Man vs. Sub

Author: Jim Miller

Our O&A correspondent tackles seven sandwiches in seven days

It’s been at least seven years since I ordered an Italian sub.

Likewise, cheesesteaks come about only on special occasions for me nowadays. But make no mistake: My self-imposed embargo on subs and steaks wasn’t enforced because I ceased to like them. Rather, it’s because I loved them so much.

So when the challenge was presented to me to eat seven subs or steaks in seven days, it was like letting the shark out of its cage.

What follows is a week in the life of a man/animal free to eat his favorite food once again. On the agenda were some personal favorites, some area classics, and a few newcomers and/or hidden gems. For more information, see the Deli Directory at left. And enjoy!

Day 6: Claymont Steak Shop

Confession time: I’d never had a Cheesesteak at Claymont Steak Shop until now. Then I had to have a second one just to make sure I wasn’t dreaming the first time.

I’m tempted to just say “wow” and leave it at that. But, if you, too, have yet to sample this Claymont classic, you should know it’s a delicious serving of juicy, tender steak on a soft bun that barely holds it all together. Yum.

It’s no wonder that Out & About readers have consistently picked Claymont as one of their favorite cheesesteaks for the past five years.

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Wit' Style

Two local cheesesteak shops are taking an unprecedented approach to interior design. by Carolyn Wyman Published: March 3, 2010

Demi Kollias didn’t choose (or own) the building of the original Claymont Steak business, in Claymont, Del., which she bought in 2005. So her second location, which opened in December '09, was her first chance to execute her vision of a steak shop comparable to the cafés in her native Greece. "In Europe and in Greece especially, even the places that serve sandwiches and soup have a nice environment," says Kollias. "I wanted to do the same thing here."

The shop's chic-modern feel and vibrant colors are meant to appeal to the local student population, as is the 9-foot-long picture of the U of D football team that dominates the back wall, a striking riff on the steak shop tradition of 8-by-10 photos (of celebrity visitors, or, in the case of University City's Abner’s, neighboring college sports teams). Both DiZio and Kollias say they've gotten nothing but positive feedback from customers, which include women, children and white-collar businessmen they believe are drawn in by the more upscale surroundings.

But, DiZio says, "Even the construction guys comment on how nice and clean it is."

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