Life in the Food Lane

THE LOST POSTS: The Pursuit of Happyness

2011-07-20T16:26:00.001-04:00

Do you remember that first bite of your mother's PBJ? The creamy (or in my case, crunchy) nuttiness of the peanut butter seemed to blend seamlessly with the fruity, sugary jelly. Toss in a glass of milk and everything seemed just...perfect. And each time you had it, again and again, there was just something undeniably perfect about the coupling. Every part of the sandwich just got each other

THE LOST POSTS: Like Mama Used to Make

2011-07-18T10:26:00.001-04:00

THE LOST POSTS: Untitled

2011-07-13T12:58:00.001-04:00

For those of you who know me, you might have suspicions I am somewhat of a chauvinist. That I believe a woman's place is in the kitchen, and at home performing the duties of Chief Domestic Officer. However, while I am a traditionalist at heart, I am open to a more modern approach to home life. I never ask someone to perform a task I myself would not do. I cook like a champ, I keep a spotless

Farewell Food Tour & Picnic: Map

2011-07-11T16:49:00.004-04:00

Friends, Fans and Foodophiles,Here is the plan for the farewell food tour. As a reminder, the food tour is SATURDAY, JULY 23RD starting at 2pm. We will MEET AT COFFEE SHOP AT UNION SQUARE (throwback to 2005!) for a drink, then head to Brooklyn to start the food tour. Please bring a PICNIC BLANKET or some suitable substitute, as we will be ending in the park, hopefully with several bottles of

THE LOST POSTS: Food and Culture Survey

2011-07-11T13:47:00.007-04:00

In the Spring of 2009, I asked several of my friends to answer surveys about their relationship with food. I don't remember the purpose - was probably going to write some deep post about how food and food traditions supersede cultural walls and end up very similar, but now I will just settle for the intellectual and comedic satisfaction.Enjoy the below survey responses, all unedited!- THE

Escaped from Under My Rock. Back Again for the LAST Time...

2011-07-11T13:22:00.005-04:00

I know it's been a long time since I've written anything on here. It's a plum shame. Between triathlons, recovering from triathlons, and traveling here there and everywhere in between, I lost my focus on this blog. And now, as fate may have it, I am facing my final days in the city that inspired me to even begin this journey.But fear not my friends! As we approach the last days of my NYC

Farewell Food Tour - SAVE THE DATE 7/23/11

2011-06-20T11:50:00.002-04:00

Friends, Fans and Foodophiles,As some of you may know, my time in the Big Apple is winding down, and I will be soon moving out of the city. Given so many of you have been instrumental to my time in NYC, I was hoping to host one last food tour to say a proper goodbye to the city that has raised me for 5 years. Please mark your calendars for JULY 23, 2011 - details will come soon, but the usual

Do Chef's Get Writer's Block?

2010-06-08T19:48:00.002-04:00

If they do, does the restaurant close? What causes a chef to get this writer's block? What would you even call it?Writer's block is fundamentally a lack of creativity in the moment. This is usually due to an inexplicable lack of inspiration or motivation. You aren't aware of it consciously yet, but there is something that just isn’t there anymore. The spark plug that would ignite the engine block

Dare the Bear

2010-05-21T15:28:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow, I compete in my first real triathlon, Black Bear in Lehighton, PA, along side one of my best friends and in front of our closests supporters.650m Swim11 mile Bike3.1 mile RunMy meals this week have consisted of lots of fruit, whole grain breads, healthy fats like avocados, and lean meats or fish. Nothing fried or processed. After the race, Im eating an entire pound of brisket!!!!I

Cinco De Mayo (and the Triathlete's Burden)

2010-05-05T11:05:00.005-04:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo guys! Here's to those French being good for memorable wine easy defeats in battle.I only wish I could enjoy this day more. My first triathlon is on May 22nd (http://www.cgiracing.com/2009Events/BlackBearTri.aspx), so for the month of may I am totally off the sauce, to ensure peak performance. ARRRRRGGGHHH!!!!!!!!There's always next year. Fare the well my latin friends...

