After the long holiday weekend of delicious, but not-so-healthy picnic foods, why not top it off with a fantastic visit to Steel 12 Grub & Chug. The winner of my first “Eat with Beard” contest was Rick Plonski and I met up with him around 7 o’clock Tuesday night. The restaurant was on the quiet side with only one other table of people inside. I have had a lot of the sandwiches there so I asked for some suggestions on something new. After getting some good feedback, I decided on the Pittsburgh Nitemare and Rick went with a Pittsburgh Style Steak and Cheese sandwich.
While our food was being made, Rick and I got to talking. We both are in a similar industry so we talked about work and how we got to where we are today. I learned that he is an avid sports fan (though we don’t have teams in common) and got to go to game 4 of the 2004 World Series game between the Red Sox and the Cardinals. We talked about past jobs, school and family. Our food arrived pretty fast and both sandwiches looked awesome.
The Pittsburgh Style Steak and Cheese sandwich is Steel 12′s take on a Primanti Bros. sandwich. Fresh sliced steak and cheese is placed on thick Italian bread and piled high with hand cut fries and coleslaw. A fried egg and hot sauce can be added by request. These sandwiches are monsters. Standing easily 4 or more inches high, it’s tough to get through. Personally (and let the Pittsburgh God strike me down), I think the Steel 12 version is better. The bread holds together better and allows for a better hold on the sandwich. I also think the fries and the slaw are tastier as well.
My sandwich was just as beastly. A 14 inch sub roll was filled with sliced meatballs, sautéed onions, banana pepper rings and diced ham all covered in marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Somehow, the bottom of the bread didn’t split and nothing dripped out onto my hands. I was shocked I didn’t end up with sauce all over me. It helped that I just had my beard trimmed up. The tanginess of the pepper rings in the marinara sauce was awesome. I got a little bit of everything in every bite and it really had some bold flavor combinations. I added some hot sauce and red pepper just to give it the right kick. I planned on taking half home so I could have it for lunch today, but it was too good to stop eating.
After we both cleaned our plates, I went to the counter to pay and our entire meal only cost us just over $14. The prices are fantastic and the food is even better. Rick had only been to Steel 12 for pizza and wings, but I am sure he will be back there again for more, just as I will. Thank you Jon for the great service and even better food. I know I will eat well when you are behind the counter.
Next week will be my overall sandwich review, but stay tuned for a rib fest review in the next few days.
Until next time,
Andrew – Beard vs. Food
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