food archives
Jul
27
2009
Blueberry Goodness
Last weekend I found a good deal on fresh blueberries and decided to try something a little different from my usual standby of blueberry muffins. Hence the blueberry crisp -- like a cobbler, but with an oatmeal crust. The...
Last weekend I found a good deal on fresh blueberries and decided to try something a little different from my usual standby of blueberry muffins. Hence the blueberry crisp -- like a cobbler, but with an oatmeal crust. The...
Firecracker Shrimp
This recipe, from the blog The Pioneer Woman Cooks, has become our new favorite dish to make at home. And it's super-easy: make a marinade of Sriracha (a Thai hot sauce), olive oil, minced garlic and a touch of...
This recipe, from the blog The Pioneer Woman Cooks, has become our new favorite dish to make at home. And it's super-easy: make a marinade of Sriracha (a Thai hot sauce), olive oil, minced garlic and a touch of...
Apr
20
2009
cooking class
I'm taking a two-part course on Japanese cooking through Arlington County Adult Education. Part one was last week; part two, this week. I love Japanese food, and the dishes we've prepared so far seems fairly easy to do, which...
I'm taking a two-part course on Japanese cooking through Arlington County Adult Education. Part one was last week; part two, this week. I love Japanese food, and the dishes we've prepared so far seems fairly easy to do, which...
Apr
11
2009
brownies!
A few weeks ago, I came across a recipe for bittersweet brownies that intrigued me. I gave it a go, and, as advertised, the resulting brownies were rich and moist. However, good as they were, I don't think this...
A few weeks ago, I came across a recipe for bittersweet brownies that intrigued me. I gave it a go, and, as advertised, the resulting brownies were rich and moist. However, good as they were, I don't think this...
Aug
10
2008
arlington county fair
On Saturday night, Rob and I ventured out to the Arlington County Fair. I was looking for a good excuse to take photos and people-watch in a different setting. And, perhaps more importantly, I've had a hankering for funnel...
On Saturday night, Rob and I ventured out to the Arlington County Fair. I was looking for a good excuse to take photos and people-watch in a different setting. And, perhaps more importantly, I've had a hankering for funnel...
Jul
6
2008
dining in: chicken chilaquiles
About a year ago, I bought a cookbook from the magazine Everyday Food. The cookbook itself is quite nice -- clear instructions and beautiful, huge photos for each recipe. But I have a track record for buying lovely cookbooks...
About a year ago, I bought a cookbook from the magazine Everyday Food. The cookbook itself is quite nice -- clear instructions and beautiful, huge photos for each recipe. But I have a track record for buying lovely cookbooks...
Dec
29
2007
bring me my caffeine
Dari offered a heads-up this evening that Starbucks is opening up a location in Arlington's Courthouse Plaza sometime soon. It's right by the Metro and right down the street from my office. The Starbucks location just ½ mile down the...
Dari offered a heads-up this evening that Starbucks is opening up a location in Arlington's Courthouse Plaza sometime soon. It's right by the Metro and right down the street from my office. The Starbucks location just ½ mile down the...
Dec
17
2007
cookie weekend
This was a cookie-filled weekend for me, not because I felt some kind of holiday obligation, but because I had a couple recipes I wanted to try. The first was a recipe for almond crescent cookies I found on...
This was a cookie-filled weekend for me, not because I felt some kind of holiday obligation, but because I had a couple recipes I wanted to try. The first was a recipe for almond crescent cookies I found on...
Dec
11
2007
photo of the day: santa cupcake
Someone at work brought in Santa cupcakes that were almost too adorable to eat. Almost....
Someone at work brought in Santa cupcakes that were almost too adorable to eat. Almost....
Dec
5
2007
seen: yard-o-beef
A whole case of Yard-O-Beef, surely a must-have on everyone's Christmas list this year. Spotted at the Costco in Pentagon City, Arlington, Va....
A whole case of Yard-O-Beef, surely a must-have on everyone's Christmas list this year. Spotted at the Costco in Pentagon City, Arlington, Va....
Dec
4
2007
seen: the big cheese
There's a guy in front of the California Tortilla in Courthouse with either a big block of cheese or a really thick tortilla on his head. He has a red carpet and a huge white stretch limo, though, so...
There's a guy in front of the California Tortilla in Courthouse with either a big block of cheese or a really thick tortilla on his head. He has a red carpet and a huge white stretch limo, though, so...
Nov
12
2007
bok choy
Sunday actually turned out to be quite the day for cooking. I followed up the cookies with dinner, in the form of steamed shrimp, rice and bok choy. (I swear it was more appetizing than this photo makes it...
Sunday actually turned out to be quite the day for cooking. I followed up the cookies with dinner, in the form of steamed shrimp, rice and bok choy. (I swear it was more appetizing than this photo makes it...
Nov
11
2007
amaretti cookies
Back in 2002, I went on a two-week tour of Italy. As a "souvenir," I brought a big bag of amaretto biscuits home to my family, and oh were they good -- soft and crumbly, with an unmistakable (but...
