It's Christmas time, and so I'd like to give you a gift. Cuz Christmas isn't all about receiving, you know. So, here goes, my favorite things of 2009:
10. Hunt for the Worst Movie of all time. Every Monday, Gabe posts a new review of a movie that has been suggested to be the worst ever. His reviews are witty, hysterical and brutally honest. Even better? I think I've seen most of the movies he reviews...
9. My favorite San Diego bar/restaurant. It's funky and different, and I have yet to be disappointed by a dish or drink.
8. Etsy. This site is fantastic if you like one-of-a-kind pieces. I love the jewelry and bags, but they also have great men's items like cufflinks, ties, etc.
7. My very own tomato sauce recipe. I use this for Chicken Parmesan, Sausage Pasta, etc. It's the perfect blend of tomato and spices.
(Ingredients:
1 large can crushed tomatoes
1 shallot
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp. Italian herbs
1 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 tsp. bay leaves
Chop garlic and shallot. Saute in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes and spices, keep on low heat until served.)
6. This song, by Wakey!Wakey! Click on and listen to the track titled "Brooklyn." It's gorgeous.
5. My favorite Chocolate Cake recipe. I get asked for this recipe every time I make it. Even my mother-in-law was impressed by it and asked me for it!
(Ingredients:
1 box devil’s food cake mix
1 small box Jello instant chocolate pudding mix—not the sugar or fat free kind
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a VERY large bowl (4 qt), mix together everything except chocolate chips. Batter will be thick. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour batter into cake pan of choice. For cooking time, I use the cooking times on the back of the devil’s food cake box as a guide and usually add 10 minutes to whatever it says. Then I do the toothpick check, and if it’s not done, I check on it every 5 minutes after that. :) It usually takes around 45 minutes for two, 9-inch pie pans.
I use the frosting recipe on the powdered sugar box to top off this baby. You can't go wrong.)
4. Owl City's "Ocean Eyes" CD. Every song on this album is good. I think I've listed to it 50 times already.
3. My favorite bottle of wine. If you're a red wine fan, you should try this. Ramey Wine Cellars produces an amazing claret, and it so happens to be my favorite wine. The 2005 is all gone, but the 2006 is supposed to be excellent as well.
2. The Pioneer Woman. She is my blogging and culinary inspiration. I wish I had her dedication and photo talents, so instead I follow her blog, and you should too.
1. Mylifeisaverage.com. You will thank me for this one. It's like FML, but for people with a sense of humor. It updates frequently and always gives me a good laugh.
So that's it. Ten of my favorite things that I've discovered this year. Merry Christmas to all!
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Friday, December 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
A Review: The Twilight Series
I just finished, well, started and finished, the Twilight series over the weekend. I've been sick, so I've had some extra time on my hands.
As a literature minor, I'd been curious about the books I'd heard were "well written." I wanted to read them to see what the big deal was.
Starting the books, I was initially annoyed. The melodramatic character of Bella Swan is a whiny (irritatingly so), obsessive, dark, misunderstood misfit, or so she feels. But, as I continued the first book, I got attached to its brilliance. Stephanie Meyer captures the emotions, passion, fear and romance for her primary audience of romantically inexperienced preteen and teenage girls. She creates an overwhelming dichotomy of passionate love and perfect friendship with the characters of Edward Cullen and Jacob Black.
In the end, I would never call the series a literary masterpiece. However, its brilliance to entrap the hearts of girls everywhere is undeniable. Even as I was reading it, I felt myself believing in what Edward and Bella have, despite knowing how unrealistic their relationship is, outside of the whole vampire thing.
Deep down, every girl wants an "Edward"--a man who is incredibly passionate, who believes and shares with her that he would die without her. She wants a love relationship where the spark never dies, where every kiss is more intense than the last and where the chemistry tears through her insides. And, she wants a man who longs for her to be with him at all times, who misses her intensely when they are apart, who protects her in every situation and who knows without a doubt that she is his soulmate.
