Homemade Tacos

In my effort to not eat out and actually cook I bought all the fixins for some tacos. I love tacos.
However, I must say that I didn't make amazing tacos. The key issues with my tacos were:
1) I got soft shell instead of hard shells
2) I didn't have salsa
3) I didn't have iceberg lettuce

I bought sirloin instead of regular ground beef because it's healthier (South Beach Diet told me so). The sirloin was fine - didn't hold the grease that I believe holds the taco flavor as well.

Normally, I would get some hard shells because I love the crunch. However, since I usually have more hard shells than I need and don't use the leftovers I opted for tortillas. (I use the tortillas for cheese/bean quesadillas or egg/cheese quesadilla breakfast). The soft tortillas were good but I missed the crunch and crack of those hard taco shells.

I then got fresh tomatos in lieu of salsa and that was mostly a good choice since I always choose salsa fresca as opposed to anything from a jar. However, a little zip from the salsa would have added more to the taco.

Lettuce - I did not get lettuce. And I believe that shredded iceberg lettuce is the best choice for tacos. I like the coolness of the lettuce with the warm spicy taco filling. Forgetting the lettuce was a bummer, but then what the heck do I do with all that iceberg since I hardly ever make salads?!

So that's my taco night. And, it lasted for two whole meals.

Finally - I would like to say Bye Bye to Beijing. I will say that my Olympics watching decreased after swimming and gymnastics were over, but I loved the Olympics this year. And just when I thought I could finally catch up on my sleep, the freakin Democratic Convention starts. Sigh.
Obama-Biden 2008!

Pale food, pale people

I went with my family to the Ukranian festival last weekend (prior to the "cheeburger incident"). I am traditionally not a fan of eastern European food. But, I've been thinking about the meal I had there all week, because it was freaking delicious.

I usually don't like "golumpkies". I am totally spelling that wrong- I don't know how to spell it in the first place, plus I would like to discuss the Ukranian version when I am used to eating the Polish version, and am sure they are spelled differently. Anyways, the golumpkies I know are a large pile of pale ground beef and onion wrapped in a pale sheet of cabbage, topped with tomato sauce. Totally gross. The much better columpkies I ate at the Ukie fest were smaller- pale meat of some kind with onion wrapped in a smaller sheet of white cabbage. Totally delicious. Am a bit worried that I can't identify the meat, but good none the less.

Other things on the plate were pierogi, sausage, rye with butter, and kraut. I didn't eat the kraut (no me gusta). Sausage was perfect flavor and size, and not greasy. Not one bit of hearburn or burping. Pierogi were, alas, pale, but perfect. Potato and cheese in a giant pasta shell- like a giant ravioli with a side of sour cream. I think the Polish must know that their food is unappetizingly monochrome, but after all these years they don't care- it's still delicious, and served with healthy side portions of beer, dancing, and gambling.

Yet it's not the beer, dancing, or gambling I remember- it's the pale pale food. So perfectly filling but not overstuffing. My mother has yet to pass on the recipes to me (don't know what she's waiting for...) but someday if Birch D were in my mother's kitchen eating golumkies, that would be a happy day. Or at least pierogies- perfect drunk food!!! Potato, cheese, Pasta, and sour cream!!

lobster roll part 3 (with a side of oysters)

I went to the Summer Shack last night (Jasper White's Summer Shack is the full name I believe). There's also one downtown somewhere, but we went to the one near Alewife. It's such a random spot for a restaurant but there it is and it's an easy stop off point after swimming at Walden.

I have recently taken a liking to oysters, so we got some Wellfleets. Jasper's has a pretty wide selection of oysters. I used to be intimidated by the whole oyster thing, but they are really quite tasty. Salty poison goodness. Refreshing. NOT chewy as one might expect. And they shouldn't taste like fish, but instead like a nice mouth of sea with a dash of cocktail sauce or hot sauce (whichever you prefer).

The point of this post is that I also got a lobster roll and I must say that even though the atmosphere of the Summer Shack is kinda campy, their seafood is pretty great. THEIR lobster roll came on a foot long bun, unlike the one Reena and I had. It also did NOT have chunks of losbster that were bigger than my mouth but bit-size chunks. The roll was lightly toasted. Good amounts of mayo and some celery. Also more expensive than the prior lobster roll, but perhaps this is a case of "you get what you pay for". I really do love lobster roll season. There is nothing quite like a hot summer day and having fresh seafood with a cold beverage after a relaxing swim.

drunk cheeseburger blog

i am now writig about a cheeseburger i ate yesterday. when i was not drunk . but now i am.

this cheeseburger sucked. it was ata a chain erstaurant called "cheeburger cheeburger" (which i made sure to type correctly).