Back in 2002, I went on a two-week tour of Italy. As a "souvenir," I brought a big bag of amaretto biscuits home to my family, and oh were they good -- soft and crumbly, with an unmistakable (but...
Oct
31
2007
Oct
30
2007
cranberry nut bread
Cranberry Week continues apace. Today's installment: cranberry nut bread. (Or, rather, cranberry mini-loaves and mini muffins.) The recipe: 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder (when I'm using soy milk, as I did here, I...
Cranberry Week continues apace. Today's installment: cranberry nut bread. (Or, rather, cranberry mini-loaves and mini muffins.) The recipe: 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder (when I'm using soy milk, as I did here, I...
Oct
28
2007
cranberry-rific
On impulse, I bought a huge bag of cranberries at Costco last weekend. (I love cranberries.) And, of course, now that I have all these cranberries, I need to use them. My first effort: a New England cranberry duff,...
On impulse, I bought a huge bag of cranberries at Costco last weekend. (I love cranberries.) And, of course, now that I have all these cranberries, I need to use them. My first effort: a New England cranberry duff,...
Aug
3
2007
corner bakery in courthouse?
This week's e-mail newsletter from Olsson's Books and Records offered a bit of trivia for folks who frequent the Courthouse neighborhood of Arlington: We're excited to tell you about a big change at one of our stores. The Courthouse/Arlington Olsson's...
This week's e-mail newsletter from Olsson's Books and Records offered a bit of trivia for folks who frequent the Courthouse neighborhood of Arlington: We're excited to tell you about a big change at one of our stores. The Courthouse/Arlington Olsson's...
Jun
7
2007
bento-riffic
A story about bento boxes in the Post's Thursday food section inspired me to leave a rare (and rather gushing) comment on the article at washingtonpost.com about my love for a different style of bento: my Mr. Bento lunchbox. I...
A story about bento boxes in the Post's Thursday food section inspired me to leave a rare (and rather gushing) comment on the article at washingtonpost.com about my love for a different style of bento: my Mr. Bento lunchbox. I...
Mar
19
2007
well-plated
On Friday night, Rob and I tried out the newish sushi place at Ballston Common Mall, Asahi Kaiten. I ordered the "caterpillar roll" -- sushi with avocado and barbecued eel -- and nearly clapped my hands with glee when...
On Friday night, Rob and I tried out the newish sushi place at Ballston Common Mall, Asahi Kaiten. I ordered the "caterpillar roll" -- sushi with avocado and barbecued eel -- and nearly clapped my hands with glee when...
Feb
18
2007
pom sorbet
I've been on a bit of a pomegranate kick these days. Back in December, I found a great pomegranate sorbet (with tart seeds mixed in) at The Dairy Godmother (formerly the Del Ray Dreamery). Around the same time, I came...
I've been on a bit of a pomegranate kick these days. Back in December, I found a great pomegranate sorbet (with tart seeds mixed in) at The Dairy Godmother (formerly the Del Ray Dreamery). Around the same time, I came...
Feb
10
2007
food to share
A (dieting) blogger for local food blog DCFUD made a funny observation earlier this week about folks who bring in sweets to share with their coworkers: You know those people who bring donuts and cakes into the workplace? They secretly...
A (dieting) blogger for local food blog DCFUD made a funny observation earlier this week about folks who bring in sweets to share with their coworkers: You know those people who bring donuts and cakes into the workplace? They secretly...
Dec
23
2006
layover
On Wednesday, Rob and I had a three-hour layover at Chicago's Midway International Airport. So we did something slightly crazy: We went out for pizza. Rob had it all planned out: Land at Midway around 11:30 a.m., hop on...
On Wednesday, Rob and I had a three-hour layover at Chicago's Midway International Airport. So we did something slightly crazy: We went out for pizza. Rob had it all planned out: Land at Midway around 11:30 a.m., hop on...
Dec
16
2006
potato candy
Earlier this week, the Post's holiday cookie special (which included the aforementioned recipe for cranberry-white chocolate cookies) tickled my sweet tooth. In particular, it had me craving potato candy, a confection my mom used to make when I was...
Earlier this week, the Post's holiday cookie special (which included the aforementioned recipe for cranberry-white chocolate cookies) tickled my sweet tooth. In particular, it had me craving potato candy, a confection my mom used to make when I was...
Dec
10
2006
muffins!
At least one culinary experiment turned out well this week. Rob doesn't do dairy products. I love making blueberry muffins, in part because I know he's a big blueberry fan. But I haven't made them in a while because...
At least one culinary experiment turned out well this week. Rob doesn't do dairy products. I love making blueberry muffins, in part because I know he's a big blueberry fan. But I haven't made them in a while because...
Dec
5
2006
culinary crimes
Yick. I just made a disastrous cranberry sorbet. Everything else out of my ice cream / sorbet cookbook has turned out pretty good to date, so I decided to trust the recipe when it called for a cup and a...
Yick. I just made a disastrous cranberry sorbet. Everything else out of my ice cream / sorbet cookbook has turned out pretty good to date, so I decided to trust the recipe when it called for a cup and a...
