As the election heats up, Donald Trump and his supporters have continued to offend Muslims and Mexicans. But at a deli in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Mexicans and Muslims have come together to serve up the best revenge: a Trump sandwich.
A sign outside Olive Leaf Gourmet went up recently to advertise the new special, and passersby soon took note.
https://twitter.com/tamakloeee/status/773303334300217344
A closer look reveals that the sandwich is “white bread, full of baloney, with Russian dressing, a small pickle, and American cheese, served by a Mexican or Muslim.” (Note: the last word of the sign was smudged on the day we visited.)
Nayomi Reghay
According to DNA Info, the sandwich started as a joke between store owner Omar Mubarez and workers Bassam Mubarez and Alfonso Guerrero.
“Originally, we also wanted to put it on a plate surrounded by Mexican tortillas,” Omar Mubarez told DNA Info.
Mubarez added that he was inspired by a Trump sandwich sign he saw online. He was so amused that he decided to make his own, but with a twist.
https://twitter.com/italianagypsy/status/770291840482471937
The sign that inspired Mubarez lacked white American cheese. Mubarez also added the excellent punchline promise of a Mexican or Muslim server.
As a Bed-Stuy local, after learning about Olive Leaf Gourmet’s special, I knew I had to go see the creation myself.
When I arrived on Thursday, the shop was fairly busy. “I’m here to try your sandwich,” I said, and Bassam, who goes by Sam, chuckled from behind the register. “Everyone is coming,” he told me. “We have TV stations coming!”
While an employee named Eric worked on my sandwich behind the counter, I waited nervously. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d consumed a whole baloney sandwich, and Eric was slicing away generously. Soon, the fully-loaded sandwich was complete, and he handed it to me with a smile.
Nayomi Reghay
I asked Eric where he was from and he said, “Mexico,” as if the question was absurd. Hadn’t I read the sign?
“Oh,” I said. “What do you think of Trump?”
Eric shrugged and said politely, “He’s alright.”
“Are you going to vote for him?” Again Eric gave me a look of disbelief. He shook his head, “No.”
“Why not?” I asked.
“I don’t like him,” said Eric.
I thanked him and approached Sam to pay. Sam was cheerful and wished me a good day. But as soon as I exited the store I felt my stomach lurch. What was I in for?
Upon opening the sandwich I discovered that, much like its namesake, the meat stack was bizarrely appealing and oddly decadent. The helping of baloney was yuge, the crisp pickle peeked out alluringly, and the Russian dressing glistened in the afternoon sun.
Nayomi Reghay
And it had only cost me six dollars! A steal considering New York prices.
The first bites went down easy. It’s a true junk-food sandwich, with nothing but processed ingredients. As I chewed, my tastebuds savored the carefree flavor of nutrient-free food! The less nutrients, the better! And the tiny pickles were delicious!
Halfway through the first half, however, a wave of nausea hit me. My body was registering what I was ingesting. I dutifully finished the first half but found that I could eat no more. I placed the rest of it in my bag.
Later in the evening, I returned to the remaining sandwich half.
After a few hours in my backpack, the sandwich had lost its luster. The Russian dressing had seeped into the white bread, the cheese had softened. The whole thing looked slimier and more like its orange namesake.
Nayomi Reghay
I considered throwing it away—I’d just trash it and erase it from my memory. But I quickly realized that, much like a Trump presidency, the sandwich could not simply be erased. I had chosen the sandwich, and now it was mine. I was stuck with it. I knew what I had to do.
As I chewed and swallowed the second half of my sandwich, I imagined eating nothing but this for four years straight.
Ultimately the sandwich taught me two valuable lessons: Revenge is a dish best served fresh. And Trump is best in small doses.
Olive Leaf Gourmet is located at 301 Halsey St in Brooklyn, NY. The Trump Sandwich is $6, and the special is ongoing.
H/T DNA Info
