I'll admit it, I do not think there is any chance that I will ever be a gourmet. I enjoy food a lot, for sure, and I think I even have a relatively aware sense of taste. The problem is that I am not nearly particular enough. I am too easy to please. A bad burger, is still a burger to me. I'll still eat it and be happy. I am not discriminatory in what I eat. I mean, one of my favorite meals is still corn dogs and french fries (or tater tots) (and covered in cheese). And while I am still weary of eating, say, ANYTHING listed here, doesn't mean I probably wouldn't try a bite or two. I'm a food slut, giving up taste space to anything that wants in. And I'll enjoy it.
And at the same time, as I am growing older, I find my fundamental preferences changing, in both broadening and narrowing aspects. I was quite particular about certain things, from hating mayonnaise on my sandwich to craving hot dogs. Now, if the waitress leaves a dab on my turkey club or only thai food is available, I just roll with it. At the same time, I can no longer eat an entire package of oreos in one sitting anymore nor do I quite enjoy pixie stix as much.
For the life of me, I still cannot appreciate a fine wine. But I can discern between at least 3 qualities of vodka. I prefer wheat beers and tend to avoid porters. But cannot enjoy a scotch older than me like I should.
We'll see where life takes me, but for now I think I am content enjoying the simple pleasures that foods give me, in any form.
Sorry Moliere, I live to eat.
Read More......
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A summary of things I probably will never get around to mentioning:
Office Party at Amber
Brunch at Cafe Orlin
Brunch at Beast
Black Bean Taco pizza at Vinny's after Brooklyn Brewery(?)
Chavella's taco delivery
Boston Market Feast with Timbits
July 4th cookout
TNBC meeting at The Smith
Reliving freshman year, eating at Kimmel
and countless other events.
If all three of you readers have any interest in my insights into any of these things, leave a note and maybe I'll get around to it. Otherwise, I have a lot more food to eat. Read More......
Office Party at Amber
Brunch at Cafe Orlin
Brunch at Beast
Black Bean Taco pizza at Vinny's after Brooklyn Brewery(?)
Chavella's taco delivery
Boston Market Feast with Timbits
July 4th cookout
TNBC meeting at The Smith
Reliving freshman year, eating at Kimmel
and countless other events.
If all three of you readers have any interest in my insights into any of these things, leave a note and maybe I'll get around to it. Otherwise, I have a lot more food to eat. Read More......
A Bar of One's Own
Last night was a belated housewarming party of sorts for us here out in Crown Heights and I would venture to say that it was a successful event. We had a little pre party dinner, with dinner from Udom Thai, a thai delivery place I found using teh intarwebz. But that was really just a footnote (alongside deliveries of A Slice of Brooklyn and Dominoes).
The real gem of mention is Tavern on Nostrand, a bar around the corner from our little apartment. We stopped in on this place the morning (or afternoon) after, for a quaint little brunch.
I cannot help but feel that our delivery thai suffered from food not designed to travel that far from the restaurant. I had the Udom Basil Chicken and while it was fine, it came in a plastic container drowned in its own juices. Steaming and slightly limping. It did pack a reasonable spice and the prices were fair. The spring rolls did stay crisp which was clutch, and the sweet spicy dipping glaze they were packaged with was a pleasant treat. It is my opinion that I should probably visit, sit down, and dine in the actual restaurant to make a more informed opinion of the food overall. In retrospect, I also wish I had ordered a noodle dish (just because noodles are awesome).
But really why I wanted to write was because of Tavern on Nostrand. Having just moved from PCV, being near several Irish and Sports Bars (my favorites, obviously being MJ Armstrong's and Prof. Thom's) I was glad to see a bar nearby.
After talking about visiting it for several days, we finally made plans to visit it after the party and Kyle, Evan, Melanie, and I had a throughly enjoyable experience.
The dining area was surprisingly well set up, linen tableclothes and napkins, fresh salt and pepper grinders, and a quaint menu. I had a 3 egg omelet with tomatoes, onions, and cheddar, with bacon, home fries, toast, and a mimosa. A nice midday brunch, indeed. The waitress was kind, if a bit overworked (nearly forgot Evan's bacon), and even the owner introduced himself. He seems like a guy who likes running a bar. Anyways, they both made sure that we had everything we needed, from hot sauce to more coffee. They really wanted to promote a loyal clientele, and showed us a dinner menu and talked of the night's specials. And truly, it seemed like a place where I would feel welcome coming back to on a regular basis.
