Dine-o-meter

Painted Pepsi Bottles

2011-03-12T21:22:00.001-05:00

Colorfully painted Pepsi bottles found in a gift shop in Old San Juan Puerto Rico.

Arroz con Gandules

2011-03-01T21:06:00.001-05:00

$5.00 lunch from a roadside stand in Puerto Rico, with an ocean view. This dish had a wonderful smokey flavor that, unfortunately, I am having a hard time duplicating quite as well in my own kitchen.

Multiple stands in Puerto Rico sell these along with fried "antojitos" (snacks).

Istanbul Turkish Restaurant

2011-02-25T21:42:00.000-05:00

Colorful narrow stone streets in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Scenes from Istanbul Turkish restaurant

The check is brought to the table in a wooden box.

Diners on Trip Advisor gave this restaurant four out of five stars. I was not quite as impressed with the food and thought it was more towards the mediocre range, although a nice change of pace from the heavier Puerto Rican food.

Food Blogger Camp

2011-02-13T12:13:00.001-05:00

Food blogger camp? Who knew! Maybe next year. http://foodblogcamp.com/

Food Blog Camp 2011 from Evolution Multimedia on Vimeo.

The Honest Pint

2011-01-26T14:50:00.001-05:00

Beer and boxtys at the Honest Pint, a new Irish pub in Chattanooga. This boxty (an Irish potato pancake) was filled with steak, peppers, and jalapenos, and was alot tastier than it probably looks in this photo. We had a lovely brunch while listening to live Irish music. The cheesecake was excellent also.

Chocolate Wine

2011-01-20T22:11:00.002-05:00

Finally, a wine that I can pour on my cereal.

Now THIS is a Chicago Hot Dog.

2010-12-13T22:40:00.003-05:00

Nothing beats an authentic Chicago hotdog. The poppyseed bun, florescent relish, sport pepper, Vienna beef, and salad on top are all a must.

Good Dog

2010-11-12T20:49:00.002-05:00

A valiant effort but a Chicago hot dog fan is hard to please. This was from Chattanooga's Good Dog, one of but a few hot dog only places in the Chattanooga area. They get points for creativity with the "Dog Dust", a mysterious powder in a pepper grinder that has a definite taste of curry.

Dine-o-meter presents the Art-o-mat

2010-08-14T09:14:00.002-04:00

The art-o-mat is a refurbished, vintage, cigarette machine from which comes tiny works of art for $5 each. Chattanooga's art-o-mat can be found at Create Here on Main street.

Pupusas in Honduras

2010-07-31T22:03:00.001-04:00

Photos from a "pupuseria", taken on my recent vacation to Honduras.

Pupusas are a popular local dish served in Central America, primarily in El Salvador and Honduras. They are basically like a thick, filled, tortilla and are topped with onions or a cole slaw like topping called curtido.

After consulting with friends, my guide decided that La Cabana had the best pupusas in Tegucigalpa. The food was basic but good, and definitely inexpensive.

Dragon Fruit

2010-07-15T22:55:00.002-04:00

Dragon fruit obtained from the international farmer's market, and lychee (lychees?). This was my first time trying dragon fruit and I really liked it. The texture is very similar to kiwi but with a pear-like flavor. Unfortunately, they were very expensive.

Roatan Vacation

2010-07-06T21:23:00.001-04:00

Korean Noodles

2010-06-20T21:48:00.003-04:00

You wouldn't think there would much difference between any types of noodles. A noodle is a noodle, and containes flour salt and water, right? But I'm telling you, these noodles are spectacular and taste great in Asian dishes as well as Italian. Seriously, they didn't pay me to say this either.

From the Eunsung website:

Manually stretched into fine strips of noodle one by one and aged with devoted care in perfectly pollution-free conditions in an effort to revive the genuine taste of old hand-stretched noodle, this is high-protein-contained handmade fine noodle with special make flour only used.

Chicago Hot Dog Earrings

2010-06-14T20:58:00.004-04:00

These are so authentic that they even have the tiny little sport peppers on top. https://www.viennabeef.com/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=39

Galería Nacional de Arte

2010-05-30T12:54:00.011-04:00

Scenes from the national art museum, Tegucigalpa Honduras.

Rose Flavored Syrup

2010-05-15T16:36:00.000-04:00

Rose flavored syrup found at the Asian grocery store. Adds an interesting flavor to beverages but should be used VERY sparingly. As in a few drops at a time or the drink will become bitter and perfumey.

Bargain Find

2010-05-06T23:24:00.000-04:00

Stemware from Goodwill, only 59c a piece! I am so proud of my bargain finding abilities.

Wordless Wednessday

2010-04-28T11:21:00.001-04:00

Brontes Memphis

2010-04-21T17:55:00.000-04:00

Found in the archives: This post from almost 2 years ago was stuck in my draft bin and never published. I am not sure if Brontes is still open.

Brontes in Davis Kidd Bookstore
Memphis, Tennessee

David-Kidd was once an excellent independent bookstore. There was a time when you could find books there that were not available at any other area bookstores. Now, after a change in owners it is just a great bookstore. As is true way too often with independent businesses, when former owners Davis and Kidd retired, the stores were bought up and incorporated into the larger Joseph-Beth chain, the focus changed slightly. Time was that Davis-Kidd had a large inventory of not only popular titles but lesser known books as well. In fact, they often had books used as texts in local colleges and were a good back-up source when the university bookstores were sold out. But in recent years with the increasing popularity of online book purchases and the ease of searching for needed books online, Davis-Kidd has changed to offering a selection that is similar to what the large chains offer, and filling the space with gift type options such as fancy lotions and spa type items.

Another change over the last few years is the name and offereings of the in-store café. The authorial name is Brontes. The menu items feature dishes from cookbooks that you can buy in the store such as Barefoot Contessa, In the Kennedy Kitchen, and The Joy of Cooking. A great idea I think, because the items featured are not your typical café fare. In addition, there are specials that change monthly, from featured cookbooks.

Usually the cafe offerings are tasty and make for a delicious lunch to eat while reading your newly purchased book. On my most recent visit, I tried the stuffed cabbage rolls which actually could have been a little better. There was a slightly fishy taste and they lacked the herbal flavors of other dishes I have tried in the past. The gourmet berry pie was good but the crust tasted slightly of freezer burn. This meal was a disappointment. On a previous visit, my experience had been much better.
Dineometer Rating 70%

Hand Woven Dish Towels

2010-04-18T23:17:00.001-04:00

My hand woven dish towels. The finished product of weaving classes.

Another Great Idea from Jolene

2010-01-27T23:37:00.004-05:00

Oh, if only I had kept up with the postings of Jolene before the holidays. I could have saved LOTS of money. Funny and yet so clever. But I bet you got some angry letters on this one, didn't ya Jolene.

Cupcakes

2009-10-25T14:39:00.003-04:00

GiGi's Cupcakes,
Chattanooga TN

Lime Margarita and Texas Chocolate cupcakes from GiGi's. Such pretty frosting-- until the cat got curious about what was in the box and knocked it off the counter. The box landed upside down with all the frosting squished to the top.

Cooking with Dog

2009-10-19T00:45:00.000-04:00

...because a dog hosts the show. Shame on you for thinking otherwise!

Notice that at the end, the ingredients are dredged through raw eggs before being eaten. An interesting cultural difference.