it sucked because it was on a soft roll. the roll had no personality. and teh waitress talked to me like i was retarded. not that there's anythonig wrong with thtat, (being retarted) but helo, i can rfead a menu about chesburghers. your enu is not htat special. i thought about ordreing the potobello burger, but then ended up getting what i would make for myslef (see thing i wrote before about my eviolving relationship wiht hamburgers) just so i could see if they could make my specialty better than i could. and they couldn't. they didn't have meunster. so i got cheddar. but it was one slice of half-ripe tomato, not enought bacone, pale tomato.

honeslty, if the roll was not a crayypy grocery store roll, bit could have been okay. i wouldn't have noticed that they overcooked the burger, and that it was iceburg lettuce,k and i hate the wateress/. also, no side dish!!!! hello!! we got a "large side of fries and onion rings" but my father hogs everythign so i only got a few of each. witch actually worked otu okay.

okay.

the end. sorry fo this.

Fro Yo v. Real Ice Cream; The Olympics

So I was just strolling around the neighborhood with Rose and her roommate enjoying the nice (and finally dry) weather. Rose and Roomie wanted to get frozen yogurt + mixins at the cafe across from my house. This little shop serves frozen yogurt and freshly mixes in anything you could want - m&ms, coffee, heath bar, crunch, chocolate chips, whathaveyou. It's a good summer time snack and it tastes real good. When I go I like to get vanilla fro yo + chocolate chips. Rose likes chocolate with coffee and heath bar...I think, she'll correct me if I am wrong. Roomie likes vanilla plus two scoops of M&Ms.

The last couple of times Rose and Roomie have gone, I have walked with them but not ordered the fro yo. Tonight they questioned me. "Why? Why no mix-in?!" They seem to think it's because I am trying to be healthy. Tonight it was because I needed dinner so I needed to get some pizza. But usually it's been because I have a half gallon of chocolate haagan daz in my freezer and to be quite honest nothing beats real creamy, chocolate ice cream. I love a good mix-in (I mean, come on, it's a blizzard for the most part and I am from MN so I love anything from DQ). But ice cream is ice cream and when it's good, it's real good and fro yo cannot compete. For the last couple of weeks I've been having scoops of ice cream or making myself chocolate shakes - my favorite summer treat.

My love for chocolate ice cream and chocolate shakes started when I finished college. Probably because my one roommate always wanted chocolate shakes - and we lived 6 blocks from Ben and Jerry's. So it just stuck withe me and now I want them all the time.

So Rose, I am sorry to disappoint you by not eating enough Fro Yo Mix Ins. I hope you can forgive me some day!

Now onto my August obsession - the Olympics. Schmat and I have been having some amazing email exchanges about Summer Olympics 2008. Specifically, we are obsessed with women's gymnastics. The women got silver last night which is very exciting, although it was sad to see some mistakes for them. You think to yourself - they've been working their whole lives - given up being regular kids and teens for this one moment... So when they don't perform as well as they have in the past, you can just imagine it must be devastating for them.

I am also really into swimming. I love to watch it and just see the team (and not just Michael Phelps) haul ass. I've even given up my 8 hours of sleep a night to watch the Olympics this week.
If you have not tuned in, I highly suggest it. You could then also yell at the tv, grab a pillow because the race is too close or the uneven bars are too far apart just like me!

P.S. There is something pretty funny about sitting on your couch for 5 hours watching these athletes defy all the odds and push their bodies...meanwhile, I just lift the spoon of ice cream into my mouth.

Combo confession

I have eaten Combos for dinner the past two nights. It is something I've been actually doing a lot lately. I ate Combos for lunch nearly every day of high school senior year, and then went without Combos, or even thinking of Combos, until recently. Then one day a month or 2 ago, I just had to have some. I indulged this craving, because it was so random. Then I had to have Combos like 3 nights in a row. Every night after work, stop at CVS, buy a bag of Combos, and eat it with a Coke Zero. This lasted for like 3 nights. Uncontrollable need for Combos. Then it went away. I thought, "Wow. Weird." But wasn't concerned until I had another Combo issue a few weeks later, lasting only 2 nights. And now it is back for the second or third time. Last night was night 2....I think I can resist tonight.

I only like the original kind- pretzel and cheddar cheese. The name "cheddar" is used loosely here, because it in no way resembles the texture of real cheese. Or fake cheese for that matter. I bet there is not one natural ingredient in these things. Perhaps that's why I'm strangely addicted. It is not related to period cravings. But it could be related to quitting smoking? Is there nicotine in Combos? Maybe that's it- I started smoking towards the end of senior year in high school....when I stopped eating Combos daily!!!!! Coincidence? I think not.

