It is with great pleasure that Ben Kessler and Jeff Vogel, creators of Unbreaded, announce Sandwich Smash. The event will showcase five of Philadelphia’s premiere restaurant professionals, who will perform chef demos in front of a live audience and tell stories that go behind the food. This non-competitive event will be hosted by Esquire Food Editor Ryan D’Agostino, who will be interviewing the chefs on stage while they cook and moderating questions from the audience.

The audience will enjoy a five-course tasting menu of the featured sandwiches, plus beverage and dessert service from our sponsors.

Participants

Chef Michael Solomonov, Zahav
Chef Peter McAndrews, Paesano’s
Chef Arthur Cavaliere, Parc
Rick Olivieri, Rick’s Steaks
Mark Coates, Bebe’s BBQ

October 4th, 2009
5:00PM – 8:00PM
Park Hyatt Philadelphia
Grand Ballroom

Seating is limited and tickets are available now for reduced pre-sale pricing until 8/17. Additional information, including event sponsors and charity fundraiser, will be made available at on or before September 1st. Visit sandwichsmash.com to learn more and sign up for e-mail updates.

In February we wrote about the return of Rick’s Steaks at a new location in the food court at the Bellevue. Yesterday, Rick Olivieri fired up the grill for the first time since leaving the Reading Terminal Market, over eight months ago. Loyal fans who at one point were unsure if Rick’s would ever return, lined up as Rick himself manned the register and the grill along with his original staff that’s been with him for years. After all the turmoil of leaving the RTM, Rick is just glad to be back in business, serving the community.

Rick, whose grandfather Pat invented the original steak sandwich, strongly believes the best way to order is whiz wit’, urging cheesesteak virgins to try the sandwich this way. He has always insisted that if they don’t like the gooey cheese sauce, they can exchange the sandwich, but in over 25 years, has never had anyone return unsatisfied. Still, locals favor their cheesesteak with provolone or American, which make up the majority of sandwiches sold each day. Each cheesesteak is made to order, with round, sliced (never chopped) ribeye steak served on a hoagie roll from Liscio’s Bakery.

Unfortunately, Rick wouldn’t divulge his second favorite cheesesteak, but did admit he tries the sandwiches all over, even when on vacation, and also indulges in a good Italian hoagie from South Philly once in awhile. When asked about the rising popularity of the roast pork sandwich, Rick emphasized the fact that although it’s delicious and gaining traction, it will forever be second to the cheesesteak as Philly’s favorite sandwich.

Besides serving up original and chicken cheesesteaks, the new Rick’s Steaks also serves a vegan option, plus an entire breakfast menu including sandwiches and omelettes. On June 25th a grand opening celebration will take place at the store with special guest appearances by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and longtime Rick’s fan Al Roker and more.

We’re glad to see a Philadelphia staple make a triumphant return and are even happier that there is finally a legitimate cheesesteak in Center City/Rittenhouse.

Rick’s Steaks
200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 (Google Map)

In late October, Rick Olivieri served the last cheesesteak at his Reading Terminal Market location after serving customers there for over 25 years. Rick who is the grandson of Pat Olivieri the original creator of the cheesesteak, was pushed out of the location due to rent modernizations at the market. After a legal battle and hundreds of thousands of dollars later, Olivieri was forced to close up shop.

Now, Olivieri has found a new home in the food court at the Bellevue and plans to open in two months. Apparently the menu is staying the same with the addition of breakfast sandwiches and soups. We will have coverage of the new location as soon as it opens.

[Via Philadelphia Inquirer]