The buffet. Boca West Country Club. So extravagant and delightful- filled with the yummiest, crispiest bacon EVER! Seriously, I even ate it with my dessert!
Once upon a time, my grandfather (Joe) said that he could make a meal on appetizers (at least I think it was him). I totally agree with that sentiment, which is why I love buffets. An omelet with veggies (Linda M would be so proud!), fruit, cottage cheese, pudding and bacon... I really need to take pictures. For my half birthday, the Cowboy bought me a new camera (pinkish/purple of course!), and I absolutely cannot wait to become a historian of my own life (or at least my own meals...).
But a buffet is not always suitable for a girl to eat (especially one who is gluten free - seriously, those cupcakes are tempting!). Thank god Auntie Cynth bought me CHEX in three different flavors!!! I can't even do it justice- the Cinnamon CHEX actually taste like Cinnamon Toast Crunch! - but better because I can actually eat them!!!
Although I haven't had a Cowboy Special in several days, he is promising me baked apples next week, so I will definitely make certain that pictures are taken!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Bean Town
This past weekend I was in Boston for J's "30 and Flirty." After a very easy trip up, courtesy of "Bolt Bus," the friends decided to head to Golden Temple for the start of Birthday Weekend. Despite the fact that half dollars were given out at the end (it almost felt like they were paying ME to eat there!), I was most impressed with how accommodating they were. After explaining that I was gluten free (no soy sauce!), they would make sure to bring out all of the food and tell me what I was and was not able to eat!
The fact that I was in a restaurant and Pad Thai was being served, I was SO excited to learn that they would make my dish especially for me: no soy sauce! I know that this is the second posting about gluten free Pad Thai, but you seriously have no idea how excited I am when people are able to accommodate my food allergy!
At J's party, I was so excited to be able to eat the gluten free chicken sausages (courtesy of Trader Joe's). Not to mention the cranberry-walnut brie and the Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Chips! I was actually in heaven and realized that I had to walk away from the food, or there might hot have been any left for the rest of the party-goers.
I am definitely going to have to start taking pictures of the food going forward.
The fact that I was in a restaurant and Pad Thai was being served, I was SO excited to learn that they would make my dish especially for me: no soy sauce! I know that this is the second posting about gluten free Pad Thai, but you seriously have no idea how excited I am when people are able to accommodate my food allergy!
At J's party, I was so excited to be able to eat the gluten free chicken sausages (courtesy of Trader Joe's). Not to mention the cranberry-walnut brie and the Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Chips! I was actually in heaven and realized that I had to walk away from the food, or there might hot have been any left for the rest of the party-goers.
I am definitely going to have to start taking pictures of the food going forward.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Quitting My Addiction
Eating out has been especially hard lately. Now that I have been super-conscious about being gluten free, I can recognize that most places use wheat as a thickening agent. I mean, no one would think to look at the labels on a yogurt container (La Yogurt, I believe). Ok, maybe you would, but I never thought to check out the ingredients on yogurt! Coming to realize that my old staples were hidden pockets of gluten, I have been reduced to carefully reading the listings, becoming quite adept at searching for the evil 3 words: Modified Food Starch!
Back to eating out: NYC can be quite expensive, so I tend to attempt "lunch dates" with friends. Seriously, have you ever noticed that the lunch combos, especially in Asian restaurants, are the best?!?!? I mean, you can get an appetizer and FULL portion for $6-$7!
My staple food was Pad Thai, which I would eat AT LEAST twice a week. I always ignored the heartburn and indigestion that seemed to follow my delicious meal, until the nausea started to kick in, too. You might think that ignorance is bliss, but in reality, it can kill you! So... I finally caved in and asked the server if it was made with soy sauce (reminding me of the time that I watched "Nightmare on Elm Street" with my Blankey over my face, but my eyes peeking around the sides. It was one of those things that I just had to watch, even though I knew I shouldn't. I felt the same way when I asked about the soy sauce, as I knew that I didn't really want to know, but I had to). Horrified that it did, I had to give up Pad Thai. It kind of felt like I was giving up smoking- the longing and cravings, inability to walk anywhere near a Thai restaurant... The addiction was a hard one to break, but...
