R.I.P., Joey Vento, and I Say That in English
Salt of the Earth was Joey Vento, owner of Geno’s steaks in South Philly. If you don’t know him, and I’m sure some of you do, then let me introduce you to a great and patriotic American.
But first a little about South Philly and cheese steaks. At the intersection of 9th and Passyunk Avenue you will find two cheese steak stands – Pat’s and Geno’s. I worked at a law firm in Philly back in the 1980s and I will pledge my allegiance to Pat’s, although I don’t know why. The steaks at both are great.
To order a cheese steak in Philly is a local form of art with VERY strict rules, which when violated, will earn you the social opprobrium of a leper in medieval times. First you say how many you want. Then you say “whiz” if want cheese whiz. Then you say “with” or “without” if you want fried onions or not. Your order might be “two whiz with.”
Don’t you dare say another word, either. These guys can each sell over 4,000 steaks a day, so you’d better keep the line moving.
Joey Vento was pure charm. Sure I cringed at his giant gold medallion, a target for stereotyping him as a “wop” or a “dago.” But to hear Joey speak, you just knew that this guy was American as apple pie.
Joey became a political figure on two issues. First, he was a great supporter of the family of slain police officer Daniel Faulkner, killed by Mumia Abu-Jamal. While the news focused on Mumia’s Hollyweird supporters and academic nincompoops calling for the killer’s freedom, there was Joe Vento, organizing fundraisers for Faulkner’s family.
The next issue was actually fun (I guess I say that because it turned out well - at first it was an outrage). Philadelphia’s Human Relations Commission (existing because we humans can’t handle our relations) brought charges against Joey Vento for hanging this sign in Geno’s asking patrons to order in English.
It became really hot news and Joey Vento beat them at the eventual hearing. English was saved!
Joey personified the intense love Americans of Italian descent from his generation felt for America. It is that love you see in places like the Knights of Columbus or even the Sons of Italy, where to call yourself anything but an American is frowned upon. It is always America first with those guys.
It is that love of country that caused 1.2 million Americans of Italian ancestry to serve in World War II, about 11% of our total fighting force. They didn’t give a damn that we were fighting Italy, either. Nor were there great cries about the Italian Internment. They kicked in.
I weep when I think of how the Italian Diaspora has transformed from Italians who loved being American first, to Americans who love being Italian first, like “The Situation” from MTV. Someone shoot me if I have to be represented in pop culture by guys like that instead of Joey.
Joey Vento, you were a great man, a great capitalist and a wonderful representative of American values. I salute you with your own words:
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Jun '10
Re: R.I.P., Joey Vento, and I Say That in English
I don't know how authentic the Philly cheesesteaks I get out West are, but even if they're only imitations they're dang good.
God bless Mr. Vento, and all the other great men and women of his generation. RIP
Edited on Aug 25, 2011 at 12:52pmMar '11
Re: R.I.P., Joey Vento, and I Say That in English
I can't say I ever sampled Mr. Vento's variety, but I remember many cheese-steak runs from St. Joe's to the old Larry's across from Overbrook High. It was said that sweat from the brow of Sylvester, the grill man, was the secret to the great taste.
Jan '11
Re: R.I.P., Joey Vento, and I Say That in English
Ah, they don't make them like this guy anymore - a real Philly guy. And he knew how to market his product. Pat's & Geno's are right across the street from each other, and their "competition" drives up the sales for both.
I'm definitely a Geno's man. I grew up not far from South Philly, and back in the early 1980s I could stop by 9th and Passyunk on my way downtown. It's tough to get there now. Their business is huge. It's almost like a little theme park in the middle of the neighborhood. If you're a people-watcher, it's a lot of fun.
Sad to see him go. Anima eius et animae omnium fidelium defunctorum per Dei misericordiam requiescant in pace.
May '10
Re: R.I.P., Joey Vento, and I Say That in English
Thanks... as someone who doesn't like cheesesteaks and rarely meets anyone of Italian ancestry.
Jun '11
Re: R.I.P., Joey Vento, and I Say That in English
the original Tea Partier.
He hung that sign before Rick S. did his rant.