So, I don’t want to make this site about restaurants or travel, but I’m going to interject this sort of thing occasionally, and for noteworthy places. I was in Honolulu for a week, and my palate suffered greatly. It kind of reminded me of being a student in Scotland, and only having fried greasy foods to choose from if I wanted to eat out. And eat out we did - every night, and most lunches. Of course I had some wonderful fresh fruit and coffee (Kona) but after breakfast my stomach did flip flops and I did not really look forward to eating other than eating with good company. So if I wasn’t going home to my kitchen, San Francisco was the next best thing. Johnathan is here for a business trip and I get to do more exploring. When I arrived late into the Bay Area we popped into Jack in the Box. This was my first try of the West Coast fast food chain. It wasn’t horrible, but after airport and Hawaii food, I was topped. So the next morning I went to our favorite breakfast place - probably ever, including New York. Dottie’s is on Jones and O’Farrell Streets, right behind our hotel we always stay at. There’s always a line, but we figured out if we get there about 15 minutes before they open we can get in the first seating and get out in time for Johnathan to walk to work off of Market Street. I wandered over by myself, and waited for about 30 minutes for a single counter seat near the door. The food is so good, I was not deterred by my undesirable seat. While I waited in the 60 degree breezy morning, reading the New York Times like any diligent New Yorker I listened with one ear to a couple of waitresses waiting in front of me chatting. I picked up some new hot spots and listened to the drama that always ensues in the service industry. It took me a while to get through the latest Palin article in the election section, but it makes the time go by. The picture above is what I ordered - Black bean cakes with eggs over medium, grilled cornbread and home fries. Just the rescue my palate needed. And the coffee is great. If you get to this gem, the menu is pretty typical, still yummy, but the greatness lies in the specials on the white board in the back. They also make all their own bread and baked goods. Today, I made my way to the famous Ferry Terminal for the Farmer’s Market. This is where I get choked up about traveling and not having a kitchen. Colorful, abundant, mostly organic produce calling my name! So I settled for the Ferry Terminal cookbook - slightly disappointed. The purveyors inside the terminal are just as exciting as the tents outside. No matter how many times I go here, I’m always excited, and my senses go into overload. I also have the problem of toting heavy goodies home to New York. I’ll admit I did get a bottle of California Olive Oil that was creamy and nutty, and great for dipping bread. There’s also a great selection of restaurants, and great views of the bay. This week, I have another Farmer’s Market at City Hall, and on Thursday it’s up to Marin County - a guaranteed gold mine. Stay tuned….

This game was created by the blog Verygoodtaste. This looks like a good way to reminisce and see what someone under 30 has to contribute. I’m shocked I’ve completed 49. I think I could get through most of this list eventually - except the roadkill really. Please post you’re fave or top 5 here on cookingbroke! This is what Andrew wrote from verygoodtaste:

Here’s a chance for a little interactivity for all the bloggers out there. Below is a list of 100 things that I think every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food - but a good omnivore should really try it all. Don’t worry if you haven’t, mind you; neither have I, though I’ll be sure to work on it. Don’t worry if you don’t recognise everything in the hundred, either; Wikipedia has the answers.

Here’s what I want you to do:

1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.

