Tuesday, August 31, 2010
What's up with the Swedes?
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.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Fraudulent Charges?
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.
"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):
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...
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
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
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.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Wielding the Mighty Power of Pork
The friends who piggy-backed on my journey? An ancient Cuisinart blender, a big porcelain baking dish, a yellow onion, four garlic cloves, dried mustard, brown sugar, white wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. (I decided to follow The Pioneer Woman's recipe).
In any event, the pictures will document my journey. I only opened the oven three times. Once after ten minutes of cooking (I guess I really do have OCD), once two hours in to see if I needed to add more liquid, and lastly to remove the butts from their nice long nap.
It's like two pigs fightin' under a blanket. These pork butts got back! Each weighing in at about 3.5 pounds and boneless, I slightly trimmed some of the top fat layer before introducing them to their aromatic rub.
The yellow onion was SHARP! If that's even how it should be described. BOY did it make me cry. Butt, soon enough, I knew they'd be tears of joy. And then the Cuisinart didn't work. Maybe I should have taken the "I haven't used this blender in years since it doesn't normally work" comment from my mom more seriously. Or at least tested it out before I had loaded it up with ingredients.
On to plan B. My college blender. I used to curse it for its inability to crush ice, but it worked out just fine on the onion. Crisis averted.
And then I slathered the blended rub all over the pork butts finding every nook and cranny. I stared at them for a few minutes, admiring their beauty and wiping the stinging onion tears from my eyes. It was still so potent. Then I popped them into a 300 degree oven at 10:00pm and set my alarm for 5:00am. Seven hours should do the trick, I thought.
Next it was time to make some barbecue sauce. This was taken from a Bobby Flay recipe that I ever-so-slightly modified by adding sauteed onion and making a roux so that it would turn out thicker than it has for me in the past. In this mixture is dry mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, soy sauce, salt, ground black pepper, and water. Sweet and tangy! It will be used tomorrow on some pulled pork sandwiches.
I finally went to bed sometime after midnight by which point the smells from the oven had wafted their way around the premises. I woke up several times, each to a more intense aroma. Luckily I was too tired to get up each time to check on my project, but the mouth-watering scent eventually worked its way into my dreams. And then, at last, I woke up on my own at 4:59am and hopped out of bed to retrieve my presents from the oven.
Oh sweet goodness. The rub had crisped up on its own on the top layer of fat which protected the succulent meat falling apart below. And oh, the aroma was times ten. I think it was a good thing both of my roommates were out of town because it was ridiculous. After using a spatula and tongs to lift each butt out of the baking liquid, I looked in horror at the inside of the pan. My mother's going to kill me. The top two inches of the white porcelain were soot black. The clear lid was also black. I used Pam, but my attempts to wipe it away with a paper towel to see how strongly it stuck was fruitless. I decided to deal with it later. More important pressing items lay ahead. The pulling of the pork! After letting the meat sit for about 20 minutes, I put each butt on a separate plate lined with paper towels to mop up some of the grease and grabbed two forks out of the utensil drawer.
After removing the top layer of fat/skin, I pulled away. Look at that! So tender, so juicy, so layered with flavor. At this point it was about 5:45am and I was shredding my pork. I paused here and there to eat some, but it was as if time stood still. And finally, I was finished. The fruits of my labor.
I wish my old camera could better capture the radiance of colors and textures of the finished product. The fragrance of the tender shreds of meat permeated my inner being and every last inch of my house. When I returned home from work the next day, I opened the front door to an assault of smells. Good smells, but it was like a gust of wind hit me in the face. I knew the aromas were strong, but hadn't noticed how powerful they were until I had left and come back. Everything and anything with cloth in the house absorbed the smell of the pork and the rub. Having seen a TV commercial where a less-than-attractive woman at a bar reeled in many a man due to the bacon in her purse gave me a feeling of confidence. If I don't air the house out, I may have weeks and weeks to wield the power of this pork scent in my favor.
Friday, August 20, 2010
A Solution to the Impatience Problem
I can't wait to eat a pulled pork sandwich for breakfast tomorrow! Pictures soon to follow.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Weird Ice Cream Wins My Heart
Well today, as part of the DC area's Restaurant Week, I went to Indian Restaurant Rasika with coworkers to take advantage of the good lunch deal. $20.10 for an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Rasika never ceases to amaze me. I have only dined there twice (this being the second time) because it's pricey, but would be a frequent customer if I had the means. It's hands down the best Indian I've ever had.
The highlight of the meal? Banana-black pepper ice cream. Strange and mysterious it appeared, but amazing it was. I was leery of selecting it, especially after the waiter stressed that the black pepper played a major role in this concoction. But, again, I was pleasantly surprised. It was phenomenal. Pure genius. The banana was the star in this dessert, and the black pepper undertones gave it a punch that elevated my taste buds. I'm not sure if this is a regular dessert item on their menu, but highly recommend trying it. Maybe I'll have to start going there for Happy Hour and ordering drinks and ice cream at the bar. I'll figure something out...
