From Seven to Eleven

Growing up in Philly you learn that you need to pick your preferences pretty early in life. Pat's or Gino's, wiz or provolone, whipped or dry, and finally WaWa or 7-11. Now, I always liked WaWa. With better hours, prices, and selection it seemed like a no brainer. Both of the chains which scatter most of the places I have traveled have provided me with a delicious late night snack at a moments notice. Well have no fear 7-11 has infiltrated the international market. I knew they were big, but boy does Asia love this little place, not to mention that you can pay for everything with the nifty little octopus card I spoke of in my previous post, which makes purchases amazingly easy. In Hong Kong alone there are 800 7-11's. The only reason I know this useless fact is actually quite interesting. The exchange student contact person from the university has managed to visit each and every store cataloging them on his web. http://www.lorencio.us/ Quite a task. Anywho, I haven't recognized any of the products on the shelves as being even remotely similar to the ones in America, but there are plenty of options to choose from. It has been great experimenting with this new form of fast food. I have become particularly affiliated with one of the sandwiches which they offer. The Tuna & Egg Mayonnaise Sandwich. This fusion of two of my favorite foods was a shock to me. After trying it I fell in love and it makes logical sense why wouldn't this sandwich taste good,both items have mayo in them and we always have tuna and egg salad in platters at picnics and BBQs. I must say however, that there is a down side to this sandwich and most like it in Asia. There is no crust. I'm sure half the people reading this right now are so excited that the sandwiches here have been de-crusted(its a word) even de-crusted loaves. I, on the other, hand love crust and wish the two nicely packaged triangles of this delicious sandwich would come with a bit of crust on them. Maybe in the future. Either way, with 800 7-11s at my fingertips I get to eat quite a few of these sandwiches a week something I will miss when I move back home, but have no fear I will be opening a tuna and egg mayonnaise chain along the eastern sea board in the fall called "Whats Not To Love". At school they also have a bedazzling dish that I get regularly for a great bargain a potato and egg salad. Again two wonderful items mashed together to form a great little tray of filling food. I will be opening another chain of potato and egg salad chain of restaurants along the west coast called "What More Can I Say". Stay tuned for more posts on both Thailand and Hong Kong.