Yes I See That Sign, But I Will Still Have My Double Mocha Frappacino

So here’s the debate. In NYC is it required by law that fast food chains (chains specifically that have 12 or more locations that is) post large signs of all caloric information. The major chains that are required to post this information include the ‘oh so popular’ Starbucks (yeah, right), Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s, and Au Bon Pain.

The debate is this- does posting in large ass letters that your “Chai Tea Latte” is 600 calories, really change your buying pattern? In essence, will you change your daily routine if you knew how much each thing you ate really added up to? In my opinion, no. I feel as though, if I were to grab a cup of coffee, for instance, every morning I wouldn’t all of a sudden just STOP because I see how many calories are in it. Nothing in my daily routine would be altered after having found out this information. Agreed?

Also, people that are obese will not be the one’s looking at these billboards and changing their meal picks and or stopping eating fast food altogether. Therefore, I think it is an ineffective concept. Because the only people that’s “consumption levels” would change are those who are ALREADY very conscious of what they are eating.

L

16 Handles, My Possible Retraction on FroYo

I still don’t think I will still be a frequent customer of any Frozen Yogurt Joint, keeping in mind I am somewhat/largely/mostly Lactose Intolerant. I will say this, however, two days ago after lying out catching some rays with girlfriends I for some ODD reason, recommended my friends try “16 Handles” the new FroYo Shop that just opened behind our dorms. 16 Handles is “actually” located at 152 2nd Avenue between 9th and 10th St. I went into this “adventure” highly pessimistic and skeptical of ONE MORE Frozen Yogurt shop. But I must admit, I was extremely surprised/ pleased with what came my way…

 

Once inside, there was a lady standing with mini cups to be given out to all entering customers. You are given as many “little sample paper cups” as you please and can try all of the SIXTEEN flavors if you so desire! Me, unable to eat a full cup of the treat without feeling sick, was surprisingly satisfied with the mini tastes I tried. The best flavors I tried included the “Cookies and Cream“, “Peanut Butter” obviously, and “Banana” other flavors included “Cheesecake, Berry, Irish Mint, Strawberry Tart, and Chocolate“. What I liked most about the set up of this joint was the ability to swirl your own dessert… makes you feel somewhat important! Also, you are only charged by how much you put in, therefore, instead of having to buy either “S,M, or L” you can make your own sized treat. 

The samples are not only delicious and rich tasting, but there is absolutely no need for the toppings that they offer, even though they did offer a great array of healthy/not-so-healthy topping options as well. My one friend chose to hold off on the toppings and just filled up her cup with a variety of tasty yogurts, it rung up to only $4.00! My other friend filled up her massive bowl, added jimmies and Oreo’s and a water all for $5.15, SUCH a solid deal if you ask me. The interesting little quirk is the spoon actually; they present you with free wooden spoons which I think is original and clever.

In a nutshell, I still really do not like the concept of this Frozen Yogurt Craze, nor do I think Pinkberry or most of the other institutions are really anything “special”. This little gem, however, is definitely out of the ordinary.

My Morning Nutrition- Around The Clock Diner

I should have probably done a critique on my one and only staple in NYC a long time ago, but I guess other things such as Amy Winehouse, frozen yogurt, and Bumper Stickers have been on my mind. Since NYU has horrible facilities for summer students, I resort to eating out three meals a day, which I’m sure is just GREAT for me.. let me tell you. Regardless, I live on 12th between 3rd and 4th, and there aren’t many places to just grab a “quick breakfast“. Therefore, I take a decent hour almost every morning to eat, chit chat and and relax with my friends at The Around The Clock Diner, located on Stuyvesant and 3rd.

I come here for a few reasons. If anyone even knows me remotely, they know I love LARGE portions of food. I can’t take restaurants that present me with portions of food my cat wouldn’t even be full from. This is probably why I always resort back to “ATC“, I am never disappointed with the size of my breakfasts. Their portions are always generous. Also, for $8 I feel like I am getting QUITE a good deal; this morning I got an omelette with three fillings, veggies with ginger sauce, four slices of toast, andddd free iced coffee and REFILLS. H-E-L-L-O?