Indeed, I am excited to drink beers and eat burgers only just around the corner from my apartment. Crown Heights, in my opinion, just got a touch brighter.
Read More......
The real gem of mention is Tavern on Nostrand, a bar around the corner from our little apartment. We stopped in on this place the morning (or afternoon) after, for a quaint little brunch.
I cannot help but feel that our delivery thai suffered from food not designed to travel that far from the restaurant. I had the Udom Basil Chicken and while it was fine, it came in a plastic container drowned in its own juices. Steaming and slightly limping. It did pack a reasonable spice and the prices were fair. The spring rolls did stay crisp which was clutch, and the sweet spicy dipping glaze they were packaged with was a pleasant treat. It is my opinion that I should probably visit, sit down, and dine in the actual restaurant to make a more informed opinion of the food overall. In retrospect, I also wish I had ordered a noodle dish (just because noodles are awesome).
But really why I wanted to write was because of Tavern on Nostrand. Having just moved from PCV, being near several Irish and Sports Bars (my favorites, obviously being MJ Armstrong's and Prof. Thom's) I was glad to see a bar nearby.
After talking about visiting it for several days, we finally made plans to visit it after the party and Kyle, Evan, Melanie, and I had a throughly enjoyable experience.
The dining area was surprisingly well set up, linen tableclothes and napkins, fresh salt and pepper grinders, and a quaint menu. I had a 3 egg omelet with tomatoes, onions, and cheddar, with bacon, home fries, toast, and a mimosa. A nice midday brunch, indeed. The waitress was kind, if a bit overworked (nearly forgot Evan's bacon), and even the owner introduced himself. He seems like a guy who likes running a bar. Anyways, they both made sure that we had everything we needed, from hot sauce to more coffee. They really wanted to promote a loyal clientele, and showed us a dinner menu and talked of the night's specials. And truly, it seemed like a place where I would feel welcome coming back to on a regular basis.
Indeed, I am excited to drink beers and eat burgers only just around the corner from my apartment. Crown Heights, in my opinion, just got a touch brighter.
Read More......
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Taste tripping party
I know I have been slacking lately in my blogging duties, and all two of you readers have been missing out. It's no excuse, but I've been recently hired and been working for the NYU School of Medicine as a cardiothoracic surgeon. Just kidding, I'm a cardiothoracic research technician. It's less exciting than it sounds but it's good to know I have a job.
So I've been griping about waking up early and commuting and then just lazing about when not in actual work. But the other night I was invited by my good friend Madelyn a birthday party for her co-worker Betty, a sweet gal who has joined us before on a TNBC adventure or two. And one exciting thing? The theme of the party was a taste tripping food sampling!
So this fruit, the miracle berry, has the bizarre property of turning sour and acidic fruits to the sweetest taste experience. Though the science behind it is still less than perfectly understood, it has seen a recent revival since its introduction in the 70s. Through the power of the internet, freeze dried tablet forms of the berries can be ordered and delivered right to your door, so you can host your own party!
The pill itself is reddish pink and readily dissolves on your tongue. Make sure it coats as much of your taste buds as possible to ensure the best effects. After it's completely melted away, dig in and prepare for a crazy taste experience!
I started with a lime wedge. And let me tell you, miracle fruits make citrus AMAZING. It tasted like those sugar coated candies, except juicy and refreshing as well.
I had a sugar free goat cheese frosted cupcake and it tasted like cream cheese on shortbread.
Licorice vines became strangely tolerable.
Pickles were sweet, vibrant, and alltogether enjoyable.
Salt and Vinegar chips were puzzling. Not sure how to quite describe them. The salt was there...the vinegar wasn't...but it wasn't like a potato chips.
Guinness openned with a creamy note, broke upon the palette, and finished with chocolatey notes on the aftertaste. Kinda like an egg cream maybe.
Guacamole also took on a sweet flavor, but combined with it's creamy texture, it was reminiscent of ice cream or something. It was awesome. and confusing.
