Good morning! Happy Holidays! I was going to post around Thanksgiving, but I haven't been motivated as such. You know how reptiles stop being active when it's cold? I begin to wonder if I am not the same. It got down into the 30s last weekend, which is awesome, but I'm stubborn about turning on my heater, so I got to look like a big poofy marshmallow in my blankets and fuzzy things!
Anyway! So we had a Thanksgiving potluck at my parents' house: ham, mashed potatoes, copper carrots, green bean casserole, rolls, and pies--Pumpkin and Pecan! It was quite a delicious spread. The couple of days following Thanksgiving I ate Egg Salad Sandwiches at the Gingerman for dinner. On Sunday, however, I got quite a treat!
Frye and I went over to Brian and Morgan's place (James was being antisocial) and ate some delicious chili made by the master chef and his lovely assistant (Frye). They had a nice warm fire going, which heated their entire apartment. Cute little Cordy was out first, and then once we started playing with the fire, they brought out Bina, the calm doggie. As an aside, dark chocolate makes the best s'mores. I will remember that for next time. Oh yes.
Well, that about wraps up my eclectic post for today. I should really do some work.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Spiraling Out of Control
I forgot to post again. Bonk. Sorry.
So Sunday afternoon, Leah (http://chappaboogie.blogspot.com/) invited James, Frye, and me out for a lunch with her mother at a vegan restaurant called Spiral Diner. It should be noted that none of us are vegan, or even vegetarian. So keep that in mind.
The "greeter" at Spiral Diner is a statue of a robot thing made of a steel cage entwined with wood. (Oh how clever, trees are the organs HAR HAR) I knew I was in for a treat when the guy seating customers looked like a biker, but talked like a hippie. Unsurprisingly, the tiny little place was packed full of people. Most looked like standard "indie" people, but there were a few people (myself included) who did not look like they belonged. In the interest of an unbiased opinion of the food, I looked pointedly down at my menu and tried not to read the articles on the walls, most of which dealt with "environmental" issues in the DFW area.
The menu tries to pretend it isn't vegan, with menu items such as "Vegan Meatballs" and "Philly Cheez Steak." There are no meats or steaks involved with either dish. They even have a "Tofu Scramble" with "VEGAN BACON." I'm going to repeat that. VEGAN BACON.
OH HELL NO, you did NOT JUST MAKE FAKE BACON!?!!?!????!~!~!asldhfkaushdif
Ahem. Bacon is sacred to me. Sorry.
So I got the "Chik'nless Salad Sandwich." Here's the description from their website, "Diced Seitan (wheat-meat) tossed with a mayo/mustard dressing, spices, chopped apples, cranberries and pecans. Topped off with lettuce, tomato and a hint of vegan mayo. Served on Toasted Organic Multi-grain Bread."
Ok excuse me a moment while I laugh my ass off at you hippies. You're trying to make this sound as much like a chicken salad sandwich as possible, even going so far as to describe its main ingredient as "WHEAT MEAT." Why are you making substitutes for meat? I mean... aren't you basically saying "Well we don't like meat, but we really need to eat meat." I just... buh.. anyway.
That said, the sandwich wasn't bad at all. It came with potato salad or corn chips, and I chose the potato salad. Also pretty tasty. I was a little surprised, actually. If they hadn't slapped me in the face with the words "vegan" and "organic" and had, instead, just said "it's got all the crap you like in chicken salad without the chicken" I would have been a happy camper. I have no problem eating meatless food as long as you don't try to preach at me.
After I finished eating, I chanced a look around at the walls. To my immediate right was a great little article about some hippies saving a tree. On top of the wall sat a Jesus action figure with a little chef hat. Bit presumptuous, but eh. Then we went up front to pay. Biker Dude was there, and sitting next to the register was a vegan propaganda book, the title of which I have forgotten.
Just in case all the meatless food around you wasn't enough of a tip off, here's a reminder that you are at hippie central, and your leather wallet and purse are not appreciated.
