December 13, 2013
It was a cold and windy evening in Manhattan as I ran down to the subway from my apartment. I pulled out my metro card and headed down to catch the N-R-Q headed north, it was a nice night to head up to Times Square to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the world renowned area. But for some reason I had an urge to get off at 34th and 6th (two stops before Times Square). As I emerged on the side walk from underground substation the cold wind stung at my face and blew through my hair. I was drawn into the flow of people and the smells of New York began to envelope my senses. The first thing that hit me was the grease stench slowly seeping from a customer less food cart and the normal scent of the gum ridden sidewalks, I hurried past towards the Macy's to see the Christmas decorations, as I continued up the side walk I looked up and realized that I had reached Rockefeller Center. On my way to see the giant Christmas tree around the other side, a scent wafted across my radar.
Next thing I know I am standing in a seven person long line at a food cart known as the Halal Guys. The delicious scent awakened a hunger in me that I was not about to ignore. Plus, there is always time to try new things. After I finally got up and began to order I quickly realized that they served lamb, so I had to get a chicken only dish. I was then handed a plate of warm food steaming in the cold air the delicious scent of chicken and rice filled the air. My plate had chicken and rice with a side salad and some pita bread. The meal was so delicious I had to ask what was in it. The rice had: basmati rice, butter, and spices. The chicken: lemon juice, spices, olive oil, and boneless skinless chicken. Lastly, the white sauce had: Mayonnaise, yogurt, sugar, and lemon juice.
While in Times Square I heard a group of teens babbling about an AP World History final and the Colombian Exchange. So I decided to see what that was all about. It was the foods and culture exchanged between the old and new world. Turns out my meal had some of those shared components. In my meal from the old to new world there was: lemons, rice, butter (cows), olive oil (olives), chicken, mayonnaise (eggs/chicken), yogurt (cow), sugar (sugar cane), spices, lettuce, and pita (wheat). So basically my entire meal went old to new world across the Columbian Exchange. But overall my evening was eventful with good food and new information. But my tip of the day is don't go to a food cart without a line.
Until Next Time,
Elizabeth Gilbert
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