The Big Apple:

An etymological dictionary

Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.

Green Jade Chicken

"Green Jade" is a vegetarian dish of broccoli, string beans and snow peas. When chicken is added, the dish becomes "Green Jade Chicken." "Green Jade Chicken Szechuan Style…

New York’s Brightest (teachers)

New York has the Finest (police), Bravest (fire), Strongest (sanitation), and Boldest (corrections). Other, similar nicknames are less established. "Join New York's Brightest -- Teach…

Green Jade Scallops

"Green Jade" is a vegetarian dish of broccoli, string beans and snow peas. When scallops added, the dish becomes "Green Jade Scallops." The Chinese-American restaurant dish of…

Wonton Egg Drop Soup

"Wonton egg drop soup" adds together wontons (as in wonton soup) and egg drop soup. It's not known who first thought of the combination, but it began appearing on Chinese-American…

Grilled Pizza

Entry in progress -- B.P. Al Forno Restaurant (Providence, RI)Al Forno Restaurant opened on January 2, 1980. Chef-owners Johanne Killeen & George Germon bring simple renditions of food rooted…

“Best friends pho-ever”

"Best friends pho-ever" is a food pun on the saying "best friends forever" that has been printed on many images, especially T-shirts. "bfp means best friends pho-ever…