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Memory Game
Well, I wish they had a similar game for adults, but one that was applicable to daily life. A sort of exercise that helped you remember the bits and pieces of your day. I usually don't have a problem remembering work-related tasks, but when it comes to life outside of work, that's another story. Sometimes it's like a fuse shorts out in my brain. I can be walking from my bedroom to the kitchen with the intent of finishing a piece of pie in the fridge but once I've arrived at my destination, I forget why I came there in the first place. Tragic.
After recently cleaning and reorganizing my room to make better use of the space, I decided to start regularly making my bed to keep up that pristine appearance. Well, earlier this week, upon returning home from a busy day at work, I got into my room and stood there for a second utterly shocked.
"Who the hell made my bed?!" I thought.
And then I was glad that was a conversation going on solely in the quiet of my head. How could I have forgotten that I made my own bed?! I think it's time to start charting my day on cards. Then at the end of the day, I can turn them over and look at them to jog my memory. Let's just hope I don't shock myself when I read cards like "Went to work," or "Rode the metro." Because then there's no helping me.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Quit Doggin' Me, Dog!
We got him as a wee puppy right before I set sails to college in the summer of 1999. Since then, he's learned to love each of my family members in a unique way. For me, at least, he seems to perk up a lot more when I arrive at my parents house. But, for reasons I'll never understand, he continues to act sheepish or untrusting around me at times. I don't get it! Other than the couple of times I stepped on his tail by accident, I have done nothing but love this guy and treat him like a little brother (well, in a good way).
One of my signature moves is to lay down on the floor and wait for him to trot over and curl up next to me as the little spoon. He knows I am a fan of cuddling. But then why is it that he can't relax and fall asleep? Any time I do this, day or night, he keeps one eye parked on me and the other closed. He's stares at me, wondering my next move. He sleeps with one eye open.
And then, the other day, I rushed over to my parents house in the morning sans shower to only get a butt-out hug from him. The normal greeting scene involves a speedy run to the front door on his part where I then squat down so he can jump up to put his front legs on my shoulders and lick my face. Yes. But this morning after he jumped up, he turned his head away and leaned back so that nothing other than the pads of his feet touched me. The nerve! Why you gotta dog me like that, Sebby? Why?!
The remainder of his myterious ways include staring at me from other rooms as if I'm going to steal something, stopping a couple feet short of me when I beckon him to come hither, immediately striking the submission pose when I come over to pet him, and giving me a prolonged stare of hatred following a routine bath (and by routine, I mean twice a year).
All that aside, I love this dog. I just wish I could understand him sometimes. I've asked him on several occasions to explain himself, the response to which is...a blank stare. At the very least, the staring and judging has to stop. I know trust takes a long time to build and seconds to shatter, so I can be patient with that. But, I didn't judge him and stare when he celebrated Mardi Gras earlier this year. So, why can't he extend me the same courtesy with how I act around the house?
Monday, August 16, 2010
Stuffing My Pie Hole with...well...Pie.
After disembarking from the sardine can that was the X2 metro bus, we walked a couple of blocks until we reached the pearly gates of pie-dom. The place was narrow like a row house and had a funky feel to it. Inside was a long bar counter featuring pie upon pie in a glass display case, and a chalked menu on a blackboard on the wall near the register. So many different options! And, many thanks to Patrick's $25 dollar Living Social deal, we had to order $50 dollars worth of pies. We seized that challenge and ordered a variety of sweet and savory pies and of course some quiche. They sold all of their items either by the slice or whole.
Our picks? A slice of each of the following for our dinner:
(Clockwise from the top)
- BBQ Pork Pie
- Wilted Spinach and Mushroom Quiche
- S.M.O.G. Pie (Steak, Mushroom, Onion, Gruyere)
- Crab and Cheddar Quiche
When ordering pie by the slice, the servers heat the pie up in a small counter-top oven and then deliver them to your table in these mini circular pie tins. Now, you would think that a BBQ Pork Pie would be a bit strange. At least that's what I thought. So glad we ordered it. The buttery, flaky crust of the pie was like a biscuit enveloping the pile of shredded pork, onions, sauce and spices. The S.M.O.G was equally satisfying and comforting. The Gruyere cheese was the winner in that pie. The two quiches were typical quiches, but the crusts had the perfect balance of crunch, flake and butter.
And for dessert? More pie!
- Blueberry Pie
- Apple Pie
My favorite blueberry pie hails from Maine and I will say, that this slice here was just as good! The apple pie, too, was delicious, but I would be curious to taste it warm next time. Yes, there will be a next time. And in case that next time doesn't come soon enough, we grabbed some pie slices to-go! Two slices of blueberry, one pecan, and one Key Lime. My two boxes made it home safely without leaking into my bag, being smashed, or eaten prematurely. I'm not so sure I can guarantee the safety of Patrick's pies.
