Some food items that were hits some years back are now gone. There are a few though that have withstood the test of time and are still making waves today—such as pizzas.

 

My favorite pizza when I was a kid was 3M’s. It had a branch somewhere in Timog, Quezon City. The pizza was prepared in front of you in a toaster oven. It was the best treat for me then, until the authentic taste of Italian or New York pizza was introduced in Manila.

 

Like a political balimbing, I jumped the fence and went over to the side of the new pizzas.

 

Another item I feel is still a winner is the famous Chori Burger—a chorizo or longganisa patty served in toasted pan de sal with coleslaw. It was served at a stall on Makati Avenue and in some cinemas. It resurfaced a few years back at Metrowalk, but I thought the location didn’t do justice to the product. Calling Mr. Carmona, the owner.

 

Another was a place called Burger and Ribs somewhere in  Ermita. Its signature offering was great. I loved eating them after a swinging night at Stargazer in Silahis Hotel or at the Circuit in Hyatt.

 

One more item I look forward to having again is the steamed cheese dog at Burger Machine. Although this burger stall is still around, the cheese dog sadly isn’t available anymore. Slightly tipsy, I would wolf down three cheese dogs before going home.

 

Another all-time favorite I miss is cheese steak sandwich. Sold in one of the window stores on Reposo Street, Makati, this was one sandwich I craved for at least once every two weeks. Two decades after it disappeared, I would still reminisce about it.

 

Reopened

 

I was in Bacolod recently and was talking to a friend, Bobby Magalona of the famous Bob’s restaurant, who said that his brother has just reopened his cheese steak joint. That was when I learned that his brother owned that place in Reposo that I kept dreaming about. I was so excited.

 

I arrived one Saturday in Bacolod and went to the joint the next day, only to learn it was closed on a Sundays. I waited 20 years to eat cheese steak again, so I waited another day.

 

I walked into the place, spoke to Liza, Bob’s niece, and was told that, yes, indeed, the same cheese steak I was looking for is available. It was a reunion of sorts. I even saw my article about it on display.

 

I waited a few minutes and was handed a hot toasted sandwich. This winner was stuffed with seasoned strips of beef, topped with sliced onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and cheese spread.

 

It was then toasted for a few minutes. The result was a crunchy-on-the-outside, pillowy-soft-on-the-inside bread, with creamy tasty and most fantastic and delicious filling. What a perfect combination!

 

Right after my first bite, I called my kids to ask if anyone wanted takeout.

 

I suggest you eat it soon after it is handed to you, fresh from the oven.

 

Liza told me they would have a chicken and fish version. I have been back several times since. A major factor is the delicious bread.

 

This is an example of a food treat that will always live on. Check it out.

 

Joe’s Cheesesteak is at Katipunan and B. Gonzales Streets (right beside BDO), Quezon City. Call  0920-8706222.