My roommate and I started a book club almost four years ago, and since then, it has evolved into a co-ed gathering. That's right, a co-ed book club. The guys actually enjoy attending and are more active participants than some of the girls. My favorite part about book club is not the reading, per se, since I have the poorest record of book completions of the entire group. What draws me is the excuse to hang out with friends and prepare food for a delicious potluck dinner.
Each month, we try to tie the food theme to the book selection. And this month, as we discuss Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, we will dine on Swedish fare. Swedish fare? After googling Swedish food recipes the other night, I was amazed at how little came up. I hope there's more to Sweden than meatballs, lingonberries, pancakes, potatoes, and pickled herring. Sheesh. Thank God I didn't grow up in Sweden. I would've starved!
My friend Julie said she read somewhere that their diets were limited due to the lack of access to fresh food. Wikipedia noted that spices were sparse and that like other Scandanavian countries, Swedish cuisine was traditionally simple. My maternal grandma Hilda (after whom my name choice evolved) has ancestral ties to Sweden, but I don't recall ever having a dish from her that was Swedish. Maybe my mom and aunts know more about this and are hiding flavorful Swedish recipes from me.
My food contribution for the evening? I'm bringing a cucumber salad dressed with apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, sugar, and dill. Simple and hopefully not as bland as it sounds. Either way, here's to hoping the medley of contributions tonight will make me change my negative opinion of Sweden as an appetite killer.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Fraudulent Charges?
In the aftermath of the credit card scandal, I have been picking up the pieces of my life. Much of the moving on has involved feeding my feelings. From Belgian bites to Neapolitan pizza to classic American fare, I have put my new AMEX card to use in the two days since it arrived at my home.
While I thought my phone calls to the credit card companies had negated the fraudulent charges incurred from Wednesday evening, my online statements suggest otherwise. As you can see below from an excerpt from my Capital One statement, the first three charges were not mine. They appear to be typical charges, but they occurred after the card was stolen. For one, my car does not take $70 worth of gas, but Capital One does not know this. Anyways, I showed this activity statement below to my mom online to so she could see the unauthorized charges that had posted so far.
And then I noticed the item pasted at the bottom.
24 Hours of Booty?! A twinge of panic hit me. What in the...ohhhhh, yeah. While my mom's eyes scanned my charges, I was quick to mention that charge there.
Me: "Oh, look at that charge there. Hahaha, haha. You would think that'd be something inappropriate, right, Mom? Well you see, the thing is, I have this friend Carl..."
Mom: "What is THAT?"
Me: "As I was saying, my friend Carl is participating in this 24-hour bike ride to benefit cancer research, and I contributed to the cause online. You'd THINK that would be something kinky, right? Hahaha!"
The Lance Armstrong Foundation organizes these 24-hour bike rides in different cities across the country, and Carl had signed up for the one in Columbia, MD this weekend.
Now, what I should've done is pretend it was indeed something salacious. Here's how that would all go.
Me: "What the he-I have no idea how that-How did that charge get on there?! Those bandits sure must be at it again (insert nervous laugh). I'm outraged that they would soil my name with that trash!"
Mom: "But, Hilary, that charge is from August 13. That was over a week ago..."
Me: "Oh, that's so strange, they must've manipulated the system somehow-hey what's that over there?"(furiously pushes ALT F4 to close browser window)
Then I'd leave my poor mom cursing the 18 years of her life she spent raising me. Good thing it was a legit, wholesome charge. And, she did raise me right. I'm smart enough to know not to show her my AMEX statement. KIDDING, Mom. Kidding!
While I thought my phone calls to the credit card companies had negated the fraudulent charges incurred from Wednesday evening, my online statements suggest otherwise. As you can see below from an excerpt from my Capital One statement, the first three charges were not mine. They appear to be typical charges, but they occurred after the card was stolen. For one, my car does not take $70 worth of gas, but Capital One does not know this. Anyways, I showed this activity statement below to my mom online to so she could see the unauthorized charges that had posted so far.