KIM PHAT, HOUSTON TX

2009-10-13T11:12:00.000-04:00

KIM PHAT TIEU NAM VANG HOUSTON TX

11550 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77072
(281) 879-8010

This Houston Vietnamese restaurant scores a 9.5 out of 10. Loved it!

Delicious pho, the signature vietnamese dish, is a meat soup that is eaten by adding fresh sprouts and herbs to the broth with a squirt of lime and your choice of sauce.

Fresh spring rolls. Herbs and shrimp wrapped inside sofened rice paper.

This dipping sauce is a flavorful combination of sweet and spicy.

Greens and sauces for you pho. Freshly made limeade and hot tea to drink.

Making Fun of the Rich

2009-10-04T10:09:00.002-04:00

This house is for sale in the Chattanooga area for 4.9 million dollars.

To which I can only say one thing: "Suck it Beverly Hills!"

You know you have too much money when a helicopter is required to get a complete view of your house.

The living room has a very modern feel. If your last name is Flintstone or Rubble.

The kitchen is heavily laden with that wonderful, finger print attracting substance know as stainless steel. Ideal for a kitchen if you're not the one cleaning it.

A round bedroom. If only it rotated.

With so many chairs, I am gonna assume this must mean the house was built as a refuge for orphaned children, probably with cancer. The owners are now selling it because they have managed to place all the poor, parentless children with families. I am sure this is correct because why else would someone need so much space for a single family.

Is anyone else thinking "Beam me up Scotty" right now?

White chairs in the dining room. The help must just LOVE these people.

And white chairs in the living room.

The following must be imagined as being said in the voice of Thurston Howell III: "Muffy darling, I don't know WHY the help keeps quitting. After we bought those black mastiff pups and had the red wine gala to celebrate, they all just left! Makes absolutely no sense to me. Oh bother Muffy, I just spilled my chardonnay"

Because they wanted to recreate the look of the Northgate library in their own home. (This is only funny if you live in Hixson Tennessee)

The house is described as being designed with Frank Loyd Wright influences. I have been to many FLW houses in my time and was not impressed. Very poor tippers.

Roman pillars... so this must be the vomitorium?

Ok now I hate these people. An indoor pool.

This view makes me feel less bitter. It's looking a little Holiday Inn-ish from this angle.

And by the way, Capitalism: A Love Story is playing this week at both the Rave and the Bijou. Saw it yesterday and loved it!

Simon's Cat

2009-10-02T09:52:00.003-04:00

The Boathouse, Chattanooga Tennessee

2009-09-27T04:57:00.003-04:00

The Boathouse,
Chattanooga Tennessee

I've decided that I don't really like most of the food at the Boathouse but will continue to return. That is because I love the view from the deck which, on weather pleasant days offers a relaxing view of the river that one can stare placidly at while eating their dry sandwiches and funny smelling coleslaw (seriously, it smells like fish). The freshly made guacamole is wonderful and probably the best thing they serve. So if you're smart, you will order that with a beer and then go home and make yourself a sandwich. Ok, the grilled greenbeans are good too. But, items claimed to be specialties, like the Voodoo Chicken--deep fried chicken with flavorless black beans and rice-- are rather dull.

The featured cocktail at the Boathouse is the Brazilian lime, sugar, and rum drink the caipirinha which, according to Wikipedia, the name "caipirinha" is derived from the word "hillbilly. " Should we be offended by that?

Ristorante

2009-08-16T21:54:00.003-04:00

Ristorante, by artist Annie Greene.

Believe it or not, this "painting" is made entirely of yarn that has been glued to the surface. A friend and I noticed another work by this artist while on a trip to an Atlanta area art museum today.

Gai Lan

2009-08-15T04:24:00.003-04:00

I purchased gai lan at the farmers market in Atlanta, as part of my goal to try new and exotic greens. Of course, once I tasted it, I realized that I probably have had it before in Thai restaurants.

Gai lan, also called Chinese broccoli or Chinese kale, is much more bitter than broccoli although, like like lots of other types of produce, selecting the perfect bunch of Gai Lan, is apparently an art form (that I have not yet mastered).

I sauteed my gai lan with ground pork and served over rice noodles, and seasoned with mushroom soy sauce. This has a different flavor than regular soy sauce although I don't know if I would describe it as mushroomy. I do like it though and have been putting it on everything lately. I added a few hot peppers for color. And because I bought way to many to eat in one lifetime, so am trying to find ways to use them up.

Milas Taqueria Mexico

2009-08-08T22:11:00.002-04:00

The second and final stop on the Great Houston Taco Experiment 2009 was Milas Taqueria Mexico. The tacos al pastor are excellent here and I would say they rival actual Mexico City tacos. We would have liked to have tried more Houston taco locations but with so much great Asian cusine in Houston, we thought it wise to sample more of the healthier Vietnamese, Chinese, and Middle Eastern restaurants, than lard cooked (but delicious!) tacos.

Tacos El Mapache

2009-07-29T22:15:00.000-04:00

The first stop on the Great Houston Taco Experiment 2009, to find the best tacos al pastor in the city. We hit up a few places that were rumored to have great tacos al pastor and Tacos El Mapache was on the list. I would describe these as having more of a roasted, rustic flavor than you find in other places. Definitely good, but not my absolute favorite. Gets a 10 out of 10 for ambiance though...a taco truck in a gas station parking lot with no seating. How great is that?! You eat your tacos standing, which provides the perfect opportunity to converse with other patrons.

They Have Got to Be Kidding

2009-07-06T01:00:00.004-04:00

Chopstick holder, found on a the table of an Asian restaurant in Houston, reads "Work is Glory. Happiness to Everybody." So apropos for those of us returning to work after a three day weekend.

Chocolate Bar

2009-07-02T21:52:00.002-04:00

A giant box of chocolates on the wall of Houston's Chocolate Bar.

Another Fine News Report from the Onion

2009-06-16T11:39:00.005-04:00

Obama Drastically Scales Back Goals For America After Visiting Denny's

Warning: Contains cuss words so this is not for you Jolene Sugarbaker!

Kogi Taco Truck

2009-06-07T13:53:00.008-04:00

This from CNN about Korean, Mexican fusion tacos, available only in a mobile restaurant that patrons have to wait in line hours for and can find only via twitter.

O'Hare: A Theme Thursday Post

2009-05-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

The following is an excerpt from my travel essay titled Lesser Known Travel Goals.

O'HARE

Listening to recently returned traveler’s airport horror stories is so commonplace that I decided to make a game of it. This is similar to Bingo but instead, I call it O’Hare. Not because O’Hare is any more irksome than other airports but its five-letter name made a nice little square on my game board. The rules are simple. A recently returned traveler will receive one game piece for each travel mishap to be placed on the board accordingly. Certain mishaps qualify for extra game pieces (see below). If you get five in a row horizontally, vertically or diagonally you yell “O’Hare!” There is no prize, only bragging rights of course. Here are a few of the ways you can earn points:

-- your first glimpse at the length of the security line results in an obscenity, one game piece. Obscenity with descriptors, two game pieces.

--obnoxious plane passengers for any of the following reasons: crying baby, snorer, one game piece. Malodorous seatmate, one game piece unless it is the person you brought with you. Then no game pieces, sorry. Seated next to Australians, one game piece. And they are drinking, two game pieces. Religious fundamentalist (any denomination) trying to get you to accept (insert name of deity here) as your personal lord and savior, regional flight, one game piece. Transcontinental flight, default win.