Simply Smarter

2010-04-09T09:30:00.003-04:00

Do you remember in the late 90’s / early 2000’s when Chevron really started pushing Techron? Their entire pitch was based on the premise that their fuel was the best to put in your car. It has technology to help your car run longer. Techron could help clean your engine parts. It even kept the new car smell longer (ok, maybe not that). The point is that Chevron started a movement focused on how

GUEST POST: I Was Just Thinking….

2010-03-25T18:05:00.001-04:00

I can’t help but be overwhelmed by the enormous amount of press and attention that has been given to the “predicament” that African American women face. The predicament, as you might have already guessed, is the high percentage of unmarried African American women due to the apparent dearth of suitable African American males women have to choose from as mates. This topic has really taken on a life

The Triathlete's Dilemma

2010-03-25T18:01:00.002-04:00

It’s clearly been a while since we last spoke, and that is entirely my fault. For the last 2 months I have been focusing all my energy on a new goal - becoming an endurance athlete, specifically a triathlete. The combination of distance swimming, biking and running have proven to be one of the most awe inspiring and respect demanding events of my life. I've never been more challenged or fulfilled

Nature's Alternatives to Viagra

2010-02-10T12:10:00.005-05:00

Got to love the NY Times...http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/10/dining/10erotic.html?8dpcAnd let's not forget posts of long ago...http://discovertaste.blogspot.com/2008/05/mclovin.htmlHope you have a good Valentine's Day. Love hard every day!- The UE

The Morning After...

2010-02-09T17:05:00.005-05:00

The below is an email from a close female friend of mine. This might have been the greatest email I have ever received.~*~*~*So I was out in BK for Superbowl. Got completely obliterated and while the good news is, the only meat that ended up in my mouth was of the bovine type -- I ended up having a culinary threesome with a couple of cheeseburgers. I think I ate them in the space of 10 minutes.I

Australia - Better Late than Never

2010-02-03T10:22:00.004-05:00

Australia was a whirlwind of experiences, sounds, sights and tastes. From the all-too-familiar urban landscapes of Sydney to the sprawling red landscape of Melboune, I spent 12 days travelling in and around the urban areas of southeast Australia trying to understand just what is Australia? Why do I have preconceived notions about its history as a convict repository? Why do I think that

Merry Christmas and Bon Voyage!

2009-12-25T11:48:00.004-05:00

Friends, Fans & Foodophiles,Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all! During this time of joy and reflection, I hope you find yourselves surrounded by loved ones and the spirit of giving.As of 8pm PST tonight, I will be embarking on a journey across the world to visit Australia, home of hit crocodile based caricatures, famous Hollywood actors, and the "barbie". Along with my two travel

Social Drinking

2009-12-04T13:04:00.003-05:00

Don't you just love when you start out the night with good friends a a couple of social drinks, and you wake up the next morning with great stories and mood to match?My night started with sake, and in the traditional style, the cups never emptied and the bottle stayed full.It's been happening for centuries. Why fight it? Thank you Japan.How Should You Serve Sake?Although sake has traditionally

The Perfect Pair

2009-11-20T12:10:00.002-05:00

Probably one of the most expensive meals I have ever had was my recent trip to Momofuku Ko here in Manhattan. I had been blessed with an offer to swipe someone’s dinner reservation (which is not easy to obtain in the slightest). The excitement built steadily as the day approached. I had heard wondrous, legendary tales of how good the food was at this restaurant, and was eager to see if the bar

Onions and Demons

2009-11-13T20:46:00.004-05:00

on⋅ion [uhn-yuh n]1. a plant, Allium cepa, of the amaryllis family, having an edible, succulent, pungent bulb2. The bulb of the onion plant3. Former kryptonite to The UEI used to hate onions. Hate them. HATE THEM. Onions were the scourge of my world. I can’t even begin to tell you how deeply I despised those wretched bulbs for the disgusting, awful, sour vegetables that they are.But as stated in

The Lingering Taste…

2009-11-06T13:26:00.001-05:00

I know I’m not the only one who gets cravings for indulgent meals from the past. You hear about it every day – people at work suddenly get the itch for a juicy, soft cheeseburger, those gooey chocolate chip cookies they just couldn’t put down, or the ever amorous chocolate covered strawberries. Why is it that it’s always the cookies or all the other things so bad for you linger in your minds?