I am happy to report that I know what I'm eating for breakfast tomorrow. The to-go boxes say "Thank you!" on them. But, who should I really be thanking? Thank YOU, DDP. I'd also like to thank Living Social for promoting pie gluttony. Lastly, and most importantly, I'd like to thank Patrick for helping to keep the eating spirit alive by sharing this coupon with me.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Skirting Produce Issues
One thing my Safeway's reliable with is having consistently ripe/near rotten produce. For me, though, it tends to work out fine since I am usually too impatient to wait for fruit to ripen. In the case of making guacamole and cobblers, I like my fruit to be ripe upon purchase. This time, though, the number of fruit flies swarming the peach, plum and nectarine section almost outnumbered the fruit. A clump of donut peaches were so over-ripe that their skin was wrinkled and shriveling. The plums, both red and black, were quite ripe too. I decided to go for it anyways.
And now I am quite concerned that this plum blueberry cobbler might be a bust. After slicing the red plums, I found most were complete mush...like apple sauce consistency. The black plums weren't ripe enough and lacked depth in flavor. Why's it always so hit or miss with you, Produce?! I made a peach blackberry cobbler Friday night with Sheri that turned out fine (though I continue to not be a fan of the blackberry (or raspberry) seeds that stick to my molars afterward). The only problem here was the fruit bubbling over the crumble topping resulting in soggy topping. The filling was tasty, though. I never thought I'd say this, but I think I am finally growing weary of all this cobbler making.
I will take a step back to earlier this evening when I grilled four skirt steaks. That's got me all jazzed up! I had never tasted one before, let alone cooked one. The steaks were about five inches wide by a half-inch thick and long enough to serve as belts. Some of them looked like strands of ammunition. I decided to give them a dry rub before submerging in some liquid marinade. I first rubbed them with some brown sugar before dusting them with ground black pepper, ground ginger, dried diced onion and dry mustard. I then plunged them in a ziplock bag with a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestire sauce, white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. MMmm, I wanted so badly to lick my hands after making sure the mixture was all up everywhere in the steaks.
The grilling part was fantastic since they cooked so quickly in the heat of the molten hot coals. I didn't even have to put the lid on the grill. Slicing them up was a workout, but the taste made me forget how profusely I sweat during the process. The crust on the slices complemented the juicy, tender meat. The sweetness of the brown sugar mellowed out the tangy bite of the Dijon and vinegars. I wish I had taken pictures! Next time!
At last, the cobbler made it out of the oven. And, the filling didn't bubble over the crust! It tasted just fine...just not as exciting as the skirt steaks.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
A Happy Bloggiversary!
As luck may have it, today I had the opportunity to meet a former winner of The Food Network's Throwdown with Bobby Flay, Father Leo Patalinghug. Try saying that five times fast. A Catholic priest, foodie, and culinary whiz, this guy's perspective on life couldn't be more perfect. He's truly the Philipino-male-priest version of me when it comes to passion for food.
I ventured to McPherson square with my brother James (aka Jamie, Jimbo, Jim, Jimmy, BB Bumpkin, mini-punk, and little &#$*@! (the last three of which were coined by our loving father, Big Bad Bob)) to a small gathering at the Catholic Information Center. Winning the Throwdown for his steak fajitas launched Fr. Leo onto a new platform for sharing the good Word and palatable wisdom about bringing families closer with regular meals. He recently published the third edition of his book "Grace Before Meals," has a website that contains cooking webcasts, a blog of recipes, a weekly newsletter, and countless appearances on TV, speaking engagements, and radio shows.
What excited me most initially was the promise of eating whatever Fr. Leo planned to prepare. What inspires me most about him, besides his culinary talents and dynamic personality, are his sage wisdom, strong convictions, and ability to use his gifts to do good in this world. The energy he brought to his cooking table was also quite contagious. He told stories of how all of this began and how the simple concept of satisfying hunger is at the root of all love and good things in this world.
He threw in some Biblical references during his presentation where he prepared a tasty, yet spicy penne a la vodka for us, and expressed how important food was to nourishing the body and soul. His sense of humor was also entertaining. Before the camera's started rolling, Fr. Leo took the bottle of vodka he planned to use in his dish and pretended to open it and shake it at us like the priests do when blessing the congregation with holy water in church during major holidays. He later referred to it as Russian holy water. My man.
My short narrative about my adventure doesn't do Fr. Leo justice. He had several nuggets of wisdom in there--the main of which was the importance of family meals (or gatherings of friends and families for meals). Strong families are the difference-maker in society. Food brings us all together. It encourages conversation.
After enjoying the pasta dish that Fr. Leo prepared, Jimbo and I got our books signed and headed straight to the grocery store to replicate that simple goodness.
Here's me talking to Fr. Leo while he signs my book. Note (or please refrain from noting) the disaster that is the nest on the back of my hair. I think I might have found where Fievel is hiding out.
I guess all those squats finally paid off as I was able to mug for the camera, crouch down, and hold the pose with Fr. Leo for several consecutive seconds.
