OK,
Found time this week to get by a couple of the recommended cheesesteak places listed above.
Maryln's Fish and Chips was first on the list. It was hard not to order fish in this place, from what I could see on the other tables, it looked outstanding. Next Visit.
You can order the cheesesteak by itself, or with a side, I got it with fries for around $5.00 + the price of a drink. It came as they make it, I didn't see that I could customize the sandwich, but I am sure they would change it to your specs if asked.
The meat itself was quite tasty, I am not sure what kind of cheese it was infused with, I would venture to guess white american, and plenty of it, along with bell peppers and onions. The roll was soft and easy to handle without falling apart.
Overall, I liked the sandwich and the small restarant, but living way east of here I would have to be in the area to make another stop. I have to say I still like
Uncle Sam's better, and at Sam's there is endless variations to choose from, depending on how you're feeling that day. (Love to put sweet peppers on my sandwich)
Then today I got by
Casella's (not
Carrera's as posted above). The first thing I found interesting was the decor. I wouldn't know how else to describe it other than 'small town mid west chamber of commerce rec hall and dining facility'..ish.
Lots of wood paneling and pictures of the graduating classes of Saguaro High School from the past 20 years or so, interspersed between two rows of shelving that had nothing on them. Kinda weird, but I wasn't there for the ambiance...(good thing) They are currently celebrating their 30th year in business at the same location. Must be doing something right!
The place was buzzing, and the owners and family were busy making up all sorts of sandwiches. I ordered the Cheesesteak Loaded, which meant cheese, bell peppers, onions and a marinara sauce. I asked for the sauce on the side, along with a bag of chips and a soda pop.
After about 10 minutes they called my name, got my food and paid. Just under $8 for the meal.
My first impression was that this was nothing special, but after taking the first bite, I knew these guys meant business. The meat filling was piping hot, having just come off the flat iron and into a lightly toasted (on the outside) hoagie roll. The flavors really jumped out at me, and I was glad I didn't get the marinara sauce on the sandwich, this baby needed no help and the sauce would have overpowered the flavor of the meat.
Overall, I give
Casella's big props for being around so long and making a great sandwich. I finished it wishing I had another. I will absolutely be back.
Maryln's was good, but I would get the fish next time I was there, and I am a big fish and chips fan anyway. That is obviously their specialty.
So, I still like
Uncle Sams Cheesesteak overall due to:
1. Atmosphere and Location
2. Good Sized Portions
3. Great taste and variation
4. They serve beer
I have on my list to try
Corleone's, and a place called
DeFalco's is supposed to be good. I hear
Paul's talked about quite a bit as well...I think I ate there years ago, will have to revisit.
DB's Philly is, sadly, no more. I imagine the high rent in North Scottsdale caught up to them before they could get much of a following. So it goes.
