The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

"THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN EX-COLORED MAN" IN "THREE NEGRO CLASSICS"

I HAVE ALREADY STATED THAT IN THE BASEMENT OF THE HOUSE THERE
WAS A CHINESE RESTAURANT. THE CHINAMAN WHO KEPT IT DID
AN EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD BUSINESS; FOR SHOP-SUEY WAS A
FAVOURITE DISH AMONG THE FREQUENTERS OF THE PLACE. IT IS A FOOD
THAT, SOMEHOW, HAS THE POWER OF ABSORBING ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS
THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO THE STOMACH. I HAVE HEARD MEN CLAIM
THAT THEY COULD SOBER UP ON SHOP-SUEY.

Where learned: AVON BOOKS, N.P., DISCUSS BOOKS, P. 449

Keyword(s): CHOP SUEY

Date learned: 00-00-1955

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