--irritable security personnel. You can go ahead and put your game piece on this one before you even leave the house for the airport. Spending 40 hours a week telling people to take their shoes off does not make for a happy employee.

--Drug Enforcement Agency dog sat down in front of your suitcase, three game pieces. I 'm thinking of taking this space off though. These people might not be interested in playing the game.

--And, thanks to a fellow traveler in Cancun, my most recently added square: Airport wall fell on head. I also gave myself one piece for having to look at his particle board speckled hair for the duration of the flight.

Now here is an example of how the game is played. I once accidentally spilled an entire glass of ice water on a German man seated beside me on a plane. For that, he would have gotten one game piece plus two more for the fact that the plane was at least four hours delayed, and one for malodorous seatmate (In my defense, I had only wanted to spend as much time on the beach as possible before I had to leave). Given that irritable security is a free space, he would probably have five in a row and could yell “O’Hare!” That is, if he even knew that I was playing this game on his behalf. Actually he did yell something when I spilled the ice water on him, but I don’t think it was “O’Hare.”

Happy travels!

*Apologies to Australians, but y'all do have a bit of a reputation for being the fun loving merry-makers of the travel world.

Blue Duck, Tehran Iran

2009-05-16T12:24:00.000-04:00

This restaurant in Tehran looks amazingly like a Shoneys. I am so disappointed. Is there no place exotic left in the world?

Free Knitting Pattern of the Day

2009-05-07T10:43:00.002-04:00

From the Mochimochi blog:

It's knitted toilet paper. Coming next week: Knitted air sickness bags (kidding!)

Vivaldi with Art

2009-05-04T00:56:00.000-04:00

Worlds Largest Swimming Pool: A Theme Thursday Post

2009-04-30T00:01:00.001-04:00

The swimming pool at the San Alfonso del Mar resort at Algarrobo, Chile is 19 acres and holds the Guiness World Record for World's largest swimming pool.

As Requested....

2009-04-27T20:40:00.005-04:00

This is the garbage statue of which I spoke in the last post. Its official name was Big Bil-Bored. It was created in 1980 and I would like to say that I don't think I ever met anyone that said they liked it. The statue, is made up of old crap, like used toasters and fans, encased in cement. In the end--1993 being the end-- the craptacular statue was torn down not for being an eye sore and an embarrassment, but for being an environmental hazard. It seems the appliances were rusting and rust water was draining off into the community.

Click here for a color, interactive image that allows you to zoom in. Have fun! You'll find yourself saying things like "Is that a ...plunger??? "

You can see some of the other art objects that were in this shopping plaza, such as my personal favorite, the Pinto Pelt, here.

Music Monday: Son of Svengooli

2009-04-27T00:01:00.003-04:00

I am bursting with pride for my hometown right now. Son of Svengooli, like the garbage statue, and the car kabob are all Berwyn originals, so imagine the luck when I happened to find this on YouTube.

For those not from the Chicagoland area, Son of Svengooli hosted a show on one of those channels that doesn't come in very well, which featured horror movies. A hometown hero, kids dressed up like him at Halloween.

Knowing that this is the sort of thing I watched growing up, will probably explain a lot for my friends.

Homemade Pozole/Posole

2009-04-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

Pozole (or posole) is a Mexican stew made with pork chunks simmered till tender, with hominy and onion. Right before eating it is garnished with ingredients such as cabbage, lettuce, radishes, cilantro, and crispy tortillas. The radishes when added, briefly simmer in the liquid, just long enough to remove the bitterness but not so long as to cook them, so they are still crisp. Lime is also squirted it in, before eating, giving the stew a fresh and zesty flavor.

All the ingredients for my homemade pozole were purchased at the local carniceria (Mexican butcher shop/grocery). The grocer told me that pozole is usually eaten on special occasions rather than as an every day meal.

I don't have my own recipe for pozole but instead used a hybrid of several that I found on the net, on various recipe sites. Next time I think I need to add some heat in the form of chipotle in adobo. It could have used that little something extra.

Crypto Flambe

2009-04-23T00:44:00.010-04:00

For this weeks Theme Thursday: Fire post, I have for you a puzzle. Below is a list of delicious delicacies that may be flambeed. The instructions for this puzzle are simple. Each letter has been substituted with another letter of the alphabet. Your task is to find the correct letters and decipher the list. Scroll down for hints. The answers to the puzzle are at the bottom.

1. pjqwweqn htfekqq

2. fzozozn idnxqw

3. fzgqc zkzngz

4. nzrzozge

5. pdb zt leo

6. ikzyeor hqkks fqzo

7. pwqvq ntaqxxq

Hint #1: Words number 4, 5, and 7 are foreign words.

Hint # 2: Words number 6 is a beverage.

Answers: 1. Cherries Jubilee 2. Bananas Foster 3. Baked Alaska 4. Saganaki (Saganaki is a flaming fried cheese, popular in Greek restaurants, especially in the Chicagoland area) 5. Coq Au Vin 6. Flaming Jelly Bean (a cocktail made with oozo or anisette, blackberry brandy, and run or JD. It is then set aflame and legend has it that you are supposed to stick a straw in it and drink it while it is still on fire. But that's probably not a good idea.) 7. Crepe Suzette

Scandal at Etsy: Seller Found to Outsource Modeling Services to Foreign Employees

2009-04-21T17:00:00.006-04:00

In these hard economic times, many Americans are out of work and struggling to make ends meet. It is inconceivable then that local jobs would be outsourced to foreign citizens.

I discovered one particular incidence of this as I was browsing through the Turtlefat store run by store mistress Essiewb, and stumbled upon this:

Uh huh. You see the problem. Upon closer inspection you will see that that is a Hunny Pot in the photo. Yes folks, this is Winnie the Pooh, and Winnie the Pooh is a Brit. So basically, Essiewb chose to hire a British model rather than a good American model.

Such as:

or:

or even this character:

Actually I am not sure about this guy. His resume states that he lives in "the Pacific ocean." I need to get clarification from Sponge Bob expert Knitwithcats to make sure he is in fact a "real American."

This is not the only controversy I have discovered with this store. Recently, I was contacted by a representative of the Tortoises United with Turtles Union (Tutu for short) about the slanderous continuation of the myth that turtles are in fact fat. Said the representative, who prefers to remain anonymous "We are not fat! It's all shell!"

I haven't decided yet whether a full scale boycott of the Turtlefat store is in order. This offense is almost unforgivable, especially since she used a common trick of those who hire illegal aliens, to cover her tracks. She hid the offending model among actual American workers--her two children, and a roll of toilet paper. For now, I will settle for a good, harsh, scolding.

And Milosez, I am watching you too. Be warned.

Music Monday: Janice Joplin

2009-04-20T00:01:00.003-04:00

To me, her tragic end aside, Janis Joplin is about female empowerment. Her strong voice combined with her insouciant attitude towards life, makes this great music to listen to when encouragement is needed in difficult situations. Listen to Janice before a job interview, for example, and you will go in with an attitude of ownership, but a sense of perspective if it doesn't go well. And this particular song, Summertime has one of the best introductory guitar riffs ever.

