A Little Neurosis About “Food And Drink”

        I seem to be developing new neurosis as I get older.  I’m sure that is relatively normal, but I wonder how far it could go.  A lot of my “crazy” stems from the different food allergies I had growing up.  But, what about the other worries?  Could food and drink concerns eventually take over my whole life?

Everyone knows that water is one of the three basic needs of survival.  Inside my apartment I have multiple sources of water including my bathroom shower, bathroom sink, and kitchen sink.  My refrigerator also produces water in the door.  If we’re getting technical, I could even count my toilet and washing machine as access to water.  Seems like I would be surviving pretty well in here.  Yet, I also believe I need to keep water bottles available.  What I tell myself, is that the water bottles are for when I go out, but I drink them inside my apartment too.  Of course, it is important to have a water bottle when you go out for lots of reasons.  Logically, you would carry one to quench your thirst.  Bringing a water bottle from home is also more economical because you don’t have to buy one at a convenient store.

I didn’t always carry a water bottle with me while I was out.  It’s something I started doing only a few years ago.  I had been sick for several days without leaving my apartment.  Eventually I had to go outside to see a doctor, and I knew it would be a good idea to take a water bottle with me.  When you’re sick, it’s important to stay hydrated.  I based my decision off of that.  As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, I continued carrying a water bottle with me.  Even if you are not sick, it is important to stay hydrated.  That seemed logical to me.  I also began to think of other important reasons for bringing a water bottle with me wherever I went.  What if I had to swallow a pill and needed liquid?  I could become very parched from eating something salty and require a few sips of water to avoid choking.  What if I started coughing and needed water to stop?  I may get stuck in traffic or on a subway train for hours and require some kind of sustenance.  What if I’m eating a cracker and it gets stuck in my throat?

For fear of my ultimate death due to dehydration and/or a blocked esophagus, it has become imperative that I now travel with a water bottle.  Of course, there have been times I have forgotten to take a water bottle with me when rushing out the door.  These times are minimal, nonetheless, it has occurred.  Do I panic?  No.  Not completely.  If I’m still at my building, I can go back to get a water bottle.  If I’m already on the go, I can stop at the next bodega or drug store I see and pick one up.  If I’m not able to purchase a water bottle prior to entering the subway or getting caught in traffic, I’m okay too.  That’s because I repeatedly tell myself that I can get water as soon as possible and I tell myself not to think about being thirsty while focusing on swallowing my saliva correctly to avoid a choking hazard.  Simple!

If I am caught in a waterless mess, there is not better scenario than to be out, on my way to a restaurant.  There is something comforting about knowing that you will soon have access to water and a large assortment of other beverages.  Though, I’m afraid life isn’t as worry free as just sipping a drink.  There are always complications and it’s important to prepare yourself for the uncertainty of life as best you can.

I have gone out to eat an infinite number of times and I can say confidently that I’ve had more positive beverage experiences than negative.  One of the best parts about water in NYC is that the tap is unlimited and it doesn’t have a funky taste.  I like when restaurants place an additional bottle of water on the table so that you can serve yourself if necessary.  This is a bit tricky though, because if the waitstaff is not prioritizing your water refills, you could be stuck with an empty bottle and some empty glasses for a while.  In that case, it is sometimes better when there is someone who continuously checks the table and refills the water glasses as needed.  There is more attention focused on the water and the odds of running out are less likely.  If you are feeling fancy, you can order bottled water instead of tap, but that is the most difficult to maintain.  Since you are paying per bottle, you will most likely have to ask for a second, once the first has been consumed.  This method relies more on the diner to be attentive to everyone’s water glasses at the table.

If you are someone who does not concern themselves with the details of water consumption in a restaurant, you might think the above paragraph is mad.  If you are like me, I don’t think anyone is like me, you will understand my concerns.  Instead of being able to have a carefree meal with family and friends, I am hypervigilant in my efforts to maintain the water supply.  The risk of choking while eating is exponentially higher than the risk of choking on one’s own saliva.  This means it is extremely important to have immediate access to water at any given time while at the table.  Having to monitor the whereabouts of the waitstaff when my water glass has passed the threshold of containing a comfortable sip, is exhausting, but a task that must be done.  There are lives at stake.  Particularly my own.