And then I noticed the item pasted at the bottom.
Posted Date | Description | Amount | |
| AUG 27, 2010 | EXXONMOBIL 47828272 ARLINGTON VA | Gas/Automotive | $70.59 |
| AUG 27, 2010 | WASH METRORAIL00006304 WASHINGTON DC | Other Travel | $60.00 |
| AUG 27, 2010 | WASH METRORAIL00006304 WASHINGTON DC | Other Travel | $60.00 |
| AUG 26, 2010 | TAYLOR GOURMET 485 K LLC WASHINGTON DC | Dining | $15.51 |
| AUG 23, 2010 | INTEREST CHARGE:SPECIAL TRANS | Interest Charge | $18.66 |
| AUG 19, 2010 | UNITED AIR 0162112233068 ROSEMONT IL | Airfare | $221.40 |
| AUG 18, 2010 | CARMINE'S WASHINGTON DC | Dining | $29.20 |
| AUG 17, 2010 | CAPITAL ONE ONLINE PYMT AuthDate 17-AUG | Payment | ($293.14) |
| AUG 13, 2010 | 24 HOURS OF BOOTY 704-365-4417 NC | Other | $25.00 |
24 Hours of Booty?! A twinge of panic hit me. What in the...ohhhhh, yeah. While my mom's eyes scanned my charges, I was quick to mention that charge there.
Me: "Oh, look at that charge there. Hahaha, haha. You would think that'd be something inappropriate, right, Mom? Well you see, the thing is, I have this friend Carl..."
Mom: "What is THAT?"
Me: "As I was saying, my friend Carl is participating in this 24-hour bike ride to benefit cancer research, and I contributed to the cause online. You'd THINK that would be something kinky, right? Hahaha!"
The Lance Armstrong Foundation organizes these 24-hour bike rides in different cities across the country, and Carl had signed up for the one in Columbia, MD this weekend.
Now, what I should've done is pretend it was indeed something salacious. Here's how that would all go.
Me: "What the he-I have no idea how that-How did that charge get on there?! Those bandits sure must be at it again (insert nervous laugh). I'm outraged that they would soil my name with that trash!"
Mom: "But, Hilary, that charge is from August 13. That was over a week ago..."
Me: "Oh, that's so strange, they must've manipulated the system somehow-hey what's that over there?"(furiously pushes ALT F4 to close browser window)
Then I'd leave my poor mom cursing the 18 years of her life she spent raising me. Good thing it was a legit, wholesome charge. And, she did raise me right. I'm smart enough to know not to show her my AMEX statement. KIDDING, Mom. Kidding!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Cotton Candy, Sweet and Low, Let Me See Your Lobster Rooooll
While that 1994 song "Tootsie Roll" by 69 Boyz from the middle school/high school mixer era has fallen back into the woodwork (thankfully), lobster rolls have never lost their style.
When it was all said and done, I spent two hours of valuable work time stalking, waiting and then mercilessly devouring a delicious Maine lobster roll. After hearing from a friend that the Red Hook Lobster Truck had made its way to McPherson Square yesterday, I was on high alert for their pending trip to the Metro Center area today.
I sounded the bugle. I sent out an email to those I knew who worked nearby Metro Center to generate interest. I bookmarked the Lobster Truck's Twitter page on my phone. I made a special trip to the bank for plenty of cash. And lastly, I cut back on my regular morning breakfast to save room for my upcoming feast.
Then, I embarked on my journey at 10:45AM from Chinatown to Metro Center. Phone in hand, I updated the Twitter page every minute. Obsessive? Yes. To make myself feel less stalkerish, I stopped in at H&M and Banana Republic to convince myself that I wasn't just wandering aimlessly in search of a food truck. I walked around several blocks, several times hoping I would spot the truck before the location was posted on Twitter. No luck.
