A New West eatery is serving up some Canadian patriotism — in a sandwich.
U.S. President Donald’s Trump continued threats about Canada becoming the 51st state have prompted push-back from many Canadians. Comedian Mike Myers, wearing a Canada is not for sale T-shirt, mouthed the phrase “Elbows Up” while appearing on a recent episode of Saturday Night Live.
The phrase “elbows up” is often associated with Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who was known for using his elbows while fighting for the puck. In recent weeks, Elbows Up has become a bit of a rallying cry for Canadians opposed to Trump’s continued threats of tariffs and annexation of Canada.
The phrase has also inspired the new Elbows Up sandwich at Greens & Beans Deli in Sapperton. Knowing that the artist who decorates her chalkboard menu was coming by, Leona Green decided to create an Elbows Up sandwich at the eatery.
“We are trying to just buy Canadian, and it’s not easy,” she said. “It’s a catch phrase across the country.”
Green, who co-owns Greens & Beans with her son Matthew, called on members of the Eat New West Facebook page for suggestions on what should be in the Elbows Up sandwich. She offered a $25 gift card to the winning suggestion.
After sifting through more than 100 suggestions, Green selected the winner: turkey, Canadian bacon, lettuce, tomato and maple-mayo on toasted sourdough. The sandwich is served with a side of ketchup chips or elbow macaroni salad.
“I chose one that I always have sandwich ingredients for,” she said. “The people on Eat New West seemed to enjoy giving suggestions. Everybody was so positive.”
The response to the Elbows Up sandwich was so strong the first day it was on the menu that the deli ran out of sourdough bread.
Greens & Beans serves up a variety of sandwiches, baked goods, beverages, and homemade soups. One customer suggested Green she should have Ukrainian borscht, not Russian borscht, on the menu.
“My mom was born in Russia, and it’s her recipe. There are no beets in the borscht they make in Russia. I told him the story and that my mom is from Russia,” she said. “Maybe I’ll change it to My Mom’s Borscht or something.”
New West resident Bill Hart was among the diners at Greens & Beans on Wednesday afternoon, hoping to test out the Elbows Up sandwich.
“I think it’s awesome,” he said. “It’s what brings the community together; what we’re facing right now, with all that darkness, Leona brings the light.”
A recent poll from the Angus Reid Institute found that nine in 10 Canadians said they would vote ‘no’ to joining the United States if given the option. More than half of Canadians who responded to the survey (54 per cent) now think Trump is serious about making Canada the 51st state.