*In writing this, I have no intentions to introduce fear and worry into any of your lives.  Please take what I have said with a grain of salt, perhaps even a glacier sized block of salt.  This is specifically how my neurosis operates and is in no way meant to influence your way of thinking.

 www.smartwater.com

Holiday Season Gift Ideas

There are always presents you need to buy during the holiday season for people who you don’t know very well.  Those people typically include the staff at your hair salon, the receptionists at your dentist’s office, and your vet.  Well, not actually your vet, but the vet you use for your animals.  Money can seem inappropriate for these special relationship dynamics.  So, the question now becomes, “what do I get these gift receivers?”

If you thought the answer was going to be something other than food, you’re reading the wrong blog.  Give people food!  Give me food!  Food is one of the three basic means for survival.  Okay, that was a bit dramatic, but still, food!

Please don’t think I am suggesting anyone make a roast and bring a slow cooker into the hair salon.  I’m not advocating any kind of kitchen labor that requires Tupperware containers that will never be returned.  In the same respect, we all know what grocery store cupcakes taste like, so before you run out and pick up some crappy baked goods with a sugary Santa on top, let’s discuss some more rational options.

Compartes

  Compartes is a gourmet chocolatier based out of Los Angeles.  The chocolate bars feature some of the most unique flavors and are all wrapped in artistic printed foils and boxes.  Compartes is also known for their beautiful truffles and other chocolate items like dipped fruits.  https://compartes.com/

Bliss and Baker

  Bliss and Baker creates artisanal rice crispies.  You can purchase a gift box of crispies and currently, the company is offering special holiday flavors like Peppermint and Sugar Cookie.  These cute desserts are made in San Diego, CA and orders made before December 16th will arrive by Christmas.  http://blissandbaker.com/

Fatty Sundays 

  Fatty Sundays makes dozens of different flavored chocolate covered pretzels.  These pretzel rods can be dipped in a variety of chocolates and coated with tons of different toppings.  They are aesthetically pleasing and the mix of sweet and salty is delicious!  https://fattysundays.com/

Gotham Cookies 

  Gotham Cookies is based out of NYC, specializing in gourmet fresh baked cookies.  The flavors range from chocolate chunk to salted caramel to red velvet.  There are seasonal options available as well.  You can order cookie boxes of 12 or 18 and there are even vegan and gluten-free options.  http://gothamcookies.com/

MdoughW

  An MdoughW is a cookie cup.  Most flavors are stuffed with another cookie or treat inside, such as brownies, rainbow cookies and cookies & creme.  You will be shipped a DIY kit containing the options of your choosing for icing flavors and toppings.  MdoughW also sells cookie dough jars with alternating layers of fudge or buttercream frosting.  http://www.mdoughw.com/

Mini Melanie

  Mini Melanie offers bite-sized desserts.  The truffles are made from delicious chocolate and come in a variety of cake flavors.  Each truffle is beautifully decorated like a piece of jewelry and shines when you open the box!  If you want to order these before Christmas, make sure to place your order by December 15th.  https://minimelanie.com/

Squish Marshmallows 

  Squish Marshmallows are hands down my favorite marshmallows.  The flavors are delicious and unique, plus the packaging is really cute.  You can order bags of small batch, hand cut marshmallows in seasonal flavors like Peppermint Bark or Gingerbread for Holiday delivery.  Just make sure the order is in by December 17th.  http://www.squishmarshmallows.com/

I’d like to wish everyone good luck on your holiday shopping escapades!

Need To Eat? Try TimeSet App

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TimeSet App Download

 

   Sometimes there are so many options of places to eat, that it feels impossible to make a decision.  This happens to me at home and on vacation.  I am always keeping lists of places I want to try.  I know for a fact that I’m not the only one with this problem, because of the development of TimeSet.  This is an App that can help you with this decision making process!