Oct
21
2006
drive for the border
After turning in the keys to our old apartment, Rob and I headed out for a celebratory midnight Taco Bell run. The restaurant portion of the eatery had closed, and only the drive-through window was open. As we waited in...
After turning in the keys to our old apartment, Rob and I headed out for a celebratory midnight Taco Bell run. The restaurant portion of the eatery had closed, and only the drive-through window was open. As we waited in...
Jul
26
2006
crab feast
Last Sunday, Rob and I met up with Michaela and some of her friends for dinner at Gunning's, a "hit the crab with the mallet" restaurant outside of Baltimore. It was my first time attempting such a feat, so...
Last Sunday, Rob and I met up with Michaela and some of her friends for dinner at Gunning's, a "hit the crab with the mallet" restaurant outside of Baltimore. It was my first time attempting such a feat, so...
Jun
29
2006
lunchtime
A quick glance at my online bank statement reveals an unsettling trend this week: CHECKCARD CALIFORNIA TORTIL ARLINGTON VA ON 06/26 - $5.00 CHECKCARD CALIFORNIA TORTIL ARLINGTON VA ON 06/27 - $5.44 CHECKCARD CALIFORNIA TORTIL ARLINGTON VA ON 06/28 -...
A quick glance at my online bank statement reveals an unsettling trend this week: CHECKCARD CALIFORNIA TORTIL ARLINGTON VA ON 06/26 - $5.00 CHECKCARD CALIFORNIA TORTIL ARLINGTON VA ON 06/27 - $5.44 CHECKCARD CALIFORNIA TORTIL ARLINGTON VA ON 06/28 -...
Jun
11
2006
saturday at home
Yesterday, I did something I haven't done in a long time: I poured a glass of fresh iced tea and settled into a comfy chair for an afternoon of reading. That's it. No errands, no freelance work, no mindless Internet...
Yesterday, I did something I haven't done in a long time: I poured a glass of fresh iced tea and settled into a comfy chair for an afternoon of reading. That's it. No errands, no freelance work, no mindless Internet...
Jun
8
2006
quote of the day: travel
Chef/writer Anthony Bourdain, in an interview with literary blog Bookslut, really hits the nail on the head when he describes the terror and triumph of travelling outside your comfort zone: I can only say to them that I understand how...
Chef/writer Anthony Bourdain, in an interview with literary blog Bookslut, really hits the nail on the head when he describes the terror and triumph of travelling outside your comfort zone: I can only say to them that I understand how...
Jun
1
2006
oh, yum
The swift onset of summer temperatures this past week has brought with it an intense craving for ice cream -- a craving I still have yet to indulge. Tonight I finally caved in and walked over to CVS ... only...
The swift onset of summer temperatures this past week has brought with it an intense craving for ice cream -- a craving I still have yet to indulge. Tonight I finally caved in and walked over to CVS ... only...
May
25
2006
the gods have spoken
Rob's been getting up early all this week for a series of workshops his office is hosting about technology in the classroom. Between the early waking and all the teaching, he's been pretty tired. So last night, despite our resolve...
Rob's been getting up early all this week for a series of workshops his office is hosting about technology in the classroom. Between the early waking and all the teaching, he's been pretty tired. So last night, despite our resolve...
May
17
2006
austin revisited
I'm not a huge fan of the food at Austin Grill, a local Tex-Mex restaurant chain. But DCist yesterday pointed out a reason to give the eatery another chance: Austin Grill gets its ice cream from Amy's Ice Cream, an...
I'm not a huge fan of the food at Austin Grill, a local Tex-Mex restaurant chain. But DCist yesterday pointed out a reason to give the eatery another chance: Austin Grill gets its ice cream from Amy's Ice Cream, an...
Apr
25
2006
free ice cream
It's that time again! Today is Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry's. (Link found via Slashfood.)...
It's that time again! Today is Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry's. (Link found via Slashfood.)...
Apr
13
2006
minor culinary adventure
With a good many things, I tend to be a creature of habit. Take, for instance, meal planning. Rob and I have a fairly limited menu of dishes we cook fairly well, and we generally stick to those when figuring...
With a good many things, I tend to be a creature of habit. Take, for instance, meal planning. Rob and I have a fairly limited menu of dishes we cook fairly well, and we generally stick to those when figuring...
Mar
29
2006
button-mashers of the world unite
Last night, Rob and I hosted a small video game night with Shawn and Dari. Rob and Shawn are more serious gamers than I am: I tend to be an ardent practitioner of Dari's "button-mashing" strategy, with scant knowledge of...
Last night, Rob and I hosted a small video game night with Shawn and Dari. Rob and Shawn are more serious gamers than I am: I tend to be an ardent practitioner of Dari's "button-mashing" strategy, with scant knowledge of...
Mar
2
2006
ff06: follow the free food
They've been particularly generous this time around with the free food at Flash Forward. On the more minor (but greatly appreciated) end, I'm loving the tiny (and chilled!) bottles of water at the back of each conference room. And then...
They've been particularly generous this time around with the free food at Flash Forward. On the more minor (but greatly appreciated) end, I'm loving the tiny (and chilled!) bottles of water at the back of each conference room. And then...