And then, there's real life. Real life--where sparks die, kissing becomes habitual and the chemistry fades. But, for Meyer's primary audience, real life and love are unknown. And that is why Meyer is brilliant in her writing. She takes something that is unknown (love) and unrealistic (vampires) and meshes them in a way that, because the love part seems like it could be the realistic, the vampire part doesn't seem so far off. Obviously, few people actually believe in vampires, but Meyer's story leaves the love part wide open. Over the four books, the love between Edward and Bella is unstoppable, compared to Romeo and Juliet (New Moon) and Catherine and Heathcliff from "Wuthering Heights" (Eclipse), and undeniably deep.
However, the relationship between Edward and Bella is potentially dangerous to young minds as it gives women the idea that the Edward/Bella relationship is real. Even as I was reading the book, I felt a longing for something like that...something I know does not exist. And, as I have the knowledge and experience to know that my marriage is incredibly deep and encompasses more of the aforementioned passions than many, it is a little frightening to think of the expectations that a young, romantically inexperienced woman may pull from this series.
And that is why this series is irresistible. The action is never-ending, giving the books an urgency. The love story is timeless, capturing the hearts and minds of its female readers. And, though Breaking Dawn does fall a little short in comparison to the first three books, the final book is destined to be the lesser as Bella's transformation from vampire to human will ultimately be tragic unless it is even more far fetched. Then again, we are talking about vampires...
Overall, I'd give the series a "read." After doubting it for months, it surprised and pleased me far more than I'd expected.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
A Review of Las Vegas: Rosemary's
Last weekend, the Lumberjack and I celebrated his birthday by taking a trip to Las Vegas. We drove out Friday morning, spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool, and enjoyed a perfect meal at Rosemary's, a quaint restaurant located about 20 minutes from the strip.
When you enter the restaurant, you step into a world that is beyond the simple strip mall you entered. The scenery is romantic and classy. A bar on the right boasts top shelf liquors, along with a few specialty beers on tap. A cocktail before dinner is the perfect start to the evening, and I suggest any beer lover enjoy a pint of the Tripel Karmelite.
The dining room reveals comfort and luxury paired with exquisite service. Rosemary's offers all dishes a la carte, or you can enjoy their prix-fixe dinner, containing three courses, for $55. Everyone in our party of four opted for the prix-fixe dinner as most entrees were priced between $30 and $45, so it seemed to be the best deal.
For my appetizer, I chose the Tasso Ham and Crawfish Risotto with Smoked Tomato Jus. The dish was moist but not mushy, with a subtle smokiness from the tomato jus and the perfect amount of salt from the tasso ham. The crawfish was perfectly cooked and decadent--not fishy. I also sampled the Salmon Tartar, which was very fresh and perfectly seasoned. The Twice Baked Parmesean Souffle and the Panko Crusted Crab Boulettes were both rich, indulgent dishes best for sharing. Overall, the consensus was that the risotto was the favorite appetizer of the night.
For the salad course, the Arugula, Endive & Radiccio Salad came with Maytag Blue Cheese, a Riesling Poached Pear, Toasted Hazelnuts & Port Wine Syrup. The pepper in the arugula complimented the tart blue cheese and the sweet poached pear for a perfect combination of flavors. The Caesar for Mark salad came with Parmesean croutons and a fresh Caeser dressing with anchovies. While some of the diners at my table found it to be too fishy, I thought the dressing was exceedingly fresh and a perfect combination. The croutons, while tasty, were too large to be eaten in one bite, and therefore a challenge.
For the entree, I chose the Seared Sea Scallops with Parsnip Potato Puree, Apple Cider Beurre Blanc, Crispy Prosciutto & Fried Parsnip Strips. When I dine out, I often try to stay away from beef, even though I love it, because I am usually disappointed after being spoiled with the Lumberjack's cooking. The scallops were the right choice. They were perfectly cooked--tender on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside--and the parsnip potatoes were rich and creamy. However, I also sampled the Grilled Veal Tenderloin, served with a Sauté of Asparagus, Prosciutto & Maitake Mushrooms & Roasted Garlic Reduction Sauce. The veal was tender and succulent, cooked to perfection and complemented with the reduction sauce. Though not a traditional steakhouse, Rosemary's Roasted Filet of Beef stood up to the rest of the menu after being seasoned and cooked perfectly with a bourbon green peppercorn sauce, and complemented with horseradish souffle potatoes.
