“Midnite Snack”
Scallion Pancake Sandwich
Teresa: Tell us about your meal and why you chose it.
Rahel: Scallion Pancake Sandwiches. In my 20s, two of the NYC restaurants I most frequented were Vanessa’s Dumplings & M. Noodle House. The first, I loved for its bargain basement prices, the second because it was one of the better spots open at 3AM in Williamsburg and after a night of partying, there were few places that could hit the spot for under $ 10. At both establishments, the top 3 order was a sesame pancake sandwich. Carby, pickley, crunchy and meaty. Yum!
Because I LOVE anything onion, I thought of using a scallion pancake instead of sesame. They are not yeasted and fluffy like the sesame pancake. The scallion version results in a kind of layered, flaky tortilla, which I can confirm still makes a delicious vessel for your favorite proteins, vegetables and condiments. Can’t wait to share it
Teresa: Where were you born?
Rahel: Washington, DC. AKA Chocolate City AKA Our Nation's Capital AKA the Swamp
Teresa: Favorite artists/bands?
Rahel: Going by most concerts attended (3) Arctic Monkeys take up a deep mental and emotional space, as well as the top spot. They have great tracks for walking and wandering, especially when you’re in an irritable mood about a friend or lover. I also love that even during the brighter, more fun songs, the lyrics have a british sarcastic edge. In the rare moments of earnestness, the faith and positivity lies in the possibilities of the moment, holding it.
Regarding other art forms, I am continually inspired by a comrade Crystal (@msclarity83) who’s free flowing naturalistic illustrations seamlessly blend her native NYC & Carribean heritage. I also appreciate the radio/podcast artform, and recommend Blowback, which is a recent history of the Iraq War, done with extremely high production quality, and engrossing even for someone like me, who lived through it and remembers.
Teresa: What are your hobbies?
Rahel: My interests and lifestyle are geared towards one goal: pushing for policies that distribute my community's resources more equitably. Out of the many ways to achieve this goal, I primarily concern myself with sharing accessible political education and creating avenues for people with similar political goals to do that work through crafting, cooking, service work and street actions which usually aim to embarrass or shame political leaders when they sell out their constituents.
One day, I will get back to reading books or watching slow, black and white films, instead of rewatching episodes of Real Housewives of Atlanta.