Shish Kabob, Marietta GA

2009-04-19T08:53:00.012-04:00

Shish Kabob

962 Roswell Street, Marietta GA

770-499-7399

(photo from Creative Loafing. I was too mad at Betty to remember to take my own)

I'm about ready to throw my GPS (affectionately named Betty) out the window. She has failed me yet again, trumped by serendipity. As I was driving around Marrieta, searching for Middle Eastern restaurants using keywords such as "gyro" and "falafel" because Betty blatantly LIED to me by insisting that there were none in the area, I stumbled upon this restaurant.

Betty, Betty, Betty. What will I do with you? Is Iran not in the Middle East? Such a kidder you are. Always ready with suggestions such as "Wendy's" or "Shoney's" but you keep the restaurants with actual flavor hidden, all for yourself.

Shish Kabob featured an appetizing buffet of Persian cuisine such as absolutely delicious grilled chicken, yellow rice, chopped cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, and some delicious exotic tasting pudding that I couldn't quite figure out what was in it (something like coconut, mango flavor, and rose water maybe?). Plus, the restaurant had another one of Dineometer Deb's hallmarks of adventure dining: crappy exterior that belies the quality inside.

I can't give it a Dine-o-meter rating yet because I've only been there once, which is really just an excuse to go back.

For Sale:

One heavily used GPS named Betty.

Works but not very well.

Great sense of humor, likes to kid.

Several dents due to being slammed into the dashboard on multiple occasions.

Will let go for cheap. Very, very, cheap.

360ing the Earth (A Theme Thursday Post)

2009-04-16T00:01:00.005-04:00

A video about a man who traveled around the world, using only human power. He kayaked to indonesia, skated and bicycled across North America, and used a paddle boat to cross the ocean.

And to think some of us get winded walking to the kitchen.

Music Monday

2009-04-13T00:24:00.001-04:00

Chattanooga's own Bessie Smith.

Honduran Beer

2009-04-11T17:36:00.000-04:00

Salva Vida beer was purchased in a small Honduran grocery store for my friend, Beer Expert Bob, so that he can continue on his quest to sample the world's beer. The flavor of this beer is light which is appealing to me because I do not like strong beer flavors.

Best enjoyed with plantain chips.

(Beer expert Bob prefers to remain anonymous)

Theme Thursday, Part 2. It's Magic!

2009-04-09T22:09:00.001-04:00

I just happened to see this in my documents file while digging for spreadsheets to do my taxes. And, oh, the irony! It's egg related! so I had to post it even thought I did already post my theme Thursday quiz.

Ok, the truth is that this was just a procrastination ploy. Back to taxes : (

Theme Thursday: The Egg

2009-04-09T00:03:00.001-04:00

International Egg Cuisine Quiz

No fair Googling before guessing! The answers are at the bottom.

1. This Belgian stew, which translates as "watery mess" has a base of egg yolk and cream thickened broth. A. Waterloo B. Waterzooi C. Waderfinnen D. Wateryam

2. Chinese 1000 year old eggs are typically preserved for: A. 1000 years B. 100 years C. A few weeks to a few months D. Never more than 3 days to 4 days.

3. The Asian egg snack balut is unusual because: A. It is made from snake eggs B. Filipino law prohibits this from being eaten on public transportation (due to the smell) C. It contains a nearly developed bird fetus D. It is made with termite eggs

4. Which of these is my favorite Greek soup that I can never eat in Greek restaurants because it contains egg yolks, to which I am allergic? (hint: only one of these is a Greek soup) A. lemon chicken B. koprova C. kolache D. zelna

5. Which of these is a popular Korean dish served with a raw or fried egg on top? A. kimchee B. bulgogi C. banchan D. bibimbap

6. The Egg McMuffin was invented in what year? A. 1958 B. 1969 C. 1972 D. 1978

7. Which of these is a German egg noodle? A. spaetzle B. gnocchi C. brochen D. schnitzel

8. A Bolivian dish topped with sliced hard boiled egg: A. lomo montado B. culo de suegra C. ceviche D. pique a lo macho

1. b 2. c 3. c 4. a 5.d 6.c 7. a 8. d

Disclaimer: Much of the information for this quiz was obtained from Wikipedia, or even less accurate websites.

Thanks for playing!

Peace Coffee

2009-04-08T00:59:00.001-04:00

Music Monday

2009-04-06T13:22:00.001-04:00

Chicago Cubs, 2009 World Series Champs*

2009-04-06T10:06:00.000-04:00

It's that time again, opening day for Cubs. Or as we Cubs fans like to call it, the first day of OUR year. The fact that we have called it this for the last 100 years and been wrong every year, does not deter us.

I was going to insert a self-flagulation photo here as this best represents the Cub's fan mentality but it was too bloody. So, I opted for a picture of Venezuelan stud and the player upon whom much of the Cub's fate will depend, Carlos Zambrano.

So, cheers Cub's fan. Here's to OUR year!

*PLEASSEEEE win this year!!!!! Puleaazeeee!!! PLEAAASE! I am so sick of hearing on sports channels how the Cubs haven't won since bla bla bla bla bla bla that I think I will enjoy the end of hearing that more than the actual victory.

Burmese Cuisine

2009-04-05T08:30:00.000-04:00

We end Burmese week at Dineometer with a video taken in a Burmese restaurant, in Mandalay Burma/Myanmar. A buffet restaurant, but without a sneeze shield and a giant bear in a red t-shirt smiling ominously, out in front.

Toe Win Restaurant, Burma (Myanmar)

Wordless Wednesday: Bagan Burma

2009-04-01T23:21:00.002-04:00

Speaking of April Fools....

2009-04-01T15:31:00.003-04:00

Tonight is the season 6 premier of Reno 911. Rumor has it that there is another movie in the works but that this might be the last season. They can't do that to me! With both Reno 911 and Hannah Montana facing the end of their runs, what am I supposed to watch???

And now back to Burma week at Dine-o-meter.

Burma Chronicles: A Quick Review

2009-03-31T23:01:00.000-04:00

Lucky for us, Guy Delisle has been able to travel to places few westerners get to see. His first graphic novel was set in North Korea. His most recent, Burma Chronicles, tells of life inside the military controlled country now called Myanmar, much of which he experiences while wheeling his toddler son through the streets in a stroller.

Drawn in by the opportunity to experience cultural nuances in this isolated country, the author's humorous writing style will likely keep readers reading and perhaps make new graphic novel fans. If I had one critisism of this book, it would be a wish that the brief snippets were a little longer and more complete. Often the author ends a story rather abrubtly.

I look forward to his next book and in case he is at a loss for ideas, I'm working on my list of under represented in graphic novels countries, that I would like him to live in next: Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Haiti, maybe an African country or two...any other suggestions?

Music Monday: Burmese Drum Contest

2009-03-30T00:03:00.001-04:00

Since my last attempt at Babel Fish translation went horribly wrong, I am going to trust the poster on this one. I am thinking of making this Burma (Myanmar) week. What do you think? All those in favor?

Gluttonous jumbo 餃 child

2009-03-26T10:34:00.000-04:00

I don't speak Japanese so thanks to Babel Fish I was able to find out that this man is in fact eating a gluttonous jumbo 餃 child. Translate it for yourself if you don't believe me: 大食いジャンボ餃子.

餃 must therefore mean ____? Tasty?

Music Monday

2009-03-23T00:01:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure if Tut-Tut invented the Music Monday but I am emulating her trend anyway. It's a great idea. Mondays are always so difficult when one is returning to the work week that something is needed to jump-start the system.