Another note, miracle fruit does not alter spicy flavors, so the onions in the dip and the jalapeno chips married their heat with a sugary sweetness, kinda like general tso's chicken except....not.
And be careful, the miracle fruit has the ability to completely nullify even the cheapest tasting of vodka, turning a vodka cranberry into fruit punch.
This was an amazing event and I am glad I had the chance to experience it. Having your perceptions of taste completely blown is something that mere words cannot adequately describe. Do yourself a favor and order some for yourself and friends and have your own taste tripping party. Believe me when I say it'll be worth it.
Read More......
So I've been griping about waking up early and commuting and then just lazing about when not in actual work. But the other night I was invited by my good friend Madelyn a birthday party for her co-worker Betty, a sweet gal who has joined us before on a TNBC adventure or two. And one exciting thing? The theme of the party was a taste tripping food sampling!
So this fruit, the miracle berry, has the bizarre property of turning sour and acidic fruits to the sweetest taste experience. Though the science behind it is still less than perfectly understood, it has seen a recent revival since its introduction in the 70s. Through the power of the internet, freeze dried tablet forms of the berries can be ordered and delivered right to your door, so you can host your own party!
The pill itself is reddish pink and readily dissolves on your tongue. Make sure it coats as much of your taste buds as possible to ensure the best effects. After it's completely melted away, dig in and prepare for a crazy taste experience!
I started with a lime wedge. And let me tell you, miracle fruits make citrus AMAZING. It tasted like those sugar coated candies, except juicy and refreshing as well.
I had a sugar free goat cheese frosted cupcake and it tasted like cream cheese on shortbread.
Licorice vines became strangely tolerable.
Pickles were sweet, vibrant, and alltogether enjoyable.
Salt and Vinegar chips were puzzling. Not sure how to quite describe them. The salt was there...the vinegar wasn't...but it wasn't like a potato chips.
Guinness openned with a creamy note, broke upon the palette, and finished with chocolatey notes on the aftertaste. Kinda like an egg cream maybe.
Guacamole also took on a sweet flavor, but combined with it's creamy texture, it was reminiscent of ice cream or something. It was awesome. and confusing.
Another note, miracle fruit does not alter spicy flavors, so the onions in the dip and the jalapeno chips married their heat with a sugary sweetness, kinda like general tso's chicken except....not.
And be careful, the miracle fruit has the ability to completely nullify even the cheapest tasting of vodka, turning a vodka cranberry into fruit punch.
This was an amazing event and I am glad I had the chance to experience it. Having your perceptions of taste completely blown is something that mere words cannot adequately describe. Do yourself a favor and order some for yourself and friends and have your own taste tripping party. Believe me when I say it'll be worth it.
Read More......
Friday, June 19, 2009
TNBC -- The Burger Joint
Though hardly a secret anymore, The Burger Joint, hidden behind a dark curtain within the lobby of the fancy Le Parker Meridien Hotel, has become a sort of burger lovers clubhouse, with only a neon sign (and huge ass line) to indicate it's locale.
Madelyn and I met uptown on the streets, and though I had been to the burger joint once before, I was a little lost. Not my home turf, we wandered the block a bit (reminiscent of our wandering in the west village, god why am I so bad at navigating NY?)
The menu is concise, which is good because you need to be ready to order by the time you get up to the register (or, in soup nazi fashion, back of the line!). Simply tell them what you want on your burger (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, or mustard) and how you want it done (medium rare, as if it were a question), sodas, fries, beers, or milk shakes.
Our burgers have a flavor that reflect the method of cooking, over a real flame. The fries came in paper bags, hot to the touch. Just they way everything should be. The tiny space makes competing for a table a necessity (I had Mad snap one up while I placed our order), the bad wood paneling, the walls of autographs, and the movie posters make for a fun, kitschy environment. It certainly puts one at ease when compared tot he stuffy air of the hotel lobby. Fast food for the fancy I suppose. In fact, it was just like a high quality fast food burger (and makes me miss The Habit even more). No brioche bun or kobe beef, just an attention to how to prepare a tasty burger. Indeed, the style of presentation, the long lines, and the notoriety make it easy to draw parallels to Shake Shack (some would argue Burger Joint serving as Shake Shack's 'father') and that's not too unfair. And while Shake Shack still stands as the standard to compare everything else to, I will concede that I really (really) enjoyed everything about the fries at Burger Joint.
