Best Cheesesteaks in Philly

There is no one in the world who can legitimately judge a cheesesteak contest without being from Philly. And there are few from Philly who can more legitimately judge them than me.

That's a mighty big claim to make in this town, home of the most awesome and delicious sandwich on God's green earth.

But notice that I didn't go overboard saying I was THE most qualified - just that few are MORE qualified than I am. Let's just say that I have enjoyed more than my share, and have enjoyed them at most all of the best joints.

So I certainly feel as qualified as anyone to put forth my choices for the best cheesesteaks in Philly over the past year of 2013. While I hate to rank my favorites, I'll do it just for argument sake, because nothing sparks a debate or argument like a good old-fashioned subjective ranking. Suffice it to say, every one of these is a personal favorite.

Also, if you are reading this at some point in the future, don't be afraid of the list being outdated. These places have been around for some time, and enjoy loyal followings due to their consistency. You're likely to find them a decade or two from now at the same locations, all still producing quality.

For a cheesesteak to reach my list, it needs to be three things.

Cheesesteak Heaven

Every year, Philadelphia magazine comes out with a special edition highlighting the "Best of Philly" in which they rate the top local eateries, businesses, celebrities, watering holes, get-aways, etc.

One of the most hotly debated categories each year here in the City of Brotherly Love is the 'Best Cheesesteak".

You see, the cheesesteak is Philly's signature food.

This delicacy of thinly sliced or chopped steak, normally covered with your choice of cheeses, smothered in whatever condiments you like, all served on a fresh, soft long roll is as much a part of our culture as the Mummers, the Big Five, left-wing newspapers, and entrenched politicians.

The only problem with Philly magazine's picks is that they are far too politically correct. They spread the "Best Cheesesteak" title around among the leading contenders every year. Once in awhile they may toss in a surprise.

But for me, the fact is that year-in and year-out there are a handful of locations that simply offer the true best cheesesteak consistently.

Now the term 'best' when judging a cheesesteak is a tough one, even for a connoisser such as myself. The fact is that the basic sandwiches served in some of the top spots are slightly, but significantly, different from one another.

Great Americans: Joey Vento

You gotta love Joey Vento of Geno's Steaks, 9th & Passyunk in South Philly.

Here is a successful businessman who owns a legendary, iconic eatery and he has the guts to publicly stand up for what is right.

One of the greatest problems that has plagued our country in the past few decades is the slow erosion of our national identity, sacrificed to the misguided cause of multi-culturalism.

Removing prayer from our schools, attempts to remove the Pledge of Allegiance as well. Spanish, Russian and other languages as options in telephone menus and at ATM machines.

Vento's grandparents struggled after getting off the boat from Sicily almost a century ago, and he never forgot that lesson.