I found a GLUTEN FREE ASIAN RESTAURANT!!!!! Lilli and Loo (http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/lilli-and-loo/). On a random Sunday (it was Valentine's Day, but that is besides the point, as I think every day should be Valentine's Day!), I ate Pad Thai and Shrimp Tempura, and I was so full, I really needed the 30-minute walk home. It
was so worth it... Seriously, I am salivating just thinking about it.
Apparently there are a bunch of Gluten Free Asian Restaurants in the city. Had I known this was the case, I wouldn't have had to shamefully order my lunch, even though I knew I shouldn't! My addiction is no longer going to kill me. And besides, it could be way worse... :)
When you come to visit me, guess where we are going?!?!?!?!?!?!
Back to eating out: NYC can be quite expensive, so I tend to attempt "lunch dates" with friends. Seriously, have you ever noticed that the lunch combos, especially in Asian restaurants, are the best?!?!? I mean, you can get an appetizer and FULL portion for $6-$7!
My staple food was Pad Thai, which I would eat AT LEAST twice a week. I always ignored the heartburn and indigestion that seemed to follow my delicious meal, until the nausea started to kick in, too. You might think that ignorance is bliss, but in reality, it can kill you! So... I finally caved in and asked the server if it was made with soy sauce (reminding me of the time that I watched "Nightmare on Elm Street" with my Blankey over my face, but my eyes peeking around the sides. It was one of those things that I just had to watch, even though I knew I shouldn't. I felt the same way when I asked about the soy sauce, as I knew that I didn't really want to know, but I had to). Horrified that it did, I had to give up Pad Thai. It kind of felt like I was giving up smoking- the longing and cravings, inability to walk anywhere near a Thai restaurant... The addiction was a hard one to break, but...
I found a GLUTEN FREE ASIAN RESTAURANT!!!!! Lilli and Loo (http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/lilli-and-loo/). On a random Sunday (it was Valentine's Day, but that is besides the point, as I think every day should be Valentine's Day!), I ate Pad Thai and Shrimp Tempura, and I was so full, I really needed the 30-minute walk home. It
was so worth it... Seriously, I am salivating just thinking about it.
Apparently there are a bunch of Gluten Free Asian Restaurants in the city. Had I known this was the case, I wouldn't have had to shamefully order my lunch, even though I knew I shouldn't! My addiction is no longer going to kill me. And besides, it could be way worse... :)
When you come to visit me, guess where we are going?!?!?!?!?!?!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Pancake, Patty Cake... Baker's Man!
Pancakes. What a sad thing to have to give up once you become a glutard. Don't fret, my pet. There is a place that can make all of your dreams come true. I am not talking about Disney World. 2 words: Quantum Leap. A vegetarian metropolis in the heart of the East and West Villages. I can't get enough of the buckwheat pancakes. Aside from the fact that the pancakes are crisp on the outside and moist on the inside, they taste like THE REAL DEAL! No more missing the staple American food.
On a funny note, I have taken many meat-a-sauruses to this place. Albeit initially disturbed by the lack of carnivorous options, they are always pleasantly surprised by the brunch! I highly recommend!
On another note; why does the Cowboy always make better foods than me?! He bought lamb chops and cooked them with apples, butter and garlic. I did not want any until I saw how amazing it looked coming out of the oven. And it was. Now I have to wait for him to walk away before taking the remaining bites. :)
On a funny note, I have taken many meat-a-sauruses to this place. Albeit initially disturbed by the lack of carnivorous options, they are always pleasantly surprised by the brunch! I highly recommend!
On another note; why does the Cowboy always make better foods than me?! He bought lamb chops and cooked them with apples, butter and garlic. I did not want any until I saw how amazing it looked coming out of the oven. And it was. Now I have to wait for him to walk away before taking the remaining bites. :)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Delinquent Me...
Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been over a week since my last post.
The other day, I came home to a delicious smell in the hallway: Cowboy made me almost a dozen bagels! They were actually REALLY great- almost as good as the poisonous bagels... There is a special mix that we use called Gluten-Free Pantry. Although the mix is pretty basic tapioca, he throws in different spices and seasonings. That mix also serves as the crust for my pizza!
Yesterday, auditions were going on, and he had to run upstairs and eat in secret, so as to avoid having to share my gluten-free bagels with the rest of the crew! I know that one might think that is miserly, but I can't eat the poison that the masses can... Maybe I should be atoning for that- perhaps a trip back to Kindergarten to learn that "sharing is caring."
