Spring Break
Cheesesteak: It's not just from Philly anymore
Jennifer Friend
Issue date: 3/4/02 Section: Culture
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The blue awning over the door at 415 Westport Road proclaims "a sandwich revolution" and customers are given a friendly greeting from the counter at the far end of the restaurant upon entry. The staff’s commitment to quality is displayed on the wall under the heading "Working together to be the best," and is evident in their customer service and the plethora of comment cards on tables.
Their cheese steak sandwich is the bomb; "Steak Bomb" that is. This menu item features delicate layers of tender roast beef (as well as salami and mushrooms, which I requested to be left off) and a blend of Swiss, American and provolone cheeses that create a melty connection from the sandwich to your mouth as you take a bite. Other ingredients include magnanimous portions of carmelized onions and red and green peppers on a sub roll baked fresh daily ($6.50). For a more exotic taste, add some teeth to the flavor with horseradish sauce.
The meatball sub sandwich is served wrapped in foil and smothered in homemade red sauce and gooey melted provolone, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. The five large meatballs don't skimp on the meat, with just enough bread ingredients to hold everything together ($5.99).
A variety of salads and sides are available, including the Stevie G's Shell Mac Salad, a tasty dish made with large pasta shells, finely chopped celery, olives, pimento and other mysterious veggies in a tangy sauce ($1.25).
It is apparent that careful thought and planning went into the interior design. The red brick walls and hardwood floors compliment the black formica tables with wooden park-bench seats. 99.7 KY played over the sound system while customers and employees were singing "Down on the Corner" by CCR. The front windows present a view of Westport Rd. and J.C. Nichols Parkway. The color of the décor even matches the burgandy and dark blue stripes on their menu.
Beverages include Coca-Cola 20 oz. fountain drinks for $1.25, with a red cream soda that has the perfect mix of super sweet flavor. Boston Cheesesteak also has vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry milkshakes for $2.50.
Three kinds of cake slices were available for dessert. The tartufata cake was a tiramisu with melt-in-your-mouth light layers of cake and creamy filling, topped with a thin chocolate shell ($2.50).
Daily specials offer something different, like buy one burger or chicken sandwich, get one free on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. Wednesday serves up free french fries with the purchase of two sandwiches and Thursday gives a free drink with a dinner. Friday's Fish Day provides baked or fried cod dinner for $5.99 and Saturday is the day for hot dogs. They also have a hot roast beef sandwich for $3.99 and chicken noodle soup for $2.50.
Boston Cheesesteak Co. is open from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a late night menu featuring cheese steak, Italian sausage or meatball sub sandwiches for $5, cheeseburgers ($5), and hot dogs ($2.50). Monday through Thursday hours are from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and the restaurant is closed on Sundays. They accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover, but no checks.
Though only open for eleven weeks, Boston Cheesesteak already has regular customers who dine in or carry out sandwiches and they are planning to open a new branch this fall in Overland Park. In addition, watch for a variety of cheesecake selections to be added to the dessert menu. With food and service this good, the more the better.
