Posted on 06/08/2006 11:47:17 AM PDT by JZelle
"I've been to South Philly. One could make the argument that English was never spoken at Geno's."
True enough. Ordering at Geno's really doesn't require much language at all. A couple of words will do it, and you should order with your money in your hand or the folks behind you in line will start getting ornery.
What they really need is a booth outside offering tutorials in how to order without annoying the locals.
Repeat after me:
"Provolone wit'"
"American wit'"
"CheezWiz wit'"
No other language is needed. Really.
Jim's is the place on South Street.
And thank/encourage Geno's, if you're so inclined.
http://www.genosteaks.com/contact.php
When we dropped our daughter off at the airport in Phillie we tried to find a Cheesteak sandwich and couldn't without going into town all the way. Ended up at a nowhere dive that didn't taste anything like what I remembered from younger days.
Glad to know about Geno's. When we take the grandchildren to do the historic that is a place I would be happy to pay.
I'd like to try this place but last time I was in Philly, I cruised around and around and couldn't find a parking space--went somewhere else instead (was only in town for the day). But on Monday, I'm flying to Pittsburgh with a brief
stopover at Philadelphia Airport...wonder if Geno's or Pat's has a stand in there?
I'm waiting for Customs to set up a checkpoint on I-95 north of Miami with a big sign "Welcome to the United States."
LOL!
"Cheese Whiz"
Now that oughtta be criminal to use.
What's wrong with these people who cannot understand that everyone in this world is born with an intrinsic, inherent ability to speak English even after a few days, even if a foreign tourist.
I mean, if I get off a plane in suddenly in Vientiane, it is natural that I could order a full meal without the slightest difficulty in completely fluent Laotion right near the airport at a joint where nobody spoke English. Anyone can do this. Why not stupid foreigners who visit the United States even if here just a few hours!!?
Ha!...No illegals there...But they may all be members of the mob...
How much do you think the free publicity Geno is getting is worth?
Dumb like a fox, though I'm inclined to believe he is sincere. Hey, its his business (he's a VERY successful capitalist, in case you didn't pick up on this) and he can do whatever (within reason) he so desires.
Personally, I think he's hit on a "winner."
And oh yes, when I was living in South Jersey (in 70's and 80's) had a few of Geno's and Pat's. Kind of hard to choose which is better.
Give me one of each--and damn the Food Police!!!
Been a while...forgot the name.
My buddies from Father Judge had a hard and fast rule. Eat at Pat's, Genos if you felt you were tired of Pat's (but why would that ever happen?). Don't bother with any other place.
Jim's was always packed with people any time I was nearby. Obviously some people liked it. Took a bite of one of their steaks once...not the same thing.
I've got my own feelings about real pizza, bagels, knishes and bialys. Growing up in Ave. B will do that to you.
Great post-----almost like being there.
It's "WizWit!" Only one of the uninitiated would add the "cheez."
"It's "WizWit!" Only one of the uninitiated would add the "cheez.""
OK, but who cares? I'm not from Philly, so I don't really give a darn what the customs are there. It's totally unimportant to me.
I've ordered at Geno's, though, and nobody gave me any crap for being from out of town. The first time, I'm sure I ordered in some stupid way. I got my steak, though.
Next time you're in NYC, order a "regular coffee." It might not be what you wanted, though.
Every city has its regional customs. A wise city understands that not everyone is from there, though. Next time I'm in Philly, I'll stop in at Geno's and have a steak again. If I order incorrectly, and you're behind me, go ahead and crack wise. I'll ignore you, just like I ignore all rude folks. I'll get my steak, too.
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