Philadelphia's cheesesteaks, pretzels and hoagies draw locals and visitors

During a visit to Philadelphia, correspondent Susan Spencer sampled three traditional foods that locals hold dear.

For many Philadelphians, the cheesesteak is more than a sandwich. Frankie Olivieri, the third-generation owner of Pat's King of Steaks, said he holds it close to his heart. He noted that without Pat's and cheesesteaks, fewer people might come to see the Liberty Bell. A proper Philadelphia cheesesteak uses thinly sliced ribeye on an Italian roll with onions and cheese. Olivieri said chopping the meat is sacrilegious because it is a steak sandwich, not ground meat. He also favors big globs of Cheez Whiz. Olivieri estimated he has eaten at least half a million cheesesteaks in his life. He described the final bite of a Pat's cheesesteak, filled with onion juice, meat juice, Cheez Whiz and oil, as a sign of true love.

Soft pretzels remain a staple in the city. Erika Tonelli Bonnett, who runs Center City Soft Pretzel Co., said she does not want to know anyone in Philadelphia who dislikes them. She called the pretzel the first food that comes to mind when people think of Philadelphia. The shop produces tens of thousands of pretzels a week. Bonnett said the appeal lies in convenience for a city that is always on the go. A Philadelphia-style pretzel is shaped like a figure eight, thick and crusty with a small hole in the center. She said customers divide into those who prefer the crunchy ends and those who favor the doughy middle. A single pretzel costs 90 cents.

At Liberty Kitchen, executive chef Beau Neidhardt prepares 25 varieties of hoagies. He starts with a sesame-seeded roll, adds dressing, three deli meats, house-made relish, onions, tomato, lettuce and oregano. Neidhardt said he eats about two and a half hoagies a week and has even had one for breakfast. Philadelphians have eaten hoagies since World War I, when shipyard workers carried them for lunch. The city now consumes tens of millions each year. Neidhardt said hoagies are a lifestyle and represent Philadelphia itself.