Cheesesteaks and Caviar

A splattered paint cloth concealed the steps in front of a Delancy Place apartment. Ladders leaned against the brick, reaching the robin’s egg blue shutters on a fourth story window. John, Mike, and Matt took a break on the stoop, a fresh coat of ‘Caviar’ on the door behind them.

“Eh, it’s a little dry,” John said of his ketchup-topped cheesesteak from Gusto Pizzeria. His took a swig of Mountain Dew while Mike protested through a mouthful of Greek salad. Apparently John’s a harsh critic. “Alright, it’s okay,” he conceded.

I ask how much time they allot for their lunch break.  

“30 minutes,” “Psh, ten minutes,” “Like sixteen-point-five minutes,” they say over one another.

Matt and John laugh and look at Mike. He had answered 30 minutes.

He shakes his head. “I’m the boss, so it’s always too long.”

The three men work for R. Chobert Decorating Co. and paint apartments and restaurants primarily in Center City. “That’s my dad,” Mike says, pointing to the logo printed on his white tank top. It’s a family business, making Philly prettier since 1967.

Mike tells me that many contractors don’t like to work downtown because traffic can be a hassle, parking’s tough, and the pay isn’t as good, but he likes it. He’s boisterous, the kind of guy who needs to be around some bustle.

For lunch, they typically get takeout from a nearby joint on the job. Little Italy, Randazzo’s Pizzeria, and Souvlaki on South are a few favorites. And Donnie’sRoast Pork for “The best roast pork sandwich you’ve ever had,” according to Mike. He also likes Johnny Hots in Fishtown for Hot Sausages.

“The Halal cart on 8^th and Spruce is good too,” John chimed in.

“Except they don’t have sausage,” Mike said.

John smiled, “…Yeah, that’s not HaLAAled.”