I have three friends who work there. One little Mexican man who always tells me how beautiful my feet are, ok a bit creepy but I know he means well! This awesome blonde chick with pink highlights in hair; she always comes in with the craziest stories. Legit, the girl parties until 8 am in Williamsburg and makes it hung over, and barely breathing into work by 10 am. I am always QUITE impressed with her and her ability to be a complete INSOMNIAC and yet be totally normal/cool. Lastly, there is a beautiful Latino waitress who is a bit more reserved than the blonde but still loves my daily appearance in the restaurant.

If you go to NYU, want a cheap meal with generous portions, or even just a place where you can always find someone to chat with? I suggest you stop by Around The Clock. 

What’s The Big Deal about Frozen Yogurt Anyways?

If I see one more person walk by me with a big bowl of the new “hot dessert” I may hurt someone. I cannot take this craze… the UGGS with leggings? Ok, in some areas of the world I let that go because it was more functional than a fashion fad. I was even OK with the Blackberry craze… it’s annoying but necessary for those in the working world. But this Frozen Yogurt shit? Get out of here. People have this CRAZY mentality, that you can eat an abundance of “healthy” food for you without any guilt, am I right? Like, ladies I think you are not understanding the concept of Pinkberry/Frozen Yogurt in general. The serving size is about 1/2 of a small cup without any “add ons” which is primarily the reason you make the trek, so….? In reality is it any better than getting let’s say… god forbid a small cone of Haagen Daaz? Not really. 

Another point I have to make here is this. I grew up eating my daily chocolate/vanilla swirl with extra jimmies from TCBY. I cannot remember how many days I’d make my Uncle Mickey drive my brother and I to the TCBY in Amagansett because they didn’t have one in East Hampton, which is where we usually lived in during our summers in the Hamptons. I just don’t think after having frozen yogurt from a little shop by my place in Union Square, it even COMPARES to my old school favorite TCBY.

I think people flock like sheep to the “newest and hottest thing“. I truly believe even if this “Fro Yo” all of a sudden was made with rancid ingredients such as goat’s milk, let’s say, people would still be all about this dessert. Why is that? Because it’s “cool”. Look at the example below, I don’t mean to call Pinkberry out here or anything, but let’s be honest does this REALLY look more appealing than my delightful TCBY photo above? I don’t think so. 

My advice would be to stick with the old time classics, such as TCBY Swirls with JIMMIES, yes you heard right. I know they are also “out of style” because apparently they contain harmful fats? Whatever. If you live your life in fear of things as dumb as the fat in jimmies? I feel for you. 

Just Around The Corner…

I thought it was time to blog/comment on Cafe Deville, seeing as that I go there by myself at least once a week. Some times I will have friends who will join me, but in the event everyone is busy? I have no issue with dining alone at the adorable French restaurant. Located at 103 3rd Avenue the outdoor seating at Cafe Deville is really the attraction on days when it’s not disgustingly hot or trafficky of course. 

If you go there for anything, I really suggest you try the French Onion Soup, or the Shrimp Cocktail if it’s the right season. I am a “French Onion Soup Connoisseur” by this point and Deville is definitely in the top 3.

  

Very moderately priced French cuisine, with typical dishes as well such as my favorite Chicken with a simple sauteed broccoli and garlic mashed potatoes. If you live in the East Village or a big fan of a casual, mid-priced French dining experience I would recommend this joint. 

Yes, Dad He is Talking to Himself, but Don’t Worry It’s Normal…

Today Adam sent me a You Tube clip… in a nutshell, 3 million viewers have tuned into see what happens on a daily basis here in NYC. I will post the clip just so those of you who are unfamiliar with these crazy people can see what we have to deal with. 

I’m sure for those of you who reside in New York City year round or even for us interns who are only here for a few short months, you have come upon some characters. I will give you a quick glance at the daily crazy people I encounter:

– THE WHITE FAIRY: On 2nd Ave, usually between 13th and 14th, there is a black man dressed in white bell bottoms, a white fur vest, white top hat, and to finish off the look white eyelashes and gloves. I kid you not. He is smiling, no matter how much money he gets in his coffee cup each day. He gets an A in my book of crazy people because he doesn’t require people to donate, nor is he a “rambler”.