For dessert, I enjoyed the chef's special of the night--a Passion fruit cheesecake with pomegranate sauce. I also sampled a platter of miniature desserts, including a lemon bar, peanut butter crisp, and mint chocolate fudge. All were delicious, and the perfect cap to an excellent meal.
In addition to the fabulous food, the service was wonderful. The sommelier was attentive and helpful, as was our waitress. The waitstaff presented each course in sync, serving each dish at the same time and allowing ample time in between courses. Water and wine glasses were kept full, napkins placed gently on laps and every other need met graciously.
Overall, Rosemary's provided one of the most exquisite meals I have ever enjoyed, and it is a Las Vegas restaurant not to be missed.
When you enter the restaurant, you step into a world that is beyond the simple strip mall you entered. The scenery is romantic and classy. A bar on the right boasts top shelf liquors, along with a few specialty beers on tap. A cocktail before dinner is the perfect start to the evening, and I suggest any beer lover enjoy a pint of the Tripel Karmelite.
The dining room reveals comfort and luxury paired with exquisite service. Rosemary's offers all dishes a la carte, or you can enjoy their prix-fixe dinner, containing three courses, for $55. Everyone in our party of four opted for the prix-fixe dinner as most entrees were priced between $30 and $45, so it seemed to be the best deal.
For my appetizer, I chose the Tasso Ham and Crawfish Risotto with Smoked Tomato Jus. The dish was moist but not mushy, with a subtle smokiness from the tomato jus and the perfect amount of salt from the tasso ham. The crawfish was perfectly cooked and decadent--not fishy. I also sampled the Salmon Tartar, which was very fresh and perfectly seasoned. The Twice Baked Parmesean Souffle and the Panko Crusted Crab Boulettes were both rich, indulgent dishes best for sharing. Overall, the consensus was that the risotto was the favorite appetizer of the night.
For the salad course, the Arugula, Endive & Radiccio Salad came with Maytag Blue Cheese, a Riesling Poached Pear, Toasted Hazelnuts & Port Wine Syrup. The pepper in the arugula complimented the tart blue cheese and the sweet poached pear for a perfect combination of flavors. The Caesar for Mark salad came with Parmesean croutons and a fresh Caeser dressing with anchovies. While some of the diners at my table found it to be too fishy, I thought the dressing was exceedingly fresh and a perfect combination. The croutons, while tasty, were too large to be eaten in one bite, and therefore a challenge.
For the entree, I chose the Seared Sea Scallops with Parsnip Potato Puree, Apple Cider Beurre Blanc, Crispy Prosciutto & Fried Parsnip Strips. When I dine out, I often try to stay away from beef, even though I love it, because I am usually disappointed after being spoiled with the Lumberjack's cooking. The scallops were the right choice. They were perfectly cooked--tender on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside--and the parsnip potatoes were rich and creamy. However, I also sampled the Grilled Veal Tenderloin, served with a Sauté of Asparagus, Prosciutto & Maitake Mushrooms & Roasted Garlic Reduction Sauce. The veal was tender and succulent, cooked to perfection and complemented with the reduction sauce. Though not a traditional steakhouse, Rosemary's Roasted Filet of Beef stood up to the rest of the menu after being seasoned and cooked perfectly with a bourbon green peppercorn sauce, and complemented with horseradish souffle potatoes.
For dessert, I enjoyed the chef's special of the night--a Passion fruit cheesecake with pomegranate sauce. I also sampled a platter of miniature desserts, including a lemon bar, peanut butter crisp, and mint chocolate fudge. All were delicious, and the perfect cap to an excellent meal.
In addition to the fabulous food, the service was wonderful. The sommelier was attentive and helpful, as was our waitress. The waitstaff presented each course in sync, serving each dish at the same time and allowing ample time in between courses. Water and wine glasses were kept full, napkins placed gently on laps and every other need met graciously.
Overall, Rosemary's provided one of the most exquisite meals I have ever enjoyed, and it is a Las Vegas restaurant not to be missed.