Ximena Sariñana was nominated for a Grammy in the Latin music category in 2008, and has, I think, a wonderful vocal style.

From her Grammy nominated Mediocre.

I love the way she works this song but the giant dork glasses are distracting.

Crust Pizza

2009-03-18T17:11:00.004-04:00

(the Gigantor pizza, and a picture of the retro 70's inspired tables)

Crust Pizza
Red Bank TN

http://www.crustpizza.com/ (Check out the South Park inspired character on the Crust website)

Crust Pizza is a restaurant that touts it's "Famous Thin Crust". They use fresh ingredients and even make their own salad dressings, such as the rosemary French, for which they deserve many extra credit points. The salads are huge with chick peas, topped with that home made salad dressing. The pizza was good, but the sausage, I think, can sometimes be dry. The pasta dishes are flavorful but served in metal bowls which seems to continue the cooking resulting in what ends up being overcooked noodles.

I can't talk about Crust without mentioning the groovy 70's inspired design. The walls and tables are decorated in pop culture memorabilia and bring back memories. From those advertisement parody stickers once found in bubblegum packets (Wacky Packs, remember those?), to Sleestaks and Puff N Stuff. The menu items also have retro inspired names such as the Sigmund and the Mighty Isis pizzas.

I have eaten here many times and would definitely recommend the lunch buffet option which includes a huge salad and several different kinds of pizzas.

Dine-o-meter rating 70%

Pho #1 Atlanta Georgia and Pho 1 Houston Texas

2009-03-15T21:54:00.001-04:00

Pho #1
4051 Buford Hwy NE
Atlanta, GA 30345

One of my favorite places in Atlanta to get Vietnamese vermicelli dishes. The meats have a smokey grilled flavor that really ads to the dish. The vermicelli bowl at a Vietnamese restaurant typically comes with rice noodles, herbs, peanuts, shredded carrots, and lettuce. A very healthy option that would be a great introduction to Vietnamese cuisine if you have never tried it.

Pho 1
11148 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77042
(713) 917-0351

This is probably my favorite little Vietnamese restaurant in Houston. They don't overdo the fishy flavor in the dishes and if they use any fish sauce at all, the flavor is barley detectable. All dishes are great but I especially recommend giving the do-it-yourself fresh spring rolls a try. The grilled meats, noodles, vegetables, herbs, and wrappers are brought to your table and you can add ingredients to your liking. It takes practice to roll the rice paper wrappers but even if you mess up, they still taste great.

Dine-o-meter rating: 84 % for Atlanta and 86% for Houston.

Pepper and Eggs Friday

2009-03-13T12:36:00.007-04:00

Here's a video that is unfortunately relevant these days when most people are broke and looking for ways to cut down on costs. This if from the series Great Depression cooking, hosted by 93 year old Clara, who shares with us recipes from her childhood during the great depression.

Pepper and egg sandwiches were popular on Fridays in my Chicago neighborhood when I was growing up, because many Catholic residents did not eat meat on Friday.

*The idea for this video was brazenly stolen from Margie and Edna's Basement (Stealing from the "elderly." I should be ashamed.)

Beaded Stitch Markers

2009-03-11T13:41:00.002-04:00

Custom made beaded stitch markers, made from beads that I personally selected, purchased from SumJewelry at Etsy. How cute are these!

There is a huge sale going on at SumJewelry, with free shipping to the US and Canada during March and April: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6634746

Buford Highway Farmer's Market

2009-03-10T22:42:00.003-04:00

Israeli persimmons, longans from Asia, Korean cucumber, flowering chives, long beans, and way too many red Thai chilies (what was I thinking! )

Some of the bounty of international produce purchased on a recent trip to the Buford Farmer's Market just outside of Atlanta. This is probably my favorite area farmer's market because of the huge range of countries represented.

Interestingly, not all of this produce was imported. The Korean cucumbers, for example, were grown right here in the US.

The farmer's market provides an opportunity to experiment with new flavors or to reconnect with your former favorites. What may be an odd looking hairy fruit to me, is a fond childhood memory for someone else. The market is frequented by many of Atlanta's international residents as well as the culinarily curious.

Hey if anyone needs any Thai chilies, let me know!

Jolene Makes Baby Food Pate

2009-02-13T16:51:00.002-05:00

Two things are clear from watching this video. First, Jolene should fire her agent because she should have had a book deal by now. Or at least a guest appearance on the Paula Dean Show. Jolene oozes star potential! And second, there is a suspicious looking shadow on the right side of her face that makes me wonder if there is something besides cookin' going on in that trailer. Jolene, I hope you are not becoming the Rihanna of the trainer park honey.

Now who wants to come over to my house for some baby food pate?

Bento Mania

2009-02-12T17:03:00.000-05:00

You know those commercials where the kid with the boring baloney sandwich wants to trade with the Lunchables kid? The Lunchables kid would see no action if any of his lunchmates had amazingly creative bento box lunches like these, courtesy of the Kooky Culinary blog:

Don't forget to vote for your favorite bento box at the Adventures in Bento Making blog. I picked number 6. Love the use of color!

Slumdog Music

2009-02-11T20:35:00.004-05:00

A post inspired by Music Monday at Inside the Shell and M.I.A.'s pregnancy due date appearance on the Grammy's. This weekend, a friend and I went to see Slumdog Millionaire. Excellent movie and even the ending credits with the Bollywood style dance number kept us glued to our seats. I hope it wins best picture at the Oscars.

Blatant Nepotism and Blogaversary

2009-01-24T12:32:00.001-05:00

I seem to have slept through my own blog anniversary which I think was sometime in November. I don't know how I could have missed it. Thinking back over this past year I remember such milestones as my first spam comment, and my first nasty response. Oh the memories. Sigh.

Just one of the fine quality items that you can find in the SUMJEWELRY Etsy Store

Well it is with great fanfare that I would like to announce that my aunty has just started her own blog and Etsy store! I think the jewelry she makes is actually really pretty and that is not just because we are related. I am hoping that she will post some more pet photos on her blog.

http://sumjewelry.blogspot.com/

I see that she has not posted to her blog since January 6th, which makes her eligible for the......
Knitwithcats Award!!!! So Aunty, here is your Knitwithcats Award.

Welcome to the blogosphere!

(For the history of the knitwithcats award, click here.)

The Truth About Japanese Restaurants

2009-01-13T00:10:00.002-05:00

The truth, finally confirmed, as two people talk while taped on hidden camera. I KNEW it! Nobody really eats raw fish.

The Unusual Grooming Habits of Knitters

2009-01-05T21:46:00.000-05:00

It has come to my attention that some of my knitting buddies are buying their personal hygiene products at the hardware store. Anti Monkey Butt powder seems to be quite popular as a moisture reducer. Yes, these ladies are using the same thing truckers rub on their bums, to unstick their boobs.

What's next? Buying unmentionables at the tractor supplies store?

Supperclub in San Fransisco

2009-01-04T21:56:00.001-05:00

At this restaurant, you will handcuffed to the wall for behaving badly or not tipping well. So, if your boyfriend is a cheap loudmouth, you may want to drive yourself lest you be left to walk home while your date is shackled to the wall.