All in all, it was an amusing experience, and I'd eat the food again, though I'd be reluctant to try any of their other "meat-like" products, and I cannot fathom eating grilled tofu. Eh...I'm cynical and opinionated, so here's their website. Decide for yourself.
Spiral Diner
So Sunday afternoon, Leah (http://chappaboogie.blogspot.com/) invited James, Frye, and me out for a lunch with her mother at a vegan restaurant called Spiral Diner. It should be noted that none of us are vegan, or even vegetarian. So keep that in mind.
The "greeter" at Spiral Diner is a statue of a robot thing made of a steel cage entwined with wood. (Oh how clever, trees are the organs HAR HAR) I knew I was in for a treat when the guy seating customers looked like a biker, but talked like a hippie. Unsurprisingly, the tiny little place was packed full of people. Most looked like standard "indie" people, but there were a few people (myself included) who did not look like they belonged. In the interest of an unbiased opinion of the food, I looked pointedly down at my menu and tried not to read the articles on the walls, most of which dealt with "environmental" issues in the DFW area.
The menu tries to pretend it isn't vegan, with menu items such as "Vegan Meatballs" and "Philly Cheez Steak." There are no meats or steaks involved with either dish. They even have a "Tofu Scramble" with "VEGAN BACON." I'm going to repeat that. VEGAN BACON.
OH HELL NO, you did NOT JUST MAKE FAKE BACON!?!!?!????!~!~!asldhfkaushdif
Ahem. Bacon is sacred to me. Sorry.
So I got the "Chik'nless Salad Sandwich." Here's the description from their website, "Diced Seitan (wheat-meat) tossed with a mayo/mustard dressing, spices, chopped apples, cranberries and pecans. Topped off with lettuce, tomato and a hint of vegan mayo. Served on Toasted Organic Multi-grain Bread."
Ok excuse me a moment while I laugh my ass off at you hippies. You're trying to make this sound as much like a chicken salad sandwich as possible, even going so far as to describe its main ingredient as "WHEAT MEAT." Why are you making substitutes for meat? I mean... aren't you basically saying "Well we don't like meat, but we really need to eat meat." I just... buh.. anyway.
That said, the sandwich wasn't bad at all. It came with potato salad or corn chips, and I chose the potato salad. Also pretty tasty. I was a little surprised, actually. If they hadn't slapped me in the face with the words "vegan" and "organic" and had, instead, just said "it's got all the crap you like in chicken salad without the chicken" I would have been a happy camper. I have no problem eating meatless food as long as you don't try to preach at me.
After I finished eating, I chanced a look around at the walls. To my immediate right was a great little article about some hippies saving a tree. On top of the wall sat a Jesus action figure with a little chef hat. Bit presumptuous, but eh. Then we went up front to pay. Biker Dude was there, and sitting next to the register was a vegan propaganda book, the title of which I have forgotten.
Just in case all the meatless food around you wasn't enough of a tip off, here's a reminder that you are at hippie central, and your leather wallet and purse are not appreciated.
All in all, it was an amusing experience, and I'd eat the food again, though I'd be reluctant to try any of their other "meat-like" products, and I cannot fathom eating grilled tofu. Eh...I'm cynical and opinionated, so here's their website. Decide for yourself.
Spiral Diner
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Nihonryoori o tabemasen :(
Alas and misfortune!
Mikado Japanese restaurant is no more. An attempted trip to my favorite Japanese place (read: only place with good yakisoba) last night forced me to turn instead to Taverna, which is Italian. I picked at some seafood ricotta with broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes, but the cream sauce just wasn't what I wanted last night. The bread at Taverna was quite tasty, and the waiter was prompt, but aloof. The atmosphere is alright. It's dark, like a romantic dinner should be, but the music was all over the place, with that "when the moon hits your eyes..." song setting my mood to "annoyed" as soon as my drink arrived.
I was disappointed when I arrived, and the food just wasn't worth $19.
Ehhh I have nothing else to say. I am so sad. I might go cry in the corner.