And then the crowds started. Around 11:15AM, four people with smart phones in hand walked towards me at the intersection of 12th and G talking about the food truck. Noooo, I thought. NOOO! My friend Patrick and his coworker, also on high alert, called me to find out where I was and met up with me at my corner. Our group got larger, and then spotted another line forming across the street by the metro entrance. Guess we'll follow the crowd. An older man assured people that the truck would be arriving at this corner and like sheep, we all believed him.
Around 60 people formed that initial line. Friend Teddy and his coworker made an appearance soon after and decided to wait back in line rather than cut. After waiting 30 minutes for the lobster truck to arrive (it was stuck in traffic), we waited another 20 or so to get to the ordering counter. My friends Laura and Mehul met up and saved a spot nearby to eat in the shade while I made the purchase. They charged $15 per lobster roll and $3.50 for a whoopie pie.
The Lobster Truck owners drive up to Maine weekly to get fresh lobsters and you could tell that they weren't messing around. Our sweetly succulent lobster meat was mixed with mayo, scallions, celery and special seasoning. There was the option to have the meat mixed in plain butter, too. Shrimp rolls, Maine root soda, freshly squeeze lemonade, and plain fresh lobster meat were also on sale. Pricey, but well worth the wait!Here are some testimonials from my friends:
Before the adventure began...
"I’ve got a lunch scheduled [today], but a) if the truck arrives near 12:30 and I can persuade my group to come to the truck, I will, or b) if the truck arrives significantly earlier, I will try to flee the building, run to the truck and then fake it during my second lunch. “Oh, this sandwich is so good, mmm, oh yes, I’ve never had a lunch this good [insert more lies here]."" -- Patrick
"Is Rock Lobster going down today or do I have to settle for Love Shack?" -- Mehul
Upon eating...
"This lobster roll is great, but why the hell didn't you buy us lemonade?" -- Laura (whose testimony comes with a side of sarcasm)
"While it may not be true that Lobsters find a mate for life, I'm glad that one found its way into my delicious sandwich." -- Mehul (whose testimony comes with a picture)
"The food was good. The experience was great. You can't go wrong standing outside in nice summer weather with happy, about-to-be-fed people. But you can wish for much more butter in your lobster roll." -- Patrick (whose testimony comes with wishful thinking)
"It might have been the wait. The anticipation. The anxiety. Or the hunger in my belly... But, that was seriously D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S. The dudes in front of us went strong and got the Connecticut, which apparently is the lobster meal deal, plus the shrimp roll ($8) for $26. I think I should have done that. The whoopie pie is good, but a bit too much. I'm in need of milk. I haven't washed my hands [because] I'm still savoring the smell of butter and lobster..." -- Teddy (whose testimony comes with buttered hands)
An hour later...
"Sadly, I'm going to wash my hands now." -- Teddy
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Dear Bandit(s):
I am writing to thank you for making my life a little spicier last evening. I am usually quite careful when it comes to keeping my "valuables" (and by valuables, I mean my perpetually cashless wallet) close to my person, but I guess your little stunt last night has resurrected my paranoia.
Who knew a little Greek Cafe in Dupont Circle would be prime location to prey on an innocent coed. In any event, I credit you for your slickness. Had my Metro SmartTrip card registered at the turnstiles, I would've trotted on home without even thinking to look inside my wallet until the next day. Instead, I tried each turnstile twice to enter the station, but the card seemed de-magnitized. Then and only then did I re-open my wallet to put the dud card back in and look for an alternative. I'll say, though, the fact that you took my Loft gift card, insurance prescription card, and Carefirst card and stuck them in as placeholders for the three credit cards you stole was pure genius. Furthermore, stopping first at Starbuck's to charge something was even smarter because "everyone" drinks Starbucks, right? That doesn't arouse the suspicion of credit card companies, right?
Wrong. I don't drink coffee. And bad idea to burglarize my wallet with your burglarious hands since I never have cash on me. The joke's on you. You may think you made off well with your $550 Walmart purchase, but I'm thinking it may not get delivered to your residence since the credit card company notified Walmart today of this fradulent charge.