The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros - here’s the link to the recipe I made the other night
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding - it showed up as a side when we were in the UK - not so bad
7. Cheese fondue - this is a staple for us in the winter - total guilty pleasure
8. Carp
9. Borscht - my Dad LOVES to make this in the summer
10. Baba ghanoush - Our favorite Middle Eastern restaurant in Brooklyn has amazing Baba Ghanoush
11. Calamari - of course - fried calamari is now second to french fries!
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich - I am American and went to public school….
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart - Another guilty pleasure - I always crave these while in Central Park
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle - Does black truffle oil count?
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes - I’ve had pear… mmm….
19. Steamed pork buns - I used to work in Chinatown - it’s unavoidable.
20. Pistachio ice cream - another Chinatown fave
21. Heirloom tomatoes - I haven’t brought myself to spend the money on them.
22. Fresh wild berries - I remember picking blueberries as a kid
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans - a Spanish staple that is also unavoidable in NYC
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche - not my favorite - I’ll always opt for chocolate on menu.
28. Oysters - another dish I enjoy at family seafood night.
29. Baklava - had great Baklava in London
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl - had this in San Fran a couple months ago - LeBoudin had great chowder - although I’m no connoisseur.
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut - I don’t care for it - but my parents used to make us eat it.
35. Root beer float - but of course! Along with yummy variations!
36. Cognac with a fat cigar - this sounds like fun!
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O - I did go to college….
39. Gumbo - in New Orleans, and some other great authentic restaurants elsewhere.
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects - I’m tired of seeing every travel show make a big deal of this - I’d try it!
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk - tried it at a farmer’s market - too sour for me.
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more - some day!
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala - one of my favorite Jamie Oliver recipes to make!
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut - I also lived in Atlanta - these are at every fundraiser you can imagine - a staple really.
50. Sea urchin - isn’t this a bit dangerous?
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone - via a sushi restaurant
54. Paneer - LOVE IT!
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal - no one wants to admit it, but you know you loved it too.
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini - eh -I prefer Gin and Tonic.
58. Beer above 8% ABV- Johnathan and I love trying different strong beers.
59. Poutine - only at Pommes Frites in NYC - oh so good.
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores - again, I am American
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake - uh, yes, yes, yes, and yes. Various places, I have had authentic Coney Island funnel cake I must say!
68. Haggis - well, I didn’t eat the whole thing - but I did live in Scotland for a while, and felt it was a rite of passage.
69. Fried plantain - oh so good from the right place
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette - I’m going to play the Southern card again, it’s unavoidable there.
71. Gazpacho - I keep trying it thinking I’ll like it - but I don’t.
72. Caviar and blini - at a fancy company party at Cipriani’s.
73. Louche absinthe - while living in the UK
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill - uh, is this necessary?
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong - when I used to drink tea and was hungry at the same time, this was the fix.
80. Bellini - at another fancy party.
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict - made just the other night, ordered many times.
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers - not bad, not good, not that tasty.
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab - a favorite when it’s in season, that blissful 2 months a year.
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox - a Brooklyn deli favorite.
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta - I prefer it baked as opposed to the traditional creamy variety.
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee - only a cup - it was a special at a coffee shop
100. Snake

Paddington the Wonder Pup!

Have you ever fixed your pet a special meal?

I know we have! Well, we didn’t actually cook these natural delicacies for our pup - but I am a sucker for the gourmet dog treat - here we have Dogswell sweet potato wrapped with chicken, and Chamomile and Lavender dried natural chicken breast - his favorite. I will admit to making the cat cubed organic raw chicken breast. Otherwise it’s kibble - but the holistic kind. I know, hippie dippie.

*** WARNING!! Movie Spoiler ***

My husband Johnathan, who makes his living building large WordPress based sites, informed me that I must state that this may spoil a movie for you, even though this particular movie does not have a surprise ending or an unpredictable plot. So read on at your own risk….

The other night we saw Bottle Shock the new Alan Rickman (he’s my favorite) film that depicts the rise of California wine onto the international wine stage in the 70s. It was a great foodie/wino movie with dry humor, family struggle, and sure victory for the little guy. I even smelled some red wine being enjoyed in our theatre - people really get into this stuff. Just like Sideways with Paul Giamatti, it moved at a good pace, had great foodie/wine verbage and makes you lust to go to Napa Valley and learn the art of the vine. Bill Pullman, I think, has one facial expression, but plays the disgruntled struggling vineyard owner so well, as well as the disappointed dad. Inevetibaly the son (Chris Pine) saves the day and represents the Napa winemakers at the French tasting that Alan Rickman’s character has conjured up. The Napa Chardonnay tricks the expert French palates and they accidentaly (it was a blind tasting) ruled Chateau Catalena the winner of the tasting. And no one would pay to see the movie if there wasn’t a shallow love interest in the hot blond intern (Rachael Taylor). Very entertaining, with lots of “full bodied” Napa Valley shots, and descriptions of phenomenal wine ingredients I just don’t seem to taste. But, Johnathan and I are quickly planning a pilgramage to Napa as soon as the “Chardonnay clears” (cryptic I know, but this will make sense once you see the film).

Paula Dean and Michael Chiarello

As part of my self assigned food homework, I’ve been watching a lot of Food Network - probably more than a college graduate should be watching. I’ve salivated over Paula Dean’s butter infusions (most of which should not be consumed more than ONCE in a lifetime) and Bobby Flay’s grilling masterpieces. I’ve even begun to appreciate some Rachael Ray 30 Minute Meals (I still can’t get through one of her daytime shows on ABC), as well as newcomers like the Neeleys- also in small doses. The verdict is still out on the new “Ask Aida”, and don’t get me started on Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee and her TJ Maxx/Stein Mart themed monstrosities she calls sets. But, where are the young people? Is the food loving public (and you tell me) only interested in the seasoned experts? Is the Food Network even looking at young people and not finding “the one”?

