The plans developed Wednesday to go to New York City were tailored to address the rising gas prices, and subsequently we decided to take the train from Trenton, DJ (that's Dirty Jersey) to the Rotten Apple instead of drive the whole way. It was late afternoon Wednesday when Cory, myself, and three of Cory's Cumberland Valley soon-to-graduate friends took off for Philadelphia, where we would stay in Cory's grandpa's (PopPop's) apartment. We pulled in his jawn rather late, having stopped at Cory's brother's place at Drexel and polishing off a brew apiece and then going to Geno's, the famous cheesesteak destination. If I will ever write anything of value to my readers, it will be this next [scathing] paragraph.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME AT GENO'S! Firstly, right across the street is Pat's, the self-proclaimed 'King of Cheesesteaks.' It's not nearly as flamboyant, lacking all the brightly lit signs that give Geno's almost a Las Vegas aesthetic. Judging by the way the two different restaurants' appearances and crowds stacked up, I was inclined to think god ole Pat was losing the battle. I've always been one to cheer for the underdog, so my vote next time will surely go to Pat's (if it's still around)...but then again, this is America, and in all of it's glory, the corporations run shit...so they could be owned by the same folks and I wouldn't even know. But wait, there's more! Geno's is reputed, and perhaps even embraced, for it's xenophobic discriminatory beliefs in the name of 'patriotism.' I had to be that asshole that orders a vegetarian cheesesteak (=bun, vegetables, cheese sauce...everything but the steak) in Spanish despite the bumper stickers on the ordering window, and given free to any customer, with the message "This is America-Speak English!" Perhaps my memory doesn't serve me well, and they might have even been more specific as to say not to order there in Spanish. Regardless, I beg you, o educated reader, that I have not to explain the problem with this mentality! It's not even as if Geno were an American name-it practically screams guido! Anyway, my vegetarian sub was the same price as if it had meat on it, and Geno's only accepts cash because, according to Cory, they only report a minimal amount of sales in order to avoid taxes. Typically this is a behavior reserved for the rich, and it sure doesn't strike me as the patriotic thing said restaurant should be doing. Did I mention the sides of the establishment were lined with glass cases full of patches from different police departments? It sorely lacked a portrait of Rodney King, however. Finally, the last straw (no pun intended) and what really made me realize that Geno doesn't cherish our America as much as he would like to have people think he does is that there were no free refills! A lack of principles, kind sirs and madams, will be the downfall of this country, and these principles should start with free refills.
After our downtown adventure, our crew retreated to the suburbs to watch the Penguins' close loss and sip on some diet sodas.
Currently listening: The Black Lips' Good Bad Not Evil
3 comments:
"I've always been one to cheer for the underdog, so my vote next time will surely go to Pat's"
I advise against this. Both Pat's and Geno's are textbook examples of tourism-fueled mediocrity. The two cheesesteak joints masterfully defy their the consistent ho-hum reviews of their food by positioning themselves for as much publicity as possible. Each joint can get away with service that is rude at best, proudly displaying xenophobia that would feel right at home in a 1905 city slum. If you visit Pat's and Geno's during lunch hour, you'll see a line of customers often equipped with strollers, fanny packs, and dog-eared tourist guides. Elsewhere in the city, though, you'll find cheesesteak lines twice as long with a much different makeup of customers - ACTUAL FUCKING CITY RESIDENTS. Yes, these Illadelphians surely have some earned credibility when it comes to grabbing a bite to eat in their own city. If only the masses could follow their example: Bypass Pat's and Geno's when looking for your requisite Philly cheesesteak. Better yet, these two obnoxious loudmouth establishments should be completely ignored (this comment being the lone exception).
your input is much appreciated, brian. thanks for reading!
Good input. What specific cheesesteak establishment does resident expert Mr. Waligorski recommend, I wonder.
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