The subject of Chinese food came up when talking to a Jewish friend today. We were talking about his standing reservation with his local Chinese restaurant for dinner on Christmas day. He does not have to call, they just know they will show up. They happens to be the members of his temple. He shoots out an email invitation and they all come. It's not an e-vite, but just a simple email stating they will meet at 6pm. They know where to go.
Mental Floss has an article on the history of Jews and Chinese food: http://mentalfloss.com/article/521724/fascinating-history-behind-why-jewish-families-eat-chinese-food-christmas
That reminds me of Chop Suey, Egg Foo Young, Chinese Chicken Salad and Panda Express. Every time I pass a Panda Express, I think of my daughter in law. Her family has deep roots in Taiwan. She was born a Texan, but both her parents are from Taiwan. Every time I mention Panda Express as a destination, she has a fit. For some reason, she does not consider it Chinese. I consider it decent food after 9pm when everything else is closed. OK, I admit their soy sauce is suspect, but rice and noodles as fast food? In Torrance? Come to think of it, I don't remember seeing one in Alhambra.
I was originally going to take a photo at a Panda Express at each city we visit across the country and send it to her, but thought better of ticking off the mother of my Grand kids. So Panda remains in the category of Chop Suey, Egg Foo Young, Chinese Chicken Salad, Pakkai, and other terms that sound Chinese, but are truly Americanized characterizations. I'm getting hungry and may need to sneak out to visit PE before they come to town.
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