Friday, September 18, 2009
11 Day Diet Review
I have a confession: I didn't finish the 11-day diet. I tried, really I did. But here's the thing: I have an intolerance to eggs and milk. So the days where eggs was all I could eat for a meal or two, I was sick as a dog. It's not pretty, I promise you.
On day eight, I just couldn't take it anymore.
Maybe if I had finished, I would have lost more, but I did manage to lose one pound per day (8 total) without being hungry all the time. So that's the good news.
The bad news is that apparently I have less willpower than I thought. I love food. And it's not even that I'm overweight, but when I say "I love food," I mean that I adore cooking, baking, basically anything to do with creating or enjoying food. I'm trying to maintain a healthy weight so that my sweet husband doesn't wait up one day and realize the woman he married was half the size of his current wife.
Anyway, all that to say I do recommend the 11-day diet, if you have the willpower!
On day eight, I just couldn't take it anymore.
Maybe if I had finished, I would have lost more, but I did manage to lose one pound per day (8 total) without being hungry all the time. So that's the good news.
The bad news is that apparently I have less willpower than I thought. I love food. And it's not even that I'm overweight, but when I say "I love food," I mean that I adore cooking, baking, basically anything to do with creating or enjoying food. I'm trying to maintain a healthy weight so that my sweet husband doesn't wait up one day and realize the woman he married was half the size of his current wife.
Anyway, all that to say I do recommend the 11-day diet, if you have the willpower!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The 11 Day Diet: Day Four
On Saturday, the Lumberjack and I started the "11 Day Diet." Actually, it seems to be more of a cleanse/metabolism re-setter, and we're sticking to it so far. Today is day four, and we haven't cheated yet.
Mostly, the diet consists of lean proteins, almost no carbs, and under-10-calorie drinks. We've been eating a lot of deli meats and eggs. And, while I haven't necessarily been hungry, I do find myself wanting certain foods (even those I know I don't love), just because I suddenly can't have them!
The toughest day so far was day 2, which was all fruits except for one sandwich. Surviving on all three meals of fruit during the day is tough! We planned it so that the fruit day would fall on a Sunday, so that we wouldn't be drained while at our jobs. It was tough, but we did it. The good news is we're in the clear until Saturday, which is vegetable day (yuck!).
I had read about this diet online and when Whitney over at The Glamorous Life of a Housewife blogged about her success, I had to try it.
So far, it seems to be working. The Lumberjack and I have both lost between 1 and 1 1/2 pounds per day, so far. The goal is to lose 10 pounds in a week, 15 if we're lucky.
For anyone that's interested, here are the meals and rules:
Day 1
Meal 1: scrambled eggs, low-fat milk
Meal 2: cashews, cottage cheese, banana milk shake
Meal 3: turkey slices, ham slices, fresh grapefruit
Meal 4: walnuts, pastrami slices, garden salad
Day 2
Meals 1,2,3: Fresh fruit only (oranges, pears, apples, grapes, peaches, plums, strawberries, kiwis, grapefruit)
Meal 4: deli meat sandwich (only one)
Day 3
Meal 1: cottage cheese, scrambled eggs
Meal 2: sausage links, regular cheese slices
Meal 3: shrimp, hard boiled eggs
Meal 4: chicken, cashews, bowl of oatmeal
Day 4
Meal 1: pastrami, sausage links
Meal 2: low fat milk, turkey slices
Meal 3: shrimp, regular cheese slices
Meal 4: ham slices, walnuts, frozen yogurt
Day 5
Meal 1: orange pineapple smoothie, apple
Meal 2: cashews, cottage cheese
Meal 3: hard boiled eggs, chicken
Meal 4: scrambled eggs, low-fat milk
Day 6
Meal 1: bowl of green beans, fresh pears
Meal 2: walnuts, pastrami slices
Meal 3: turkey slices, ham slices, bowl of pinto beans
Meal 4: bowl of green vegetables, fruit salad dessert
Day 7
Meal 1: sausage links, regular cheese slices
Meal 2: shrimp, hard boiled eggs
Meal 3: chicken, cashews, bowl of mixed vegetables
Meal 4: cottage cheese, scrambled eggs
Day 8
Today is a day of vegetables and salad only. This means that all 4 meals must consist of only vegetables or salad and nothing else. You’ll be eating 4 meals, but you must choose foods from the list below only:
Lettuce, onions, celery, carrots, pinto beans, sprouts, spinach, broccoli, zucchini, squash, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans
You may top each meal with only ONE of the following 2 items (not both): 1 ounce of grated cheese or 3 teaspoons of low-calorie salad dressing.