A Plethora of Finished Knitting Projects

2008-12-30T15:58:00.000-05:00

Just showing off completed craft projects:

An afghan knitted with Feza Super Cozy yarn in a wave pattern. Below, hand stamped bookmarkers, a knitted and beaded purse knitted on size 000 needles, and a sampling of some of the scarves that I have knitted as presents and to sell.

Mandarin Orange Float with Sacs

2008-12-27T12:38:00.000-05:00

This was found in the Asian market and purchased entirely because I loved the name. Tastes like that popular brand name orange drink, but with "sacs" floating in it. Sacs, of course, mean pulp.

Scenes from the Winnie the Pooh Garden

2008-12-16T14:13:00.000-05:00

A friend and I took her three year old daughter to the Winnie-the-Pooh Garden in Columbia South Carolina. It is unique because it is a garden geared towards preschoolers. There is a kid sized house, touchable plants, things to climb on, and a sand box. And, if the kids get out of hand, there is a lake with man-eating alligators a short distance away (see last photo).

The United Nations in the Supermarket

2008-12-11T18:22:00.005-05:00

As the cultural food choices expand in my city, my reasons to drive to the ethnic markets in Atlanta shrink. Oh, I will still find a reason, but the new Publix Supermarket in Hixson Tennessee has provided a surprisingly wide range of international food options. Some of my finds:

Prepared Indian meal mixes

Cuban/Latin food in the freezer

Jamaican canned fruits and vegetables.

English canned goods. (Do Mushy Peas sound non-appealing to anyone else or is it just me?)

Indian spices.

Another Myth Destroyed

2008-12-02T18:58:00.003-05:00

(Rainbow photo taken in Chattanooga a few weeks ago)

Disappointing news. I followed the rainbow but there was no pot of gold. Just a gas station and a Golden Corral.

But it is a nice rainbow picture don't you think?

Beach Vacation

2008-11-19T20:02:00.006-05:00

Massive appoligies to Entrecarders. As you can see from the pictures below, I have been real busy, and haven't had time to drop cards. I'm way behind on posts and frankly don't have a real good excuse as to why.

Lounging on the beach.

These boys are over achievers don't you think?

A bird blatantly ignores the warning sign.

Thomas Edison's lab in Fort Myers Florida.

The banyan tree. It may look like several different trees but actually it is all part of the same tree! This is the largest banyan tree in the continental United States.

How to Make Your Trailer Smell Fresh

2008-11-06T20:28:00.003-05:00

My favorite domestic goddess Jolene Sugarbaker is at it again and has branched out into crafts. Here she has an interesting idea for making your own air freshner.

Found on Etsy

2008-11-05T20:16:00.002-05:00

It's the Barack O'Buddha candle! I love it.

Found at this Etsy store.

A Special Election Day Knitwithcats Award

2008-11-04T11:04:00.016-05:00

The Knitwith cats Award is given to those who excel in finding excuses not to blog. This time the award goes to someone who has every reason TO blog right now--a new baby, a new career, and if news from the gossip rags are correct, a recent change in marital status. This would be a great time to update all his fans on the recent goings on in his life. However, it appears that my once upon a time presidential pick has not updated his blog or his Facebook page since January!

His last post was lengthy and, frankly, had too many words for me to care to read the whole thing (especially since I just started reading the Twilight series. Have you read that? I'm loving it! But I digress...). It ended with:

Do not turn away from these great struggles before us. Do not give up on the causes that we have fought for. Do not walk away from what's possible, because it's time for all of us, all of us together, to make the two Americas one.

Yes John, yes! Don't give up these great struggles. Instead, why don't you share them with the public via your personal blog. Maybe throw in a recipe or two. Banana bread or pecan pie would be a nice touch. Let us know what you have been doing with yourself lately. Do you knit? Because my friend Essie just let us know about a great sale they are having on thick wool at one of the yarn stores and we would be happy to let you in on the deal. How about some pictures of your pets wearing funny hats or sunglasses. People always like to see those sorts of things. See John? So many things to blog about that I really don't know what you are waiting for.

It seems I am not the only one missing Edwards' blog posts. News Groper just went ahead and made up a post for him, empathetically titled Oh cut me some slack, the cancer was in remission!

So, John Edwards, this knitwithcats award is for you. Sorry, there is no monetary benefit to getting this award but if you leave me your address, I will knit a nice little sweater for the new baby and send it your way.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T18:12:00.001-04:00

Tibetan Cuisine

2008-10-30T16:58:00.008-04:00

Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta Georgia

This past Saturday was the grand opening of the Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta. The monastery is the North American seat of the Tibetan and Indian monasteries, and started humbly in the 1990's with meetings at members' houses, and then at a small space in a strip mall. So to finally have an official building is quite an accomplishment and a long time coming.

The grand opening featured the excellent house band, a tour of the facility, a display of Tibetan dolls, and Tibetan calligraphy. Some of us bravely participated in traditional Tibetan folk dance, which made the monks watching laugh because we were all quite inept.

Monastery house band performing at the festival

Lunch was cooked by the monks and consisted of rice, cucumber, hot sauce, tea, and dumplings called momos.

Shabhakleb, a Tibetan dumpling made from beef, onion, celery, and flour. This was also called a momo.

Bhakleb, a vegetarian Tibetan dumpling made from potato, mushroom, and cheese.

Tibetan Sorig, which is a medicinal tea.

Meditation cushions used as seats for those wanting to watch the band

The dining tent was decorated with colorful Tibetan designs

Tibetan Dolls

2008-10-22T17:33:00.006-04:00

The Loseling Dolls and Traditional Costumes of the Tibetan World
Visual Arts Gallery, Emory University - 700 Peavine Creek Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322

This week Emory University in Atlanta has a collection of Tibetan dolls on display that were created by the master dollmakers of Drepung Loseling Monastery. They depict scenes of life in Tibet and various regional costumes, and are part of the ongoing attempt to keep the culture of Tibet alive. Of course, they are much more interesting in person than as captured on my poor quality camera phone.

The exhibit runs through Saturday the 25th and is part of Tibet week at Emory.

Monkey Waiters

2008-10-15T13:14:00.007-04:00

A restaurant in Japan has added two monkeys to its wait staff. What do you think would be the biggest problem with having monkeys as waiters in a restaurant?

1) The repeated mysterious disappearance of the bananas from the Bananas Foster.

2) Staffing shortages during the Discovery Channel's Primate Week.

3) Cold entrees due to arriving at the table from the kitchen via the rafters.

Which would be the biggest plus with this concept?

1) Could probably get away with using a few shiny buttons for a tip.

2) They won't arrive to work tired because they were up late watching the Colbert Report.

3) Don't have to worry about your husband flirting with them.

Gorgeous Tiny Chicken Machine Show

2008-10-08T18:18:00.001-04:00

Sprint just added several new TV channels to Sprint TV, available on my Q phone. I can now watch Comedy Central and CNN on a television screen the size of an ice cube! Isn't that great? I spent several hours last night checking out the new shows I will now be able to watch while sitting in traffic, or while wearing that paper napkin at the gynecologists office, waiting for the doctor to come into the room. My favorite by far is the Gorgeous Tiny Chicken Machine Show. I watched every episode available and am still giggling about Lick Poop. Then there is the Unicow..... which is not sounding funny to those of you who have not seen it I am guessing.

Well just watch. Let me know what you think.

