Comments on: Open Wide

By: Evelyn Herwitz

Evelyn Herwitz — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:50:35 +0000

In reply to Patricia Bizzell. Yes, I also will just take the top layer off a regular sandwich as opposed to ordering open-faced. The real question, underlying all this, is why do the sandwiches have to be so overstuffed in the first place?

By: Evelyn Herwitz

Evelyn Herwitz — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:48:55 +0000

In reply to Linda. Soup dipping seems to be a popular solution, here. I don't know why I hadn't thought of it. Thanks, Linda. And, yes, grilled cheese dipped in tomato soup sounds delicious!

By: Evelyn Herwitz

Evelyn Herwitz — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:47:41 +0000

In reply to Kaitlin Pomerantz. Hi Kaitlin! So nice to hear from you. Bialy, great suggestion. I'll have to check out Bagelsaurus. Hope all is well in Philly. :)

By: Evelyn Herwitz

Evelyn Herwitz — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:46:26 +0000

In reply to Patricia Osten. Great idea about four triangles instead of just two, Patricia. Thanks for that! I also use knife and fork for pizza, so you're not alone with that one, either. :)

By: Patricia Osten

Patricia Osten — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 15:23:40 +0000

Exactly the same here!! I’ve also given up on most restaurant sandwiches except grilled cheese. One “trick”that I use is to slice all sandwiches that I make at home on a diagonal and then slice each half again ending up with 4 triangles. I find it easier to bite into and also easier to control “spillage” of sandwich filling. Since I have very little strength, I use a serrated steak knife to hack away. I also use a knife and fork to eat pizza even though I’m not an Italian grandmother.

By: Kaitlin Pomerantz

Kaitlin Pomerantz — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Hi Evelyn – Kaitlin Pomerantz, here.
My mom had the same struggles. She became a huge fan of the bialy, relative of the bagel, for that reason. She would eat them toasted, open face, with butter or sometimes melted Muenster cheese. And sometimes dipped in soup! They are not too chewy, and light.

When I was spending my time in Mass last fall, I found an excellent bialy at Bagelsaurus on Mass Ave. And I also learned to bake them myself.

Sending my best from Philly. Thank you, as ever, for your writing!

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 14:22:46 +0000

I do have scleroderma and additional dental issues. When I eat out I usually will have half a sandwich and a cup or bowl of soup. I have been know to dunk my grilled cheese into my tomato soup which is a favorite!

By: Patricia Bizzell

Patricia Bizzell — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 13:31:16 +0000

I don’t have scleroderma–full disclosure–but I do have issues with overly thick restaurant sandwiches. They are hard to eat neatly even if you can open your mouth wide enough (and I suspect many cannot). In general, I do not order sandwiches in restaurants because I just don’t want to deal; but if tempted, I will order it open-faced. Then I have to slice through only one layer of bread to eat with a knife and fork. Sometimes I also ask for a steak knife.