I am also curious, do you really like sushi or did you just charge $50 to Thai Chef up the street to throw the credit card companies off your track again? If you really do like sushi and stopped for a quick dinner, well, then I like your taste. Maybe we could be friends after all. Thai Chef is a great spot. Though the $120 worth of Smart Trip metro fares and gas you purchased will never be seen again, I will be refunded certainly. And have fun riding the DC metro system. It'll open doors to a misery you'll never quite get used to.
In any event, this all turned out for the better. My American Express card was on its last legs. It was starting to split and I had been wondering lately whether it would make it another year until the expiration date yielded a new card in the mail. Thanks for expediting the process of getting a fresh card.
I also want to thank you for giving me material for my blog, the excuse to use the out-dated term "bandit," and the opportunity to type the word "burglarious," that I didn't know existed until reading it recently in a local newspaper.
Take care and hope you enjoyed the sushi.
Best,
Hilary
P.S. I don't know whether to curse DC Metro for ineptitude yet again or thank them for the malfunctioning turnstiles. Turns out my card worked fine this morning. Anyways, I'm babbling now. I'll see you when I see you...and this time, I'll be ready.
Who knew a little Greek Cafe in Dupont Circle would be prime location to prey on an innocent coed. In any event, I credit you for your slickness. Had my Metro SmartTrip card registered at the turnstiles, I would've trotted on home without even thinking to look inside my wallet until the next day. Instead, I tried each turnstile twice to enter the station, but the card seemed de-magnitized. Then and only then did I re-open my wallet to put the dud card back in and look for an alternative. I'll say, though, the fact that you took my Loft gift card, insurance prescription card, and Carefirst card and stuck them in as placeholders for the three credit cards you stole was pure genius. Furthermore, stopping first at Starbuck's to charge something was even smarter because "everyone" drinks Starbucks, right? That doesn't arouse the suspicion of credit card companies, right?
Wrong. I don't drink coffee. And bad idea to burglarize my wallet with your burglarious hands since I never have cash on me. The joke's on you. You may think you made off well with your $550 Walmart purchase, but I'm thinking it may not get delivered to your residence since the credit card company notified Walmart today of this fradulent charge.
I am also curious, do you really like sushi or did you just charge $50 to Thai Chef up the street to throw the credit card companies off your track again? If you really do like sushi and stopped for a quick dinner, well, then I like your taste. Maybe we could be friends after all. Thai Chef is a great spot. Though the $120 worth of Smart Trip metro fares and gas you purchased will never be seen again, I will be refunded certainly. And have fun riding the DC metro system. It'll open doors to a misery you'll never quite get used to.
In any event, this all turned out for the better. My American Express card was on its last legs. It was starting to split and I had been wondering lately whether it would make it another year until the expiration date yielded a new card in the mail. Thanks for expediting the process of getting a fresh card.
I also want to thank you for giving me material for my blog, the excuse to use the out-dated term "bandit," and the opportunity to type the word "burglarious," that I didn't know existed until reading it recently in a local newspaper.
Take care and hope you enjoyed the sushi.
Best,
Hilary
P.S. I don't know whether to curse DC Metro for ineptitude yet again or thank them for the malfunctioning turnstiles. Turns out my card worked fine this morning. Anyways, I'm babbling now. I'll see you when I see you...and this time, I'll be ready.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Speaking of Roast Beef...
How do you like yours? Medium?
Or are you more of a well-done kinda person? 
Or are you more of a well-done kinda person? 
Me? I kinda like mine medium-well, with lots of marbling.
Except that's not roast beef. That's my burnt forearm in its third day of healing. Actually, it kind of resembles dry-aged beef or a slice of prosciutto. Good thing it it doesn't smell like roast beef, or I would slather it with brie and eat it for lunch.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Take Me to Cherry Street
Today's shout out goes to Taylor Gourmet. I met up with a former coworker there to lunch on some good eats. We both empathized with how we struggle to decide what to order anytime we enter the premisis. Their sandwich selections are just so tasty! Instead of going with my favorite, the Philadelphia Landfill, I opted to try one of their chicken cutlet hoagies.
