La Comida Corner with Scott and Mr. Sergio

Serge Seplovich and Scott Novak / Opinion Editor and Staff Writer / The USD Vista

SN: We come to you shamefully this week, reader, with our tails between our legs but our tummies once again filled with goodness. Yet again, we failed to venture outside the confines of our nice, quiet little beach community, but we felt it was our duty to bring you one of our local favorites, so try not to be too upset.

SS: As embarrassed as we are, we promise not to disappoint with our selection. This week, we return to Mission Beach to enjoy Philadelphia’s pride and joy.

SN: The Philly Cheese Steak! For those of you unfamiliar, first I weep, but then I impart knowledge. A masterpiece in its simplicity, the “Philly Chee” (Jack Black anyone?) is the sultry combination of steak, onions and white American cheese, laid ever so gently onto a roll.

SS: Gaglione’s Brothers, nestled in front of the rollercoaster on Ventura Place, offers both authentic Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches and creative variations of this already perfected masterpiece. The menu will please those classic Cheese Steak lovers as well as the unorthodox sandwich eater. Their specialty sandwiches range from the spicy “Buffalo” to the “Turk,” a Thanksgiving meal served on a roll. I highly recommend this if you love Turkey Day.

SN: Being a seasoned and satisfied veteran of both the Philly Cheese Steak and Gaglione’s, I decided to venture into the unknown, though not beyond the confines of Mission Beach. I opted for the Pizza Steak, which throws a splash of marinara into the mix for the same price as the regular Cheese Steak. I was worried I might ruin a good thing by changing up the formula a bit, but gosh darnit, I love me some marinara.

SS: I chose to not be as adventurous as my daring associate and opted for my usual: the hoagie. There’s something about the addition of mayo in the mix that makes my taste buds leap for joy. Now, let me tell you—I hate mayo in any other context. I can’t put mayo on anything. I refuse to even put it on my turkey sandwich. To be honest, the first time I ordered the sandwich I almost didn’t eat it because I realized it had mayo in it. But temptation got the best of me, and I caved – one of the best culinary decisions I’ve ever made. I’m not sure if it’s the mayo Gaglione’s uses or if it’s the combination of all the ingredients topped with mayo. Whatever it is, the mayo makes this sandwich.

SN: Being familiar with their variation, I knew the Pizza Steak had a high bar to clear. Reader, let me tell you, this sandwich is amazing. Since consuming this sumptuous sandwich, I have taken a vow to never eat another Cheese Steak not adorned with the delicious sauce that is marinara. Now, don’t get me wrong, the regular is quite tasty, but the added flavor of the marinara sauce makes tiny sprites dance to the beat of a tom-tom deep within the cockles of my heart.

SS: The hoagie is anchored around the usual seasoned steak and melted white American cheesy goodness. In addition to these essentials, the hoagie enhances the classic Philly Cheese Steak with tomatoes, lettuce, grilled onions and, of course, mayo. The sandwiches come out warm, with the roll toasted ever so slightly to give it that perfect crunch.

SN: There is not much to say about this sandwich without toeing the line of the completely ridiculous, and it is a well-known fact that I do not exaggerate. I said it once and I’ll say it again: a masterpiece in its simplicity.

SS: If you’re looking for authentic Philly Cheese Steaks or even delicious alternatives, Gaglione’s is definitely the place to go. Be warned, however, the sandwiches come at a pretty penny, roughly 900 of them. Nonetheless, a good Cheese Steak has no price. And of course, I can never resist making my order a combo, which includes fries and a drink. You can choose from your traditional french fries or garlic fries. If you’re feeling feisty, you can even go for the cheese fries at an additional cost. Sure, you end up putting a small dent in your wallet, but it is a known fact that man cannot live on Philly Cheese Steak alone. Fries are a necessity. Plus, how can you say no to the combo when the friendly employees ask ever so nicely?

SN: Personally, I have never been able to stop my ravenous self from devouring the second half of the sandwich, so it can be a bit pricey for a single meal. However, I must concur with Mr. Sergio because Gaglione’s is one of my little guilty pleasures in life.

SS: If you’ve never been there, stop reading immediately, rush down to the beach and quell that overwhelming hunger plaguing the pits of your belly. You haven’t truly lived until you’ve experienced one of Gag’s delicacies.

SN: And just in case you are still reading, Mr. Sergio and I could use a little assistance. We’re looking for someone who wouldn’t mind taking some time out of their day to take two hapless, but eager to learn, restaurant reviewers by the hands and lead them to some uncharted territory around San Diego to try out some new things. We’re both housetrained and play well with others so you have nothing to worry about, just stomachs to fill and ideas to spark.