Soaking up Philly like a sponge...

353 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge, 70816. Phone: 225-293-1003

Some of life's greatest pleasures are simple. In a sense it's harder to make a dish with only a few ingredients really sing than to create an ornate, involved dish. There's nothing to distract, nothing to mask or hide less than fresh ingredients or flawed preparation. In the same vein, as someone who eats out a lot sometimes I have to set aside the beurres blanc and demiglaces and curries and whatnot and just go get something simple and good... the perfect burger, some fried chicken and another of my favorites, a good Philly cheese steak. Alas, an authentic Philly has usually been very hard to find in a town like Red Stick. There are many pretenders, but most folks here just don't really nail it, as there are few here who've actually had the real McCoy to use as a frame of reference.
When I stumbled across South of Philly- newly arrived on Sherwood Forest Boulevard, I approached with a bit of skepticism. S.O.P.'s menu claims "Authentic Philadelphia Cheese Steaks and More", so I set to put them to the test. Entering the restaurant, I felt as if I had stumbled onto the set of Sponge Bob Square Pants... in its previous incarnation, this space was obviously a seafood joint, complete with the requisite aqua paint scheme and kitschy nautical nonsense on the walls. So far, it seems, the decor hasn't caught up with the new cuisine. Resisting the urge to order in me finest pirate voice, I approached the counter and observed my first good sign-literally. Above the counters was a bright sign explaining the proper ritual for ordering a cheese steak. Starting with size, and "wit" or "witout" onions, and what kind of cheese, you tell them how to make your masterpiece. Normally I like provolone on steak sandwiches, but in the interest of authenticity, I ordered mine as God intended in the City of Brotherly Love- with onions and yes, Cheez Whiz. Cheez Wiz? Yes. Cheez-freaking-Whiz. Those looking for a less authentic Philly experience can also opt for American, Provolone, or Mozzarella.

Lesser cheese steak purveyors use cheap minute steaks, so my validating experience continued when my Philly arrives full of minced rib eye, sauteed onions, and Cheez Whiz on Amoroso bread- the real Philly cheese steak bread served in Philadelphia. There's only so much waxing poetic I can do, but suffice it to say I was blown away by this cheese steak... a hot, fresh, satisfying meal. The bread was fresh, hot, and soft. The minced rib eye was hot and juicy, the onions perfectly caramelized around the edges, and the cheese melted perfectly on top. Another pleasant surprise came in the form of the fries served on the side of the Philly- too often, a soggy afterthought. These fries were hot and crispy, and still had the skin on like honest-to-goodness home fries- like fries should be. When it comes to their signature dish, South of Philly hits a real home run.

South of Philly also offers other Philly-based sandwiches like pepper steak, pizza steaks, and mushroom steaks, all in $6 to $10 range. SOP also offers an array of poboys, or a build your own burger setup for those less enamored with the pinnacle of Pennsylvania cuisine. For me, though, I've found a new home in which to scratch my cheese steak cravings. So, don your lime green jogging suit and gold chains, and head over to Sherwood Forest to soak up a taste of Philly like a sponge.