Wash. U.’s food is the most overhyped aspect of this campus. Some of the items are mediocre: the pizza crust is like burnt cardboard. Some of the food really is great but becomes repetitive when consumed almost every day for a semester. The first time I had Wash. U.’s stir-fry, I was hooked. But after two semesters of it, I needed something new.

There are rare dishes that strike the perfect balance between quality and regularity; they’re served often enough to keep you satisfied, but not enough to bore you. The chicken tikka masala is one of those. Tikka Tuesday is a celebration for underclassmen and for good reason. It’s the kind of excellent dish that makes you look forward to the next time you get it. The Philly steak sandwich at Bear’s Den is in that same category. In short: It slaps.

Jaden Satenstein | Student Life

The Philly steak sandwich, served occaisonally as a Grizzly Grill Chef’s special at Bear’s Den,
includes mushrooms, green bell pepper, yellow onion and provolone cheese on a white hoagie.

People from Philadelphia will say this is blasphemous – and they’re not wrong. The idea of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich made outside the city of Philadelphia just doesn’t sit right with them. I admit, I was skeptical of the Bear’s Den Philly when I first got it. That skepticism faded away two bites in.

The Philly steak sandwich is flavorful and fresh. It is carefully crafted to emulate a real Philly cheesesteak. It is made at the grill, but it is the epitome of comfort food. Greasy, cheesy and satisfying, there is no better sandwich made at Wash. U. Only the carvery sandwich at Holmes can even think to challenge it for the crown of King Sandwich, but the flavor potency of the Philly steak sandwich elevates it to an untouchable level.

If allowed, I would eat the Philly steak sandwich twice a day, every day. I know I would get sick of it after a month. Too much of any good thing grates on you. But the Philly steak sandwich is a special at Bear’s Den. It is served occasionally. Seeing the sign that heralds the coming of the Philly steak sandwich lights up my day like the sound of an ice cream truck does for a child in the summer. No matter what kind of day – or week – I’m having, the Philly steak sandwich is a welcomed pick-me-up. It is my panacea for the ailments of everyday life. Hard test? Get a Philly. Overworked? Go grab a Philly. Relationship problems? A Philly won’t fix it, but it will definitely help you feel better.

I urge you to treat yourself this month. Pick up the Philly steak sandwich. You may regret it in the long run, but it’s all golden going down.