By Peter Covino
Entertainment Editor

The sign out front says Corner Bistro in Kissimmee has the best Philly cheesesteak sandwich  south of Geno’s in Philadelphia.

Five minutes after ingesting the restaurant’s 12-inch sandwich, a  beef and provolone cheese monstrosity pouring out of its authentic Amoroso roll, it would be awfully hard to find fault with that statement.

Restaurant owner John Howard is no stranger to the mystique of making a great Philly cheesesteak. A New Jersey guy, with lots of restaurant executive experience, Howard was practically raised on the Jersey/ Philadelphia hoagie, including packing plenty of sandwiches behind the counter as a youngster while working at the Jersey shore.

So when Howard partnered with Tim Cole on the first of several planned restaurant enterprises, a place that specialized in cheesesteaks and other hoagie-style sandwiches was a natural choice.

“The key to a great Philly cheesesteak is the grill temperature and keeping in that moisture,” Howard said. “When you see steam rising above that grill, the beef is drying out.”

Corner Bistro’s cheesesteaks are piled high with beef with lots of real cheese, peppers, and onions. You can even add lettuce and tomato if you like, but that would go against tradition.

Of course, for some Philly cheese aficionado’s the cheese should always be of the Cheez Whiz variety.

But the cheesesteak was actually invented in the early 1930s by Philadelphians Pat and Harry Olivieri. Provolone cheese was added a bit later.

Pat opened the Philly landmark Pat’s King of Steaks, still in operation, and across the street is its long-time rival Geno’s Steak, the place famous for the Cheeze Whiz variety. For the record, Cheez Whiz was not invented until the 1950s.

Just one look at the Corner Bistro sandwich, and you know which version Howard prefers.

Howard’s cheesesteaks and the other hoagie selections are also partnered happily with that other Philadelphia mainstay, the Amoroso roll. The Philadelphia family-owned bakery has been making sandwich rolls in southwest Philadelphia for years.

While the Philly cheesesteak is phenomenally popular back in Pennsylvania, Howard is still waiting for success in Osceola County.

Location might be a problem. The restaurant is located on U.S. Highway 192, off of Beck Boulevard. But it is an old convenience store site, with the remnants of the old gasoline filling area still intact. The restaurant is not easily visible from the highway. The overhang does make a nice shaded area out of the Florida sun.

But the cheesesteaks, hoagies, pizza and other menu items should create enough buzz to build a regular clientele.

Cheesesteaks are available in a six-inch as well as the 12-inch variety priced at $5.25 and $7.95 respectively. Cheesesteaks are available in the traditional fashion or with chicken or pizza style.

Other hot sandwiches include a 12-inch meatball sub ($7.50); Cuban or Gyro ($6.50); chicken breast sandwich ($5.95) or jumbo hot dog ($3.95).

Cold sandwiches include the hoagie — Italian, ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, ($4.50 for six-inch, $7.50 12-inch).

There are also a variety of “big” salads priced from $4.95-$7.95, and side items include the not so readily found fried pickle spears ($2.50).

There are also several pizzas, with a variety of toppings. Specialty pizzas include the Panther Pie ($18) with pepperoni, sausage, bacon and ham, named for the proximity of Gateway High School. Osceola High School students shouldn’t feel left out. The Kowboy ($18) with BBQ sauce, chicken and bacon is also available. Pizza is also available by the slice.

Corner Bistro has daily student specials as well.

Other Italian specialties include calzone and stromboli and cannoli for dessert.

A variety of beer (by the bottle) and wine is available.

Corner Bistro has a private dining area available free for larger groups or parties.

The restaurant is open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday noon until 7 p.m.

Phone ahead take-out orders at 407-935-977 (fax 407-935-9966).