado of steak and grease caused by the rapid rising and falling of spatulas.


The governor’s final result is a goopy, greasy, and cheesy mess unable to satisfy anyone due to the lack of bread. Forgetting the bread is a no-no especially for a former mayor of Philadelphia.


[Photo Credit: Epoch Times]
[Article Credit: Cheesesteak technology from Gov. Rendell]