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(Pictures taken with my Canon Rebel XTi.)

(Down to earth.)

When da boyz get together up in NorCal, there's only one place we want to go; Amato's Cheese Steaks & Hoagies. Opened in 1997, Amato's Cheese Steaks & Hoagies is the continuation of a sixty-five year-old family business. It rapidly became a favorite hangout for blue collar workers and families in the area, and the chosen dining location amongst my group of friends.


(Boy really likes this pose.)

As usual, the instigator of this meatastic gorge fest was none other than my good friend Ninjafuzz, master ninja and food model extraordinaire. Also along for some molten cheese lovin' were Semajim, VII XLII, and a nice chap we'll just call "Ninjafuzz's Old College Roomie". Cat had been invited to join the boys for a night out and, I must say, she held up very well against the raging storm of testosterone whirling around her.

Woooooooot! Testosterone!


(Sorta scary, isn't it.)

Amato's is known for good portions at great prices. One of their heaping baskets of crisp, golden fries is enough to satisfy three big eaters, yet will only set you back $2.75. That's a freakin' amazing deal even the Golden Arches can't beat.


(Maybe it's some sort of psychological complex.)

But, unlike the Hat, the food at Amato's isn't dripping with enough grease to style Luke Perry's hair. A meal at there will fill you up, not leave you groping frantically for your heart medication.


(The classic Cheese Steak Sandwich, "Shorty" sized.)

The sandwiches at Amato’s come in three, breathtaking sizes. A "Shorty" is seven inches, a "Half" is twelve inches, and a "Whole" is a whopping twenty-four inches. Most newbies make the mistake of ordering a "Half", since twelve inches is a pretty standard size for subs. However, the menu fails to convey a crucial point of reference; diameter. All of Amato's cheese steaks and hoagies are roughly three to four inches across. This means that a twelve-inch "Half" is roughly four hundred and sixty-two cubic inches of densely packed and delicious meat, cheese, and bread. I've seen grown men almost rupture themselves trying to finish one. Even for prodigious eaters, such as me, a "Shorty" is more than enough. Just don't plan on having any fries or onion rings. Slim girls like Cat should find someone to split a "Shorty" with.


(My fave, a Mushroom Cheese Steak, "Shorty" sized.)

Each cheese steak is a work of art. Pillowy rolls barely manage to contain an overwhelming amount of tender, thinly sliced beef smothered in creamy cheese. Every bite you take fills your mouth with savory juice, which is immediately sopped up by the bread. My only complaint is that I tend to find the meat a little bland, particularly for the meat and cheese to bread ratio. Bread that absorbent needs a strongly flavored filling or it can overwhelm the sandwich However, a quick dusting with the salt shaker and I'm in cheese steak heaven. I just wish they had a little Old Bay and Red Rooster Louisiana Hot Sauce on hand for my customizing pleasure.


(It won't fit!)


Amato's Cheese Steaks & Hoagies - For some of the best cheese steaks Silicon Valley has to offer. As some of the more blasphemous amongst us like to say, "It's like eating a piece of God's head." I don't know if I agree, but a good cheese steak can be a transcendental experience.


Bill (for two)

Cheese Steak Sandwich (Shorty) - 6.25
Mushroom Cheese Steak (Shorty) - 7.25
2 large drinks @ 1.76 - 3.00

Tax - 1.30
Tip - 3.00

Total - 20.80


Flavor: B
Ambience: C
Service: B
ROI: A+

Overall: B


Amato's Cheese Steaks & Hoagies
1162 Saratoga Ave.
San Jose, CA 95129
1-408-246-4007
http://www.amatoscheesesteaks.com