Feb
4
2006
multiplicity
Driving through Clarendon this afternoon, I noticed that the closed hardware store between the Lazy Sundae and Faccia Luna has a new sign in front of it, announcing that the space will soon be home to ... yet another Irish...
Driving through Clarendon this afternoon, I noticed that the closed hardware store between the Lazy Sundae and Faccia Luna has a new sign in front of it, announcing that the space will soon be home to ... yet another Irish...
Nov
22
2005
media consumption
Music Fate Is the Hunter by Kate Earl - I first heard Kate Earl's music last week on a back-episode of the KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic podcast. I liked what I heard, so a week or two ago I bought...
Music Fate Is the Hunter by Kate Earl - I first heard Kate Earl's music last week on a back-episode of the KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic podcast. I liked what I heard, so a week or two ago I bought...
Nov
21
2005
healthy eating
I just had this Lean Cuisine TV dinner for lunch. It sounded good: Roasted Chicken in a caramelized orange sauce with snap peas and brown rice with pecans. But it tasted like cardboard. And now I'm craving chocolate to "cleanse"...
I just had this Lean Cuisine TV dinner for lunch. It sounded good: Roasted Chicken in a caramelized orange sauce with snap peas and brown rice with pecans. But it tasted like cardboard. And now I'm craving chocolate to "cleanse"...
Nov
17
2005
baby, it's cold outside
It's downright chilly outside tonight, with a definite bite to the air. Winter has seemingly arrived, bringing with it a season of cravings for warm comfort food. And, oh yes, hot chocolate. Not that powdered stuff out of the packets....
It's downright chilly outside tonight, with a definite bite to the air. Winter has seemingly arrived, bringing with it a season of cravings for warm comfort food. And, oh yes, hot chocolate. Not that powdered stuff out of the packets....
Nov
16
2005
all in good health
Far be it for me to argue with research that tells me that foods I like are actually good for me. The Washington Post today reports on the results of one such study: Trading about 10 percent of carbohydrates in...
Far be it for me to argue with research that tells me that foods I like are actually good for me. The Washington Post today reports on the results of one such study: Trading about 10 percent of carbohydrates in...
Nov
10
2005
how to eat
Today brings yet another installment in the "Aly Does Something Dorky" Chronicles. Note to self: Reese's Miniatures, while certainly yummy, do not a healthy lunch make. Do not forego leaving your desk for lunch in favor of indulging in their...
Today brings yet another installment in the "Aly Does Something Dorky" Chronicles. Note to self: Reese's Miniatures, while certainly yummy, do not a healthy lunch make. Do not forego leaving your desk for lunch in favor of indulging in their...
Nov
9
2005
burrito me
On my third try, I finally got my California Tortilla breakfast burrito this morning. The owner was behind the register yesterday when I made my lunch order, and I asked him about the restaurant's breakfast offerings. "It starts tomorrow morning!"...
On my third try, I finally got my California Tortilla breakfast burrito this morning. The owner was behind the register yesterday when I made my lunch order, and I asked him about the restaurant's breakfast offerings. "It starts tomorrow morning!"...
Nov
2
2005
breakfast for lunch
I had to stop at the post office this morning before work and figured it was the perfect opportunity to check out the new breakfast offerings at the California Tortilla down the street. I was actually looking forward to it:...
I had to stop at the post office this morning before work and figured it was the perfect opportunity to check out the new breakfast offerings at the California Tortilla down the street. I was actually looking forward to it:...
Oct
25
2005
renamed
After a week or so of deliberations, the new name of Alexandria's Del Ray Dreamery is... That Custard Place in Del Ray So anticlimactic. Hundreds of user-submitted suggestions, and that's the winning name? Granted, my lack of enthusiasm may be...
After a week or so of deliberations, the new name of Alexandria's Del Ray Dreamery is... That Custard Place in Del Ray So anticlimactic. Hundreds of user-submitted suggestions, and that's the winning name? Granted, my lack of enthusiasm may be...
Oct
24
2005
presentation is key
If you're a fan of the Adult Swim show The Venture Brothers, you may understand... I made a blueberry crisp this weekend but grossly overestimated how many blueberries I needed, so I made blueberry muffins this morning and brought them...
If you're a fan of the Adult Swim show The Venture Brothers, you may understand... I made a blueberry crisp this weekend but grossly overestimated how many blueberries I needed, so I made blueberry muffins this morning and brought them...
Oct
22
2005
dining out
On Thursday night, Rob and I ventured out to Crystal City to check out Oyamel, a Mexican restaurant I've been wanting to check out for a while. When we first arrived, there seemed to be a bit of confusion...
On Thursday night, Rob and I ventured out to Crystal City to check out Oyamel, a Mexican restaurant I've been wanting to check out for a while. When we first arrived, there seemed to be a bit of confusion...
Oct
12
2005
once upon a dream
Alexandria frozen custard shop Del Ray Dreamery, one of my favorite local purveyors of sweets, is changing its name due to a legal dispute with big ice cream maker Edy's, which has trademarked the name "Dreamery." Owner Liz Davis is...