So yes, burgers still reign supreme in Madison Sq. Park, but don't count The Burger Joint out. It still has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it a worthy destination for anybody interested in eating their way through NYC.
Read More......
Madelyn and I met uptown on the streets, and though I had been to the burger joint once before, I was a little lost. Not my home turf, we wandered the block a bit (reminiscent of our wandering in the west village, god why am I so bad at navigating NY?)
The menu is concise, which is good because you need to be ready to order by the time you get up to the register (or, in soup nazi fashion, back of the line!). Simply tell them what you want on your burger (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, or mustard) and how you want it done (medium rare, as if it were a question), sodas, fries, beers, or milk shakes.
Our burgers have a flavor that reflect the method of cooking, over a real flame. The fries came in paper bags, hot to the touch. Just they way everything should be. The tiny space makes competing for a table a necessity (I had Mad snap one up while I placed our order), the bad wood paneling, the walls of autographs, and the movie posters make for a fun, kitschy environment. It certainly puts one at ease when compared tot he stuffy air of the hotel lobby. Fast food for the fancy I suppose. In fact, it was just like a high quality fast food burger (and makes me miss The Habit even more). No brioche bun or kobe beef, just an attention to how to prepare a tasty burger. Indeed, the style of presentation, the long lines, and the notoriety make it easy to draw parallels to Shake Shack (some would argue Burger Joint serving as Shake Shack's 'father') and that's not too unfair. And while Shake Shack still stands as the standard to compare everything else to, I will concede that I really (really) enjoyed everything about the fries at Burger Joint.
So yes, burgers still reign supreme in Madison Sq. Park, but don't count The Burger Joint out. It still has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it a worthy destination for anybody interested in eating their way through NYC.
Read More......
Monday, June 15, 2009
That's just Ricest
You may have heard, I recently moved out to Crown Heights in Brooklyn. I'm not sure it's fully set in, but it means drastic changes to my life. Gone are the old roomies (save one), missed but not forgotten, and reunited are the stars of my first two years of college.
And what does this mean for my diet? Well, it's a combination of the return of old habits, the continuance of certain traditions, and the emergence of what is sure to be new opportunities.
Basic groceries do not seem to have shifted too much, though purchases at Trader Joe's may become quite infrequent (though, located in Union Square, it's not out of the question) (I have yet to see the one in Brooklyn, though am considering venturing out there soon). But it seems like I am tempted to do the majority of my grocery shopping at Target, of all places. Surprisingly, it can compete in selection with even Gristedes and Morton Williams (though, I wonder who that reflects more upon) from my past two years in Kips Bay (Food Emporium in Union Square holds a weird affectionate spot in my heart though).
When I first moved in here, after narrowly avoiding a disaster that would make the nightly news and destroy a uhaul with all of my worldly possessions, we settled onto a heap of boxes and ate at one of first pizza joints we could find on Kyle's iPhone, A Slice of Brooklyn (not to be confused with the eating tour). A few six packs and pizzas later and we were completely happy. I need to reevaluate that place because the combination of exhaustion and hunger from moving and not eating all day and the relief of having all of my stuff finally in the building it is supposed to be made it the most satisfying meal I've had in a long while. Sure the pizza was hot, the cheese melty, and it beautifully right to our door, but there was a certain bias that shaded better judgment. Not that I can fault A Slice of Brooklyn for any of this, I just think I need another shot at it.
About a week ago, we finally got around to our Alien/Aliens double feature movie night. The first movie was surrounded with pizza, again; this time out near Mad's place, complete with garlic knots that looked more like...let's say snails. Anyways, we got off to a late start and decided to put the sequel on the queue for the next night. Our friends arrive and we of course want Chinese delivery. But being out in Crown Heights, the college haunt of Yummy House is far from accessible and we start scouring the internt for options. This is when the name No. 1 Chinese Restaurant comes up. With a name like that, how could it go wrong?