Day 9
Meal 1: oranges, banana milk shake
Meal 2: grapefruit, garden salad
Meal 3: low-fat milk, turkey slices
Meal 4: ham slices, walnuts
Day 10
Meal 1: fresh apples, orange pineapple smoothie
Meal 2: cheese slices, shrimp
Meal 3: bowl of oatmeal, frozen yogurt
Meal 4: pastrami, sausage links
Day 11
Meal 1: scrambled eggs, low-fat milk
Meal 2: cashews, cottage cheese
Meal 3: green beans, pears
Meal 4: hard boiled eggs, chicken, bowl of pinto beans
Diet Rules:
1. You may eat your four daily meals in any order.
2. You must eat all four meals on the day they are scheduled. This means you can’t move a meal from day 5 to day 10.
3. Follow the 11 day menu for 11 days, then you may take 3 cheat days where you can eat anything you want for 3 days. After the three day period, you can either follow this menu again or generate a new menu at www.fatloss4idiots.com. The site has a cost , but you can pick and choose your menu based on foods that you like.
4. You must wait at least 2 ½ hours between each meal.
5. You may drink the following beverages: any diet soda, iced tea with lemon, coffee (must have less than 10 calories per glass), water, any low-calorie drink (with less than 10 calories per glass). These drinks may be consumed as often as you like each day, with no limit.
6. You must drink at least 8 – 8 ounce glasses of water per day, and they must be spaced throughout the day.
7. These condiments may be used on any meal: lemon juice, ketchup, barbecue sauce, salsa, salt, pepper, mustard, seasoning salts.
8. There is no limit on portions. You should eat until you feel satisfied but never stuff yourself full.
9. For each meal, you may eat any combination of the foods. You may eat all or just 1 of the foods listed.
Food Explanations:
1. Banana Milkshake - Add the following ingredients in a blender: 1 large frozen banana (cut into chunks), 4-8 oz nonfat milk, 2-3 teaspoons vanilla extract, splenda for sweetener
2. Garden Salad – This means a salad made with vegetables only (potatoes and corn not allowed) – you may have 3 teaspoons of low cal salad dressing (we used that spray dressing).
3. Frozen Yogurt – normal frozen yogurt, the kind that looks like ice cream (no toppings)
4. Oatmeal – instant/flavored oatmeal (no extra sugar)
5. Orange Pineapple Smoothie – Add the following ingredients in a blender: 4-6 oz orange juice, 1 cup of nonfat milk, ½ banana, 4 ice cubes, pineapple chunks, 2 tablespoons vanilla extract, splenda
6. Fruit Salad Dessert – mix the following ingredients: fat free cool whip, your choice of fruit
7. Bowl of Mixed vegetables – no potatoes or corn
8. Deli Meat Sandwich – Make the sandwich from the following ingredients: 2 normal slices of bread, any deli style meat, your choice of allowable condiment, lettuce, tomatoes, onions (optional)
Mostly, the diet consists of lean proteins, almost no carbs, and under-10-calorie drinks. We've been eating a lot of deli meats and eggs. And, while I haven't necessarily been hungry, I do find myself wanting certain foods (even those I know I don't love), just because I suddenly can't have them!
The toughest day so far was day 2, which was all fruits except for one sandwich. Surviving on all three meals of fruit during the day is tough! We planned it so that the fruit day would fall on a Sunday, so that we wouldn't be drained while at our jobs. It was tough, but we did it. The good news is we're in the clear until Saturday, which is vegetable day (yuck!).
I had read about this diet online and when Whitney over at The Glamorous Life of a Housewife blogged about her success, I had to try it.
