I never see much of anywhere I go, just hotels, airports and anything along the side of the roads I drive. But this time I actually took 30 minutes to soak up a little local culture. Courtesy of the Phillies midday playoff game I hit some traffic on my way back through Philly and so I diverted for some lunch. A quick scan of cheese steak places in Philly on my Blackberry led me to the original Pat’s Steaks and conveniently right across the street, the well known Geno’s. So into the big Philly debate I wandered, Pat’s or Geno’s?
As I pondered my plight I realized I hadn’t eaten much for breakfast, so I manned up and decided to do both. Yes indeed, when faced with a culinary dilemma I decided to have it all. First to Pat’s, hey it’s the original. Luckily Pat’s makes it easy order by publishing the proper etiquette for ordering and eating on street corner in Philadelphia. Their very wise author penned the following instructions:
One steak ordered, “Extra Cheese With”. Not a bad steak, see below. In true Philly form, Whiz and all. I think my ordering style gave me away as a bit of a New Yorker, but the guy in the window didn’t call me out on it. At the condiments station they have all the classics, plus a little pizza/chili looking sauce and a fine selection of very hot peppers. I passed on it all and went for the steak straight up so I wouldn’t dilute what they prepared in less time than it took the guy to give me my change (he actually handed me my sandwich before my change). No heat lamps here. Kind of like the In and Out of the East, you want the beef or the beef. You even have to go to another window to buy a drink and fries if you want them. First window is steaks only.
Following this master piece of fine dining I stopped for a little historical visit to learn about cheese steaks. I was not surprised to see that the cheese steak, like pizza, is another fine Italian designed fast food. A couple of nice Italian boys invented the cheese steak in 1930. To commemorate this there is a sign that tells the story, just like the one near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Obviously, very similar in historic importance to this country. Please note the copy for the sign is also written by another fine Italian. Any question about the part of town I was in?
One down and one to go. So off to Geno’s I go, roughly 15 yards away, so no time to work off the first steak. This time I go “provolone with”. I know you won’t believe this, but actually different. See below. What were the differences? Well, the rolls were different as were the spices. Good “Italian bread tasting” roll from New York at Pat’s, still good but a little more “Philly pretzel tasting” roll at Geno’s. Spices on the meat a little different. Obviously the cheese was different, but I created that difference. I got about a 10 year allotment of Cheese Whiz on the first steak (is there actually any cheese in Cheese Whiz?) and there wasn’t a cardiologist around so I played it safe on steak number 2. Final difference, it took Geno’s about 30 seconds longer to get me my sandwich. Customer service is everything at these establishments.
And within 30 minutes my fine dining experience was complete. Nothing beats a metal bench and table in 60 degree weather with winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour. Not good for keeping track of the napkins. A good local experience “sandwiched” into another mind-numbing business trip. Of course it would have been better if I could have split my steaks with Lisa and fed Bella the extra beef and bread. Sorry Siena, there was nothing good for you here. One more side note on Philadelphia, it must have the highest sports team paraphernalia sales of any city in the US. Eagles, Phillies and Flyers gear on just about everyone. As a die-hard NY team fan it was a difficult sight.
So wouldn’t it be great if the story just ended there? Well I guess the over-sized lunch was meant to be. Got to the airport and my flight was delayed and I would miss my connection in Houston. Luckily the last direct flight to LAX on United wasn’t full, so I was able to land a great middle seat for the 6 hour trip home (yes, head winds all the way) followed by the extended car ride (thankfully my family loves me and are willing to hike it up to LA to bring me home). So, no food and a long trip, but hey I am not hungry anyway.
So, you vote, Pat's or Geno's?