When I travel, I often spend hours researching “best restaurant” articles online to get an idea of where to eat.  Then, I write the name down, and usually forget what it was that I liked about the restaurant.  Is it known for great burgers?   Does it have a nice brunch menu?  Was that the place with the famous desserts?

With TimeSet, you can view popular restaurants (and travel spots) that other users recommend.  TimeSet is it’s own community where you can create lists of places you want to visit, eat at, and explore with the help of your peers.  It’s a great way to help narrow down some of those dinner options too!

Here are some of examples and suggestions.  To find more information, you can learn about the app here: http://www.timeset.com/

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where to eat – cup & cup

Coffee Shops

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where to eat: Bedford & Co

Burgers

where to eat - Vanderbilt Market

where to eat – Vanderbilt Market

 

Food Halls/Markets

 

Eat & Greet: Adventures With Dalton

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You may be wondering what an Eat & Greet is.  The general concept of an Eat & Greet is for fans and an artist to hang out, chat, and have a nosh together before (or after) the performance.  It’s also a great opportunity to take pictures and potentially make friends with fellow fans.  I had the pleasure of attending Dalton Rapattoni’s The Inspired Attempt Tour on October 6th, 7th and 8th and because I’m a certifiable crazy person, I went to the Eat & Greet’s for all three shows.  Feel like taking a walk with me?  I’m about to head out towards memory lane…

Thursday October 6, 2016 – Teaneck, New Jersey

I arrived at the venue late, because I have lost my ability to get anywhere on time anymore.  Everyone was sitting down at tables and it was super low key.  It was also pretty quiet and I HATE awkward quietness because I’m already anxious enough going into any and all social situations.  I decide to behave in the exact opposite manner to how I feel, and I literally walk up to each table and say, “Hi!  I’m Jamie!  I don’t know anyone here, so I just wanted to introduce myself to everybody.”  That phrase came out of my mouth five times.

During my introductory journey, I noticed plates of nachos and quesadillas on the tables.  That was the EAT part!  Unfortunately for me, I had just begun eating solid foods again (I had a crazy stomach flu earlier that week) and didn’t think Mexican was the best option for me that evening.  Instead, I brought a bag of Saltine Crackers, so that’s fun.  I started to take some pictures of the plates and chatting it up with the people at the table I landed at.

The secondary reason I was at the show, to see Dalton Rapattoni perform, (just kidding) eventually came over to our table for a little talking time.  He came over carrying his plate of leftover food, which looked oddly similar to my stomach flu devastation.  Sorry, but when you start mixing refried beans and guac and sour cream on a plate, it starts to look kind of shitty (no pun intended).

After a bit, Dalton needed to get going, but we were given the chance to take pictures with him.  Everyone had the arm around each other smiling or some kind of pose planned out in their pictures.  Then came me.  First of all, I had to assess the lighting because it was not a brightly lit venue.  With a fresh, never touched nacho plate in hand, I asked/told (sometimes I’m bossy) to move towards the front door for better picture lighting.  Next I said some jumbled up words that eventually ended up with him holding the nacho plate.

As the seasoned professional that I am, I was directing his plate holding position for optimal photo results.  During this time the phrase, “Oh my god, you’re going to kill me” came out of my mouth and despite risk of injury, I asked for a selfie with the nacho plate.  To clarify the previous sentence, I didn’t ask to take a selfie with just the nacho plate, I asked Dalton to take a selfie with me and to have the nacho plate be in the picture.
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Friday October 7, 2016 – Fairfield, Connecticut

I arrived late to the venue on day two, but not as late as the day before because this time I actually got to see some of the soundcheck.  It was dark and loud inside, so I kind of just smiled at a bunch of people and found a seat.  Dalton came over to us (it was a small group, maybe 8 people) and started to ramble about a picture of a bug on the wall and movies about bugs and I don’t really know because I stopped paying attention to it.  Honestly, I was more concerned about the pizza boxes staring at me across the dance floor.  It felt like a middle school dance.img_1500

I got up and took a slice of pizza, pepperoni.  At that point I figured my stomach was back to it’s steal self.  I sat back down and sort of interrupted whatever conversation was going on (if there was a conversation going on, I don’t actually know because I didn’t care, I just felt like speaking) by asking if anyone else was going to have pizza.  Literally no one else got up for pizza.  How do you not have pizza?  PIZZA!  PIIIIZZAAAA!