Skinny bitches

Am I right to believe that DJB and Trizay don't eat!?! Obviously, they are not eating, otherwise they'd be posting hilarious blogs. Maybe we need to have an intervention or two!?!

Mmmmm...meat!

Can anyone believe that I eat red meat again!?! Even I can't believe it sometimes. Not only did I eat a hamburger last night, but I had it smothered in cheese, bacon, and bbq sauce....a real carnivore's dream. I can't wait for my cholesterol test at this year's annual exam. I used to pride myself on my less than 100 cholesterol count (both hdl and ldl, combined) but since Uburger came into my life and Julie McCoy moved down the street, I not only dream about burgers, but I also consume them just as regularly.

Sunday Burgers in Boston

It's funny that Schmat should write about burgers today because I just came from having burgers with Rose, another co-contrubutor. While Schmat chose homemade goodness, we chose diner burgers from the wonderful Victoria's Diner. We decided to go to the diner because it's yet another rainy summer day here in Massachusetts and neither Rose, her roommate, or myself had any food to eat for dinner.

I agree with Schmat that it can be great to make your own burger - having it your way. But when you lack food going out is another great option. I love burgers. Since I moved back to Boston from NYC, I have been sad because of my inability to find a really good burger. Nothing compares to the amazing cheeseburgers at Hi-Life in New York. However, tonight at Victoria's, I found a pretty good substitute. I was quite happy with my burger. Like Schmat, it included a key ingredient - bacon. I had a bacon cheddar burger, prepared medium with fries.

My toppings included ketchup, yellow mustard (in this case I prefer yellow to Grey Poupon) and lettuce (iceberg) and tomato. I like to put my lettuce and tomato beneath the patty. This keeps the vegetables from getting in the way of the condiments meeting the burger. I love the way the ketchup and mustard mix together. It's one of my favorite things about summer cookouts - on hamburgers or hot dogs.

I will say the fries were not that great, but they were good. I think Rose made the right choice by going with sweet potato fries. These fries seemed a little too "airy" to me and less potato-y, if you know what I mean - and lacked some seasoning.

I do envy Schmat's toasted bun - nothing is better than a toasted bun in my opinion.

Tonight's burger was enjoyable and the diner made for a nice Sunday outing. I can now get back to my August obsession - the Olympics. (Yes, apparently me and Schmat live the exact same life, just in different places.)

My evolving relationship with hamburgers

As a singleton, it is sometimes necessary to commit to one type of food for more than one meal. For example, I wanted to make myself a hamburger this weekend, which meant all I would eat was hamburgers for 2 days. I certainly could have gone out for a hamburger, and thus only would have to eat one. Growing up, and I'm sure I'm not alone in this, I exclusively liked McDonald's. Hamburgers prepared by anyone or anywhere else were too...meaty. Too intimidating. And I wasn't really a red meat person until a couple of years ago.



Now that my appreciation for freshly prepared food has greatly increased with my age, I have many more options for carryout. PJ's barbeque is a great one during the summer- bacon, a nice char smell, and amazing crispy onion bits make this one a stand out.



But, this weekend I wanted it my way. I got into the habit of making my own burgers when I started ordering from Omaha steaks. Individually wrapped frozen patties are easy to thaw on a whim for near instant burger gratification. But even if you only have to thaw one burger, you still need to purchase the other ingredients fresh....thus a weekend of burgers or blatant wastefulness. I ran out of my Omaha steaks burgers a while ago, so bought 4 fresh patties and the essential accessories:

1. Buns- A nice Kaiser roll from the bakery section is wonderful. However, this weekend I chose Pepperidge farm whole grain white as they are better for me and a decent substitute.

2. Tomato- I went with Vermont hydroponic. Perfect size, nice and red. The on-the-vines that i usually buy looked like they reached their tomato potential a couple days ago.

3. Bacon- precooked, because it's easy.

4. Lettuce- spring mix was on sale. Also, it's small bits that neither overwhelm the burger nor fall out of the burger on the first bite. I do not allow iceburg lettuce near any sandwiches made in my home.

5. Red onion. Sliced very thin...I hate a too thick slice of onion.

5. Muenster cheese.

6. Ketchup, mustard, AND mayonaisse. I sometimes get funny looks from waitstaff in restaurants when I request all three condiments. I don't understand why.



Coking techniques I employ include grilling the bun in my panini pan. It's an amazingly satisfying meal. And with lean beef, lowfat toppings (mayo, buns), and fresh veggies, the only kind of bad part is the bacon, which I generally refuse to go without it. I like feeling in control of the ingredients, and I don't feel all gross like after a restaurant burger. Only a short lived burger coma ensues, which is fine by me on a rainy August day with nothing to do but watch the Olympics. Ahhhh.

