Sweet Steak Sandwiches: A Hidden Gem in Chicago’s Black History
The "Sweet Steak" or "Steak Supreme" has been a staple in Chicago’s Black community for decades, but few people on the North Side know about it. The sandwich originated at Taurus Flavors, which opened in 1966 and has become a part of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The Classic Recipe
The classic Sweet Steak sandwich is made with thinly sliced ribeye, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and a secret homemade sauce made from seven ingredients, including sugar and tomato. The sandwich is then topped with a few slices of white American cheese, a steamed Turano roll, and a variety of garnishes, including a sweet and hot topping.
A Taste of Tradition
Fitchy’s Home of the Hoagy in Country Club Hills is one of the few places where you can still find an authentic Sweet Steak sandwich. The restaurant is owned by Gregory Rounds and his wife, Lakeesha, who are committed to preserving the tradition of this beloved sandwich. "This is traditionally a South Side thing," says Gregory Rounds. "Grew up with Sweet Steaks all over the South Side."
The Secret Sauce
The secret to Fitchy’s Sweet Steak sandwich is their homemade sauce, made with seven ingredients, including sugar and tomato. The sauce is added to the sandwich along with fresh garlic and a sprinkle of garlic salt. The combination of flavors is a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Garnishes Galore
The sandwich is finished with a selection of garnishes, including a sweet and hot topping, giardiniera, and a drizzle of the housemade sweet sauce. The sweet topping is a combination of pickle chips and bell pepper, while the hot topping is simply giardiniera. The red sauce is not the same as the sweet sauce, and "steak, no sweet" means you’ll get the sauce but not the sweet topping.
Conclusion
The Sweet Steak sandwich is a hidden gem in Chicago’s Black history, and Fitchy’s Home of the Hoagy is one of the few places where you can still find an authentic version. With its rich history and bold flavors, this sandwich is a must-try for anyone looking to experience a true taste of Chicago’s South Side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I find an authentic Sweet Steak sandwich?
A: Fitchy’s Home of the Hoagy in Country Club Hills, and Taurus Flavors in Dolton, are two of the few places where you can still find an authentic Sweet Steak sandwich.
Q: What is the secret to Fitchy’s Sweet Steak sandwich?
A: The secret sauce, made with seven ingredients, including sugar and tomato, is the key to Fitchy’s signature sandwich.
Q: What are the garnishes available for the Sweet Steak sandwich?
A: The sandwich can be topped with a variety of garnishes, including sweet and hot topping, giardiniera, and a drizzle of housemade sweet sauce.
