U.S. National Cheesesteak Day 2023: Date, history and how to celebrate this

 U.S. National Cheesesteak Day 2023: Date, history and how to celebrate this

Every March 24 America pays tribute to one of the all-time classic sandwiches — the cheesesteak. Much like national liberty itself, the cheesesteak is elegant, necessary, pure, and was born in Philadelphia. The cheesesteak rose from humble beginnings in South Philly to the cultural icon it is today: safely secure in the sandwich hall of fame. “Eat (ahem, read) on to celebrate National Cheesesteak Day.”

WHEN IS NATIONAL CHEESESTEAK DAY 2023?

The mouth-wateringly delicious cheesesteak sandwich is celebrated on National Cheesesteak Day on March 24.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHEESESTEAK DAY

The cheesesteak was created in 1930 when Pat Olivieri, owner of Pat’s King of Steak, and a hot dog vendor, grilled beef and threw in some onions to make a sandwich. This caught the attention of a nearby taxi driver, who proceeded to ask for one too. The rest, as they say, is history. 

There are a few disputes to this story, but Pat and Harry Olivieri are predominantly credited with the invention of the cheesesteak sandwich. The cab driver who became interested in the tempting sandwich that Pat was having, stopped to have one for himself. The sandwich was so delicious that the driver suggested that Pat stop selling hot dogs and, instead, start selling this new sandwich.

Perfecting the recipe, the steak sandwich started selling like hotcakes at Olivieri’s hot dog stand near South Philadelphia’s Italian Market. The popularity of the steak sandwich led Pat to open his own eatery — Pat’s King of Steaks. The restaurant is still running successfully today. Interestingly, the original sandwich that Pat had did not have any cheese. According to Olivieri, a manager named Joe Lorenza was the first to add provolone cheese to the sandwiches at one of the restaurants located on Ridge Avenue

Since then, cheesesteaks have become immensely popular at food carts and restaurants throughout the city. Most of these eateries are owned and run by families, who have their unique spin on cheesesteaks. Several fast-food restaurants also offer their variations of cheesesteaks now. Outside of Philadelphia, the sandwich is commonly known as ‘Philly cheesesteak.’

NATIONAL CHEESESTEAK DAY ACTIVITIES

1) Eat a cheesesteak

This seems obvious, but sometimes the obvious answer is the best. You can roll up your sleeves and craft your own sandwich, or you can pay a professional to do it for you. Just know that if the word Philly is in the name, it may not be the most authentic.

2) Visit the cheesesteak homeland

If you have the time and money, take a pilgrimage to the magical land where it all started. There are a shocking amount of official cheesesteak tours of Philadelphia, or you can go off the beaten path your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Just be sure to stop at Pat’s and Geno’s.

3) Try a vegan cheesesteak

Cheesesteaks may seem like the last thing that could be made vegan, but there are countless, easy to follow recipes online for plant-based cheesesteaks. If you’re in the mood for a kitchen adventure, try a cheesesteak made from mushrooms, vegetables, soy, wheat, nuts, or pretty much anything else imaginable.