Alexandria frozen custard shop Del Ray Dreamery, one of my favorite local purveyors of sweets, is changing its name due to a legal dispute with big ice cream maker Edy's, which has trademarked the name "Dreamery." Owner Liz Davis is...
Sep
12
2005
cooking on the grid
CookingForEngineers.com has a really unique approach to displaying a recipe in condensed form. I've never seen anything like it before ... but I actually like it -- it's very logical. (Thanks to Shawn for the link.)...
CookingForEngineers.com has a really unique approach to displaying a recipe in condensed form. I've never seen anything like it before ... but I actually like it -- it's very logical. (Thanks to Shawn for the link.)...
Jul
8
2005
seen: chimi translation
Spotted by Rob on the weblog glome: I got a chimichanga at a restaurant in Georgetown before the show, and my friend mistakenly called it chichi manga, which we all know in Japanese would have meant "breast comic book."...
Spotted by Rob on the weblog glome: I got a chimichanga at a restaurant in Georgetown before the show, and my friend mistakenly called it chichi manga, which we all know in Japanese would have meant "breast comic book."...
Jul
4
2005
dc chimis: the tortilla factory
At the recommendation of a coworker, and since we were in the neighborhood anyway, Rob and I checked out The Tortilla Factory, a Mexican restaurant in Herndon, Va., yesterday evening for dinner. I had high hopes, in part because the...
At the recommendation of a coworker, and since we were in the neighborhood anyway, Rob and I checked out The Tortilla Factory, a Mexican restaurant in Herndon, Va., yesterday evening for dinner. I had high hopes, in part because the...
Jun
13
2005
subterfuge
I just returned from a late-night shopping run to the 24 hour Safeway, ostensibly to pick up a few "essentials." The trip turned into a a larger grocery expedition -- TV dinners, yogurt, fruit and the like -- all to...
I just returned from a late-night shopping run to the 24 hour Safeway, ostensibly to pick up a few "essentials." The trip turned into a a larger grocery expedition -- TV dinners, yogurt, fruit and the like -- all to...
Jun
5
2005
cocoa almonds
The cocoa almonds from Trader Joe's -- chocolate-covered almonds, rolled in cocoa powder -- may be one of the most addictive substances on the planet. I blame Pamela and Eric for introducing me to them last summer. I made the...
The cocoa almonds from Trader Joe's -- chocolate-covered almonds, rolled in cocoa powder -- may be one of the most addictive substances on the planet. I blame Pamela and Eric for introducing me to them last summer. I made the...
May
25
2005
Apr
27
2005
give me some sugar
For the past few weeks, I've been trying -- mostly successfully -- to cut soda out of my diet. It's been hard giving up that crutch; some days, working under high stress or with little sleep, I really need that...
For the past few weeks, I've been trying -- mostly successfully -- to cut soda out of my diet. It's been hard giving up that crutch; some days, working under high stress or with little sleep, I really need that...
Apr
13
2005
Mar
30
2005
seen: mmm ... donuts
I'm in a proactive mood tonight, so, among other things, I've gone through the Big Stack of Mail on my counter. Among the things I unearthed: a recruitment postcard from a local church. On the right side of the postcard,...
I'm in a proactive mood tonight, so, among other things, I've gone through the Big Stack of Mail on my counter. Among the things I unearthed: a recruitment postcard from a local church. On the right side of the postcard,...
Mar
15
2005
chocolate cake for breakfast
Got a chocolate chip muffin for breakfast at Cosi this morning, which I rationalized with Bill Cosby logic (iTMS): And someone in my brain looked under "chocolate cake" and saw the ingredients: Eggs! Eggs are in chocolate cake! And milk!...
Got a chocolate chip muffin for breakfast at Cosi this morning, which I rationalized with Bill Cosby logic (iTMS): And someone in my brain looked under "chocolate cake" and saw the ingredients: Eggs! Eggs are in chocolate cake! And milk!...
Mar
10
2005
seen: pop tart tip
Seen on a "Taco Talk" flyer advertising Pop Tart Day (March 23) at California Tortilla: But PLEASE, heed the warning on the package: Remove the wrapper before toasting! I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten and had to...
Seen on a "Taco Talk" flyer advertising Pop Tart Day (March 23) at California Tortilla: But PLEASE, heed the warning on the package: Remove the wrapper before toasting! I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten and had to...
Mar
7
2005
don't take my snickers away
Despite supposed demand for healthier alternatives in office snack food vending machines, the biggest sellers continue to be the sugar- and salt-heavy selections, while the trail mix and peanuts languish, unpopular and uneaten, reports the Boston Globe. ("Feeding Their Addictions"...
Despite supposed demand for healthier alternatives in office snack food vending machines, the biggest sellers continue to be the sugar- and salt-heavy selections, while the trail mix and peanuts languish, unpopular and uneaten, reports the Boston Globe. ("Feeding Their Addictions"...
Feb
24
2005
randomizer
Random things that I've been meaning to blog about, but hadn't gotten the chance to write an actual entry for: celebrity Apple store customers, purple vs. red ink, McDonald's in the produce business and credit card micropayments.
