King of Steaks

Produced By
Courtney Zilai and Madhavi Sabnis

King of Steaks focuses on the meaning behind the ongoing phenomenon and cultural legacy of the Philadelphia Cheese Steak. Beyond the shaved beef, melted cheese and grilled onions lies the struggle to preserve a way of life, a sense of neighborhood, an identity for the City of Philadelphia and its unique neighborhoods. While outsiders might highlight famous Philadelphia landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the "Rocky" steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the old neighborhoods exemplified by the Italian Market, home of the proclaimed Pat's Cheese Steak in South Philly, are a living hub of activity for the "ordinary" people who live in Philadelphia and its immediate environments. While the monuments may persevere, the survival of neighborhood culture is an ongoing struggle.