And here is the divine concoction. Creamy, spicy, aromatic and layered with flavor, my replication of Fr. Leo's Penne A La Vodka.
As this bloggiversary winds down, I want to thank all of those blogger friends out there and non-blogger loyalists (all three of you) who read mine. I have found many an inspiration from reading my friends' posts and have also discovered many entertaining blogs from seeing who follows what. It's been real tasty.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Weird Food Combos
But aside from that, I wasn't feeling so hot as I discovered the beautifully smooth Shiraz I enjoyed Thursday night had a nasty side the next day (even after only a couple glasses). It's being all sorts of mean today...and to help take that edge off, I've been cramming the most unlikely of food combinations down my gullet in the hopes to chase the angry Shiraz out of my system. Why is it that hangovers dig out the lust for greasy, comfort food? It would make more sense to head towards fruits, vegetables and freshly prepared foods to purge the hurt from one's system. I guess when you feel like you've been run over a circus train, thinking logically is out of the question.
This got me to thinking about my occasional cravings for strange food combos. As I frosted my perfectly toasted cinnamon-raisin bagel with smoked salmon cream cheese this morning, I wondered how many other people (other than pregnant women) have food quirks like mine. You would think that grouping would be repulsive...fish with cream, cinnamon, and raisins? Yes, please. It's delicious (hungover or not). For lunch, I downed two ice cream sandwiches (a Snicker's ice cream bar and an M&M ice cream sandwich) along with half of a toasted blueberry bagel with smoked salmon cream cheese. Is your mouth watering yet? Thought so. Here are a couple of other good numbers that seem so wrong, but are oh, so good.
- Cinnamon-raisin bread, toasted and smothered with melted, sharp cheddar cheese
- Baked beans mixed with grated parmesan cheese and dolloped on a hot dog with plenty of ketchup and mustard
- PB & J sandwich, covered with a mixture of apple sauce and raisins on the top slice of bread
- Cold, chunky New England clam chowder straight out of the can
- Or just plain old cold dinner leftovers for breakfast, the best of which are spaghetti and meatballs, or eggplant parmesan.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Drowned Rat
In addition to the cowbell annoyance, my basement flooded this morning as a result of the flash flood that drowned parts of the region. I am not one to point fingers, but all ten fingers and all ten toes are pointing right at my landlord all the way over to his cottage in Ireland. Having the main downspout from your house gutters empty at the top of the outside stairs leading to the basement is, let's say, less than ideal. The result? A little change of scenery for my morning shower. I spent the main portion of my morning outside with the lightning and rain torrents hauling bucket after bucket of rain water that streamed through the cracks in the door frame to the basement. Rugs soaked. Dirt and leaves everywhere. Only half of the wood floor got covered, and I was able to move stuff in time to spare more damage.
Oh, did I mention that I've always wanted to use a wet/dry vac? No. Because I don't. But, now I get to see how well the landlord's works. And, regular emptying of his dehumidifier will become a new chore for the next few days. Upon calling the landlord, who I have no problems with otherwise, I was informed that he has pieces of wood outside near the bushes that he uses in his effort to re-route the downspout waterflow around the entrance to those stairs. A teeny bit of information that could've been more useful at the lease signing.
Last but not least, Fievel remains at large. The landlord told me to move the traps under the crawl spaces under the kitchen sink and the stove since that is where he has caught mice in the past when they had a "problem." Again, another piece of information that would've been more useful at the lease signing.
I am now drowning in work after coming in a couple hours late after dealing with the house woes. I wish I wasn't such a downer today, but hey, at least the weekend's almost here and the sun's finally out.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Needs Less Cowbell
I wonder what they're so angry about? Could it be wages? If so, then why'd they spend a couple hunny on a gigantic, 20-foot blow up rat perched on top of a parked car? How long will they last out there in the heat? From the sounds of it now, they're still going strong, beating plastic buckets, parading their signs up and down the block all the while screaming, whistling and jeering.
And if my ears have served me correctly, there might be a member of the Blue Oyster Cult working the lines with them. Whoever's working the cowbell down there deserves more than a pat on the back. I can hear the loud tinging of said cowbell all the way up on the 9th floor of my building. And, it's starting to get old. Real old. If it's annoying me way over here, then whoever they're targeting at their building must be beyond irritated. I might go down there and join them just so they'll stop soon.
And what will become of the blow up rat once they're done? Who's the lucky one who gets to take that home with them? I say take it to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Good Baked Goods
As my eyes darted through the menu selections, they screeched to a halt at the word "Mixed Berry Crisp." I remember making a mixed berry cobbler earlier this summer and not enjoying the berry marriage going on under the crumbly topping. There was something about it that ruined it for me, but I can't quite pinpoint it. The fruit tasted like it had been mulled with wine or tea, and I am not a fan of mulled wine. Maybe that's it. I wanted so badly to order it and see how a good DC restaurant prepares the one item I can make in my sleep. But, I decided to go with the pineapple upside down cake with cinnamon ice cream instead. The presentation was great and the cake itself was decadent.