So far, it seems to be working. The Lumberjack and I have both lost between 1 and 1 1/2 pounds per day, so far. The goal is to lose 10 pounds in a week, 15 if we're lucky.
For anyone that's interested, here are the meals and rules:
Day 1
Meal 1: scrambled eggs, low-fat milk
Meal 2: cashews, cottage cheese, banana milk shake
Meal 3: turkey slices, ham slices, fresh grapefruit
Meal 4: walnuts, pastrami slices, garden salad
Day 2
Meals 1,2,3: Fresh fruit only (oranges, pears, apples, grapes, peaches, plums, strawberries, kiwis, grapefruit)
Meal 4: deli meat sandwich (only one)
Day 3
Meal 1: cottage cheese, scrambled eggs
Meal 2: sausage links, regular cheese slices
Meal 3: shrimp, hard boiled eggs
Meal 4: chicken, cashews, bowl of oatmeal
Day 4
Meal 1: pastrami, sausage links
Meal 2: low fat milk, turkey slices
Meal 3: shrimp, regular cheese slices
Meal 4: ham slices, walnuts, frozen yogurt
Day 5
Meal 1: orange pineapple smoothie, apple
Meal 2: cashews, cottage cheese
Meal 3: hard boiled eggs, chicken
Meal 4: scrambled eggs, low-fat milk
Day 6
Meal 1: bowl of green beans, fresh pears
Meal 2: walnuts, pastrami slices
Meal 3: turkey slices, ham slices, bowl of pinto beans
Meal 4: bowl of green vegetables, fruit salad dessert
Day 7
Meal 1: sausage links, regular cheese slices
Meal 2: shrimp, hard boiled eggs
Meal 3: chicken, cashews, bowl of mixed vegetables
Meal 4: cottage cheese, scrambled eggs
Day 8
Today is a day of vegetables and salad only. This means that all 4 meals must consist of only vegetables or salad and nothing else. You’ll be eating 4 meals, but you must choose foods from the list below only:
Lettuce, onions, celery, carrots, pinto beans, sprouts, spinach, broccoli, zucchini, squash, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans
You may top each meal with only ONE of the following 2 items (not both): 1 ounce of grated cheese or 3 teaspoons of low-calorie salad dressing.
Day 9
Meal 1: oranges, banana milk shake
Meal 2: grapefruit, garden salad
Meal 3: low-fat milk, turkey slices
Meal 4: ham slices, walnuts
Day 10
Meal 1: fresh apples, orange pineapple smoothie
Meal 2: cheese slices, shrimp
Meal 3: bowl of oatmeal, frozen yogurt
Meal 4: pastrami, sausage links
Day 11
Meal 1: scrambled eggs, low-fat milk
Meal 2: cashews, cottage cheese
Meal 3: green beans, pears
Meal 4: hard boiled eggs, chicken, bowl of pinto beans
Diet Rules:
1. You may eat your four daily meals in any order.
2. You must eat all four meals on the day they are scheduled. This means you can’t move a meal from day 5 to day 10.
3. Follow the 11 day menu for 11 days, then you may take 3 cheat days where you can eat anything you want for 3 days. After the three day period, you can either follow this menu again or generate a new menu at www.fatloss4idiots.com. The site has a cost , but you can pick and choose your menu based on foods that you like.
4. You must wait at least 2 ½ hours between each meal.
5. You may drink the following beverages: any diet soda, iced tea with lemon, coffee (must have less than 10 calories per glass), water, any low-calorie drink (with less than 10 calories per glass). These drinks may be consumed as often as you like each day, with no limit.
6. You must drink at least 8 – 8 ounce glasses of water per day, and they must be spaced throughout the day.
7. These condiments may be used on any meal: lemon juice, ketchup, barbecue sauce, salsa, salt, pepper, mustard, seasoning salts.
8. There is no limit on portions. You should eat until you feel satisfied but never stuff yourself full.
9. For each meal, you may eat any combination of the foods. You may eat all or just 1 of the foods listed.
Food Explanations:
1. Banana Milkshake - Add the following ingredients in a blender: 1 large frozen banana (cut into chunks), 4-8 oz nonfat milk, 2-3 teaspoons vanilla extract, splenda for sweetener
2. Garden Salad – This means a salad made with vegetables only (potatoes and corn not allowed) – you may have 3 teaspoons of low cal salad dressing (we used that spray dressing).
