In the spirit of keeping the blog active, and inspired by the fact that I'm leaving my job, I am now going to briefly discuss the grossest food items I've encountered. Thankfully, the list is not long, and hopefully it will help us appreciate those delicious bites all the more.
1. Tuna Boats: This is a sentimental job listing, and keep in mind that as I write this I am very near my last day, having resigned after 8 years.
Prolly my first week at the group home for adults with mental illness, I was assigned to cook with a woman whom I'll call "Laundry Lady". She was assigned to my caseload. About 5 feet tall, crazy grey white lady 'fro, and a permanent wardrobe of sweatpants- you'd be able to identify this woman as "a little offsky" even if you didn't have any type of training in psychology or psychiatry. Our assignment was to prepare "Tuna Boats" for the 13 residents of the house. Recipe was basic tuna salad in New England style hot dog rolls. Except we didn't have a recipe for tuna salad, and I had no creativity in this regard at this time. So it was pretty much just tuna, mayo, and maybe some pepper. Laundry Lady didn't have her dentures in, so she drooled a long piece of drool as she was stirring the gross tuna (she slurped it back in before it reached the big plastic orange bowl). And finally, this was not Chicken of the Sea we're talkin' about. It is giant cans of dark-meat-off-brand-food-bank tuna. I think we served it with ripple chips. Let's just say it's a miracle I can still eat tuna salad. (Also, the menus at the house have become more sophisticated.)
Also, and I'm not even kidding and intend no disrespect, but Laundry Lady has since passed away. The tuna boats is not even my worst memory of her (ask about the "Poo Gloves") but she had many good qualities and I'm sure she'd love the blog.
2. One time I made dip and I didn't have chips. I had sour cream, salsa, and some shredded cheddar. I mixed it all together, knowing full well that I had no chips or other dipping materials. I tried to eat it with a spoon, thinking that the chips weren't that important. The chips are important, people. Although I did eat one spoonful, I then felt very bad about myself and threw the rest of the pathetic dip away. I have to say it was a low point in my life.
3. Another work related moment- Salmon patties. Before I worked in mental health, I didn't know that salmon came in a can. I didn't know that you could make "patties" or "casserole" out of canned salmon. I don't recommend it.
4. One time, this person I know dropped a Doughboy on the sidewalk of Caroline Street in Saratoga, and then ate it anyways. Oh...wait.....that was me. And it was delicious.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
See ya later Saratoga
I only have about a week and a half left in this great town, and am reflecting on foods and beverages that I will miss most. I will refrain from listing chains (Panera!!) and you may be surprised at what has been included and excluded. In no particular order....
1. Ravenous Pomme Fritte. I have only been to Ravenous a handful of times, but these have to be the best french fries ever made anywhere on earth. Freshly made, perfect size & shape. Perfect balance of crisp and soft. My favorite thing is the entire menu of dipping sauces. A menu of dipping sauces!! Pesto mayo is my favorite, but there are 9 choices, I think. Brilliant.
2. Springwater Bistro. Gone for good, Springwater left town before me. I've blogged about this place before so won't rehash all my favorite bites, but I think this place is where I matured as an eater. I learned to just trust the chef and was never disappointed. I remember feeling like quite the sophisticated foodie when seated next to an elderly lady and her young teen granddaughter: "Can I get just a chicken breast? Plain?" Go to Burger King lady, where they'll make it your way.
3. Augie's. Technically in Ballston Spa, I really wish I had discovered this place earlier. Believe I already posted on this place as well.
4. Humpty Dumpty's. Best soft serve. There's loads of soft serve in Rochester, and frozen custard which is better than soft ice cream. I hate that they take the name of the store quite literally, and decorate it will all sorts of tacky/creepy Humpty Dumpty egg men. Menu offerings include soft serve coated in the waxy goodness that is Dip, a great chocolate shake for $2, or my favorite- The Romeo. Layered as follows in a plastic cup: vanilla, hot fudge, chocolate, hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts. I think it costs $2.25, fits in the cup holder of your car, and on many summer nights has been a useful and soothing stress reliever on the way home from work.
5. Saratoga Water. I know that they sell this at Wegmans (where they also sell Stewart's soda...Donk! That shit don't need to be exported) and I'm sure I'll reach for the blue bottle out of nostalgia many times post move. It's also the best water I've ever tasted. Plastic bottle is certainly fine, sparkling is great, but the still water in the blue glass bottle is a wonderful treat.
6. Quesadillas from Spring Street Deli. I've done a lot of research on quesadillas during my time in Saratoga. This is consistently the best. Others are too greasy, overly cheesy, or not flat enough due to inappropriately sized pieces of chicken. Spring Street has none of these flaws. Well proportioned and well seasoned (they give hot sauce automatically now), I would be suprised if I found it's equal.