My dad and cousin-by-marriage Erika both ordered the cherry pie (which came highly recommended by our waitress). And, hoping to change my mind about cherries, I asked for a bite. The pie came out in a bowl, so it appeared like a chicken pot pie. And, OH, was it mercilessly hot. Scalded my mouth instantly. Strike two, Cherries! And the crust was a bit too gummy for my liking. My dad and Erika liked it, but to me it was disappointing.
It made me think of all the times I have been disasppointed by fruit pies or cobbler-esque desserts. Whole Foods' take on these have never met my expectations. I love all of their prepared foods, but their fruit pies were always lacking in punch with the filling and especially the crust. This has been precisely why I do not order these kinds of desserts at restaurants, to spare myself the disappointment. As of now, besides homemade cobblers, my favorite pies and fruit desserts are a blueberry pie from a restaurant in Maine, McDonald's apple pie, and Burger King's apple or cherry pie. Sad, but true.
My friend Patrick told me about this Dangerously Delicious pie place on the H Street Corridor that I have mentioned before. But, I have yet to try it. I just want to find a restaurant (bakery even) that has basic, yet fantastic fruit pies. Is that too much to ask? How hard can it be? Maybe I have just been looking for greatness in all the wrong places.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Lemon: 1, Hilary: 0
Both were beautiful on the outside and the inside, with specks of cranberry colored flesh that carried a sweet, perfumey aroma. In my haste to get this operation in and out of the oven, I made an unfortunate choice. Rather than squeeze the lemons over a bowl, collect the seeds, and then pour into the fruit bowl, I squeezed them quickly and directly over the bowl. Juice sprayed out everywhere, but I took no notice. There was aready flecks of flour and sugar, and tomato sauce (from the spaghetti and meatballs I threw down earlier in the evening) about my outfit.
This turned out quite nicely. It's on my top list of favorite.
Another happy ending for all, thanks to vanilla ice cream!Sunday, August 8, 2010
Fievel Goes East
I can handle ants, I can handle small spiders, but I can't handle unwanted mammals. Thank goodness I didn't see a cockroach, but mice rank second in terms of the shudder factor. After my basement roommate came upstairs to see what the yelling was about, I headed to Strosnider's to pick up some mouse traps...the friendly ones. I couldn't bear the thought of sleeping and being woken up to the snap of a traditional mouse trap and then go find Fievel (and quite possibly friends) bloodied and broken on my floor. NO, thank you.
Instead, I spent an extra couple of bucks on these catch and release bad boys. I hope Fievel and friends like Jiff Extra Crunchy peanut butter. I took my two traps to the kitchen and placed a generous spoonful of peanut butter in each before treating myself to a spoonful. I texted one of my friends to tell him that I decided to use peanut butter in the traps and he replied with "Ha, don't you eat the mouse trap!" Jeez, people. I am a fan of the midnight snack, but I'm not that bad!
Check out Fievel's soon-to-be traveling case. It's only about four inches wide by five inches long, but for Fievel, it'll be quite roomy and has the promise of a free continental breakfast. I've decided that upon capture, I will be taking Fievel with me to Chevy Chase to release him to greener pastures.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Pay Me in Meatballs
As luck had it, she and her friends invited me to join them for their meal and I graciously accepted. It got better. An order of spaghetti and meatballs, ravioli, and fried zucchini soon arrived to our table. My pupils dilated instantly. The meatballs were huge. The combination of the steaming spaghetti, pieces of the velvety meatball, and slices of ravioli melted in my mouth. In honor of Discovery Channel's "Shark Week" I devoured my serving without much regard for anything or anyone else at the table. Maybe I should've been a tad more dainty.
One the guys with us was the editor of the Washington Business Journal and was recognized by the woman heading up the PR for Carmine's. After she came by to chat him up, assuming the rest of us were reporters aiming to take a bite and pump out a note about the new place, she sent the CEO of the parent company of Carmine's over to meet us as well.
He was actually very interesting to listen to. He told stories of how they got a restaurant launched at The Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas and gave cut-by-cut details of the rigorous training every cook had to undergo before the DC restaurant's grand opening. I was intrigued, but mostly by his tale of the quality control guru--their taste-tester. He made stuffing oneself into oblivion seem excruciating. Um, I'd love to get paid to live my life! He said there's one poor soul who has to fly down from New York every month to The Atlantis (such cruelty) do a taste test of everything on the menu (the nerve!) to assure that things maintain consistency for the sake of their brand. The owner said once you get through taking a bite of each appetizer, you have to sit down for a serious breather, then put your head back to the grindstone and eat on. Bravo! What do I need to do to get PAID to eat my heart out? Jeez, I am in the wrong line of work.
Overall, the experience at Carmine's was fantastic. I wouldn't say the food was out of this world, but it was pretty solid.
Friday, August 6, 2010
The Simple Life
- Why are only babies, old people, and animals allowed to toot in public?