Mikado Japanese restaurant is no more. An attempted trip to my favorite Japanese place (read: only place with good yakisoba) last night forced me to turn instead to Taverna, which is Italian. I picked at some seafood ricotta with broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes, but the cream sauce just wasn't what I wanted last night. The bread at Taverna was quite tasty, and the waiter was prompt, but aloof. The atmosphere is alright. It's dark, like a romantic dinner should be, but the music was all over the place, with that "when the moon hits your eyes..." song setting my mood to "annoyed" as soon as my drink arrived.
I was disappointed when I arrived, and the food just wasn't worth $19.
Ehhh I have nothing else to say. I am so sad. I might go cry in the corner.
Friday, November 16, 2007
FTC in the 'House.
I'm making a note here
HUGE SUCCESS.
I introduced my dad to the Bangkok House place last night. I think he was pleased. FTC was out in full force, scolding us for not eating everything, and threatening us playfully in broken English. "You betta take that home, or I gon' cry and hit you with spatula!" The mute came by and tried to speak words, but they weren't words. They were noises. So there you have it. You can ask my dad.
"It was good, but they sure do hover around the table..."
YES THEY DO! EEEE!
HUGE SUCCESS.
I introduced my dad to the Bangkok House place last night. I think he was pleased. FTC was out in full force, scolding us for not eating everything, and threatening us playfully in broken English. "You betta take that home, or I gon' cry and hit you with spatula!" The mute came by and tried to speak words, but they weren't words. They were noises. So there you have it. You can ask my dad.
"It was good, but they sure do hover around the table..."
YES THEY DO! EEEE!
Monday, November 12, 2007
The most gorgeous day ever.
Good afternoon, Internet Denizens. I'm writing on this happy Monday to report that I have the the best lunchtime view ever. The only thing that mars the landscape is the horrid squealing of geese/ducks. It may be almost 80, but who cares? I'm sitting on a porch in the shade, overlooking trees, a grassy field, and a river. There's a soft breeze blowing--not enough to muss my hair, but enough to ensure my body temperature does not rise to uncomfortable levels.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is a vast improvement over my mood of previous hours.
I love you, lunch hour.
That is all.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is a vast improvement over my mood of previous hours.
I love you, lunch hour.
That is all.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
The Spices Must Flow (and be spicy)
This weekend marked the first time since I went to Orlando (before this blog's conception) that I had good Indian food. Saturday afternoon, Morgan, Brian, and I all piled into James' car and journeyed to the faraway land of Plano (I think. It's all fuzzy up there once I get past the Grapevine Mills Mall.) to a place called Sitar. By the time we got there and into the restaurant, my stomach was rumbling, and the smells were driving me crazy! Points already for amazing smells.
The atmosphere is a little on the dark side, but that's alright. The waiter showed us to some seats and took our drink orders, but didn't bring us menus. Oh yes. It's a buffet! My thoughts were skeptical at first, but oh boy was I surprised when I went and actually looked at the buffet. They had SOOO much tasty stuff. They didn't have chicken tikka masala or chicken korma or anything familiar, but sweet JEEBUS was it ever tasty. I actually can't remember the names of the meals, but they did have some very tasty Nan (that's a kind of flatbread, if you are unaware). I managed to shovel away a plate and a half of food before I decided to stop.
As if the absolutely mouthwatering Indian wasn't enough, my friends and I then journeyed to the Cheesecake Factory to partake in some $7 pieces of cheesecake and other assorted things. The strawberry shortcake I had was pretty good, but I've had better. Their cheesecake is still pretty fantastic though. MMMMMMmmmm cheesecake.
In the end, I'm far more impressed with Sitar than with Cheesecake Factory. I don't have any real rating system, but suffice it to say that I'm dating an Indian food restaurant. Yeah.
Map to Sitar Indian Cuisine.
