When A Regular Baguette Just Isn't Good Enough...

Last Thursday I walked through the Prudential Center's Farmers Market on my way home from work. As usual, I was starving and wanted something I could eat on the run. Enter: Swiss Bakers. I decided on a pretzel baguette because, well, it looked pretty good. Luckily, I was right. That thing was gone by the time I passed The Cheesecake Factory. Now, I don't really know too much about Swiss food, other than museli and swiss chocolate almond ice cream, or how representative a pretzel baguette is of their cusine, but I do enjoy Swiss Baker's attempt to make me feel better about eating a loaf of pretzel. Their slogan is "Our food makes you feel good!" I can't really argue with that. Today while I was walking home I decided I needed another pretzel baguette. The sad part is I knew I wouldn't make it all the way to my apartment without taking a bite. That's when I discovered pretzel bites: basically half of a pretzel baguette. It was the perfect snack size. When I got home I used the baguette to make an egg sandwich so I could actually get some actual nutrients besides pretzel. Why I decided on a bite to eat on my walk and a baguette to eat when I got home though involves way too many issues than I'd really like to explore. All I can say is, you'd better enjoy that damn picture. I ate that for you!

Asking Politely For Ice Cream

Ok, maybe this isn't the greatest ice cream picture in the world. I probably should have taken it inside before venturing out into the 90-something degree heat this afternoon. But still, you get the idea. I was talking with a student of mine from Kenya today and I asked him what kind of food he liked here:

"Ice cream. You Americans love ice cream. Every time it's offered, everyone says 'Yes!' 'Yes!'"

One could even say that we really do all scream for ice cream! ( I know, I'm hilarious) Anyways, later on I found myself passing by Toscanini's in Central Square--informally known around these parts for having "The World's Best Ice Cream"-- so I decided to live up to my reputation and say yes. This is a mixed scoop of cocoa pudding and cake batter that was pretty darn good. The cocoa pudding was easily one of the best flavors I've ever had. It kind of reminded me of Herrell's chocolate pudding ice cream except, well, better. This is gonna sound weird but, it was almost a more sophisticated flavor--chocolate ice cream for grown ups. The cake batter was good too. It wasn't as sickeningly sweet as other cake batter flavors I've had (*cough* coldstone) and provided a nice balance to the cocoa pudding. It should also be noted that I inhaled this while walking down Mass Ave. Hey, it was either that or watch it melt all over my hands. Needless to say, I was pretty sure I walked around with some chocolate on my face for a little while, but possible public humiliation was a small price to pay.

Food Porn #2

Veggie and Cheese Stuffed Bread from Flour Bakery in Boston.

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

Ok, so I'll admit: I haven't seen the first episode of Mad Men yet. I have, however, reviewed the recap at jezebel.com and saw this screencap of Joan. Plenty has been said about the impact MM has had on, well, everything, but its' biggest influence has certainly been on fashion. I've long been a fan of typically feminine clothing: I frequently wear dresses, have a penchant for tasteful ruffles, and can't get enough of 3/4 length sleeves. Therefore, this dress is blowing my mind. I won't even try to search for a similar style right now because I will easily lose three hours trolling the internet. But, mark my words, we will be seeing more of this style and details in the coming months and I for one couldn't be happier.

The Perks of Being an ESL Instructor

Today marked the end the first session of a summer ESL class I've been teaching, so to celebrate we had a little party. One of my Japanese students, a woman named Kayo, brought in homemade maki rolls with omelet, cucumber, crab stick, and cooked tuna. It. Was. Outstanding. When I thanked her profusely she simply nodded like it was no big deal, which judging by the quality, it probably was. This lady could easily work in a restaurant, no doubt.

Sushi is definitely one of my favorite foods. Back in Connecticut I used to frequent Fuji Sushi in West Hartford and often daydreamed about eating an entire Loveboat Sushi For Two by myself. However, the closest I've actually come to making my own sushi has been to read some recipes and then pick up the phone and place a to go order. It just always seemed way too time-consuming. I mean, I'm all for homemade food, but sometimes the time+cost+cooking level does not = worth it. Sushi is on this list, as is Baked Alaska and baklava.

I'll admit that when Kayo informed me that she would not be taking the second session I was disappointed, not only for the loss of a great student, but at the thought of never having her sushi again. She's ruined me for the rest of my students. Forget giving the teacher an apple or a cookie bouquet. I want sushi.

My inner violinist was drooling over these in Chinatown.

That's Chinatown

Now that I've been in Boston for several years, I'm pretty sure I can't live anywhere that doesn't have a Chinatown. Where else can you find cheap and delicious food, random street markets, and awesome people-watching? A couple weeks ago I made the trip to pick up a friend visiting from CT. There was some kind of festival going on (there always seems to be one) and we spent some time wandering around the stalls before deciding to have dim sum. Of course, Chinatown has a handful of dim sum halls as well as an assortment of restaurants that serve what is described as the equivalent of Chinese brunch. Needless to say, I love it.

