11.23.08 -- 杂碎 -- the Acrostic

ACROSTIC, Puzzle by Emily Cox & Henry Rathvon, edited by Will Shortz
A synopsis on the Barnes & Noble site for “Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food” by Jennifer 8 Lee, the source of today’s quotation, reads “If you think McDonald's is the most ubiquitous restaurant experience in America, consider that there are more Chinese restaurants in America than McDonalds, Burger Kings, and Wendys combined. New York Times reporter and Chinese-American (or American-born Chinese). In her search, Jennifer 8 Lee traces the history of Chinese-American experience through the lens of the food. In a compelling blend of sociology and history, Jenny Lee exposes the indentured servitude Chinese restaurants expect from illegal immigrant chefs, investigates the relationship between Jews and Chinese food, and weaves a personal narrative about her own relationship with Chinese food. The Fortune Cookie Chronicles speaks to the immigrant experience as a whole, and the way it has shaped our country.”
The quotation: CHOP SUEY IS THE GREATEST CULINARY PRANK ONE CULTURE HAS EVER PLAYED ON ANOTHER EVEN ITS NAME IS AN INSIDE JOKE WHAT AMERICANS ONCE BELIEVED TO BE THE NATIONAL DISH OF CHINA TRANSLATES TO ODDS AND ENDS IN CANTONESE
The author’s name and the title of the work: LEE FORTUNE COOKIE CHRONICLES
The defined words: LITCHI (A. Nutlike Far Eastern fruit); ENJOY (B. Word from a server to a diner); ELEVATED (C. Taken to another plane); FROST (D. “After Apple-Picking” poet); ORIENT (E. Pearl of extraordinary luster); REEDY (F. Like Lincoln’s voice, per his biographers); TENS (G. King beaters in pinochle); USAINBOLT (H. Aptly surnamed man of speed [2 wds]); I. “All NATURE is but art, unknown to thee” (Pope); EASYASPIE (J. Not at all challenging [3 wds]); CHOPSTICKS (K. Piece typically executed with indexes); OVERDOIT (L. Go too far [2 wds]); OATES (M. Author of the 2008 collection “Wild Nights!”); KNEADED (N. Like dough and some tired muscles); INNOCENT (O. Person free of sin; simpleton); EMPATH (P. One who knows how you feel); CUMBIA (Q. Traditional dance music of Colombia); HAVANA (R. Capital founded by conquistadors around 1515); RAWDEAL (S. Unfair price for sushi? [2 wds]); ODEON (T. Ancient Greek theater); NONSENSE (U. A lot of hooey); ISLAND (V. Feature of some modern kitchens); CHEERS (W. Where Sam served Norm); LUTHERAN (X. Like many believers in Lake Wobegon); ETHNIC (Y. Like Italian or Thai food); SHENANIGANS (Z. Monkeyshines).
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1 comment:

Leon said...

Thanks for the write-up.

Frost's poem is a good one.

EMPATH was easy because of a classic Star Trek.