- Why is it only ok for babies, old people, and ESPECIALLY animals to stare?
- How come everyone looks the other way when when B, OP, and A throw table manners to the curb, yet they exhibit sheer disgust when I wind up with food remnants all over my face and clothes?
- Why don't B, OP, and A have to suffer the daily 9-5 grind?
- Why are there discounts (or sometimes free passes) for B, OP, and A on airplanes and food establishments?
- Why do most people feel comfortable making small talk with B, OP, and A that they've never met, yet find it painful to make eye-contact, let alone exchange a smile, with non BOPAs in public?
- Why are B, OP, and A always so adorable, endearing, and cute?
No, I'm not bitter that I have to conform to societal constraints when these genres of beings do not. I just find this all interesting sometimes. And, I often wonder when the lines begin to blur in that transition from childhood to normal-hood, and from normal-hood to old-hood. At what point in my 50s, 60s, or early 70s will things start to slide? Or will the slide begin earlier than I expect with much more subtlety? I have lived my childhood, but I didn't have the awareness then to cherish that blissful innocence and ignorance to civility. Since I won't be reincarnated as an animal, I must now wait until I am in my later 70s to really cut loose.
I can't wait for a more simple life. A time when I can really exhale, pause, sit back, and relax. Animals, mainly domesticated ones, have the life. Though, they will never understand how good they have it. All they have to do is love, eat, and play (except in this dog's case). Is there anything better in life than that? Why must we complicate things so much? Yeah, I know...the fully-developed human mind is a beautiful thing and has the capacity to achieve great things. A mind that babies don't quite have yet, that old people start to lose pieces of, and that animals will never have. I wouldn't trade that in for free-for-all tooting and staring. But sometimes, I just wish us non BOPAs could dial it down a bit, and lead lives not bogged down by the circus of activities, decisions, work, distractions, challenges, and hardships. But, I guess life's supposed to be that way. And in the end, we will be rewarded with AARP discounts.
Now that, my friends, is a look into the inner-workings of my mind. It's not terribly efficient, I'd say. I wish I could train my mind to do something earth-shattering, rather than clog it up with these musings. Back to work.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Finding a New Obsession
Cobbler making season is nearing its end. I can feel it. And it makes me sad. I'm thinking once September hits, I will only have a couple more weeks left to obsess. That brings me to my next dilemma: what to do next? My friend Sheri was thoughtful enough to ask me this question earlier today and it has sparked a much-needed brainstorm with ample lead time for a decision.
I could steer my focus to savory items, which is likely what will happen. Or, I could stay the path of sweets and focus on pies. Pies! There are so many different kinds of pie, many of which can be fruit-filled making my life easier. Speaking of pies, my friend Patrick told me of this pie place (I think this is the spot) in the H-Street corridor of DC. Must check it out!Yet, I think I am leaning more towards the following:
- Sliders (beef, chicken, seafood, veggie--you name it. And the combinations of homemade condiments, toppings, and cheeses make it even more enticing to me).
- Casseroles (there are a million of these out there! They could also double as my lunches/dinners for the week.)
- Dips (layered, cream based, cheese based, baked--whatever!)
OR, I could just focus on one ingredient and see how many savory and sweet dishes I can make from them. Take bananas, for example, I could make smoothies, ice cream, bananas foster, quesadillas, hmmm....maybe not.
I've got at least another month to get cobbling out of my system. And, I hope by then I will be ready and eager to enslave myself to the demands of another food item.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
We the Displeased
But the service and the food itself left much to be desired. When I arrived with friends Julie and Laura, there wasn't much of a line yet. And behind the counter and display glass, there were at least ten people working, if not more: a few spinning raw dough and adding toppings to new pies, a few working the registers, a few pulling pies in and out of the oven, a soda maker and two people handling the order buzzers and handing out of food.
Then why did it take forever for them to serve us our already-baked slices of pie? How long does it take to toss a chopped salad together? If only they would've spent all that time making sure the food had more flavor, then the wait would've been worth it. Instead I was left with settling for an OK meal. It wasn't terrible, but I expected more from Spike.
Here's the Chop Salad. Complete with sundried tomatoes, chopped ice berg, red onion and slices of salami, ham and provolone, it could've used much more vinegar, or salt even in the dressing. The red-wine vinaigrette was over-used and tasted like plain vegetable oil.
The pepperoni were great, but the piece itself was crunchy on bottom due to reheating and slightly charring. I thought it tasted fine, albeit somewhat bland. I would have to say I prefer Sbarro's over this. Though, presentation wise, it looked like a winner.
Last and least was the white pizza. It tasted like plain American cheese on bread. The bottom was very crunchy, but burned black like a piece of charcoal. There wasn't even a hint of garlic and zero punch from the some of the sharp white cheeses they used.
Here's to hoping that these are just "kinks" that can be worked out over time. I will go back to try a different slice of pizza and the spaghetti and meatballs. I haven't given up completely, yet
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Eye Patches Everywhere!
