For those of you who have knowledge of Philly cheesesteaks, you know there’s a specific way to order.
“One wiz wit.”
Pretty simple, right?
Basically, that comes down to a steak, with Cheez Wiz (duh!) and “wit” onions. It’s the best way to have a steak, I always said. But it’s also the way to order.
The first… without knowing about the secret society.
You don’t go up to the window at Geno’s or Pat’s or one of many other steak places in Philly and say something along the lines of “Hello, my good man. I’d like a cheesesteak, preferably with Cheez Wiz, as well as adding some of those delicious grilled onions you have back there!”
It just doesn’t work.
Turns out, it’s that way other places, too.
On the trip to California this past weekend, a stop at In-N-Out was a must. After all, I’ve heard all about it from West Coast friends and from others who have been there. It was time to try it.
The second … animal style — after knowing all about the secret society!
The flight time worked out extremely well as we landed right near lunch time and we couldn’t check into the hotel yet. And, well, there was an In-N-Out a couple of miles from the hotel, so …
Duh.
A burger. Some fries. It all worked out well. The problem was, apparently, it wasn’t done correctly. There’s a secret (well, apparently not-so-secret) menu that those on the “inside” know all about. Well, damn.
I posted a photo on Instagram and other social media. I didn’t do it all right, so I was told. Another stop was going to have to happen.
The second time happened toward San Diego and we were with somebody “in the know.” He ordered up and it almost sounded like it was in a secret tongue. I was waiting for him to be welcomed as a brother of the secret society. A secret handshake had to happen, right? Or at least some crazy sound that only those on the “inside” know?
Right?
Apparently not.
But we learned enough to order. It was all about animal style on the burger and the fries. I felt like I had stepped up my In-N-Out game. The burgers were delish. The fries – with cheese and the sauce and everything else that makes them so much more than … just fries – were excellent. And the satisfaction of knowing we made it into some secret place makes it even better.
Now to learn the handshake…
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Can you hear that laughter all the way from the other coast? Great story of a great time that was had in the best burger place on the west coast, bar none. Glad I was there to help you get “in the know.” Although it was still entertaining to watch the counter guy as he took your order. My counter girl didn’t bat an eyelash.
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I have some friends back here who know the secrets, too, and seem to think it’s funny I didn’t know. Alas, I know some of the secrets now … so should I ever return, I’ll be more ready.