1. Ravenous Pomme Fritte. I have only been to Ravenous a handful of times, but these have to be the best french fries ever made anywhere on earth. Freshly made, perfect size & shape. Perfect balance of crisp and soft. My favorite thing is the entire menu of dipping sauces. A menu of dipping sauces!! Pesto mayo is my favorite, but there are 9 choices, I think. Brilliant.
2. Springwater Bistro. Gone for good, Springwater left town before me. I've blogged about this place before so won't rehash all my favorite bites, but I think this place is where I matured as an eater. I learned to just trust the chef and was never disappointed. I remember feeling like quite the sophisticated foodie when seated next to an elderly lady and her young teen granddaughter: "Can I get just a chicken breast? Plain?" Go to Burger King lady, where they'll make it your way.
3. Augie's. Technically in Ballston Spa, I really wish I had discovered this place earlier. Believe I already posted on this place as well.
4. Humpty Dumpty's. Best soft serve. There's loads of soft serve in Rochester, and frozen custard which is better than soft ice cream. I hate that they take the name of the store quite literally, and decorate it will all sorts of tacky/creepy Humpty Dumpty egg men. Menu offerings include soft serve coated in the waxy goodness that is Dip, a great chocolate shake for $2, or my favorite- The Romeo. Layered as follows in a plastic cup: vanilla, hot fudge, chocolate, hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts. I think it costs $2.25, fits in the cup holder of your car, and on many summer nights has been a useful and soothing stress reliever on the way home from work.
5. Saratoga Water. I know that they sell this at Wegmans (where they also sell Stewart's soda...Donk! That shit don't need to be exported) and I'm sure I'll reach for the blue bottle out of nostalgia many times post move. It's also the best water I've ever tasted. Plastic bottle is certainly fine, sparkling is great, but the still water in the blue glass bottle is a wonderful treat.
6. Quesadillas from Spring Street Deli. I've done a lot of research on quesadillas during my time in Saratoga. This is consistently the best. Others are too greasy, overly cheesy, or not flat enough due to inappropriately sized pieces of chicken. Spring Street has none of these flaws. Well proportioned and well seasoned (they give hot sauce automatically now), I would be suprised if I found it's equal.
Jury Duty Thoughts on Food
Since I have nothing but time to kill while sitting here waiting to be called (and rejected) for jury duty, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on a few of my food thoughts. First of all, kudos to Julie McCoy for jumping in and blogging about the Saratoga weekend. It certainly was a great weekend full of good food, friends, and fun. The only bad thing about our weekends away is the need to detox afterward. So, for the last 36 hours, I have eaten more field greens, cucumber salads, roasted vegetables than any carnivore should eat. I also have been to the gym 3 times since my return. I'm starting to wonder if all that delicious food is worth the detox period, as I hate exercise and I certainly wouldn't choose to eat vegetables at every meal. Something to ponder...
I also am intrigued by a few of the blogs. I hate to always be the one to rebut (see my blog against lobster rolls), but I have to disagree with Meggers on her thoughts on the nicoisse salad. The look, smell, and texture of the egg and tuna alone is enough to make me vomit. I don't think anyone can convince me that the nicoisse is a brilliant cullinary creation.
Finally, I am now going to spend the rest of my time waiting in the jury pool to write in my tastebook. I've been working on my own cookbook this summer, and hope to "publish" it before school begins in September. Wish me luch.
I also am intrigued by a few of the blogs. I hate to always be the one to rebut (see my blog against lobster rolls), but I have to disagree with Meggers on her thoughts on the nicoisse salad. The look, smell, and texture of the egg and tuna alone is enough to make me vomit. I don't think anyone can convince me that the nicoisse is a brilliant cullinary creation.
Finally, I am now going to spend the rest of my time waiting in the jury pool to write in my tastebook. I've been working on my own cookbook this summer, and hope to "publish" it before school begins in September. Wish me luch.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Eating in Saratoga - where it all began...
This wknd the Birch D Gang (minus 1) reunited in the great town of Saratoga Springs for a little reunion complete with a visit to the track, drinks, the reading of magazines and of course eating.
Just to prepare you - this will have to be covered in more than one post and I expect that the entire gang may weigh in with their own posts.
Let's start at the very beginning (b/c it's a very good place to start).
Lunch - We arrive in Saratoga after a long drive stuck in traffic and some kitty drama (don't worry, Burger The Cat is okay!). This means we arrive hungry and crabby. We run immediately to Roma's for the most amazing subs of all time. Roma's sandwiches began this whole madness of us discussing our food - what we ordered and why just over a year ago in Schmat's apt.
Roma's provided us with the greatest sandwich and the solution to all things crabby. Their delicious bread makes the sandwich - that as well as the love and care of the slicing by the great guys who work there. (And especially the one who remembers us even after 11 years). The bread is a nice italian sub roll - a little crunchy on the outside and perfectly soft in the middle. I ordered turkey with fresh mozz, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, italian dressing and pickle on the side. The key to the Roma's sandwich - besides the bread- I think is that they slice the meat and cheese and then roll it together and then place that roll of meat and cheese in the bread. This means the order is meat, cheese, meat, cheese in every bite. It's perfect. The italian seasoning is nice too - the oregano gives it just a little bite.
