Andre LamarDelaware News Journal
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The kitchen just got hotter for 16 restaurants and shops that advanced to Round 2 of the Delaware cheesesteak Munch Madness tournament.
The smell of chopped onions still lingers from some of the upsets in Round 1. But it's cook or get cooked in the culinary game.
Round 2 begins the Sweet 16 on Saturday, March 8.
Readers can now vote for their favorite cheesesteak that they want to make the cut forthe Elite 8 in this weekly tournament that will continue until one ultimate cheesesteak champion is left standing.
Don't sleep on Little Creek Grill versus Ioannoni's in Munch Madness
A big matchup to watch in the Sweet 16 is between Little Creek Grill near Dover and Ioannoni's Specialty Sandwiches near New Castle.
Little Creek is one of two restaurants left in the tournament that isn't in New Castle County, so they're helping hold it down for all the folks in Lower Delaware (even though Little Creek is technically located in the middle of the state).
It's cliché to brand this as a classic "David versus Goliath" contest, but Little Creek is dangerous with a slingshot.But don’t think that Ioannoni's is just big and slow.
"Little Creek cheesesteak is wonderful, so much meat and taste is great. My favorite," a fan praised.
"Ioannois makes the best cheese steaks in Delaware hands down no competition," a supporter argued.
Here's the top cheesesteak match in Sweet 16, Delaware Munch Madness
The biggest matchup of Round 2 is between arguably the two most popular restaurants in the tournament: Claymont Steak Shop and Casapulla & Sons in Elsmere. Despite the popularity of both shops, it'd be an upset if Casapulla pulls it off. After all, Claymont Steak Shop is a place that Joe Biden has cosigned.
Fans on social media have shared their affection for both shops.
"I’m gonna have to give the tilt to Claymont Steaks," one supporter declared.
"Casapullas 100% hands down them things so good," a Casapulla fan raved.
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Round 1 Recap: Charcoal Pit upset in Delaware cheesesteak tournament
Some of the upsets from Round 1 included a Wilmington battle with Yatz's Steaks and Subs knocking out Pickles & Chip's. The beloved Simaron Pizza & Steak Shop in Dover tried to hold it down for Kent County, but got grilled by Argilla Brewing Co. in Newark. Also, Ochinili's Steaks in Middletown proved too hot to handle for Talleyville's famous Charcoal Pit.
Thousands of votes received for best Delaware cheesesteak
Last month, you sandwich lovers cast 1,100 votes for your favorite go-to spot for cheesesteaks around the First State that you wanted included in our Munch Madness challenge. We sliced that thick mountain down to a chewy bracket featuring 32 shops that are ready to unapologetically smack you in the mouth with a fresh cheesesteak.
This includes sneaky mom-and-pop shops like Little Creek Grill near Dover, which has a secret weapon called The Scrappy (a cheesesteak created with Hughes Delaware Made Scrapple) to more recognizable heavy hitters like the Claymont Steak Shop, a restaurant where Joe Biden is no stranger.
How does the Delaware cheesesteak tournament work?
Every week, readers will vote and determine which restaurant/shop has the top cheesesteak in each face off.
And each week, cheesesteak shops will be sliced in half, based on your votes.
The bracket began with 32 shops. Now we're down to 16 and after this week it'll get cut in half and look like this: Elite Eight, Final Four, until only one sandwich is topped off with a greasy and golden crown.
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How do I vote for my favorite Delaware cheesesteak?
To vote, simply click below on the cheesesteak you want to win. That's it.
Schedule for Delaware cheesesteak March Madness
Below is when new brackets will be announced for the tournament:
- Round 2 with 16: Saturday, March 8 to Friday, March 14
- Round 3 with 8: Saturday, March 15 to Friday, March 21
- Round 4 with 4: Saturday, March 22 to Friday, March 28
- Round 5 with 2: Saturday, March 29 to Friday, April 4
- Winner: Monday, April 7
If you have an interesting or funny cheesesteak stories, email lifestyle reporterAndre Lamaratalamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, atdelawareonline.com/newsletters.
(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