On another note, I was in South Jersey last weekend. My favorite fast-food joint is WaWa, as they have great salads on the go. Or at least they did. Imagine my dismay to discover that they discontinued the "build your own salad," and my cherry, walnut and chicken salad is to be made no more. Now, the only gluten-free salad option is a Garden Salad! I hardly think it is fair for glutards, such as myself, to be forced to eat less-satisfying foods. How can I be a "foodie" while eating Garden Salads?!?!?!?!?
I must admit that I have been dreaming about the amazing spaghetti and meatballs that my mother made. Maybe that is what I need to eat for dinner...
The other day, I came home to a delicious smell in the hallway: Cowboy made me almost a dozen bagels! They were actually REALLY great- almost as good as the poisonous bagels... There is a special mix that we use called Gluten-Free Pantry. Although the mix is pretty basic tapioca, he throws in different spices and seasonings. That mix also serves as the crust for my pizza!
Yesterday, auditions were going on, and he had to run upstairs and eat in secret, so as to avoid having to share my gluten-free bagels with the rest of the crew! I know that one might think that is miserly, but I can't eat the poison that the masses can... Maybe I should be atoning for that- perhaps a trip back to Kindergarten to learn that "sharing is caring."
On another note, I was in South Jersey last weekend. My favorite fast-food joint is WaWa, as they have great salads on the go. Or at least they did. Imagine my dismay to discover that they discontinued the "build your own salad," and my cherry, walnut and chicken salad is to be made no more. Now, the only gluten-free salad option is a Garden Salad! I hardly think it is fair for glutards, such as myself, to be forced to eat less-satisfying foods. How can I be a "foodie" while eating Garden Salads?!?!?!?!?
I must admit that I have been dreaming about the amazing spaghetti and meatballs that my mother made. Maybe that is what I need to eat for dinner...
Sunday, January 31, 2010
The Guilty Pleasures of Home
I went to Tampa for Gasparilla; which is a HUGE parade along Bayshore to commemorate the invasion of pirates! Not only is it a commemoration of that event, which allegedly occurred many years ago, but it provides an opportunity for the city of Tampa to drink freely on the streets.
Arriving on Thursday night, I spent Friday morning visiting my favorite dentist. I admit that I am not the best patient, but I only had to get a cleaning, so it was pretty painless... However, I went without eating breakfast (BIG NO-NO!), and I was STARVING by the time that I actually left (at 1pm). I ventured with Cowboy and Grandma Gusta (she absolutely refuses to eat out because she would rather eat her own tuna fish. At 90 years old, who am I to change her?!)to our favorite breakfast spot on Tampa, First Watch. First of all, I was a little bummed that my salad did not come with avocado as promised. :( However, I was even more disappointed that my chicken was dry. Ok, ok, I seem to complain alot, but I LOVE the dressing. Sadly, I realized that the honey dijon dressing probably has wheat as a thickening agent, so I typically order the EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil)- which it is called according to Rachael Ray. On a side note, Hellman's Mayonnaise is gluten-free, so maybe I should have eaten at Grandma's house.
That night, Mom made amazing spaghetti and meatballs, and I really LOVED the sauce that she made. Something about a good homecooked meal... It is so funny to think that my mother used to be the queen of leftovers, scarring me for many years. By that I mean that she used to take leftover chicken and meats, add diluted tomato sauce, olives and pasta to create her staple dish. If you are wondering how one dilutes tomato sauce, you only use half of the can and fill the other half with water; a successful way to cut sodium AND flavor. I will say that I still love mom's food, and it has REALLY improved since I became gluten free. Perhaps she feels bad for serving me tuna on wheat bread for all of those years. :)
Making gluten free modifications is boring at times and very hard to do, as the sauces usually smell so good that my mouth salivates simply thinking about them. The moral of this story, you need to substitute dressings and sauces with EVOO or have your very loving mother make you delicious food (from scratch). Guilt works wonders... ;)
Arriving on Thursday night, I spent Friday morning visiting my favorite dentist. I admit that I am not the best patient, but I only had to get a cleaning, so it was pretty painless... However, I went without eating breakfast (BIG NO-NO!), and I was STARVING by the time that I actually left (at 1pm). I ventured with Cowboy and Grandma Gusta (she absolutely refuses to eat out because she would rather eat her own tuna fish. At 90 years old, who am I to change her?!)to our favorite breakfast spot on Tampa, First Watch. First of all, I was a little bummed that my salad did not come with avocado as promised. :( However, I was even more disappointed that my chicken was dry. Ok, ok, I seem to complain alot, but I LOVE the dressing. Sadly, I realized that the honey dijon dressing probably has wheat as a thickening agent, so I typically order the EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil)- which it is called according to Rachael Ray. On a side note, Hellman's Mayonnaise is gluten-free, so maybe I should have eaten at Grandma's house.