I would venture to say my younger brother who is in college, and also loves food would enjoy seeing someone closer to his age running their own gig and would not require them to have owned a NYC restaurant or attended Le Cordon Bleu. My husband and I are on a journey to eat what we see the chefs eat, dine where they say to dine, and entertain the way they do, yet on a much smaller budget and scale, and of course add our own flair. It’d be nice to see someone about 2-3 years ahead, rather than a decade plus, doing things 25 year olds do - not wealthy businessmen, soccer moms, or Napa Valley rock stars (I’m talking about you Michael Chiarello). Don’t get me wrong, you gotta be good at what you do: know your kitchen and your food. You have to if you’re going to roll with the foodie giant that is becoming the Food Network. I bet there are some solid 26-28 year old foodies out there, working in an office, cooking on the weekends, with lots to share. With the right personality - I’d probably tune in to a young newcomer and tune out to Cooking for Real with Sonny. Please hurry Food Network!

Is it actually possible? Melissa Clark seems to think you can be a food writer, eat out every night, and fit into a size 2. It’s genetics, you say! She says, no. She must have figured something out, right? She does eat at the best NY restaurants nightly and tastes endless parades of chocolate mousse and foie gras. She cites in her article that she changed her foodie outlook and realized she didn’t need to finish everything on her plate, and only eat what she likes. I can remember so many amazing, tasty meals at restaurants and at home where I felt a button was going to pop on my jeans. It’s not a very good feeling. The food would taste just as good if I ate 2/3 of it than if I cleaned my plate with the bread basket, letting out a long slow exhale of stuffedness. Her other point is not denying yourself food you like, but ordering more veggies and not finishing the main plate, just enjoying the taste of your favorite food slowly. As a woman who is eternally trying to lose weight, I can attempt to subscribe to the Food Writer’s Diet - which also comes with a side of exercise…. grrr….. I don’t get away that easily…. It’s going to be hard not finish my favorite beurre blanc lobster gnocchi next time it’s wafting in front of me in all its buttery glory. We’ll see if it happens… Here’s an excerpt I think summed up Melissa’s food strategy, “By using this eat-what-you-like-don’t-eat-what-you-don’t-like strategy, together with ordering (and eating) a salad or a vegetable side dish every time I went out, plus exercising 3-4 times a week, the weight came off. It’s stayed off since”. The Bon Appetit article also has some other tips like ordering appetizers, and making sure there are 3 forks for every dessert ordered. So, if your mama told you to always finish your plate because there are starving children around the world, maybe it’s time to block out this particular mama-ism and trim your waistline instead.

Ok, I totally bought into the little shopping section in Bon Appetit a couple months ago. I ordered the Table Topics Gourmet Edition - lame, I know. And you’re right, a lot of the little conversational cards are a bit lame. But, I have to use these things somehow - so here we go. Answer away.

If you had to take a job in the food industry what would you like to do?

Giada De Laurentiis of Everyday Italian

Have you ever watched Giada cooking on Food Network? it’s her “penny pinching” episode, which includes pancetta, mascarpone, and special wonton pockets? While Ms. Laurentis has her unlimited supplies of “everyday” Italian delicacies to do her penny pinching with, my impulse mascarpone purchase for her recipe cost me $5.00 for 1/2 cup. I think a lot of us, myself included, watch or read some great recipes - grab our wallets and head out the door to collect all the ingredients mentioned. Hence, the $50 dinner for you, or you +1. And you have to do the dishes. This is where planning can be very empowering.

I’m a huge Jamie Oliver fan. He always emphasizes the importance of simplicity and freshness, which in some cases can translate into $$$. I also subscribe to Bon Appetit - another money trap with its pages of beautiful photography, glamorous party ideas, and “in” foods and restaurants. Before I know it, I’m at the Whole Foods fish counter buying a pound of tuna, pancetta, fresh pasta, and some unknown delicacy!

However, I do feel it is important to eat well, experiment, and really love what you’re cooking and get excited about it. BUT, a little bit of planning can make a world of difference. For example - I’ve discovered fresh blocks of parm are not cheap - as is most fresh cheeses used in great italian cooking or fondue (a guilty favorite). But to me, the flavor of fresh parm is important - so I plan on 3 different recipes during the week that use parm. Last week I bought 1/2lb at Whole Foods for about $7.00. It’s lasted through a crostata, fish meatballs, and a chicken/mushroom bake plus dusting on other dishes. But what I learned during this shopping trip is Trader Joe’s has a better price on fresh cheeses. So, if you’re dying to make the Semolina Gnocchi with Oxtail Ragu from this month’s Bon Appetit, go for it! Use the veggies from the recipe for 1 or 2 more meals, as well as the parm, and make some extra gnocchi for another meal. However, I’m not sure how much oxtail costs, so this may be a stretch for some budgets. Whats the recipe you’d like to indulge in?