I've been to China Pearl, which is considered to be the best, but really they're all good. This time we went to Chau Chow City, which automatically wins the name contest. Since it was almost 2 pm we were seated immediately and I began going to town. That's the good thing about dim sum--even if you wait twenty minutes, you can start eating as soon as you see something yummy. The first few times I got dim sum was in Montreal with my extended family, so even though I've had it only when in the company of one or two other people since then, I'm still locked in the mindset of 'Order whatever looks good! Someone will eat it!' Which inevitably means that I order way, way too much food.

Perhaps that's why I love dim sum so much. It satisfies my childhood fantasy of being able to eat whatever I want. This is especially tricky when one is starving. Within minutes our table was covered in plates. We got several varieties of dumplings, sticky rice, rice noodles with shrimp, and egg custard tarts. When we were done stuffing ourselves we took the remaining dumplings home and I am happy to report that they tasted great the next day.

True to my word I made panzanella today, which is an Italian bread salad. Traditionally, it was used as a way to get rid of stale bread and featured whatever vegetables were on hand. I had to put a couple twists on mine since I didn't have any vinegar for the dressing or any other vegetables besides tomatoes, but it was still delicious. First I diced two heirlooms and a handful of cherry tomatoes. Then I mixed them in a bowl with EVOO, salt, pepper, some cayenne, a heap of sliced basil, and two cloves of garlic. I let that sit for about an hour, though the longer you let it marinate, the tastier it gets. But, I was hungry and didn't plan very well. Once that was ready I cubed the remaining baguette and tossed it in a buttered pan with salt and pepper. I added a sliced shallot at the last minute in an attempt to make up for the lack of vinegar, which added a nice sweet and tangy flavor. Once the bread cubes were nicely browned I turned off the heat, added the tomato mixture to the pan, tossed well, and added some more basil as a garnish. I love the different textures of this salad and the way the crusty bread soaks up the juices. So easy, filling, and delicious.

Food Porn #1

Fudgy Brownie Bread Pudding from Stephi's On Tremont

Sunflowers at Copley Square Farmers' Market

Farmers' Bounty

On my way to the bank this morning I got sidetracked and walked through Copley Square Farmers' Market, which is held every Wednesday and Friday. I'll admit, I haven't done much cooking lately. It's been God-awful hot here in Boston and even hotter in my apartment (aka The Sweatbox). Seeing as how I suffer from what my fake Southern grandma would call 'a delicate constitution', I've been subsisting on lots of premade salads and cold treats. However, this morning it was *only* 80 degrees (plus humidity) and I had yet to have an heirloom tomato this season. By the time I arrived at the bank I had accumulated a pound of heirlooms, a pint of cherry tomatoes, a generous bunch of basil, and a small french baguette. My mind was already spinning with the possibilities: panzanella? caprese salad? marinated tomatoes with pasta? I decided to keep it simple for starters, since it was almost lunchtime, and caprese baguette seemed like the fastest way to get rid of my hunger pangs.

I sliced one of the heirlooms and delicately seasoned it with salt and pepper. If the tomatoes are fresh, which these were, you just need a touch of seasoning to enhance their natural flavor. I love the earthy, slightly tangy/slightly sweet flavor of heirlooms in their prime and this one was no exception. Then I chopped a generous heap of basil and sliced some mozzarella. I loaded everything between a sliced baguette and lightly drizzled the sandwich with EVOO. The tomato was absolutely perfect--just the right amount of juice. Luckily, I was home alone so I was free to eat my creation over the kitchen sink, like a lady. I figure tomorrow will be an excellent time to make panzanella with the leftover baguette and the rest of the heirlooms.

Tremont Street Garden

South End Community Gardens

I've long been a fan of gardens, parks, and the like so naturally, one of my favorite things about living in the South End (albeit temporarily) are the community gardens. Living in a city, even one as green as Boston, can certainly make one feel a bit disconnected from Nature. These gardens provide an escape for both gardeners and passersby alike. Anyone can take a stroll through and admire the hard work and patience of those with greener thumbs than me. I also love how each plot is unique to its gardener. It's fun to see the different plants and set ups. Some are hardcore veggie gardens, others take their cue from the traditional English gardens, while many simply function as a green oasis. When I lived in London, some of the ritzy-er neighborhoods had gardens, but they were only accessible to residents. There's something so lovely about the idea behind these community gardens, especially the care people seem to take in their 'bit of earth', as Mary Lennox would say.

Lovin' Lobster at Point Judith

Ah summer! A time for cute dresses, beach days, outdoor drinking, and lobster rolls. Is there anything better than sweet and tender lobster salad piled into a buttery grilled hot dog roll? Until last weekend I would have answered "Nothing!" However, behold: the lobster sandwich. Yep. That's right.

At Aunt Carrie's in Point Judith, RI you can choose between the traditional lobster salad roll or the far superior hot, buttered lobster sandwich served between two thick slices of homemade white bread. But, make sure you save room for some clam fritters. These crisp and puffy lovelies made Aunt Carrie's famous. Now, all that's missing from the menu is the clam fritter sandwich...

A Welcome Note

I named this blog after a line from the movie An Education. Jenny is admiring the decor of her teacher's apartment when she replies that "It's nothing but postcards and paperbacks." I've adopted it as a kind of motto for living well, but simply, on practically nothing. Enjoy!