3. Frozen Yogurt – normal frozen yogurt, the kind that looks like ice cream (no toppings)
4. Oatmeal – instant/flavored oatmeal (no extra sugar)
5. Orange Pineapple Smoothie – Add the following ingredients in a blender: 4-6 oz orange juice, 1 cup of nonfat milk, ½ banana, 4 ice cubes, pineapple chunks, 2 tablespoons vanilla extract, splenda
6. Fruit Salad Dessert – mix the following ingredients: fat free cool whip, your choice of fruit
7. Bowl of Mixed vegetables – no potatoes or corn
8. Deli Meat Sandwich – Make the sandwich from the following ingredients: 2 normal slices of bread, any deli style meat, your choice of allowable condiment, lettuce, tomatoes, onions (optional)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
O'Brothers Burgers
I've been following O'Brothers Burgers on Twitter for a little while now and dying to try it. First of all, they serve all organic food, down to their sodas and fries. (In my experience, organic food generally tastes fresher and all around better.) Second, they are located in Horton Plaza (above the Levi store), so they are conveniently close to where I work. Below, you can see their Western Burger, stacked with onion rings, bacon and barbecue sauce. 
Served with a side salad, these burgers are perfect for lunch or dinner. They are seasoned perfectly and just the right size to fill you up but not make you feel over-the-edge stuffed. The buns and burger aren't ridiculously sized like many sit-down burger chains, so you can actually eat the whole thing at O'Brothers, be full, but not have to unbuckle your pants. The downfall is that it's more expensive than, say, Jack in the Box, but you're paying for not only much better quality food, but for organic food as well. And, I think it's well worth it. For $7, I got the sliders and fries.
The sliders were essentially a normal size burger cut into quarters, topped with cheese, ketchup and mustard. I think they use olive oil when toasting the buns instead of butter, which gives the buns a soft texture with a rich taste. The burger seasoning also seems herb-based instead of salts or spices. If I had to guess, I'd say they have garlic, parsley and maybe basil or rosemary. The fries are like In-N-Out fries--they are clearly hand cut and come with some skin on them still. However, they are thinner than In-N-Out fries and, thus, a little crispier. They come seasoned with sea salt, a little garlic and (I think) parsley. I skipped on the drinks because they are pricey--$2.50 for a can (12 oz.) of organic soda.
Overall, I was very pleased with O'Brothers food and atmosphere. And, I'll be going back again soon, maybe for a downtown date night with the Lumberjack!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Watchmen
Let me preview this by saying, I wasn't particularly thrilled about spending 3 hours in a movie theater. I don't make it to movies often. In fact, the last movie I saw was Quantum of Solace. That being said, I went into Watchmen with an open mind. I've liked most of the other "superhero" movies and had hope for this one.
But I was wrong.
The movie starts out with the death of the Comedian. Not too brutal, but they're just warming up. Within a few minutes, it is revealed that the Comedian is a superhero. A good one. Immediately, I was torn from rooting for anyone, knowing that the good guys are probably doomed to die a much more tragic death than the Comedian. The movie continued with all sorts of brutalities: a man's arms are sawed off, dogs fight over the leg of a child after her murderer is done with her, heads are blown off, people are exploded, and those are just the few that I remember. On a basic level, it showed the depravity of the human condition. But, after about an hour, it was gore for gore's sake. And then, there was another hour and 45 minutes of it.
My other complaint was that, unlike Ironman or The Dark Knight, you really have no idea who the good guys and bad guys are. I mean, you think you know who the good guys are, but rooting for them means their ultimate demise. The bad guy remains a mystery until 15 minutes before the end of the movie, when they try to tie all of the confusing plot together to make sense in one fell swoop. It didn't work.
I left the theater wanting the 3 hours of my life back. I didn't learn anything, and I didn't enjoy it. Yes, the special effects were excellent, but they didn't make up for 3 hours of a gruesome and confusing plot.
All that to say, I will not be renting this movie.