Like the fat ass that I can appear to be, I sat there listening/participating in the group discussions which shoving grease dripping cheesy goodness into my mouth.  As time went on, more people came and the circle continued to grow.  Other than being the weird girl with tomato sauce on her face, I was also wearing a name tag I had created for myself.  It read, “Remember me from before?  I’m Jamie!  We are best friends.”  A perfectly normal thing to do.  What happened was, I didn’t remember introducing myself specifically to Dalton the previous day, and I figured I’d forget again, so in order to prevent that from happening, I just wore a name tag.  My logic is so on point.

When we had to start wrapping things up, I grabbed a second slice of pizza and walked back over to the picture taking parade.  Assuming I’m a nice person, Dalton said, “no thanks, I had a sandwich on the bus,” when I came over with the plate of pizza.  I responded with, “I know, you said that before.  This isn’t for you.  I just want you to hold it for a picture like yesterday.”  There was a brief discussion about name tag placement causing me to move my tag to my forehead.  We took a picture together, name tag and all, and I felt accomplished.img_1439

Saturday October 8, 2016 – Long Island, New York

Guess what time I got to the venue?  Late!  Still in time for some soundcheck, so all was not lost.  There were a lot more people inside the venue than the previous two days, but at that point, I was a professional.  I surveyed the room, saw the pizza set up and casually walked over once the band finished on stage.  Dalton was already talking to a group of fans and pizza comes first, so I hung back for a bit.  When he saw me, I got a disgruntled, “it’s you again,” to which I replied with a rotation around the sun sized eye roll and an, “uch, I know.  I don’t know why I’m even here.”

Everyone was standing up talking, which I found annoying because who wants to eat pizza standing up if you have the option of sitting down.  As the seasoned eat & greeter, I formed a bunch of bar stools into a semi circle, told some people on the outskirts of the conversation to move over there so we can shift the group sitting and I could enjoy my pizza properly.  This plan half worked.

Dalton finally grabbed a stool and when no one else sat down next to him after at least 2 full minutes, I did.  I sat, very comfortably eating my pizza and dangling my feet, not paying attention to any conversation that was going on.  To be honest, it was really good pizza, like extra cheesy.  Perhaps I should have been paying some attention, because the next thing I know, he’s looking directly at me and puts his sharpie marker (cap side up) in my nose.  I’m not sure what he was expecting, but I kind of just sat there looking back at him as this is going on for something like 10 seconds (which is a long time for something like this to be happening).  I finally claimed no responsibility for whatever may or may not be attached to the sharpie cap and a second or two later it was being wiped on my face.  There wasn’t anything there (I’d have felt it being rubbed on my cheek), but this went on for another few seconds.  Both of us not smiling or saying anything.  When it was over, I took another bite of pizza.

Everyone continued chatting until it was time for pictures.  As per usual, I grabbed a plate and waited for my food picture.  This time, Dalton knew the drill and he took the plate from me right away.  I didn’t want to have the same picture from the day before, so I allowed my creative brain to take over and asked him to “feed me” in the picture.  Super normal.  Once the picture was captured, I apparently decided that I should eat the slice.  What I mean by that is, my teeth chomped down on it, so when Dalton tried to put the pizza back on the plate, I was still biting it, like a dog.  He said, “oh you’re really doing this?  should I pull it?”  In response, I just laughed, because it’s impolite to talk with food in your mouth.img_1505

An Adult Halloween

Best Liquor And Halloween Pairings

It may be best to leave the trick-or-treating to the kids (your neighbors probably wouldn’t find it quite as endearing if you rapped at their door demanding candy), but there are plenty of grown-up ways to carve out a slice of the Halloween fun. Give your sugary spoils an extra bite with some amazing Halloween candy-liquor pairings, complete with party-perfect recipes.