My eyes scanned the list of options and screeched to a halt at The Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Hello, weight gain. I chose to order a six inch sandwich, which came with their homemade marinara, sharp provolone, and homemade italian breaded chicken cutlets. Fantastico. But as the words were exiting my mouth at the time to place the order, something caught the corner of my eyes. As if time switched to slow motion, my mouth kept moving as my eyes were pulled down to focus on the paper sign taped to the register. "The Cherry Street is here!" Or something like that. This speciality sandwich consisted of freshly-carved roast beef, garlic spread, brie cheese, hot peppers, and arugula. Wow, I thought. What a great combination.
As I regained my focus and came to from my momentary blackout, I repeated my order. I stuck with the chicken cutlets and was pleased with the outcome. But, I still plan to head back there soon before I switch jobs so I can check out the Cherry Street.
My eyes scanned the list of options and screeched to a halt at The Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Hello, weight gain. I chose to order a six inch sandwich, which came with their homemade marinara, sharp provolone, and homemade italian breaded chicken cutlets. Fantastico. But as the words were exiting my mouth at the time to place the order, something caught the corner of my eyes. As if time switched to slow motion, my mouth kept moving as my eyes were pulled down to focus on the paper sign taped to the register. "The Cherry Street is here!" Or something like that. This speciality sandwich consisted of freshly-carved roast beef, garlic spread, brie cheese, hot peppers, and arugula. Wow, I thought. What a great combination.
As I regained my focus and came to from my momentary blackout, I repeated my order. I stuck with the chicken cutlets and was pleased with the outcome. But, I still plan to head back there soon before I switch jobs so I can check out the Cherry Street.
I read elsewhere online that they roast this cut of meat with cloves of garlic imbedded in the flesh. That particular article posted a picture of the sandwich. Now I know what I will be looking for next time. Though, I think I would prefer mine heated and melty. Not so much a fan of cold, meaty, roast beef.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Put Me on IR
A spectacular day of food and friends ended with a sizzle. Earlier in the day, I met up with some good college friends for a potluck brunch at Sheri's house. The spread was killer: bagels, lox spread, egg casserole with cheese sauce, home fries, turkey sausage, dumplings, chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting and mimosas. My college roommate of four years, Jenny, brought her 6-month-old daughter Molly with her which was one of the highlights. She had the sunniest disposition, cutest smile and bounds of bouncy energy. It was great catching up with everyone and I hope we can do it more frequently.
Next, I traveled to my parents' house for Sunday dinner. The only downside was that I was still carrying a food baby from brunch. There wasn't much room left for our feast of pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, mac and cheese, salad and fruit. And to make things worse, I burned part of my forearm on the inside of the oven door as I went to remove the cornbread.
You can't quite tell from the picture, but burn mark is swollen about a half inch off my arm. Just as the poison ivy from my landscaping escapades has started to fade, in comes another dermatological affliction. Let's just hope this one heals better than the other oven burn from four years ago that now resembles a birth mark. This weekend also marks one of the first times I haven't made cobbler in almost three months. I'm falling apart!
Oh, and my house still smells like pork.
Next, I traveled to my parents' house for Sunday dinner. The only downside was that I was still carrying a food baby from brunch. There wasn't much room left for our feast of pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, mac and cheese, salad and fruit. And to make things worse, I burned part of my forearm on the inside of the oven door as I went to remove the cornbread.
You can't quite tell from the picture, but burn mark is swollen about a half inch off my arm. Just as the poison ivy from my landscaping escapades has started to fade, in comes another dermatological affliction. Let's just hope this one heals better than the other oven burn from four years ago that now resembles a birth mark. This weekend also marks one of the first times I haven't made cobbler in almost three months. I'm falling apart!Oh, and my house still smells like pork.
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