Inside the World’s Priciest Philadelphia Cheesesteak
The battle over the supremacy of the Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich is one that has raged in the City of Brotherly Love for… well, I don’t know exactly how long, but I know it’s been a long time. Whether you are a Pat’s gal or a Geno’s guy, or even if you love your sandwich from a random hole in the wall somewhere in the Reading Terminal Market, you know what you are looking for in a cheesesteak. It’s got to be ooey gooey with cheese (what kind is up for debate, but purists choose Cheez Wiz), dripping with juices from the mounds of succulent beef, and it may or not be accessorized with caramelized onions, peppers, and/or… mushrooms? (Don’t shoot me. I’m just the blogger.)
A story broke recently about a sandwich being billed as “the world’s most expensive Philadelphia cheesesteak.” Unsurprisingly, it comes from right here in Philly. Highlighted on CNBC’s program “Secret Lives of the Super Rich,” the illustrious cheesesteak can be found at Barclay Prime steakhouse, located at 237 S 18th Street, which is part of the Starr Restaurants group.
The sandwich itself… well, I don’t know if words can do it justice, but I haven’t tried it myself, so I certainly will try. Actually, I’ll crib Thrillist.com: “This sandwich was assembled by executive chef Mark Twersky, who uses A5 wagyu beef for the foundation. Wagyu is famous for being extremely tender and super pricey. It runs at $75 a pound and comes with a certificate of authenticity. So a bodega sandwich this not. That top-shelf beef is placed on a sesame roll along with foie gras mousse and truffle butter, plus some actual truffles. As if all this weren’t enough, Italian Caciotta al Tartufo cheese is involved as well. That cheese is a blend of cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, and truffles (again).”
It also comes with half a bottle of fine champagne to go along with your Philadelphia Cheesesteak d’or, so you have something to wash it down with.