Random things that I've been meaning to blog about, but hadn't gotten the chance to write an actual entry for: celebrity Apple store customers, purple vs. red ink, McDonald's in the produce business and credit card micropayments.
Jan
3
2005
sugary temptation
I thought the siren call of empty holiday calories beckoning from the office kitchen would end after New Year's. Alas, no: This morning, I arrived to find a veritable smorgasbord of brownies, cookies and the like on the counter as...
I thought the siren call of empty holiday calories beckoning from the office kitchen would end after New Year's. Alas, no: This morning, I arrived to find a veritable smorgasbord of brownies, cookies and the like on the counter as...
taco the town
Only on the Internet ... Some crazy soul has taken it upon himself to review just about every item on the Taco Bell menu and post those reviews online. I get the impression that he's a big fan of the...
Only on the Internet ... Some crazy soul has taken it upon himself to review just about every item on the Taco Bell menu and post those reviews online. I get the impression that he's a big fan of the...
Nov
30
2004
allow myself to introduce ... myself
Yesterday afternoon, I got a random phone call from one of the women in HR, wanting to profile me for the "employee spotlight" in the company's weekly "Employee Update" e-mail. So I agreed, and sent her a quick couple sentences...
Yesterday afternoon, I got a random phone call from one of the women in HR, wanting to profile me for the "employee spotlight" in the company's weekly "Employee Update" e-mail. So I agreed, and sent her a quick couple sentences...
Nov
27
2004
dc chimis: samantha's
I've been on a quest for good Mexican food since I moved to D.C. from Arizona. It's been a bumpy ride -- especially since I tend to judge D.C. Mexican restaurants by the quality of their chimichangas more than anything...
I've been on a quest for good Mexican food since I moved to D.C. from Arizona. It's been a bumpy ride -- especially since I tend to judge D.C. Mexican restaurants by the quality of their chimichangas more than anything...
Oct
30
2004
catching up
I haven't had time to post regular updates to this blog for the past couple weeks, as I've wound up one job and started another, so, in lieu of writing a lot of individual entries about the random things that...
I haven't had time to post regular updates to this blog for the past couple weeks, as I've wound up one job and started another, so, in lieu of writing a lot of individual entries about the random things that...
Oct
29
2004
plunder for plumbers
I guess the autumn / winter holidays are prime time for plumbers: Pumpkin Guts Plug Drains Who would have guessed -- Roto-Rooter says this week is one of the busiest of the year because people try to wash pumpkin guts...
I guess the autumn / winter holidays are prime time for plumbers: Pumpkin Guts Plug Drains Who would have guessed -- Roto-Rooter says this week is one of the busiest of the year because people try to wash pumpkin guts...
Aug
27
2004
baklava buzz
The mother of a former coworker of mine is the object of near-worship in our office for her fabled baklava. The coworker in question stopped by this morning to quietly deliver a surprise batch of the sweet, flaky dessert. As...
The mother of a former coworker of mine is the object of near-worship in our office for her fabled baklava. The coworker in question stopped by this morning to quietly deliver a surprise batch of the sweet, flaky dessert. As...
Aug
24
2004
donut delight
The Krispy Kreme, it calls my name. (Seriously, it does. You try driving past the Route 1 location south of Alexandria and resisting the intoxicating fresh doughnut scent they pipe out into the road. It's the reason I avoid that...
The Krispy Kreme, it calls my name. (Seriously, it does. You try driving past the Route 1 location south of Alexandria and resisting the intoxicating fresh doughnut scent they pipe out into the road. It's the reason I avoid that...
Aug
23
2004
save room for dessert
Again, health advice that I can firmly get behind. Well ... sort of. The news headline gave me false hope that this was going to be something cooler. The folks behind the food pyramid are considering advising people who eat...
Again, health advice that I can firmly get behind. Well ... sort of. The news headline gave me false hope that this was going to be something cooler. The folks behind the food pyramid are considering advising people who eat...
Jul
16
2004
hidden wonders
Earlier this month, the Washington Post ran a story about one of those little hidden wonders the city has to offer: The gelato bar at the National Gallery's underground Cascade Cafe. ("Warhol's Soup Cans? Bleh. Show Us the Gelato" -...
Earlier this month, the Washington Post ran a story about one of those little hidden wonders the city has to offer: The gelato bar at the National Gallery's underground Cascade Cafe. ("Warhol's Soup Cans? Bleh. Show Us the Gelato" -...
Jul
13
2004
cross-country delivery
Eegee's, a fast food chain available only in Tucson, can deliver its fantabulous eegee fruit slushies anywhere in the country. Awesome. I'm sorely tempted to order a strawberry pack. I wonder how high the FedEx Overnight shipping charges will be....
Eegee's, a fast food chain available only in Tucson, can deliver its fantabulous eegee fruit slushies anywhere in the country. Awesome. I'm sorely tempted to order a strawberry pack. I wonder how high the FedEx Overnight shipping charges will be....