We ordered, as per Kyle's constant insistence General Tso's Chicken, Madelyn's usual delight Lo Mein, a few dumplings and springs rolls to round out the meal. Mad and I tacked on our usual diet coke and coke, respectively, at the end and were delightfully surprised to find an additional two sodas (two free with a purchase over 20 bucks) (30 bucks gets you free general tso's). And I will admit, this place, while not looking like much on the street, knows how to fry up some tasty Chinese-American food. It's a place I believe in. And, like seemingly everything in Brooklyn, is a few bucks cheaper than Manhattan. The Chicken was crisp and spicy, the noodles savory and tender, and the dumplings a delicate balance of sweet and savory.
Though it may take a while until I go back, if only because I want to try a few more places just to see how they measure up, this place is one to remember. And I like the name.
I certainly miss the city but still eat there often enough. And am excited at the prospect of entering a new culinary opportunity.
Read More......
And what does this mean for my diet? Well, it's a combination of the return of old habits, the continuance of certain traditions, and the emergence of what is sure to be new opportunities.
Basic groceries do not seem to have shifted too much, though purchases at Trader Joe's may become quite infrequent (though, located in Union Square, it's not out of the question) (I have yet to see the one in Brooklyn, though am considering venturing out there soon). But it seems like I am tempted to do the majority of my grocery shopping at Target, of all places. Surprisingly, it can compete in selection with even Gristedes and Morton Williams (though, I wonder who that reflects more upon) from my past two years in Kips Bay (Food Emporium in Union Square holds a weird affectionate spot in my heart though).
When I first moved in here, after narrowly avoiding a disaster that would make the nightly news and destroy a uhaul with all of my worldly possessions, we settled onto a heap of boxes and ate at one of first pizza joints we could find on Kyle's iPhone, A Slice of Brooklyn (not to be confused with the eating tour). A few six packs and pizzas later and we were completely happy. I need to reevaluate that place because the combination of exhaustion and hunger from moving and not eating all day and the relief of having all of my stuff finally in the building it is supposed to be made it the most satisfying meal I've had in a long while. Sure the pizza was hot, the cheese melty, and it beautifully right to our door, but there was a certain bias that shaded better judgment. Not that I can fault A Slice of Brooklyn for any of this, I just think I need another shot at it.
About a week ago, we finally got around to our Alien/Aliens double feature movie night. The first movie was surrounded with pizza, again; this time out near Mad's place, complete with garlic knots that looked more like...let's say snails. Anyways, we got off to a late start and decided to put the sequel on the queue for the next night. Our friends arrive and we of course want Chinese delivery. But being out in Crown Heights, the college haunt of Yummy House is far from accessible and we start scouring the internt for options. This is when the name No. 1 Chinese Restaurant comes up. With a name like that, how could it go wrong?
We ordered, as per Kyle's constant insistence General Tso's Chicken, Madelyn's usual delight Lo Mein, a few dumplings and springs rolls to round out the meal. Mad and I tacked on our usual diet coke and coke, respectively, at the end and were delightfully surprised to find an additional two sodas (two free with a purchase over 20 bucks) (30 bucks gets you free general tso's). And I will admit, this place, while not looking like much on the street, knows how to fry up some tasty Chinese-American food. It's a place I believe in. And, like seemingly everything in Brooklyn, is a few bucks cheaper than Manhattan. The Chicken was crisp and spicy, the noodles savory and tender, and the dumplings a delicate balance of sweet and savory.
Though it may take a while until I go back, if only because I want to try a few more places just to see how they measure up, this place is one to remember. And I like the name.
I certainly miss the city but still eat there often enough. And am excited at the prospect of entering a new culinary opportunity.
Read More......
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
For want of a better life
I realize if I wanted to make this blog better, I need to figure out how to get my hands on a digital camera. A picture is worth a thousand words so, in the long run, it's probably more efficient.
In other news, I just wanted to mention that I love corndogs. I bought some frozen ones at Target and they are perfect. Corn dogs are one of those foods, like tater tots, I assume I am supposed to outgrow but never will. Read More......
In other news, I just wanted to mention that I love corndogs. I bought some frozen ones at Target and they are perfect. Corn dogs are one of those foods, like tater tots, I assume I am supposed to outgrow but never will. Read More......
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