Naanwich vs. Burrito

In reading Megger's ideas on the Naanwich, I would like to offer an alternative that I love for similar reasons... Anna's Burritos.
1. It's made with soft flour tortillas and your choice of a wide variety of fillings. Need I say more?

2) It's warm.

3) Guacamole

4) A welcome alternative to a typical American lunch: deli-meats, tuna salad, pb&j

5) Wallet-friendly.

6) It comes wrapped in wax paper/foil so although it can be slightly messy with the yogurt sauce, it is a good bite to eat on the run.

Lobster Rolls

I hate lobster rolls. The end.

Naanwich

There's this great place to get a Naanwich in Arlington Center. What's a Naanwich you ask? It's a piece of delicious Naan wrapped around chicken or lamb with some veggies and a yogurt sauce. Basically, if you like kabobs or gyros, you will like the Naanwich. The place my co-workers and I frequent is called Punjab Market/Chai Cafe. It's a small Indian market that sells lots of reasonably priced spices, lentils, prepared foods and the like. In the back is a small take-out counter specializing in sweet and savory Indian delights (lassis, samosas, and also the naanwich). Punjab, the full-service restaurant across the street, is also a highly-recommended destination for those wanting a bigger sit-down meal. They also have the Naanwich and other tasty lunch specials and dinner entrees.



Here are a few reasons why I love the Naanwich:

1) it's made with Naan. need I say more?

2) it's warm. a warm sandwich is always better than a cold one.

3) the yogurt sauce.

4) a welcome alternative to a typical American lunch: deli-meats, tuna salad, pb&j

5) wallet-friendly.

6) it comes wrapped in wax paper/foil so although it can be slightly messy with the yogurt sauce, it is a good bite to eat on the run.

The Worst Lobster Roll Ever

I dont' want to become the negative one of the bunch, but with all this talk of proper lobster rolls, I feel the need to share a sad tale of woe.

Once upon a time, in upstate New York, a land far far away from good seafood, there was a girl named Schmat who had a bad day at work. She decided that a lobster roll would be the perfect pick me up, so she headed to the only seafood restaurant in town, The Weathervane (yeah, I'm naming names). She ordered a lobster roll to go, and sat in the poorly decorated, poorly ventilated bar area to wait for her food. While she waited, she enjoyed a half-decent margarita, and pondered how this restaurant remains open, as surely it is the most pathetic restaurant in the land, and indeed the butthole of the Weathervane franchise.

Upon sighting the carry out bag coming towards her, she gulped the last of her cocktail and enthusiastically thanked the 17 year-old hostess. Schmat carefully shuttled her precious cargo home, contemplating the most efficient way to turn on the tv, change in to pajamas, and quickly settle in to enjoy the perfect meal. Alas, Schmat was terribly disappointed. Instead of meaty, firm chunks of lobster, it was a sandy and grainy texture, no doubt due to improper cooking. The bun, although it was appropriately "New England" style, was soggy. And if Shmat ever finds out which Weathervane employee neglected to include the french fries with the lobster roll, that person will surely meet a grim end.

So, glad tidings to ye who are on the coast, where delicious lobster is plentiful, and they can probably put together a decent lobster roll even at McDonald's....where they'd never forget the fries!!

Lobster Roll, part deux

So I am getting ready to head back to lovely Boston and leave the "beach house" after four wonderful and peaceful days. But since this is about food I won't talk about the amazing views, the beautiful beaches and the warm water (I know! Who knew there could be warm ocean water in New England?).

Yesterday, Meggers, my co-contributor, joined me up here to see the town and eat a lobster roll. We went back to the same seaside shack (in the rain) that I went to the other night. I will say the Saturday Lobster Roll was better than the Thursday Lobster Roll. It stayed together better and Meggers pointed out the little cardboard carton it came in (to keep it upright) didn't have an end which meant you could eat while still in the cardboard holder. Technology, folks...it's amazing.

That did make it easier to eat and less drippy. But I do think today's batch was just less drippy than Thursdays. We also got lemonade (I will let Meggers talk about it), fried clam strips and fries. I will say the fries were not as good today but the clam strips....yummy. I mean, they were fried so you can't go wrong.

We finished our dinner off with a lovely mini-blueberry pie that Meggers bought at a farmer's market earlier in the day. It was very good. The crust was just buttery enough and the blueberries were just sweet enough.

All of this with good company and a Project Runway marathon made for a great Saturday night.
Don't worry we obviously discussed our food while we ate it. I am looking forward to Meggers post for a little compare/contrast.

As I wrap this up and wrap up my weekend, it seems the clouds (and thunder) are rolling in and that the rain is coming. I guess that means it's time to pack up from my "staycation" and head back to the city and the real world. Sigh....