Pierre, Phil and Jim…

As some of you know, I am a licensed New York City tour guide.  However, this past weekend, my focus shifted to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  I went down to see the Philadelphia Museum of Arts’ exhibit on the late works of Renoir.  (yes, I drove about 100 miles to see an art exhibit.. I studied art history in college, and museum hopping is something I just love to do.)  Please allow me  to share a little tidbit about the master Pierre-Auguste Renoir.  According to the audio guide, in his late years, Renoir suffered from a bad case of rheumatoid arthritis and was given a choice to either focus his energy on walking or painting. He chose to paint.  At 72, he was quoted as saying, “I am beginning to know how to paint…” Can you imagine???  Next time you see Renoir’s work, try to compare the early works to his late works. It is amazing.  It appears that he managed to capture light with his paint brush. The Renoir exhibit is there until September 6th, 2010, in case you are interested. The exhibit, the museum and city were all beautiful. Philadelphia has definitely gotten a loot more beautiful and more interesting in the last few years. It was worth the trip.

I could not go to Philly and not check out the food.  In particular, the Philly Cheese Steak.  So as usual, I started asking around.  I made sure to do my impromptu mini poll.  I asked at least 10 different people the same question, “Where can I get the best cheese steak Philly has to offer?”, and more than half said, “Jim’s Steaks” on South & Fourth. So Amelia, my GPS, and I headed over to see for ourselves. The parking angels must have been with me because I got a spot right across the street. Sure enough, there was a line… and it was long… really long… and it was raining. I don’t know how people from Philly feel about standing on a long line in the, but this New Yorker does not like it.  However, my rationale was that cheese steak must be THAT good.  If so many people of different genders, backgrounds and ethnicities are willing to wait and wait and wait in the rain for one of their cheese steaks,  I must be in the right place. Apparently, Jim’s has been serving steak sandwiches since 1939, and in that particular location since 1976.  It’s no secret among celebrities and politicians because the walls are covered with autographed photos from hundreds of people thanking him for the best cheese steak sandwich around.

So there I stood with my big umbrella and waited and noticed that there were several other places just across the street that also served cheese steak hoagies, but they had no line. Interesting!  About 45 minutes later, I finally get the opportunity to place my order.  I ask the fine gentleman behind the counter, who may have had just a few too many himself, what is the recommended serving of this very famous cheese steak. And he says, ”Cheese Whiz and sauteed onions”. So that’s what I ordered. And I’m so glad I did!  Now I know why all those people are willing to wait, and wait…

So next time you are in the fine city of brotherly love and you are in the mood for a really good Philly Cheese Steak, try Jim’s Steaks. I did a little research and found that Jim’s was one of several subjects for a documentary called, ”This is My Cheesesteak”.  Check it out on www.ThisIsMyCheesesteak.com.   Let me know if there is another hoagie spot I should consider for my next Philly Cheese Steak.

Jim’s Steaks
400 South Street (Corner of Fourth Street), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (215) 928-1911
www.jimssteaks.com