This is really difficult - posting my grocery receipts - it’s very… well…exposing. I have not looked this closely at my grocery bills or prices of what I’m buying since I was a student (all of 2 years ago). This is a great excercise! It requires more time standing in front of the meat case, choosing the cheapest per pound of chicken that is still antibiotic free while getting colder by the minute and fielding glares and bumps from other busy shoppers around me. It was also hard not to get sucked into the Kettle Chips or Honest Tea sale at Whole Foods; I did however buy the organic grapes that went down to $1.99/lb which I’m currently enjoying for a healthy snack. So, I’m going to share a couple observations, starting first with Whole Foods. After reading the NYTimes article about them cutting prices, I went in with a higher expectation of lower prices and much more scrutiny. My trip to the Union Square store was not as their banner outside stated “Shop Like You Deserve It!”. Weren’t they trying to get past the Whole Paycheck nickname? Sure I deserve good food, but at what cost? Anyway, I rummaged and stood idly often, trying to collect my thoughts and only buy what I had on my list - you have to admit that they display everything so nice - you always think you need some exotic mushrooms and some weird fish you have no idea what to do with. I went back to the egg case twice, and realized I could get the 1/2 dozen free range eggs $.20 cheaper if I bought this other brand. The Whole Foods brand I must say is substantially cheaper in general. The coffee was $2.00 cheaper per pound than what I was ordering from Fresh Direct. Unfortunately/Fortunately I came to the infamous, aromatic cheese case. I love parm - I think that’s why Jamie Oliver and I are secretly best friends, but $16.99/lb - yikes! I decided to check out Trader Joe’s the next day and see what they had.

Today, I wandered the Union Square Green Market. I still had my list, and I was stickin’ to it! As you can see, I hand wrote the market receipt. If you go to a farmers market, especially if you’re just starting, like yours truly, take a whole tour first, look at what’s in season - which will be most of whats out- and LOOK AT PRICES! I thought everyone was selling the Jersey Corn for 2/$1.00 - alas I was taken! I found someone else who had 3/$1.00. Herbs are also something that vary by as much as $1.00 between sellers. Something I’ve started buying is a fresh artisnal, organic, sliced bread that costs $4.75. However while looking at other local organic breads sold at Whole Foods, I had sticker shock - $5.69! So, this Green Market bread is something we never waste, makes amazing sandwiches and toast, and supports a great local bakery - Bread Alone.

Next, I ventured into the always tumultuous Trader Joe’s. Even at 11am on a Monday the tell tale guy with a sign marking the end of the line was posted around the store. I pressed on, and beelined to where I knew my last items lived. Their Parm was $12.99/lb - so much better in the grand scheme of Parm. I also succumbed to the freezer case and picked up some lemon sorbet for $1.99 - a great treat after long summer days. Something that I had to also get this week, which always puts a kink in my budget is olive oil. Trader Joe’s is definitely the better choice, although with much fewer selections than Whole Foods. So there went $7.99 for oil, which I hopefully won’t have to buy again for a while.

This is week 1 of shopping - the more stuff you can get at the Farmer’s Market that’s in season the better. However I do hope to get my costs down each week, and figure out this balance of food, fun, and health.

Union Square Green Market

1 bunch of Scallions - $2.00

8 ears Jersey corn -$4.00

5lb ripe tomatoes - $7.00

1 head of lettuce - $1.50

Organic bread - $4.75

Grand Total: $106.86/2ppl

10 meals/week

= 5.35/person/meal!!

Cutting your food budget and eating better may sound like oxymorons. When you can, read this NY Times article about Whole Foods cutting prices, and staying competitive in the grocery market - supposedly. I do concede and admit that the Whole Paycheck nickname could prove to be true. However, if you’re choosy and only buy what you need, it could work for you! Yes, ShopRite, Publix, Kroger Safeway, etc. will have lower prices ON SOME ITEMS - for me, the farmers market, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s are in a 2 block radius where I can save my time by shopping these stores. Last time I was down south, Publix was a great competitor and has beefed up its store brand - although my parents that live in Atlanta, still frequent Whole Foods if they’re looking for the best of something.

Another obstacle to shopping the Costco’s and Wal Marts for groceries for young urbanites is the space and transportation issue. Most apartments in NYC dont have a pantry to fill with pounds of rice, beans, canned goods, and 24 rolls of paper towels. What would happen to our food bills if we only bought what we needed, and our fridges didnt smell of rotting veggies we bought in bulk? Another excercise I challenge everyone to do is try to go a week without throwing out food that’s gone bad i.e. eat it before it goes off- you could come up with some pretty special recipes being creative with what you have rather than making a supplemental trip to the grocery store for new produce, etc.