For a stupid greasy mound of thinly sliced beef and molten cheese, Philly’s iconic and arguably waning signature sandwich, the cheesesteak, sure draws a lot of drama. And the latest controversy bubbling up from the Cheez Whiz doesn’t even involve Joey Vento, Geno’s or any charges of racism or xenophobia! Seems South Philly’s Steak ’Em Up has stoked the ire of Steak-umm, the frozen cheesesteak-like product that’s manufactured in Reading. Steak-Umm’s beef is that Steak ’Em Up is encroaching on its trademark. Steak ’Em Up says it’s a bunch of bull, and that there’s no way anyone could ever confuse the two. Nonetheless, lawyers have been hired, attempts to settle have broken down and the whole mess is headed to federal court in coming weeks. With so much stupidity and ugliness constantly surrounding the cheesesteak, doesn’t seem like now is a good time for the City of Brotherly Love to finally ditch it altogether and get behind another of its many magnificent sandwiches? [South Philly Review]
