First off, duh! It just hit me...  "kar120c" was the license number of (the late) Patrick Magoohan's car in "The Prisoner".  One of my ATF shows!  Another reason why we should get together and have a few brews!  Email me at [email protected]

As for Philly help, I've been soundly drubbed in PMs from fellow Philly guys that I forgot to mention Philly Steak Sandwich joints in my post, and I must admit that I was remiss...

So here's everything you need to be able to order a steak sandwich in Philly without people laughing at you.  Pat's Steaks (officially, Pat's, King of Steaks, http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/) is located on 9th Street at the crossroads of Wharton and Passyunk Ave.  Pat's is reportedly the place that the Philly steak sandwich was invented.

At the same address, diagonally across from Pat's is Geno's Steaks (http://www.genosteaks.com/).  Pat's was opened in 1930 and Geno's appeared on the scene in 1966.  The rivalry between these two establishments is as great as the rivalry between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, with staunch supporters on both sides of the street.

At Pat's and Geno's, the standard is the Philly Cheese Steak made with chipped steak, fried onions and Kraft Cheese Wiz.  You can get them with or without onions and with other cheeses, but THE Philly Cheese Steak is with Wiz and fried onions.

HOW TO ORDER:

These places are a little like the Soup Nazi... you approach the window, give your order and move quickly down to the next window where you'll pick up your sandwich and pay.  The correct way to order a Philly cheese steak with cheese wiz and frid onions is to say "Cheesesteak wit'", meaning a steak with cheese wiz with (wit') fried onions.  If you want a different cheese tell them "american (or provolone) cheese steak wit'"  If you don't want fried onion, leave out the wit',

Jim's steaks is located at 4th and South and was opened in 1937.  Many consider Jim's to be the best of the three... I think they're all close with Jim's and Pat's just a little better than Geno's, but again that's just my opinion, many would disagree.

However, as good as Jim's is, I'd suggest going to Pat's because of the history and ambience of the experience.

BTW, Pat's is strictly alfresco dining... they have no place inside to sit.  They have bench seats under a metal awning.  Geno's has both indoor and outdoor seating, Jim's is indoor only (you walk through the kitchen to get to an upstairs dining room).

Enjoy!

Thanks for some more great information Eddie. It's good to know where to go along with the proper ordering etiquette too!

I'll drop you an email and let you know when I'm in town.

Nice Prisoner spot by the way.