Cooking with Testicles

2008-10-07T22:16:00.005-04:00

This post is courtesy of knitwithcats who, upon finding an article on cooking with testicles, immediately thought of me. Awwww, that is so sweet! Anyway, she is obsessed with Jezebel.com (and stray cats, but that's a story for another day) and found this story while surfing:

Ljubomir Erovic, a Serbian medical equipment repairman by day and chef by night, wants to spread his love of eating and cooking testicles. Erovic already helped found the World Testicle Cooking Festival in his hometown near Belgrade...(read more here).

You can get a sample of the e-book here.

Now y'all know dad does NOT want another tie for Christmas this year. Hint hint.

Belcourt Theater, Nashville Tennessee

2008-10-06T13:13:00.000-04:00

Belcourt Theater

Nashville Tennessee

http://www.belcourt.org/

About 12 or so years ago the Belcourt theater was on the brink of extinction. It was struggling financially and was in danger of being torn down to put up yet another Walgreens. The theater, a Nashville historic icon, was once a silent movie house and even did a two year stint as home to the Grand Ole Opry in the 1930's. Locals loved its quirkiness such as the many broken seats that made sitting next to your date sort of a fun little challenge, and visits by Porter Wagner, who I saw there once, watching a movie, just trying to blend into the crowd in his sparkly country western suit.

I have so many fond memories of the movies I saw there in those years before Netflix made indie movies easy to rent. This is the sentence where I was going to name a few of those memorable movies, but other than the Salt Man of Tibet, I can only picture the images on the screen and have but vague recollections of the descriptions. I do recall attending a screening of an interesting movie called Normal Life. The movie's two stars, Ashley Judd and Luke Perry, were supposed to have made an appearance but stood us all up. Almost inexcusable since both were living in the Nashville area at the time.

The area surrounding the Belcourt has a few interesting little shops and directly across the street is Fido's Coffee, home of what used to be the worlds best vegetarian burger, but last time I was there, it wasn't quite as good.

The Belcourt was eventually purchased by a local nonprofit group that fixed the place up and diversified the offerings to include theater and music as well as movies. The last time I was there, which has been a year or two, staff expressed optimisim that the Belcourt would continue to survive.

Score one for grassroots efforts.

National Hug a Cub Fan Day

2008-10-05T13:11:00.008-04:00

First the good news. With baseball season over for me, I can now go back to watching the Disney Channel which, unlike any baseball broadcast, is blissfully free of Viagra ads.

Cubs fans everywhere are mourning the loss of the 2008 season. If you are the friend or relative of a Cubs fan, you might want to call and check on them. Go to their homes and remove all sharp objects. If you take them on an outing somewhere, avoid businesses with televisions broadcasting sports news, and bridges or other high places. Remind them that they do not mourn alone but with celebrity Cubs fans Bill Murray, John Cusack, William Peterson, Jim Belushi, Vince Vaughn, Gary Sinese, Bonnie Hunt, Jimmy Buffett, Eddie Vedder, Billy Corigan, and Joe Mantegna.

What ever you do, don't say "There is always next year." After having heard that for a hundred years, you are likely to be punched.

Note to any of you with teams still in the playoffs. Voodoo dolls are not effective. My Manny Ramirez doll has been in the oven for three days now, and, nothing!

Bronte's, Nashville Tennessee

2008-10-04T19:45:00.003-04:00

Bronte
Nashville Tennessee

Bronte Bistro in Nashville is a pleasant little lunch spot and popular brunch option on weekends. Many of the menu choices are recipes from cookbooks by chefs such as Barefoot Contessa and Tyler Florence. The prices are actually reasonable for the hoity toity Green Hills area, which is after all, home to Nicole Kidman.

The only problem with Bronte's is that it is perched next to the hard to resist Cheesecake Factory. So if you in the area for one meal only, you will have a hard choice.

Davis Kidd is still a wonderful place to browse for books and unique gifty type items despite a change in ownership, a move to a new location a few years ago, and a reduction in what was once a gynormous selection of books. The selection at Davis Kidd is still great, just not as awe inspiring as it once was. I attribute this to online book stores.

A pleasant afternoon if you are in the area would be a shopping trip to the fancy stores of Green Hills mall, lunch and a book browse at Davis Kidd, and then a movie at either the Green Hills theater which often has indie films or the Belcourt theater.

Dineometer Rating: 70-80%

Dineometer's Financial Suggestion for the United States

2008-09-29T11:37:00.008-04:00

Does anyone remember that reverse Robin Hood skit from Monty Python many years ago? Steal from the poor and give to the rich? That's what this whole financial bail out sounds like to me. All I know is that some financial executive's Caribbean retreat is being protected while an increasing number of my non-wealthy friends seem to be losing their jobs.

How are we, the shirtless masses, going to come up with the cash to fund this $700 billion plan? Well, we here at Dineometer have a solution.

Lets have a yard sale.

Yard sales are the traditional American way to raise some quick cash when short on funds. The U.S. has many things that are not being used right now and should be put out on the White House lawn with a big ol' orange price tag on them. I'm not talking about Amy Carter's tricycle from the White House attic, or unused bottles of spray-on-hair from the Reagan administration, we need big ticket items. Here are a few suggestions for underutilized items that could be sold:

1) North Dakota. Trust me on this one. I used to live there and we are not using this state. I suggest we sell it to Canada. It could be like a Florida for them complete with a Polar Disney (don't forget your parkas on the roller coaster kids!) and instead of a Universal Theme Park, how about HGTV World or Home Shopping Land (take a ride on the Hummel figurine-go-round). Apologies to my friend Kathy who lives in North Dakota. Although, I am not sure if they ever did get the internet up in rural NoDak so she might not even see this. Sorry Kathy!

2) Dan Quayle. Did you know he is still alive? No really. Lets pretend he knows a bunch of important security secrets and sell him to China.

3) The Grand Canyon. Judging by activities in my own neighborhood, we seem to be running out of room for high priced condos and really big houses. Given that the average visit to the Grand Canyon is only about 2 hours which is the length of a feature film, why not sell this space to land developers. For once real estate agents wouldn't have to lie about the "great view."

4) I can't think of any others right now. Any suggestions?

I think I'm going to go email this to my congress person.

Cuisines of the Axis of Evil

2008-09-26T11:24:00.008-04:00

Here's an excerpt from the intriguingly titled Cuisines of the Axis of Evil and Other Irritating States: A Dinner Party Approach to International Relations.

"While most folks recognize the power of food to bring people together, I notice most its power to divide. Many religions enshrine various forms of commensalisms, or rules that govern with whom you can eat and with whom you
cannot. In Hinduism, high-caste persons can't eat in the presence of those who are low caste, whose very shadow defiles the former. Many religions specify not only the animals that can be eaten but the ways in which those animals must be killed as a precondition for eating them and the means by which they must be prepared. This can seriously limit the number of people one can eat with."

You can listen to the entire excerpt on NPR's website here.

And here is a link to the authors Amazon blog. Not having posted since August 19th, Chris Fair is coming dangerously close to a knitwithcats award.

New Jolene!

2008-09-23T13:51:00.003-04:00

Jolene Sugarbaker of the famed Trailer Park Cooking Show, internet culinary sensation, and my favorite celebrity chef, has posted some new videos on her website. This one shows how to make peanut brittle in the office microwave. Anything besides burnt popcorn smell is an improvement I say.

Is it just me or does Jolene's bosom look a little larger in this video? Jolene, did you have a little work done honey?

