This Is Not A Cheesesteak!

The Tumblr blog contains photos of pathetic cheesesteak variations and commentary on, well, why “this is not a cheesesteak!” Readers are encouraged to submit their own photos of impostor sandwiches. Simply take a photo of “the actual offensive sandwich” and explain “where you found the travesty.”

“This Is Not a Cheesesteak” is the brainchild of Philadelphia’s Michaelangelo “Mikey” Ilagan, an interactive designer and one passionate foodie. We caught up with Mikey for an interview to learn how he came to be a foodie superhero fighting evil on behalf of the City of Brotherly Love.

ML Dish: What was your moment of inspiration for “This is not a Cheesesteak?”

Mikey: It honestly dawned on me one morning in a spur-of-the-moment fashion. I saw two recent postings in the same week, one from a former schoolmate (not sure if you can see his original Facebook post) and another from Colin Weir, regarding the new Arby’s Philly, I came up with the idea and just rolled with it. (Italian-rolled with it if you will.) I created the Tumblr and immediately followed with Twitter and Facebook page accounts. This was the inaugural post, a reblog of Weir:

http://thisisnotacheesesteak.tumblr.com/post/11354057895/radiocolin-well-sort-of-try-not-even (Arby’s)

ML Dish: Were you born in Philadelphia?

Mikey: Yes, this is a fact I will proudly admit. I was born at Einstein Medical Center on N. Broad in the Olney section of Philadelphia.

ML Dish: Do you live in the city now? If so, what section?

Mikey: I live in Queen Village, at the corners of 2nd and South Sts. 19147

ML Dish: What’s the most pathetic cheesesteak variation you’ve ever seen?

Mikey: The Arby’s rendition (seen to the right) definitely takes the cake for having such terrible reception in the local popular vote. I’ve got Twitter/Tumblr searches saved for “cheesesteak” and “philly cheesesteak.” If it’s not a non-local touting their craving for an impostor, it’s a local raining hatred on Arby’s sandwich and their use of “Philly” as a synonym for “cheesesteak.” Overall, I’m against all franchises and their illegitimate creations. In addition to Arby’s, Subway and Quiznos have fakes. There’s also non-local (for good reason) fast food franchises based around our beloved sandwich icon, Charley’s, “The Great Steak.” etc.

ML Dish: What type of cheese is acceptable?

Mikey: American, Provolone or Cheese Whiz. That’s all. Smaller local pizza chains use a knock-off whiz that’s the same sauce used for cheese fries. This is also acceptable. Only a pro would notice the difference between it and the trademarked Cheese Whiz.

ML Dish: Wit or without?

Mikey: I like ’em wit (sauteed) 9 times out of 10.

ML Dish: What is something else about Philadelphia that can’t be replicated other places?

Mikey: From what I’m told by transplants to this area, local pride equivalent to Philadelphia is a rarity. If you’re talking about food… my vote actually goes to something of North/Central Jersey origin, pork roll (known as Taylor Ham to some). You can’t get that right outside of this region. It may not be ours to own, but we fall within its territory and I’m glad that we do.

ML Dish: Putting you on the spot here – in your opinion, who has the BEST cheesesteak?

Mikey: Let it be known, I absolutely prefer whiz, real or fake. (Fake Whiz, what does that make it? A step up from plastic?) But I’ve gotta admit, John’s Roast Pork, although known for their pork sandwiches has one of my absolute favorite cheesesteaks. They don’t have whiz, only “real cheese” as some other South Philly cheesesteak diehards will admit. They use the same seeded roll used in their roast pork and roast beef sandwiches as well. It’s a must-try.

ML Dish: What foodie website do you love the most?

Mikey: I’m a big fan of MealTicket and Mike Klein’s The Insider for local restaurant biz news and info. For reviews, it’s all about Yelp. But I have the most fun with Foodspotting, it’s a social network, a photo site, a foodie community all rolled into one. I’m all about the website, but their app is one of my most-used.

Submit your own cheesesteak sighting to [email protected]m.