Candy: Candy Corn
Pairs well with: Vodka
Halloween cocktail: Children of the Corn

Have your candy, and drink it too! No other candy is so ingrained in Halloween tradition as candy corn. And while these honey-based confections have graced the toppings of just about every Halloween-themed baked good imaginable, this recipe takes things to
a whole new level, boozing up these classic candies with a vodka infusion. This drink is hauntingly good, as well it should be considering its origins. It was first concocted by Yael Vengroff, bar director of The Spare Room [1], located in one of the world’s most famous haunted places, The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The luxurious hotel is said to be the eternal home of the spirits of some of Hollywood’s finest, including Montgomery Clift, Carole Lombard, and Marilyn Monroe.

Ingredients:
2 oz. candy corn-infused vodka* (instructions here [2])
3/4 oz. lemon juice
3/4 oz. cinnamon syrup (recipe here [2])
Seltzer water
Lemon wheel for garnish
Candy corn skewer for garnish

Directions:
1) Pour the vodka, juice, and syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2) Shake for 10 seconds.
3) Strain over fresh ice into a highball glass.
3) Top with seltzer.
4) Garnish with a lemon wheel and skewer of candy corn.

Candy: Hershey’s
Pairs well with: Dark rum

Halloween cocktail: Black Devil Martini

Hershey’s bars are a mainstay when it comes to Halloween treats. The buttery, smooth texture of dark rum complements these sweet cocoa candies perfectly. The Black Devil Martini, courtesy of The Cooking Channel, is as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

Ingredients:
2 oz. dark rum
½ oz. dry vermouth
Black olive
Orange sugar

Directions:
1) Stir and strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with orange sugar.
2) Garnish with olive.

Candy: Tootsie Roll
Pairs well with: Jack Daniel’s
Halloween cocktail: Jack O’ Lantern

Few Halloween trick-or-treating expeditions end without at least a few Tootsie Rolls. This timeless candy meets a fellow tried-and-true classic in Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. This recipe comes courtesy of Damon Dunay, Regional Beverage Director at the Empire Hotel [3].  Though the drink can be enjoyed any time of year, the garnish is what makes it perfect for Halloween. Because you’ll be wielding a knife to carve a mini citrus jack o’ lantern, it might be a good idea to try this one out early on in the night.

Ingredients:
1 oz. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
½ oz. Lucid absinthe
Orange bitters
2 sugar cubes
Carved orange for garnish

Instructions for garnish:
1) Cut a circle into the pith around the face.
2) Remove the peel circle from the orange.
3) Carve a small slit in the bottom of the circle so it can rest on the rim of the glass.

For the drink:
1) Pour absinthe into an old-fashioned glass and swirl it around to coat the inside.
2) Place the two sugar cubes into a mixing glass and saturate with a few drops of orange bitters.
3) Muddle the cubes until crushed.
3) Add whiskey and ice; stir well.
4) Strain into the absinthe-rinsed glass over fresh ice cubes.
5) Place the garnish on the rim and serve.

Candy: Junior Mints
Pairs well with: White tequila
Halloween cocktail: El Diablo

Junior Mints, with their creamy minty centers encapsulated in a cocoa shell, meld perfectly with the salty, slightly sweet nature of white tequila. The El Diablo Cocktail is a classic, having appeared in Trader Vic’s Book of Food and Drink as early as 1946. Aside from its drinkability, this cocktail is a favorite because it can easily be made by the pitcher-full. This recipe yields 12 servings, making it a perfect choice for your next Halloween party.