Later in the evening we went to Nine Maple to start our evening with some proper cocktails. Nine Maps is one of my all time favorite bars. Dark, good drinks and a nice atmosphere. I ordered a Tom Collins. I was not disappointed.
On our way we had to stop for the Saratoga staple bar food - the Dough Boy. The Dough Boy takes a small pizza crust and rolls it up and stuffs it with a blend of spices, chicken, scallions, sour cream and cheese. Sounds disgusting? It's the greatest thing in the entire world. Do not doubt.
I cannot tell you exactly what is in it - because we don't know. (Rose, perhaps you can discuss your experiment a few years back.) It's served hot like a mini calzone but it is not pizza saucy in any ways. It is also the perfect hand held food - good for transport on the way home from the bar or to eat while walking to another bar. My first Dough Boy was good - but to be honest there was a bit too much air between the "dough" and the "boy" (filling). I prefer a compact dough boy oozing of chicken/cheese/spice goodness. However, since I only get these once a year, I will not complain.
This was not my only dough boy -- do not worry. I returned later that night to order 2 more for me and Rose as well as get a slice of pizza. The pizza was good - your average fare. I was pleased. Esperanto's (home of the Dough Boy) pizza is good but to be honest does not require a special description - it's just really good pizza. Now D'Andreas at the other end of Caroline Street is a bit different - the sauce is a little sweet and the crust must have sugar in it or something. Try it and compare for yourselves.
My second dough boy was a bit better - seemed to have more stuff in it. And well it was after several vodka and cranberries (really, vodka with a splash of cranberry) so that may have made it even better.
Overall Night One did not disappoint food or drink wise.
More postings about Day 2 and 3 to come - including a visit to the Bread Basket, Hattie's Chicken Shack and Uncommon Grounds.
Just to prepare you - this will have to be covered in more than one post and I expect that the entire gang may weigh in with their own posts.
Let's start at the very beginning (b/c it's a very good place to start).
Lunch - We arrive in Saratoga after a long drive stuck in traffic and some kitty drama (don't worry, Burger The Cat is okay!). This means we arrive hungry and crabby. We run immediately to Roma's for the most amazing subs of all time. Roma's sandwiches began this whole madness of us discussing our food - what we ordered and why just over a year ago in Schmat's apt.
Roma's provided us with the greatest sandwich and the solution to all things crabby. Their delicious bread makes the sandwich - that as well as the love and care of the slicing by the great guys who work there. (And especially the one who remembers us even after 11 years). The bread is a nice italian sub roll - a little crunchy on the outside and perfectly soft in the middle. I ordered turkey with fresh mozz, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, italian dressing and pickle on the side. The key to the Roma's sandwich - besides the bread- I think is that they slice the meat and cheese and then roll it together and then place that roll of meat and cheese in the bread. This means the order is meat, cheese, meat, cheese in every bite. It's perfect. The italian seasoning is nice too - the oregano gives it just a little bite.
Later in the evening we went to Nine Maple to start our evening with some proper cocktails. Nine Maps is one of my all time favorite bars. Dark, good drinks and a nice atmosphere. I ordered a Tom Collins. I was not disappointed.
On our way we had to stop for the Saratoga staple bar food - the Dough Boy. The Dough Boy takes a small pizza crust and rolls it up and stuffs it with a blend of spices, chicken, scallions, sour cream and cheese. Sounds disgusting? It's the greatest thing in the entire world. Do not doubt.
I cannot tell you exactly what is in it - because we don't know. (Rose, perhaps you can discuss your experiment a few years back.) It's served hot like a mini calzone but it is not pizza saucy in any ways. It is also the perfect hand held food - good for transport on the way home from the bar or to eat while walking to another bar. My first Dough Boy was good - but to be honest there was a bit too much air between the "dough" and the "boy" (filling). I prefer a compact dough boy oozing of chicken/cheese/spice goodness. However, since I only get these once a year, I will not complain.
This was not my only dough boy -- do not worry. I returned later that night to order 2 more for me and Rose as well as get a slice of pizza. The pizza was good - your average fare. I was pleased. Esperanto's (home of the Dough Boy) pizza is good but to be honest does not require a special description - it's just really good pizza. Now D'Andreas at the other end of Caroline Street is a bit different - the sauce is a little sweet and the crust must have sugar in it or something. Try it and compare for yourselves.
My second dough boy was a bit better - seemed to have more stuff in it. And well it was after several vodka and cranberries (really, vodka with a splash of cranberry) so that may have made it even better.
Overall Night One did not disappoint food or drink wise.
More postings about Day 2 and 3 to come - including a visit to the Bread Basket, Hattie's Chicken Shack and Uncommon Grounds.
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