Laychips101

This series is an ongoing inquiry into the illustrious world of lemonade. Yours truly will embark on a journey of taste testing a variety of different lemon sugary juices and providing honest reviews of what they entail. Starting off with our first subject: Dutch Bros Lay: I admit I had been sleeping on this drink for a while. I usually get teas or coffee whenever I come here, but I was stopping by with my significant other to pick something up for my mom. I saw a friend working there and they offerred to make us a drink. Then I encouraged my partner to get a lemonade since its one of the drinks he really likes. The first sip was heaven. Perfectly sour, but not too sweet. A perfect yin and yang. The balance was nice, but after a while the flavors could've been bolder. I found the sour and sweet to not stand out after a while, making it not as consistent throughout my drinking experience. Although without a doubt, I will be back to try it again. Solid 8/10 Jay: As an avid lemonade enjoyer, I really loved Dutch Bro's take on the classic drink. It was very sweet while still being very refreshing. It also had a nice tartness to it without going overboard. Neither the sweetness nor the tartness overpowered the flavor of the lemonade itself. The drink was very well balanced. They could have went a little ligher on the ice but I could have asked for that. Honestly it was pretty shocking to get a lemonade of this quality from Dutch. Something about a coffee shop selling lemonade doesn't make me feel the most confident but they really hit it out of the park with this one. 9/10

Recently there have been major issues of social conflict within modern society. Ever since the major historical Civil Rights movements and other issues regarding racial confinement there has been such tension in America. There are many people in the United States that blindly look upon their neighbors with the help of stereotypes and ignorance. Although, they may think there are quite different from others we all actually share several interests. Thanks to the popularity of social media, pop culture, and other forms of entertainment we find that we have found ourselves quite similar to those around us. This could perhaps be the solution to this man-made social epidemic. Food is diverse. Food is universal. Recently, as you may or may not have known there has been a rivalry between two popular food chains in the United States of America. A battle of chicken sandwiches has taken effect. This all began during the late summer in August of 2019. Popeyes, a multinational chain founded in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a fast food fried chicken restaurant that has gained popularity from the allegedly recent rivalry with Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A is another fast food chicken restaurant but is more famously known for their chicken sandwiches, which has led them to become one of America’s top fast food chains. Almost everyone in the digital, modern world craves over trends especially when it comes to food, this is why the internet blew up with a controversial battle of who had the best chicken sandwich: Popeyes or Chick-fil-A. According to Chick-fil-A, they are the ones who invented the chicken sandwich. Although, Popeyes became the new kid on the block with an additional item on the menu that may have dethroned the “king” of chicken sandwiches. Comfort is significant to how a person feels in their atmosphere and just in general for that matter. Comfort makes those feel safe and like they are at home. So what is the significance of chicken sandwiches, the social-cultural, and even political environment that is surrounding those in America? These rivals between the “chicken joints” promote diversity and history without others even noticing. This is a great thing, especially because of the political nature that is floating in the American air and soil that citizens are standing above. Ever since Chick-fil-A claimed to have invented the chicken sandwich, their statement has sparked the fire of controversy and fueled a search for the authentic history behind this American loved treat. Professionals have been researching why this battle of sandwiches is such a great deal. For example, reporters such as John Eligon wrote in a New York Times article describing the connection to “black Twitter” plus a majority of additional African-American communities on social media having a key role in placing Popeyes under the spotlight. In his most recent piece of writing regarding reactions to the Popeyes chicken sandwich he states, “Black people were saying they liked the chicken not just for its taste, but also for the feelings of home cooking it evoked. It was the type of chicken they could take to a family potluck and not get a side-eye.” In another article written by Marcia Chatelain, she describes how this sandwich takes effect in nearly the same way Eligon reported it as. Online she wrote, “Popeyes capitalized on the desire of African Americans to feel at home. Founded by New Orleans businessman Al Copeland in 1972, Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits entered a field dominated by Kentucky Fried Chicken. After a few setbacks, Copeland, who was white, realized that he could make Popeyes a success by offering a more spicy take on what Colonel Sanders was offering. He branded the taste as ‘Cajun,’ and the heat in the chicken coupled with side dishes like red beans and rice enamored many black diners. In taste tests across the fast-food industry, blacks indicated that they used a variety of spices at home that drew upon the diversity of seasonings that represented the indigenous dishes of the African and Caribbean Diasporas to the United States, and they preferred a similar kick when they dined out...The new Popeyes sandwich provides a perfect example: When it debuted in August, observers noted that part of Popeyes’s success in making the chicken sandwich cool was the company’s Twitter account and its reliance on African American vernacular and slang in describing the sandwich and taking jabs at competitors. The Popeyes account suggested that Wendy’s was ‘looking thirsty’ after tweeting that they indeed sold the best sandwich. In announcing that the sandwich was returning, Popeyes told customers to ‘come through in your Sunday best’ when they visited their local outlet. Popeyes’s use of ‘y’all’ in its tweets, Mardi Gras-themed promotions and African American spokeswoman ‘Annie’ are nods to its roots in Louisiana, as well as a wink to the not-so-subtle associations between African Americans and its signature dish of fried chicken.” These written reports show the importance and magnitude of how a little, juicy piece of chicken can impact such cultures in America. When Ms. Chatelain was describing how these big fast food corporations were adapting their use of poetry and slang online to appeal to the public, which is a majority of minority, it is setting out an example of cultural appropriation. Even though this American situation can bring many misinterpretations and set many derogatory appeals to the African-American community, it can be countered. To demonstrate, these simple sandwiches are fluidly promoting diversity throughout the United States which influences those who are ignorant, especially regarding minorities.. The description of Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwich is said to have tasted like, “..it was cooked by a white woman named Sarah who grew up around black people. The flavor is definitely there, but Sarah cares about your cholesterol so she’s careful about the breading and grease content.” While the Popeyes chicken sandwich supposedly tastes like, “...it was cooked by an older black lady named Lucille that serves on the usher board and had twelve grandkids that call her ‘Madea.’ Madea don’t give a shit about your cholesterol because God’s in control. I hope this helps.” Written on a Facebook post online, Nadiyah Ali, provides a visual description of what the expected sandwiches would taste like. The rise in popularity of these Facebook post had a majority of those that came across is agree saying how her vivid description was accurate. I must say I do have to agree. I have tried both Chick-fil-A and Popeye’s forbidden fruit. My first experience with trying Chick-fil-A’s food was when I ordered one of their sandwiches. I was quite disappointed because it was almost like the chicken patty had no flavor and their breading became soggy. Another thing was their pickles were overpowering texture and taste wise, causing one bite out of their sandwich to be tangy and moist. To put into short terms it tasted like a swamp of sadness but way beyond the one from “The Neverending Story”. Compared to my experience with Popeyes it was the complete opposite. Their portion size was very balanced and did not leave me hungry after eating one full serving. Their chicken was nice, crispy, juicy, and amazingly delicious with every single bite. I had two options: spicy or regular. I was able to try both, but my personal favorite is the spicy version. Their spicy mayo was delicately spread on the inside of their lightly buttered brioche bread. It had the right amount of heat and a slight kick near the end of each bite from the sandwich. They also had crunchy and mildly juicy pickles, so they added an element that went above and beyond what I could ever imagine. To conclude this sandwich has definitely lived up to its hype from social media and I am not disappointed to say so. I am not the only one that disagrees with the phenomenal taste of these heavenly food. According to Raisa Bruner, a verified writer for Time Magazine, put in her own words, “But this sandwich, while it will be served up quickly and cheaply at just $3.99 a pop, is not at all greasy or underwhelming..First off, you need to know that the sandwich is big. It’s larger than your typical fast food burger, measuring five or more inches in diameter, with heft and height. At first glance it may not look like much, however, since it’s pretty much monochromatic; the orange-y bun, shiny and soft, blends in with the crispy golden brown exterior of the fried chicken within, while maybe a few green pickles and a smudge of sauce peeks out...Then you smell it: warm and floury (and, if you opt for the spicy version, with a hint of something more). You’ll be happy to know that although the sandwich is substantial, it’s the optimal height to bite into without difficulty. What’s most surprising was how much, well, chicken is in the chicken sandwich. You can taste not just the satisfyingly crunchy fried exterior but also the white meat within, fragrant and tender enough to bite through every time. The spicy version leaves a warm thrill behind — it’s not hot, per se, but it is noticeably warm — while the classic is sweeter, and particularly balanced by the pickles.” In conclusion, the Chick-fil-A versus Popeye’s chicken sandwich rival has introduced some quite nasty values from local Americans. This includes derogatory stereotypes that are not considered acceptable and lack of cultural appropriation. Although with this situation, it has brought more diversity and provided those least expected by society to be accepting of new traditions and culture differences. This is a possible solution to a man-made epidemic that creates an unhealthy and unaccepting environment specifically towards minorities. With the introduction of diverse foods that are valued in the United States and shared across social media, Americans across the country are found connected to one another with people who share different beliefs, values, traditions, and much more. It is important to be mindful of those who may or may not look, think, or live the same way you do. Remember, food is diverse, food is universal, and at the end of the day food is food. You can never go wrong with a pleasant, hot meal that stimulates your taste buds. Works Cited Bruner, Raisa. “Popeyes Chicken Sandwich Review: It Was Worth the Hype.” Time, Time, 5 Nov. 2019, https://time.com/5717997/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-review/. Chatelain, Marcia. “Perspective | Why Popeyes Markets Its Chicken Sandwich to African Americans.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 7 Nov. 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2019/11/07/why-popeyes-markets-its-chicken-sandwich-african-americans/. Eligon, John. “Popeyes Sandwich Strikes a Chord for African-Americans.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 5 Nov. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/dining/popeyes-chicken-sandwiches.html. Me.me, https://me.me/i/nadiyah-yesterday-at-5-19-pm-okay-let-me-break-it-238799d7a0f744af92cbe383eafc3284 Press, Associated. “FANS CHOOSE SIDES IN THE ‘CHICKEN SANDWICH WAR’ OF OUR TIME.” WWAY, WWAY, 22 Aug. 2019, www.wwaytv3.com/2019/08/22/fans-choose-sides-in-the-chicken-sandwich-war-of-our-time/. Reiley, Laura. “The Sky Is Falling for Fast Food, but Not for Chick-Fil-A. Here's Why.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 19 June 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/06/19/chick-fil-a-becomes-third-largest-restaurant-chain-us/. Sugar, Rachel. “The Many, Many Conversations about Fried Chicken Sandwiches, Explained.” Vox, Vox, 28 Aug. 2019, https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/8/28/20836936/popeyes-chick-fil-a-fried-chicken-sandwich-twitter. Watson, Stephanie. “Who Invented the Sandwich?” HowStuffWorks Science, HowStuffWorks, 8 Mar. 2018, https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/inventions/who-invented-the-sandwich.htm. Bruner, Raisa. "Https://Time.Com". Time, 2019, https://time.com/5717997/popeyes-chicken-sandwich-review/.