Steaks Fifth Avenue

Steaks Fifth Avenue, headed by Chris Schenk, has two food carts in downtown Portland, Oregon. I went to the original location on SW 5th, between Stark and Oak (opened in 1997). There is also a second cart in Pioneer Courthouse Square (opened 2003).

I'm addicted to cheesesteaks. This virtually confirms one of my past lives has Philadelphia roots.

I got one large Philly cheesesteak with the works ($7.50). Thin-sliced sirloin mixed with grilled onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Add white American cheese. Place all in a soft hoagie roll. Cue happy noshing panda.

Large Philly cheesesteak w/peppers, onions, and mushrooms
(Steaks Fifth Avenue)

No wonder Chris has been open for such a long time. The cheesesteak was delicious. The sirloin slices were juicy, the veggies still had that awesome crunch, and the white American cheese became that pleasing edible glue to bind it all together. Just as vital was that soft roll. Not only did it hold the filling in place, it gave that bit of relief from the meat/veggie/cheese triple-team.

I apparently like food combos triple-teaming my palate into oblivion. Perhaps a bit more meat, veggies, and cheese. Maybe I can get a special order out of that. Super loaded Philly cheesesteak. I'm certainly willing to cough up a few more bucks in that situation.

Chris also has 1/3 pound Angus beef patties for his burgers. I now suddenly have a vision to combine cheesesteak and cheeseburger in a hoagie roll. And add bacon. Oh, and this spicy panda must have hot sauce with all that. If someone asks for this (or already has done so), let me know how it is. I mean, it has to be epic, right? I think that's a virtual foodgasm moment. For those who probably missed the memo about a zillion times by now, I am normally weird.

Check out Steaks Fifth Avenue ASAP! 8/10