May
19
2004
the chipotle experience
I had to feed my Chipotle jones today, so I drove over to their Tysons Corner location for a late lunch. They'd run out of chicken, so I settled for barbacoa for my burrito bol (basically, the contents of a...
I had to feed my Chipotle jones today, so I drove over to their Tysons Corner location for a late lunch. They'd run out of chicken, so I settled for barbacoa for my burrito bol (basically, the contents of a...
Apr
27
2004
we all scream for...
It's that time again for free ice cream! Ben and Jerry's Free Cone Day is Tuesday, April 27, from 12-8 p.m. And thanks to a partnership with Rock the Vote, customers can register to vote at the same time! (If...
It's that time again for free ice cream! Ben and Jerry's Free Cone Day is Tuesday, April 27, from 12-8 p.m. And thanks to a partnership with Rock the Vote, customers can register to vote at the same time! (If...
Apr
7
2004
not a peep out of you
Every holiday seems to have its trademark candies. For Christmas, it's candy canes and peanut brittle (among other things). For Valentine's Day, it's conversation hearts and chocolates. For Easter, it's chocolate bunnies, jelly beans and Peeps. Peeps are those brightly-colored...
Every holiday seems to have its trademark candies. For Christmas, it's candy canes and peanut brittle (among other things). For Valentine's Day, it's conversation hearts and chocolates. For Easter, it's chocolate bunnies, jelly beans and Peeps. Peeps are those brightly-colored...
Mar
16
2004
good pizza it's not
It's a cold, gray, wet, miserable day outside, so, in my laziness, I walked across the street for lunch to the establishment affectionally dubbed "Crappizza" by my officemates. I ordered my "usual" (or, as "usual" as "once in a great...
It's a cold, gray, wet, miserable day outside, so, in my laziness, I walked across the street for lunch to the establishment affectionally dubbed "Crappizza" by my officemates. I ordered my "usual" (or, as "usual" as "once in a great...
Feb
16
2004
edamame
I adore the edamame at Raku in Dupont. The waiter set out two bowls on our table -- one filled with steaming beanpods, the other empty and waiting for discarded pods. Eating the edamame becomes an addictive exercise in space-shifting:...
I adore the edamame at Raku in Dupont. The waiter set out two bowls on our table -- one filled with steaming beanpods, the other empty and waiting for discarded pods. Eating the edamame becomes an addictive exercise in space-shifting:...
Dec
22
2003
a hill of beans
Ashley, Mom and I went on a quest this afternoon. A quest for beans -- and lots of them. It's been a family tradition for as long as I can remember (at least since grade school) for my mom to...
Ashley, Mom and I went on a quest this afternoon. A quest for beans -- and lots of them. It's been a family tradition for as long as I can remember (at least since grade school) for my mom to...
Dec
19
2003
study grounds
I'm making a last stand on my paper here at Common Grounds in Clarendon. Strangely enough, it's a lot easier for me to mentally focus on what I need to work on here than at home. I'm sitting in the...
I'm making a last stand on my paper here at Common Grounds in Clarendon. Strangely enough, it's a lot easier for me to mentally focus on what I need to work on here than at home. I'm sitting in the...
Dec
7
2003
cocoa comfort
I love it when studies come out that show that foods I like are actually good for me. A recent Cornell University study found that, by the cup, hot cocoa contains more cancer-preventing antioxidants than red wine or tea. The...
I love it when studies come out that show that foods I like are actually good for me. A recent Cornell University study found that, by the cup, hot cocoa contains more cancer-preventing antioxidants than red wine or tea. The...
Nov
27
2003
in memoriam
My favorite Indian restaurant, Cafe New Delhi, has apparently gone up to the big kitchen in the sky. Rob told me over the phone that he'd been to Clarendon this afternoon and saw that the restaurant had a "lost our...
My favorite Indian restaurant, Cafe New Delhi, has apparently gone up to the big kitchen in the sky. Rob told me over the phone that he'd been to Clarendon this afternoon and saw that the restaurant had a "lost our...
Nov
11
2003
shaping perception
Which carton of ice cream looks bigger -- the tub or the brick? Both containers hold the same amount of the sugary dessert, but the dimensions of the tub trick the eye and the mind into believing that it holds...
Which carton of ice cream looks bigger -- the tub or the brick? Both containers hold the same amount of the sugary dessert, but the dimensions of the tub trick the eye and the mind into believing that it holds...
Nov
9
2003
winter comforts
Tonight's one of the first really chilly nights of the fall/winter season. Practicality has won out over frugality, and I've turned on the heat. The windows in my apartment are a bit drafty; I should probably buy drapes for the...
Tonight's one of the first really chilly nights of the fall/winter season. Practicality has won out over frugality, and I've turned on the heat. The windows in my apartment are a bit drafty; I should probably buy drapes for the...
Nov
7
2003
life imitates art imitates life ... redux
Remember that episode of The Simpsons where Homer grows a cash crop of "tomacco," an addictive tomato/tobacco hybrid? An Oregon man grafted together a tomato plant with a tobacco plant and produced the real thing. (Wired: "'Simpsons' plant seeds of...