I am no stranger to the eye patch. On two occasions during my childhood, I had to wear an eye patch after inflicting severe trauma on my left eye. The first time, I pierced my cornea with a holly leaf while bending down into a holly bush to get an errant whiffle ball. The second time, I was playing pick up softball with the neighborhood kids, swung the bat and hit the softball into my eye, again, scratching my cornea.
The thing is, I was not given the option of a sleek, black eye patch. I had this bulky make-shift white gauzey thing on my eye that made it appear that my eye had, in fact, been extracted. I think I had to wear it for a week, but it seemed like an eternity. And, boy, did the eye patch elicit many a quizzical stare. Couldn't they have invented something a little more discreet to shield the eye?
Oh, and I was also a member of a band called "The Eye Patches" back when I was seven. We wore...eye patches. Started by my cousin Matt who had nothing but hate for the New Kids on the Block, most of our songs were, in fact, NKOTB's but with different, more spiteful lyrics. While I was relegated to the role as back up dancer, I still was required to sing the lyrics during our rehearsals. The one I remember the most was "Oh, oh, ohh oh oh, we're hooked on drugs. Oh, oh, ohh oh oh, we look like thugs." To this day I still wonder why we never got a record deal out of this.
But I wonder what is going on in this area. Are people starting to get careless with their eye care? Are there just a lot of unlucky souls who happen to look in the wrong place at the wrong time? Or is this just a lifestyle choice? A new fashion trend? What's the story behind it! I need to know! For my own sanity! And if I see another eye patch wearer tomorrow...
Monday, August 2, 2010
DC Area Lunch Eats - Part Two
Like the rainforests of central America, the vine, weed, and insect situation had gotten beyond out of control. With the sole intention of mowing the lawn, I added on more labor and spent a couple hours pulling vines, clipping bushes, pulling weeds and letting 85 mosquitos drain me of my blood. Disgusting. Everything. The vines were so bad that their stalks had formed tree-bark like outer coatings. So high they had climbed to the tops of the Dogwood trees and fir trees, so lush that they had their own flowers and berries. There were species of bees zooming around that I had never seen before. They were huge with points on their ends that looked sharp enough to drill holes in the ground. Scary. The weeds were so overpowering that I couldn't tell what was weed and what was normal plant. I probably yanked out equal parts normal plant to weed.
But, as a whole I conquered the yard. I conquered the mower that kept sputtering out. I did not conquer gasoline pouring, though, as it triumphantly spilled all over my hands and sunglasses. I also received so many mosquito bites on my legs that you couldn't see my skin. It was all welts...huge, nasty welts that from afar looked like some serious spider veins. But, hey, the yard looks great!
Now onto more appetizing subjects. Lunch spots. Here are the remaining nine.
10. Parkway Deli & Restaurant (Silver Spring, Md.) – a hidden gem in the Rosemary Hills neighborhood of Silver Spring, this New York style deli has an impressive dessert, cheese, spreads, and hot foods case, in addition to a decent wine and beer selection. Customers can shop in the front of the store for these items and place a carry-out order or sit in their main dining room to take advantage of the free pickle bar and delicious coleslaw. I first discovered it while lifeguarding at nearby Rock Creek Pool when I was a wee, fuzzy-eyebrowed, 15-year-old. I ordered some chicken tenders and fell in love. I’ve heard that their brunch is amazing, but have yet to try it. Their sandwich selection contains a good variety with categories for king-sized, triple-decker, and other specialties. Their fries (quite possibly beer battered) are succulent. The menu also contains traditional Jewish fare such as potato pancakes, blintzes, and knishes. My favorite? The Grilled Turkey and Brie sandwich. Served hot on buttered slices of sourdough bread, the carved turkey breast is smothered in melted brie cheese and a sweet and sour cranberry sauce.
11. Taylor Gourmet (DC) – a discovery while working in Union Station area, this deli prides itself in the freshly baked bread imported daily from Philly. Gourmet it certainly is, with an Italian flare in its hoagies and market goods. The rolls have the perfect amount of crusty crunch on the outside and soft buttery flesh on the inside. Their menu? While the hoagies take the spotlight, the place also has a great selection of Italian wines and artisan beers, as well as pastas, sauces, oils and vinegars. Their risotto balls are creamy, spicy, and crunchy and the best when drowned in their homemade marinara sauce. The secret to their great sandwiches? The extra sharp provolone cheese and refusal to dress the sandwiches in anything but oil and vinegar. My favorite? The Philadelphia Landfill. Consisting of the signature home-roasted carved turkey, roasted ham, Genoa salami, roasted red peppers, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion and oil/vinegar, this sandwich effuses love. Good news to Maryland folks, Taylor is opening a new location this summer in downtown Bethesda.
