"No Wiz Widout for you!"
Posted on 06/14/2006 6:59:22 AM PDT by hipaatwo
Business is brisk at Geno's Steaks.
Supporters and the curious are flocking like pilgrims to see signs at the cheesesteak emporium that read: "This is AMERICA ... WHEN ORDERING, 'SPEAK ENGLISH.' "
The small, laminated placards, tucked unobtrusively near the takeout window, have ignited a nationwide firestorm of debate about English, immigration and free speech. And, neighborhood gossip has it, they have done a better job at attracting customers than the store's Las Vegas-style neon lights ever did.
(snip)
Whether or not Vento accurately understands Latino attitudes on English, his signs have hit a nerve. They have spawned fans, including the man wearing a "Welcome to America. Now Speak English!" T-shirt while in line at Geno's during lunch yesterday.
(snip)
The suggestion that Vento should take down his placards sparked 700 e-mails - most from Texas, Montana, and other states ill-versed in the lingo of "Whiz wit' " and "Whiz wit' out" - to Councilman Jim Kenney, who on Thursday sent a letter to Geno's owner.
"I've been cursed out in some colorful language," Kenney, a Democrat, said yesterday. "It does reinforce that I'm on the right side. ... The redder the state, the worse it is."
Kenney said most of the 75 e-mails from Philadelphia expressed support for his position: that the signs do a disservice to the city and its effort to attract tourists. However, he said, he thinks the complaint by the Human Relations Commission is ill-advised.
"One, I think they're going to lose," Kenney said. "Two, it gives Geno's more publicity and makes them dig their heels in more."
"For this "Commission" to demand that a private business abide by its code of political correctness is fascist on the face of it."
Dean on correct. But Leftist Facism is in vogue right now.
I am surprised that this is even an issue. Last night I was at an Indian Casino. I was reading the large sign for the rules of the poker room. It said "English only" at the tables. Why isn't anyone raising a stink about that?
I am 800 miles away in St. Louis.
Genos does not FedEx cheesesteaks.
You sir, are evil.
"No Wiz Widout for you!"
For real! Hunger would be a good incentive to learn to speak enough of the language to order something to eat!
Really? That's very interesting. You weren't at one of the Connecticut casinos were you? I haven't been to either Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun in a long time, but the next time I go, I'll look for "English only" signs...
Yes, with/without is grilled onions.
The stated reason for using Cheez Wiz is that the customer can't tell if the cheesesteak has been sitting on the counter for a while. So I've never had one with Cheez Wiz. My choice is provolone FWIW. It's pretty common and I've never been accused of being from Neptune.
There are plenty of good cheesesteak places in Philly. It's not like trying to recommend a good sushi joint, and there might be general agreement about a half dozen. There are so many pizza & cheesesteak places in Philly that many places you can see one from another.
No, I live in Oklahoma now.
At the same time, no one should lift a hand to help him. Banish Geno's from the visitor's guides and tourism promotions.
What a glorious day that would be when businesses are able to make that kind of deal. That writer has no idea that the fully-integrated partnership of business and government that he takes for granted has a name -- fascism.
I'm offended that Councilman Jim Kenney doesn't make all of his public statements in English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Swedish and Arabic. He's not being 'inclusive' and 'sensitive' to our 'migrant community'. This is a huge blow to my 'self esteem' and I think its 'racist' and I demand a taxpayer funded 'grief counselor'.
I'm going to sue him!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's friggin' sweeeeeeeeet....
The ingredients are simple, exacting and never greasy thinly sliced rib-eye steak, melted cheese, oven-fresh baked bread and delicately grilled onions. Awaiting your piping hot sandwich on the counter outside are ketchup, mustard, relish and Joe's choice hot sauce.
A Word of Warning!
Be prepared and know how to order, because the service is fast and the line keeps moving. For example, on a cheese steak with onions specify which kind of cheese you'd like (Provolone, American or Cheese Whiz). By the time you have given your order, your money will be taken and your sandwich will be out the window nice and hot! At the next window you can pick up your soda, fries and coffee. Geno's is open 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a week.
So far, provolone is the only actual CHEESE appearing in this thread.
Cheez Whiz is by no definition cheese, and it's a stretch to call American cheese cheese.
Now, a good extra-sharp Cheddar, or some Cahill's Porter, or even a nice Red Dragon . . . that's cheese!
In 1910 my family came to this country legally. The first command my Great great grandfather gave his family about the morve. Before they even started packing was learn and only speak english. Period.
wiz wit
Yes but - take for example Velveeta, another maligned product that is really good for say, omelets. And, it probably keeps forever. Gouda is better, but it's Not Fair (tm) to malign a good ersatz product when no pretensions are implied. A good sandwich is a work of art, and I bet Geno's has it down.
I will stipulate to Velveeta's usefulness for both omelets and mac 'n' cheese.
Real Cheddar won't melt like Velveeta - it clumps, and you have naked pasta and irregular cheese balls, and I think we all know how awful THAT can be. ;)
Italian food is heaven. And the women ain't bad either.
WEB SITE CONTAINING ENTIRE PHILADELPHIA CITY COUNCIL EMAIL AND FAX NUMBERS
http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:QSYF_-TQErIJ:tfk.grassroots.com/Philadelphia/citycouncillist/
Hey, guys, this is Joe Vento himself, manning Geno's
cheese steak grill (captured by monkapotamus--thanks, monk).
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