Remember that episode of The Simpsons where Homer grows a cash crop of "tomacco," an addictive tomato/tobacco hybrid? An Oregon man grafted together a tomato plant with a tobacco plant and produced the real thing. (Wired: "'Simpsons' plant seeds of...
Oct
20
2003
my humvee for a whopper
The first Burger King in Iraq has opened at the Baghdad airport, and U.S. servicemembers from hundreds of miles around are apparently coming in droves for some "good 'ol American" fast food, the Washington Post reports. ("U.S. Troops Order Comfort,...
The first Burger King in Iraq has opened at the Baghdad airport, and U.S. servicemembers from hundreds of miles around are apparently coming in droves for some "good 'ol American" fast food, the Washington Post reports. ("U.S. Troops Order Comfort,...
Sep
6
2003
joy of cooking
I've just finished preparing a side dish for tonight's dinner party at Rob and Shawn's. The theme this time is "Italian/Mediterranean," so I've put together a fattoush, a Mediterranean salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onion and fresh herbs. I've had...
I've just finished preparing a side dish for tonight's dinner party at Rob and Shawn's. The theme this time is "Italian/Mediterranean," so I've put together a fattoush, a Mediterranean salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onion and fresh herbs. I've had...
Aug
14
2003
eat more beef?
Today's Washington Post has a profile of USDA meat grader Lloyd Nance, who surveys beef and rates it "USDA Prime," "USDA Choice," etc. ("It Takes 3 Hits to Reach 'Prime' Time" - 08/14/03) Lloyd Nance is a USDA grader, and...
Today's Washington Post has a profile of USDA meat grader Lloyd Nance, who surveys beef and rates it "USDA Prime," "USDA Choice," etc. ("It Takes 3 Hits to Reach 'Prime' Time" - 08/14/03) Lloyd Nance is a USDA grader, and...
Jul
7
2003
mark-up
Man ... Ballpark beer really is overpriced. Friday's New York Post broke down how much NY Yankees and Mets vendors pay for their beer, and tallied up the profits. ("Beer Big Business at Ballparks" - 07/04/03) According to local beer...
Man ... Ballpark beer really is overpriced. Friday's New York Post broke down how much NY Yankees and Mets vendors pay for their beer, and tallied up the profits. ("Beer Big Business at Ballparks" - 07/04/03) According to local beer...
May
2
2003
where do chimichangas come from?
Today's edition of The Arizona Republic features an attempt to puzzle out the origin of the chimichanga, the meat-filled deep-fried burro commonplace at Mexican restaurants (and my favorite dish at said restaurants). ("2 Arizonans say crusty Mexican burro is their...
Today's edition of The Arizona Republic features an attempt to puzzle out the origin of the chimichanga, the meat-filled deep-fried burro commonplace at Mexican restaurants (and my favorite dish at said restaurants). ("2 Arizonans say crusty Mexican burro is their...
Apr
30
2003
more free ice cream
Not to be outdone, Baskin-Robbins his hosting their fourth annual Free Scoop Night tonight, from 6 to 10 p.m. at "participating locations." You can use their store locator to look up your local 31 Flavors and make sure it's "participating."...
Not to be outdone, Baskin-Robbins his hosting their fourth annual Free Scoop Night tonight, from 6 to 10 p.m. at "participating locations." You can use their store locator to look up your local 31 Flavors and make sure it's "participating."...
Apr
29
2003
free cone day
Stop by Ben and Jerry's today between noon and 8 p.m. and get a free ice cream cone! Free Cone Day is celebrated annually in honor of the anniversary of the opening of the first Ben and Jerry's ice cream...
Stop by Ben and Jerry's today between noon and 8 p.m. and get a free ice cream cone! Free Cone Day is celebrated annually in honor of the anniversary of the opening of the first Ben and Jerry's ice cream...
Apr
22
2003
weight watchers, circa 1974
Who knew diet food in the 1970s was so unappetizing? "Wendy M." of poundy.com has an archive of Weight Watchers recipe cards, circa 1974. While she says the vast majority of the cards she has were fairly "normal," she's posted...
Who knew diet food in the 1970s was so unappetizing? "Wendy M." of poundy.com has an archive of Weight Watchers recipe cards, circa 1974. While she says the vast majority of the cards she has were fairly "normal," she's posted...
Feb
26
2003
girl scout cookies
Girl Scout Cookie time is fast approaching. According to the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital, various Girl Scout troops will be doing "booth sales" (read: accosting you on the way in and out of the grocery store) in...
Girl Scout Cookie time is fast approaching. According to the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital, various Girl Scout troops will be doing "booth sales" (read: accosting you on the way in and out of the grocery store) in...
Feb
18
2003
death by chocolate
At the risk of sounding like a complete sell-out, I have to say that the double chocolate brownie recipe on the back of the bag of Ghirardelli's double chocolate chips makes the richest, deadliest, most sinful brownies I have ever...
At the risk of sounding like a complete sell-out, I have to say that the double chocolate brownie recipe on the back of the bag of Ghirardelli's double chocolate chips makes the richest, deadliest, most sinful brownies I have ever...
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