The high price of a taste of home

I learned about a Jersey Mike's here in town a few weeks ago, and have tried two times prior to today to go there, but both times it was closed. Today I was successful in acquiring a taste of home.

As a former Philadelphia resident, I make it a point to try Philly cheese steak sandwiches pretty much everywhere I go. I know this is not a task unique to me, so there are many others out there that will appreciate the fact that almost no one gets it right outside the Philly metro. Well, I'll admit that Jersey Mike's gets VERY close, though I still feel it misses just slightly. It's really hardly noticeable. But they did really nail it with the right amount and flavor of cheese. So many others use the wrong flavor or skimp on the cheese, which is just not how it's done.

The thing I had issue with was the price of the food. I was shocked to see the total amount for the girls and I to eat dinner. $27 for three subs, three drinks, and a bag of chips. Granted I got the foot-long sandwich, which was $9.50 all by itself. But sheesh, the three of us can eat at the Olive Garden or TGIF for that much, and we'd get the full service of a wait staff to boot.

My only other issue was their selection of Tastykakes. While it's truly awesome to have a local source for this perennial hometown favorite, the all time best Tastykakes ever (Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes) are not among Mike's inventory. Such a shame. Ironically, my fondest memories of PBKKs is not from living in Philly, but during my early college years here in OK, when a few Philly friends (you know who you are) sent me periodic Philly care packages, which often included several boxes of PBKKs, which I'd proceed to binge upon. Those were the days.

Digressions aside, I'm pleased with Mike's overall, and will be going back often to feed myself and reminisce. But it's unlikely the kids and I will be doing many more family meals there. Sorry kids, I know you'd take Friday's over Mike's any day anyway. But for the record, I let both kids try my steak sandwich and they thought it was awesome.