The atmosphere is a little on the dark side, but that's alright. The waiter showed us to some seats and took our drink orders, but didn't bring us menus. Oh yes. It's a buffet! My thoughts were skeptical at first, but oh boy was I surprised when I went and actually looked at the buffet. They had SOOO much tasty stuff. They didn't have chicken tikka masala or chicken korma or anything familiar, but sweet JEEBUS was it ever tasty. I actually can't remember the names of the meals, but they did have some very tasty Nan (that's a kind of flatbread, if you are unaware). I managed to shovel away a plate and a half of food before I decided to stop.
As if the absolutely mouthwatering Indian wasn't enough, my friends and I then journeyed to the Cheesecake Factory to partake in some $7 pieces of cheesecake and other assorted things. The strawberry shortcake I had was pretty good, but I've had better. Their cheesecake is still pretty fantastic though. MMMMMMmmmm cheesecake.
In the end, I'm far more impressed with Sitar than with Cheesecake Factory. I don't have any real rating system, but suffice it to say that I'm dating an Indian food restaurant. Yeah.
Map to Sitar Indian Cuisine.
Monday, November 5, 2007
They need 'E' on the end of everything.
Good morning, and welcome to another edition of How...inappropriate. Today is this writer's birthday, and I'm feelin fancy in quite a fancy mood!
Yesterday my family and I ventured to the magical land of Stinktown (Dallas, TX...no offense aunt Brandy) to celebrate my birthday! It was planned somewhat last-minute, so I did not get to pick where I ate. Luckily, I have similar restaurant taste with my family, so the Grand Lux Cafe worked nicely.
My parents and I procured a table, and a few moments later the rest of the group arrived. Fiascos ensued as we tried to somehow block the sun from glaring off of things.
We failed, ultimately, but as drinks arrived, we settled down and began to chat.
That, however, is not the point of the story. I want to talk about the Grand Lux. The place is situated in the Galleria mall, which is itself a monstrosity of consumerism and a monument to efficient valet parking, and is decorated with gold columns and fancy things. The kitchen is ENORMOHUGE, as evidenced by the size and variety of the menu. You can get Thai Chicken Pizza (my second choice, which I will get if I ever go there again) and a plain old club sandwich. You can get an omelette, giant chocolate cake, or a Caesar salad. Or you can do what I did and get the amazingly fantastic Short Rib Sloppy Joe. It was big enough for two meals, and that's exactly what ended up happening. I took my first bite of that sweet, tender, delicious short rib sloppy joe, and knew immediately that I had selected the best possible meal on that menu. Just talking about it makes me drool a little. Just a little though...I'm at work!
Anyway, Grand Lux Cafe gets my full approval. Go there to eat if you're ever at the Galleria in Dallas, TX or at any of their other locations.
Their website can be found here!
Yesterday my family and I ventured to the magical land of Stinktown (Dallas, TX...no offense aunt Brandy) to celebrate my birthday! It was planned somewhat last-minute, so I did not get to pick where I ate. Luckily, I have similar restaurant taste with my family, so the Grand Lux Cafe worked nicely.
My parents and I procured a table, and a few moments later the rest of the group arrived. Fiascos ensued as we tried to somehow block the sun from glaring off of things.
We failed, ultimately, but as drinks arrived, we settled down and began to chat.
That, however, is not the point of the story. I want to talk about the Grand Lux. The place is situated in the Galleria mall, which is itself a monstrosity of consumerism and a monument to efficient valet parking, and is decorated with gold columns and fancy things. The kitchen is ENORMOHUGE, as evidenced by the size and variety of the menu. You can get Thai Chicken Pizza (my second choice, which I will get if I ever go there again) and a plain old club sandwich. You can get an omelette, giant chocolate cake, or a Caesar salad. Or you can do what I did and get the amazingly fantastic Short Rib Sloppy Joe. It was big enough for two meals, and that's exactly what ended up happening. I took my first bite of that sweet, tender, delicious short rib sloppy joe, and knew immediately that I had selected the best possible meal on that menu. Just talking about it makes me drool a little. Just a little though...I'm at work!
Anyway, Grand Lux Cafe gets my full approval. Go there to eat if you're ever at the Galleria in Dallas, TX or at any of their other locations.
Their website can be found here!
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