– THE TYPICAL HOMELESS WOMAN, A GUITAR, AND HER SAD LOOKING DOG: Residing on the ground right next to the Subway station on 14th, in the middle of Union Square I come across this woman daily. She is strummin’ on her guitar.. this is not what impresses me. What catches my eye every day is the “pristine condition” of the dog! I have to wonder, do these people really stay there all night, as their board says they do? Or at 6 PM, do they pack up their work and go home?…. I think it is the latter of the two. I cannot imagine this dog is malnourished whatsoever. If anything he looks healthier than my pugs. Because I think she is lying? I will give her a C- in my book. 

THE CRAZY GROCERY CART GANG: These people are my all time favorites. Every Wednesday on West 30th, the local Church has a grocery give away, if you will. These people that are eligible for this food are obviously under privileged and in need of any thing they can get their hands on. It could be 145 degrees outside with no humidity and I truly believe these people would still be there, with their little grocery carts and paper fans waiting in line for their food. What makes this my favorite is the way this “grocery give away” is run…. The man in the front who dictates this CLEARLY has no idea what he is doing, all he does know how to do is read off numbers, and those are the lucky few that get the “goods”. For all of the other unfortunates ones? They are left empty handed, over heated, and well… hungry! A+ in my book.

This is what I do for my “internship” if you can even call it that…

Just got back from one of the restaurants Gita Group represents, L’Absinthe. Unreal experience. Granted? I was with the restaurants “hope” at gaining recognition, aka we were literally unloaded with every… single….extravagant dish Chef could concoct. The place is located on 67th, scene is very French, and the clientele is all upper crust people who live in the area. Pricey but well well well worth it, in my opinion. 

Let’s highlight some of the stronger appetizers, entrees, and desserts.. if that is even possible to do. 

Appetizers:  Lobster Salad with Guacamole, Casserole of Fresh Peas (Pea Shoots, Pea Dumplings, and Chicken Wings oddly enough) , and the seasonal Salmon Tartare 

 

Entrees: Orange Marinated and Glazed Black Cod, Signature Poached Chicken in Black Truffle Oil, and Steak Frites

 

Desserts: Profiteroles, The Daily Soufflé, and the Thin Crisp Apple Tart.

My Best Friend SJP…Oh, and my opinion on Craft Restaurant

So I have to babble for a few minutes about my run in with the lovely Sarah Jessica. I was eating dinner at Craft, Tom Cellicio’s restaurant on my birthday when I walked into the bathroom to wash my hands. She not only was complimenting my dress, but continued on with saying how adorable she thought I was and even wished me a happy birthday. Dating back to my days sitting in my basement in the Hamptons every summer watching Girls Just Wanna Have Fun… to Halloween-time Hocus Pocus.. to of course, SATC.. I just couldn’t think of someone who I’d rather have met. Such a LOVELY lady…

 

Real quick critique of Craft Restaurant, located at 43 E. 19th Street… I have been a fan of Tom’s main restaurant for years now. He is the best at perfecting simplistic dishes. His restaurant works a bit differently than most others… The menu is divided by “Protein” “Starch” etc… and brought out “family style” in cauldrons. I would recommend the Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Shittake Mushrooms, English Snap Peas, and the Organic Chicken. Their dessert were quite delicious as well, we split a few different ones including the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie as well as the Mint Cookie Ice Cream. 

Because I have been negligent…

So I was told by a close friend of mine that lately, I’ve been slacking on my Blogging and I should work to refresh it, so here goes… 

Saw “The Wackness” on Tuesday night… Surprisingly a very refreshing, new movie. I think Ben Kingsley did a solid job, and I really loved up and coming Josh Peck & Olivia Thornby. My opinion of Mary Kate Olsen however, differs. I think she was of NO use to the movie, nor do I think she played anything but her role in reality, which is a little “troll” strung out on drugs. Crawl back in your hole, MK, thanks. 

After the movie, we went to this “famous” Halal stand. I was reluctant to walk 15 minutes out of our way to go to a halal stand, but I have to admit after trying the food, it was worth the trek. The food of choice was a lamb gyro, with a mysterious white sauce, and lettuce. For the price they charge, it is well worth it. Not only is the long line in the middle of the night add to the appeal, but the grease that’s left on your hands after finishing is just as memorable.