Perhaps this means you’ve been called to spread the good news of the St. Paul Sandwich to other states…
You’re absolutely right, and it’s exactly why I’m here preaching! I don’t yet preach the gospel of St. Paul (the sandwich) to every single person I meet, but I’m working up to it.
I think what’s so maddening about the situation is that you can get egg foo young at nearly every Chinese take-out joint in the US, but only in Missouri are they willing to slap it on some cheap white bread for you. The best part is, it’s an incredibly cheap meal, that isn’t completely bereft of nutrition. When I lived in Missouri you could get a St. Paul sandwich for like… $2. It was always one of the cheapest things on the menu, and it saved my then-broke, kitchen-less ass more than once!
These days I just take the necessary ingredients to the restaurant with me, order the egg foo young, then assemble the sandwich right there on the takeout counter, while maintaining eye contact with the nearest employee. I think they’re getting the message.
I’ve definitely considered opening a St. Paul Sandwich food truck or street-cart, but I do worry that it’s not my place to do so. People often catch flak for “cultural appropriation” these days, and I don’t want to offend, or be persecuted, as a white man selling a Chinese-American specialty.
Plus I’d have to give up my day job and take a big leap of faith. Now, I’ve never introduced the sandwich to anyone who didn’t end up enjoying it, once they tried it, but I’m just not confident enough that it would take off. Maybe I should just do it on weekends to test the waters?
Maybe I should just do it on weekends to test the waters?
That sounds like a great idea. Definitely don’t just quit your job without testing the idea first. Start cheap and small, and if there is enough demand, you can always upsize later.
You’re absolutely right, and it’s exactly why I’m here preaching! I don’t yet preach the gospel of St. Paul (the sandwich) to every single person I meet, but I’m working up to it.
I think what’s so maddening about the situation is that you can get egg foo young at nearly every Chinese take-out joint in the US, but only in Missouri are they willing to slap it on some cheap white bread for you. The best part is, it’s an incredibly cheap meal, that isn’t completely bereft of nutrition. When I lived in Missouri you could get a St. Paul sandwich for like… $2. It was always one of the cheapest things on the menu, and it saved my then-broke, kitchen-less ass more than once!
These days I just take the necessary ingredients to the restaurant with me, order the egg foo young, then assemble the sandwich right there on the takeout counter, while maintaining eye contact with the nearest employee. I think they’re getting the message.
Have you considered opening a food stand and selling them? Perhaps others would enjoy them too, and be willing to pay you for that. I would.
I’ve definitely considered opening a St. Paul Sandwich food truck or street-cart, but I do worry that it’s not my place to do so. People often catch flak for “cultural appropriation” these days, and I don’t want to offend, or be persecuted, as a white man selling a Chinese-American specialty.
Plus I’d have to give up my day job and take a big leap of faith. Now, I’ve never introduced the sandwich to anyone who didn’t end up enjoying it, once they tried it, but I’m just not confident enough that it would take off. Maybe I should just do it on weekends to test the waters?
That sounds like a great idea. Definitely don’t just quit your job without testing the idea first. Start cheap and small, and if there is enough demand, you can always upsize later.