Ingredients:
1 can (12 oz.) frozen limeade concentrate
1 ½ cans (18 oz.) tequila blanco
⅔ can (8 oz.) creme de cassis
½ can (6 oz.) water (still, not soda or tonic water)
1 ½ cans (18 oz.) ginger beer

Directions:
1) Mix the limeade, tequila, cassis, and water together in a large pitcher, using the limeade can to measure the other ingredients.
2) Immediately before serving, add the ginger beer.
3) Serve over ice. Optional: garnish with blackberries.

Candy: Sour Patch Kids
Pairs well with: Vodka (Bonus: also pairs well with tequila)
Halloween cocktail: Sour Patch Kids Vodka Shots

Sour Patch Kids may not seem like a natural complement for alcohol, but these vodka-infused Sour Patch Kids shooters (recipe courtesy of PopSugar [4]) are sure to make your mouth water—and pucker, too. As with the candy corn-infused vodka, these require a little advance preparation. But the result is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients:
Vodka
Sour Patch Kids, colors divided

Directions:
1) Fill clean, airtight glass jars, halfway with Sour Patch Kids. Top with vodka, then seal. Allow to infuse over a week, shaking the jars periodically. If you’re in a rush, you can speed up the process by running the jars through a dishwasher on a standard cycle with no soap. Just be sure the jars you’re using are airtight.
2) Once the Sour Patch Kids have turned white (this signals that all the color and flavor is infused), strain each of the colors separately through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to eliminate all remaining particles, starting with yellow, then orange, then red. Use separate filters for green and blue. Discard the gummies (trust us, it’s not worth it; they taste terrible). Wash the bottles and return the strained Sour Patch Kids vodka to the bottles. Cool in the fridge or freezer.
3) To serve, pour each color into shot glasses and enjoy! Obviously this list isn’t comprehensive. There are dozens more Halloween candy and liquor combinations out there!

Have some favorites you’d like to share? Comment below!

 

[2]
[1]
http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/black-devil-martini.html [3]
[2]
http://www.thekitchn.com/easy-halloween-159545 [4] [3]
http://cocktails.about.com/od/Dessert-Vodka-Recipes/r/TheSpareRoom-ChildrenoftheCorn-Cocktail-Recipe.htm

[5]
[4]

http://www.popsugar.com/food/Sour-Patch-Kids-Infused-Vodka-38189468
[6]
[5]
[4]

Links:

[1] http://spareroomhollywood.com/
[2]

 

http://cocktails.about.com/od/Dessert-Vodka-Recipes/r/TheSpareRoom-ChildrenoftheCorn-Cocktail-Recipe.htm

[5]
[4]
[3] http://www.empirehotelnyc.com/?mpage=lobby_bar [7] [6]
[4]
http://www.popsugar.com/food/Sour-Patch-Kids-Infused-Vodka-38189468
[6]
[5]

Links:

[1]
http://cocktails.about.com/od/whiskeyrecipes/r/Jack-O-Lantern.htm
[2]
[2] http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/black-devil-martini.html
[3]
[3] http://www.thekitchn.com/easy-halloween-159545 [4]
[4]

http://cocktails.about.com/od/Dessert-Vodka-Recipes/r/TheSpareRoom-ChildrenoftheCorn-Cocktail-Recipe.htm

[5]
[5]
http://www.popsugar.com/food/Sour-Patch-Kids-Infused-Vodka-38189468
[6]
[6] http://www.empirehotelnyc.com/?mpage=lobby_bar [7]

Links:

[1] https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-night-bar-barman-110472/
[2] http://cocktails.about.com/od/whiskeyrecipes/r/Jack-O-Lantern.htm
[3] http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/black-devil-martini.html
[4] http://www.thekitchn.com/easy-halloween-159545
[5]
http://cocktails.about.com/od/Dessert-Vodka-Recipes/r/TheSpareRoom-ChildrenoftheCorn-Cocktail-Recipe.htm
[6] http://www.popsugar.com/food/Sour-Patch-Kids-Infused-Vodka-38189468
[7] http://www.empirehotelnyc.com/?mpage=lobby_bar