Galveston Hurricane Watch

2008-09-11T11:12:00.008-04:00

With hurricane Ike scheduled to hit Texas this coming weekend, evacuations have been ordered for parts of one of my favorite vacation spots, Galveston Island. The Spot restaurant is clearing the deck of all impailable objects. For creepy voyeuristic people like me, you can watch the preparations live via their webcam here:
http://www.thespotgalveston.com/webcam.html#webcam

The surf already looks pretty rough. I wish them all well. Stay safe Galvestonians!

UPDATE: As of 9:45pm Eastern, there is a strongly worded warning from the National Weather Service that anyone remaining in Galveston will face "certain death"! Despite this, people continue to party on the deck of the boarded up, tableless, coastal Spot restaurant.

http://www.thespotgalveston.com/webcam.html#webcam

Update 2: As of Tuesday September 16th, all Galveston webcams eerily remain frozen with images from Friday morning, before the storm hit. The damage is wide spread and catastrophic to Galveston and other coastal areas. Message boards are abuzz with questions from residents and visitors wondering how their homes and businesses faired as access to the area remains limited. No word yet on if The Spot survived the storm.

Update 3: This was just posted on a message board:

The Spot is still there. The ballanese room and pier was destroyed and
pushed onto the road up against it. I think it will be fine though. Mostly
superficial damage as long as the water didnt penatrate the interior

Yeah! The Spot survived! Lets hope residents can get back to their lives quickly.

Filipino Snacks

2008-09-08T12:03:00.004-04:00

I had planned to try a few authentic Filipino dishes out in an effort to wow all my Filipino blogging friends. Unfortunately, that was a few months ago and I still have not gotten around to making the recipes and then writing the utterly fascinating post that would include my experiences with Filipino cuisine and a description of some common dishes. The best I could do for now was to purchased some Filipino junk food found at the farmer's market in Atlanta.

We have a crispy melon snack, corn nut type snack, dried fava bean and corn nut mix, chocolate filled mints, and jackfruit candy. Taste test to come.

Here are a few photos from my blogging friends of authentic Filipino street food:

Fish balls from a bicycling vendor on the streets of the Philippines. Jenn Was Here
has some great photos of her vacation in the Philippines that really make me want to visit Calle Crisologo. It looks beautiful!

Filipino Isaw, which is barbecued chicken intestines. This was found at Cooking with Kuting . So for all you people that say you wouldn't ever eat chicken intestines, I say you probably already have, but in McNugget form. So why not just skip the faux chicken shape, breading, and cardboard package and go for the real thing?

This is ice candy which is a popsicle type desert. I found this at Kutsara of Tinador, a great blog about a Filipino family's food encounters. They have lots of photos on their blog of foods that I have not seen before.

Andrew Zimmern Has a Republican Problem

2008-09-05T16:06:00.017-04:00

Poor Andrew Zimmern, host of the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods. His adopted home of Minneapolis is overrun with republicans at the moment. He writes on his Minneapolis focused blog:

"I can also tell you that I cannot wait for the RNC to be over. First off, it means I can walk into a restaurant without having to deal with the inevitable CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE PARTY sign that seems to be hanging in every business I stroll into. Secondly, it means I don’t have to wait in line for three hours to get a sausage sandwich at Cossetta. "

Surprising for a number of reasons. First, we have all seen your show Andrew and if there is a three hour line at your favorite sandwich shop, one would assume you would have ample options for improvising. Is there not a live bait and tackle shop near by? I am sure there would be no line for the nightcrawlers and minnows.

Second, I got the impression from watching the news that Sara Palin kills and skins all her food on her own. Thus, no need for a restaurant. And those moose are big enough to feed all the delegates from at least 13 states including Texas. Cindy McCain doesn't look like she eats very much, if at all, so what would she need a restaurant for?

Thirdly, if there is a "Closed" sign on your favorite restaurant, why don't you just grab your camera crew and crash the party? America would love to see a Bizarre Foods Republican Party episode. Please, please find out for us what that sour faced Dick Cheney eats. He always looks like he has gas or something.

So Mr. Zimmern. We are not buying this story of hardship. I think you are just looking for sympathy.

Ali Baba's Time Out Deli

2008-09-01T22:37:00.005-04:00

Ali Baba's Time Out Deli
Knoxville Tennessee

This is another one of Knoxville's much beloved dining spots. Housed in what looks to be a former roadside motel, with the restaurant in the part of the motel that was the office. The interior is a bit claustrophobic and you will be lucky if you get one of the two tables. Otherwise, you will have to sit on one of the stools by the counter which face the window, giving you a lovely view of the always clogged Kingston Pike traffic. The stools are a bit tall so your feet will dangle uselessly unless you use the one buttock on, one buttock off method with toe touching the floor to ensure stability.

Despite the cramped interior, there always seem to be a constant stream of visitors, chatting with the cook/owner/waiter/etc. behind the counter. After you order your food, you will probably attempt to pay, but we be told to come back when you finish. It's the same man who takes your money as gives you your food, he just refuses let you pay until you have finished eating. So, you sit down, eat, and then go back up to the counter pay. I always find this a bit anxiety provoking. If you have a short attention span and poor memory like me, you will probably spend the entire meal silently reminding yourself to pay before you leave and will have visions of being pulled over by a Knoxville police officer a few blocks down the road. The minute you see the flashing lights, you will think "CRAP! I forgot to pay." Paranoid perhaps but I really would prefer in a restaurant with counter service to get the financial transaction over with so that I can eat with a clear conscience. I think this payment system is a cultural thing as other Middle Eastern restaurants I have been to have a similar set-up.

The menu is full of many deep fried options. But, in addition to hamburgers and fries, are Middle Eastern options such as falafel, hummus, baba ganouj, and the King Solomon Special. They are great at deep frying things and the fast food is good if you are in the mood for that sort of thing. I would suggest trying some of the Middle Eastern options however, because those items are their best work. Not to mention the fact that you can't get things like falafel at other places.

The King Solomon special was a huge portion and enough for leftovers the next night. If I wouldn't have forgotten it in the car for a few days. It wasn't the best dish I have had at Ali Baba's but I did like the tasty marinade on the chicken breast that included jalapenos.

There is also a small selection of groceries available such as tahini, grape leaves, and Mediterranean pickles.

And hookahs!

Dineometer Rating: 70%

Czechoslovakian Beer

2008-08-29T17:07:00.002-04:00

Czechvar beer from the Czech republic is, according to my friend Beer Expert Bob, very bitter and a traditional Bavarian style pilsner.
He feels that Czech beer is some of the absolute best beer anywhere.

Southern Brewers Festival
In other beer related news, this past Saturday was Chattanooga's annual celebration of public drunkenness known as the Southern Brewer's Festival. Under the guise of trying micro brews, raising money for charity and listening to music, grown ups spent $15 on an entrance fee and $3 per cup to try beers created right here in the southern states. And Colorado. Which is actually a Southern state if you are from Canada.

Since most beer tastes like the inside of a shoe to me, I sat out this year. Instead, a friend and I watched the mayhem from the balcony of nearby hotel. In years past, when I have gone however, the most memorable beers were the one with odd flavors such as the blueberry beer from Sweetwater Brewery Atlanta. However, I would prefer more blueberry flavor, less beer flavor, which defeats the purpose of even buying beer.