Philadelphia to Charleston Food Conversion Chart

Food. Food. Glorious Food. Both my hometown and new town have their signature eats. Here’s the not-so-skinny on how they stack up.

PHILLY FARE: If you’re not in the City of Brotherly Love, you’re not eating a real Philly Cheesesteak. Some swear these need the city’s air and water to taste just right. Wit or witout, these sandwiches are made of paper thin, chopped slices of steak with melted cheese on a long hoagie (preferably Amoroso) roll. Natives will argue to the death over which establishment serves them up best.

TO CHARLESTON CHEW: Cheese Grits are basically boiled ground corn. Doesn’t sound appetizing but they become magical when made just right with lots of love, butter and a little pimento cheese. Shrimp and grits qualify for last meal status. If you visit, try them at S.N.O.B.

PHILLY FARE: My son really misses bagels. Originating in Poland, the best are boiled – then baked. Now that I’m typing this, I could go for a toasted everything with a smear of Philly Cream Cheese.

TO CHARLESTON CHEW: One day I’ll bake the perfect golden brown, flaky buttery biscuit. Until then, I’ll order Callie’s.

PHILLY FARE: When it’s hot as heck, there is no tastier treat than Italian water (wooh-der) ice. Water ice is smoother and more flavorful than shaved ice or a Sno-cone. My favorite kind, Rita’s, was created by a Philly firefighter. Try cherry or mango.

TO CHARLESTON CHEW: Well sugar, if you want refreshment here, it’s all about Sweet Tea, which was invented in nearby Summerville. Grab an icy glass and sit on the porch for a spell while you sip.

PHILLY FARE: Damian and I have joked about importing Philadelphia Soft Pretzels to sell at my son’s high school rugby games. The Germans brought this goodie to us. Again, it’s that Philly air and water.

TO CHARLESTON CHEW: Everything made in a cast iron skillet is delicious. Corn bread is no exception. Again, the South knows how to butter us up.

PHILLY FARE: We can thank the Pennsylvania Dutch for this “delicacy?” Scrapple is a loaf of unloved pork parts held together by cornmeal and flour. Mom pan fried some slices more than once.

TO CHARLESTON CHEW: My son now loves some savory and sweet Chicken and Waffles drizzled with maple syrup for breakfast or dinner.

If this were a food war, I wouldn’t want to pick the winner.