If you are in the mood for a great cheese steak and don’t feel like commuting all the way down to Philadelphia, then I have a great solution for you: Papa Gino’s scrumptious Steak and Cheese.

Profiles of all of the 2014 Splash of Flavor finalists

Where is my favorite food?

This cheese steak has tender, juicy strips of beef, topped with melted American cheese. The Super Steak is a steak with sautéed mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and American cheese.

(Hey, you can place your vote here!)

There are a few different ways you can have your sandwich prepared. Papa Gino’s cooks each one as it is ordered, and will add or subtract what you want on your sandwich. The one I like best is the steak and cheese with sauteed onions and mushrooms.

First, the bread. It was a delicious combination of chewy, crunchy, and doughy. The cheese melted perfectly onto the bread. Just the right amount of cheese was mixed with the drippings of the meat.

The cheese was smooth and creamy. It was delicious.

The mushrooms added a good texture and taste to the mix. They didn’t overpower anything, just the way it should be.

The sauteed onions were exceptionally well cooked to the point of sweetness, but not overcooked one bit. They added a fantastic flavor to the sandwich.

Finally, the beef. It was not stringy or chewy, just perfect.

When you combine these ingredients, the powerhouse of taste this sandwich creates can’t be beat.

I know people don’t think that restaurant chains always have the best food, but, honestly, Papa Gino’s Steak and Cheese is like a little piece of Philly right here in Watertown.

(Papa Gino’s, 550 Arsenal St., Watertown, 617-924-1048, www.papaginos.com)

(To help pick the 2014 Splash of Flavor winner, cast your vote at http://tinyurl.com/3h532cs. Voting is only open until March 28, 2014.)

–March 10, 2014–