12. Breadline (DC) – located over in the Farragut West area of DC, this place specializes in making everything from scratch (all the way down to its condiments!) and its incorporation of seasonal produce into menu items. Their freshly-baked bread is some of the best I’ve had, but their ever-changing menu with daily chef features is what entices me the most. Their baked goods are pretty good, too. My favorite? A staple on their menu—the curried chicken salad. Perfectly seasoned with the right balance of chicken to raisins and other additions make the last bite an ever-so-sad moment.
13. Wagshal’s Delicatessen (DC) – to my knowledge, there are only a couple of these delis in the Northwest DC area, but the one I will talk about is near American University. Their bagels rank up there with some of the better spots. But their sandwich menu is what gets me. Like Parkway Deli, this place has a market of freshly prepared goods, salads, spreads, cheeses, and the like that you can browse while waiting for your food. And yes, this place also has a fantastic case of desserts strategically on display by the payment counter. My favorite? A little on the boring side when you compare it to the other menu options, but sometimes simplicity is all it takes to put a grin on my face. This sandwich is called “Mikey’s Special,” and it comes with smoked turkey, muenster, oil and vinegar, lettuce, tomato, and sweet peppers. Perfecto.
14. Juice Joint (DC) – a little more on the pricey range of things, this McPherson Square spot specializes in fresh, all natural ingredients. While the menu has a number of tasty regular items, there are also daily specials. Their smoothies are healthy with no added sugars and contain interesting combinations of fruits and juices. Their vegetarian chili has many layers of flavor and is a great fill-me-up meal. Grilled salmon in a salad or a wrap with mango salsa is another good option. I’ve heard many a good thing about their stir frys and have enjoyed their mushroom quesadilla with goat cheese. My favorite? A Down Under smoothie (apple juice, bananas, strawberries, and kiwis) with the Fresh Mozzarella and Roasted Veggie sandwich. This sandwich is humble in appearance, but it takes me away to a happy place when I bite into the soft bread drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette and sink my teeth into the plump buffalo mozzarella and flavor-packed veggies.
15. Spice Express (DC) – another McPherson Square option, Spice Express is one of the rarer fast-casual Indian spots. While I love Indian restaurants and their lunch buffets, I don’t always have that kind of time to spend during the work day. And buffets are dangerous…for me at least. Spice Express can also be pricey, but it’s quick, tasty, and comforting. The typical lunch special involves rice and two curries. I have tried their chicken masala with a side of palak paneer which was delish. I paid a little extra for some naan to mop up the extra sauce. My favorite? Vegetable biryani. Very simple, but complex with the number of veggies scattered about. Portion size was huge, and their cooling yogurt sauce drizzled on top made the food sing in my mouth. Or maybe it was just me humming in content.
16. Greek Deli & Catering (DC) – It’s probably bad that I am putting a place on this list that I have yet to go to. But seeing as there are always long lines to get in (the reason why I haven’t gone there) leads me to assume that it is worth the wait (except that clearly, in my case, I’m too impatient). One of these days, though, I will plan to get there early enough. I have heard nothing but rave reviews. And if Washington Post Food Critic Tom Siestema had good things to say about it, then I’m sold. As I browse their menu, I think what sticks out the most is their Famous Gyro. It’s famous! How can it not be good!
17. Maoz (DC) – located in Mid-Town DC near Ozio, this place mimics the Amsterdam Falafelshop in Adams Morgan, but falls a little short. That is not a bad thing, though, since falling short to AFS is like comparing PCs to Macs. PCs still get you to where you need to go, they’re just not as snazzy as Macs. And in the case of Maoz, it takes me to where I need to go—the state of full and satisfied. The concept here is to order a small or large falafel, add however many sides (eggplant, egg, feta, hummus, babaganoush, etc.) and then take your pita to town at the fixins bar. There you will find an array of sauces (garlic mayo, yogurt, tahini sauce, etc.) and a ridiculous amount of toppings (or stuffings). My favorite? A junior falafel pita (three falafels) with hummus, babaganoush, feta, tomatoes/onions, tahini, yogurt, and whatever other fixins meet my needs at the moment.
18. Good Stuff Eatery (DC) – a great burger joint on Capitol Hill, this place has me swooning. Started by Top Chef Season Four Contender Spike Mendelsohn, this place oozes goodness. From its hand cut fries seasoned with sea salt and rosemary, to the inventive milkshake options, to the creatively-crafted burgers, there is nothing bad to say about Good Stuff. To top it off, the different flavored mayos make dipping fries more enjoyable. Averse to ground beef? Substitute chicken breast instead, or just order one of the salad wedges. My favorite? The Colleti’s Smokehouse. I hold the bacon on this (a sin, I know) but have had it in its ground beef and chicken version. What makes this burger special to me is the rich barbecue sauce and salty, crunchy onion ring on top, and the ooze of the sharp Vermont Cheddar cheese on the buttery Pennsylvania Dutch bun. I slop this one down with a classic vanilla milkshake and slowly slip into a coma. I will note that I have yet to try the Prez Obama Burger (bacon, onion marmalade, Roquefort cheese, and horseradish sauce) and presume that my current favorite will have to settle for second place.
Time to eat up!