This seems to be L&S' replacement for their now discontinued Roastbeef Steak sandwich. The rebranding was the correct move. There is now a much clearer differentiation between this and their (still available) Black Angus Roastbeef.

Let's start this review off by acknowledging the elephant in the room. Yes, L&S' arch nemesis, Hood Burger, also makes a steak sandwich. In fact, it is a steak sandwich almost indistinguishable from this one if we were to go by the specs alone: Hood Steak. So why is this one better?

The bread and the meat are almost equally good on both. The seasonings are different but that's about it (other than one notable difference I shall address at the end). It comes down to two components and their preparation: the caramelized onions and the Provolone.

In my opinion, L&S' onions are just plain better. Not overall - I love Hood's onions as well - just for the purposes of steak sandwiches. They are seasoned wit beer (I believe) which gives them this slightly yeasty tone.

Mainly, however, it comes down to Provolone. Or rather, its implementation. I cannot remember the last time I ordered Hood Steak and it was actually fucking melted. You know, like it's supposed to be?

At first I thought they must be using a fundamentally different product. However, I have since learned of an intriguing rumor...

Legend supposedly tells of a faraway hiding place long forgotten where a mysterious Hood joint opens its doors Monday through Saturday. This enigmatic eatery is said to possess an occult-like knowledge of the long lost art of cheese melting. There, it is said, I may be able to find what I seek.

Or at least, that was what my friend told me. He was talking about Hood's first joint near his place. I may have paraphrased his words a bit. Anyway, I went there just to see if there was anything to it. There wasn't. The cheese was prepared no differently than at their other locations.

This being the case, I am left with no choice but to give the sandwich-shaped crown to L&S. Their cheese is melted. Every time.

One last note. I'd give this thing a 5/5 rating if not for L&S's refusal to grill the meat rare (or even mid-rare). And I say 'refusal' because in Hood you can get it rare. So I know it's possible, dammit!