Pepper's Place Matches Philly Cheesesteaks -- 6,000 miles away

Located at the Winward Town & Country Plaza Shopping center in Kailua, HI

What's better than living in the city where cheesesteaks were made famous? Eating and comparing them in other areas outside Philadelphia that remake this juicy and greasy bite of delight. Being a Philadelphia native, I've had my fair share of this flavorful mouthful.

My order? A cheesesteak dressed with onions, banana peppers, jalapeño peppers ketchup and American Cheese (Sorry to all you wizzers--I like the real deal). I don't mess around with condiments when it comes to my cheesesteaks and hotdogs.

So upon my move to Oahu, I took up the opportunity to try out Peppers in Kailua. None of the cheesesteaks stops in Philadelphia or anywhere I go are very upscale or restaurant-like. It’s more like an “order at counter” style, and Peppers is just that.

When I make my order at Pepper’s Place up front, there are two tables on either side of me, but why sit inside when you can enjoy that beautiful Hawaiian breeze outside? There are many outdoor tables to sit back and patiently wait for your order to be brought out to you, which comes out quickly. Speedy service equals happy customers.

So the results? Firstly, I should let you know that my belly is giving this critique, not me personally, as the belly knows best when it comes to food! It’s a winner as Pepper’s cheesesteaks give just the right amount of grease to make the bite savory. The melted american cheese and toasted outside and soft inside roll makes the steak perfecto! Double cheese, green peppers and onions are extra options if you like lots of texture in your steak. The peppers and onions are not as cooked through as they do them in Philadelphia, but the slight crunch you get when you take a bite off of the steak doesn’t slow down how much you will enjoy eating it.

The hardest part about this place is not turning around when you walk past it because of the great aromas that blow out of the little shop. Pepper’s Place has won “Best of 2007 Honolulu Advertiser” and it’s no wonder…in fact, they should win every year if they keep making their cheeseteaks as good as the day before.

One thing’s for sure—you will certainly satisfy your post-beach cravings by swinging on by here!