SWISS ON YOUR CHEESESTEAK?

To: The Rittenhouse Review
From: Michael Villers
Date: August 19, 2003

Thanks for printing the end-of-article corrections regarding the meaning of the phrase “Whiz wit’” and how many kinds of cheeses are available at Pat’s (and Geno’s, for that matter).

But the most important “true fact” missing from reports in this more-full-of-holes-than-the-cheese-in-question attempt to undermine Sen. John F. Kerry is that Swiss cheese as an option for cheesesteaks is available at virtually any deli or corner grocery store with a grill anywhere in Philadelphia.

Pat’s and Geno’s are conveyor-belt operations designed to get through the post-bar-closing crowds as quickly as possible, so limited choices are the order of the day. But anywhere else, all you gotta’ do is ask.

And anyway, when did it become an oddity to eat Swiss cheese with beef?

Michael Villers
Philadelphia

ON DON RUSSELL & CHEESESTEAK-GATE

To: The Rittenhouse Review
From: Greg Mack
Date: August 19, 2003

I’m a Philadelphian too, and like you, I haven’t been to Pat’s or Geno’s in years, save for with the occasional client from out of town who wants to go there and doesn’t get the hint when I try to talk him out of it for an hour. [See “Cheesesteak-gate,” at The Rittenhouse Review, August 18.]

The worst part of this whole deal is the Don Russell thing. Does this idiot actually get paid?

If he’s not making a fool of himself (and the rest of Philadelphia) writing about the cheesesteak thing, he seems to be the reporter the Philadelphia Daily News assigns to do those stupid articles where he rips the city that a Philly team in playing in the playoffs, i.e. “Yeah, so the Buccaneers kicked the Eagles’ ass. At least we don’t live down there with all those mosquitos and blue hairs.” You know, stupid stuff like that.

I do like your blog, though. We don’t agree on much – if anything -- politically but I like the Philly angle and you’re a hell of a writer even though we disagree.

I agree with you that White Dog is a great restaurant. Among other things, I like it because there’s never a line for the “Republicans” bathroom.

Greg Mack
Philadelphia