That night, Mom made amazing spaghetti and meatballs, and I really LOVED the sauce that she made. Something about a good homecooked meal... It is so funny to think that my mother used to be the queen of leftovers, scarring me for many years. By that I mean that she used to take leftover chicken and meats, add diluted tomato sauce, olives and pasta to create her staple dish. If you are wondering how one dilutes tomato sauce, you only use half of the can and fill the other half with water; a successful way to cut sodium AND flavor. I will say that I still love mom's food, and it has REALLY improved since I became gluten free. Perhaps she feels bad for serving me tuna on wheat bread for all of those years. :)
Making gluten free modifications is boring at times and very hard to do, as the sauces usually smell so good that my mouth salivates simply thinking about them. The moral of this story, you need to substitute dressings and sauces with EVOO or have your very loving mother make you delicious food (from scratch). Guilt works wonders... ;)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
A Whole New ME
Can you believe it?! I am doing it. Amid the firestorm that is my life, I decided to attempt to create some sort of structure of my daily food struggles, thoughts and time management (or lack there of)- perhaps it will help me organize and prioritize (a sense of strategy if you will).
So, in case you are wondering- I am going to document my gluten-free process (and through the eyes of Sadielicious, if you are REALLY lucky). Dealing with my inability to process most foods has been quite a challenge. With the support of my husband, the Cowboy, Sadielicious, and a select group of fabulous friends, I am reinventing myself: "A WHOLE NEW ME!" Tomorrow, per J's suggestion, maybe it is as simple as "ohming it out."
Tonight I was at Mozarelli's (on 23rd between Park and 5th), my second favorite pizza place (the first being in my own kitchen!!!)- not to digress, but my husband, Cowboy, is an AMAZING chef and has mastered the art of amazing gluten-free pizza. Anyhow, the workers in the restaurant threw away the remaining gluten-free slices (*gasp!!!***), and two befuddled girls looked crestfallen as they asked where could they possibly go eat now?! I know this is New York City, "the center of the universe" (RENT quote), but sadly quick meal options for "glutards," like myself, are always a struggle. As I ran through a litany of suitable places to enjoy a semi-hearty meal, they mentioned that perhaps I could keep a sort of online journal (or a blog!) for others in our predicament.
At that moment, I realized that my new calling was for me to share all of my infinite wisdom with the world! And finally I will have a platform where NO ONE can interrupt, or make fun of me, Barney! So, welcome to Say-D-Licious- or Say-Delicious, depending on where you are from.
So, in case you are wondering- I am going to document my gluten-free process (and through the eyes of Sadielicious, if you are REALLY lucky). Dealing with my inability to process most foods has been quite a challenge. With the support of my husband, the Cowboy, Sadielicious, and a select group of fabulous friends, I am reinventing myself: "A WHOLE NEW ME!" Tomorrow, per J's suggestion, maybe it is as simple as "ohming it out."
Tonight I was at Mozarelli's (on 23rd between Park and 5th), my second favorite pizza place (the first being in my own kitchen!!!)- not to digress, but my husband, Cowboy, is an AMAZING chef and has mastered the art of amazing gluten-free pizza. Anyhow, the workers in the restaurant threw away the remaining gluten-free slices (*gasp!!!***), and two befuddled girls looked crestfallen as they asked where could they possibly go eat now?! I know this is New York City, "the center of the universe" (RENT quote), but sadly quick meal options for "glutards," like myself, are always a struggle. As I ran through a litany of suitable places to enjoy a semi-hearty meal, they mentioned that perhaps I could keep a sort of online journal (or a blog!) for others in our predicament.
At that moment, I realized that my new calling was for me to share all of my infinite wisdom with the world! And finally I will have a platform where NO ONE can interrupt, or make fun of me, Barney! So, welcome to Say-D-Licious- or Say-Delicious, depending on where you are from.
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