Score: D+
But I was wrong.
The movie starts out with the death of the Comedian. Not too brutal, but they're just warming up. Within a few minutes, it is revealed that the Comedian is a superhero. A good one. Immediately, I was torn from rooting for anyone, knowing that the good guys are probably doomed to die a much more tragic death than the Comedian. The movie continued with all sorts of brutalities: a man's arms are sawed off, dogs fight over the leg of a child after her murderer is done with her, heads are blown off, people are exploded, and those are just the few that I remember. On a basic level, it showed the depravity of the human condition. But, after about an hour, it was gore for gore's sake. And then, there was another hour and 45 minutes of it.
My other complaint was that, unlike Ironman or The Dark Knight, you really have no idea who the good guys and bad guys are. I mean, you think you know who the good guys are, but rooting for them means their ultimate demise. The bad guy remains a mystery until 15 minutes before the end of the movie, when they try to tie all of the confusing plot together to make sense in one fell swoop. It didn't work.
I left the theater wanting the 3 hours of my life back. I didn't learn anything, and I didn't enjoy it. Yes, the special effects were excellent, but they didn't make up for 3 hours of a gruesome and confusing plot.
All that to say, I will not be renting this movie.
Score: D+
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Grease
The Lumberjack and I went to GREASE last night at the San Diego Civic Theater. The performance was wonderful. It was the touring production, and the acting and singing were excellent. Taylor Hicks debuted as Teen Angel, and he did a fabulous job. His voice is very good and I was impressed by his acting, not to mention his oh-so glittery suit.
I was slightly disappointed by the story itself, though that has nothing to do with the quality or performance by the actors. As one who grew up watching the movie, the Broadway production of Grease varied a bit. Granted, it is difficult to recreate a car race scene onstage, but that concept was entirely removed from the musical. Instead, Sandy realizes, during a party where she is essentially the outcast as Danny doesn't show up, that she must change to be with him. There is no big race scene at all, just a final dance in the dinner of "You're the one that I want" followed by a reprise of "We go together."
I also felt that Sandy's character was a bit left out in the first act. In the movie, you can see and feel how Sandy and Danny long to be with each other, despite the initial social challenges. The movie takes time to develop both characters separately. In the musical, Sandy's role was scarce in the first act, which I felt limited the amount of excitement created when they do eventually get together. In the scenes she did participate in, she was almost so good, too good, that she seemed unlikeable. I know this is no fault of the actress herself. She did a fabulous job and really embodied Sandy as well as anyone following in Olivia Newton-John's shoes could. However, I felt the script to be lacking when it came to getting the audience to sympathize and understand the complexity of the Sandy-Danny relationship. I would have liked to see more of Sandy so that the audience was really rooting for the love-filled ending.
Overall, the production was good. I'm glad I saw it, but I don't know that I'd see it again.
Score: B
I was slightly disappointed by the story itself, though that has nothing to do with the quality or performance by the actors. As one who grew up watching the movie, the Broadway production of Grease varied a bit. Granted, it is difficult to recreate a car race scene onstage, but that concept was entirely removed from the musical. Instead, Sandy realizes, during a party where she is essentially the outcast as Danny doesn't show up, that she must change to be with him. There is no big race scene at all, just a final dance in the dinner of "You're the one that I want" followed by a reprise of "We go together."
I also felt that Sandy's character was a bit left out in the first act. In the movie, you can see and feel how Sandy and Danny long to be with each other, despite the initial social challenges. The movie takes time to develop both characters separately. In the musical, Sandy's role was scarce in the first act, which I felt limited the amount of excitement created when they do eventually get together. In the scenes she did participate in, she was almost so good, too good, that she seemed unlikeable. I know this is no fault of the actress herself. She did a fabulous job and really embodied Sandy as well as anyone following in Olivia Newton-John's shoes could. However, I felt the script to be lacking when it came to getting the audience to sympathize and understand the complexity of the Sandy-Danny relationship. I would have liked to see more of Sandy so that the audience was really rooting for the love-filled ending.
Overall, the production was good. I'm glad I saw it, but I don't know that I'd see it again.
Score: B
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