Drop the Fork and Step Away from the Table!!!

2009-10-20T09:25:00.003-04:00

My demon for the week has been my inability to put my fork down. I know when I've eaten more than my fill. All the studies and science I have read over the years has given me the right perspective on portion control, the calories in any food, and even tips on tricks on how to help yourself stop eating when you know you should be full but your body hasn't recognized it. But can you ever just eat 2

Musings on a Cold, Late Night

2009-10-15T21:05:00.004-04:00

Things From Home I am Currently Missing: - Good nachos- Brisket without having to pay an arm and a leg- The smell of fresh cut grass- Short pants- Smiling faces to share all this good food with- The familyEvents I'd Like to Attend but Can't Find Time: - Spirits classes at Astor Center- The free broadway shows going on in NY right now- A cardio class at my gymWhat Get's Me Through the Day: - An

Photos from E Village Food Tour

2009-09-30T08:50:00.000-04:00

http://photobucket.com/lifeinthefoodlane The account info is user: theUE pswd: foodie1Enjoy!

Urbane Adventures - East Village (The UE's BDay Celebration)

2009-09-18T07:47:00.013-04:00

Friends, Fans and Foodophiles,It is true, I have grown another year older. In light of my newfound maturity, I will be foregoing the typical club party in deference to something more in line with my tastes...Life in the Food Lane presents the next installment of its beloved Urbane Adventure series that will tour some of my favorite eats in what is quickly becoming my favorite neighborhood in the

Subway Series - Fusion

2009-09-17T19:15:00.001-04:00

Once upon a time I ended up in a Cuban Italian restaurant for mojitos and pasta cubano (ground pork meatballs on spaghetti tossed with marinara, pickles and a touch of sweet cabbage). Strange as it may sound, this was not the first time I have visited a mixed race restaurant. Fusion has become increasingly popular over the years, starting with proximate pan-asian foods, and expanding to

Subway Series - I Am Pei

2009-09-08T12:01:00.007-04:00

Food is an art form just like anything else. In the most obvious sense, it can be creatively and enticingly presented, using colors and textures to emulate visions of daily life and abstract thought. However, in its most primal sense, food is art of the body. It is experienced, absorbed, and used to fuel our daily life. So too does the great artist have an uncanny ability to experience something

Subway Series - Eating Out

2009-08-27T09:33:00.001-04:00

Comfort is something I take for granted. Let me explain.When I go out to eat, I meet all types of people – black, white, rich, poor, funny and awkward. Very rarely have I found myself in a situation where I haven't been comfortable. True, this comes after years of figuring my identity out after a lifetime of racial ambiguity, but I notice the same is not often true for others. So many people have

Subway Series - A Collection of Thoughts

2009-08-27T09:29:00.003-04:00

While traveling in the underbelly of New York City, one finds themselves with time to ponder their lives and muse over the quirks of existence in general.Recently, I have found myself with a lot more free time on my hands, and while I have been out socializing more, I have found my brain has had a lot more time to wander into creative reflection. This series is a collection of those thoughts and

Latin Libations - Photo Slideshow

2009-08-01T10:10:00.001-04:00

As promised, a photo slideshow of the beautiful people in attendance at Latin Libations. It wouldn't have been a party without you! Hope you can join us for the next one.-The UE

Instant Picnics in NY

2009-07-30T18:00:00.010-04:00

Who doesn't love the thought of a nice outdoor picnic. Living in New York, you rarely get to take the time to enjoy a nice, lush green space. The birds chirping, the sun shining, a little fermented fruit juice to cool your mood. When you do, more often than not you have little time to properly prepare a wicker basket of goodies to go along with the red and white groundcloth event...Well per a

Latin Libations - After Thoughts

2009-07-30T13:32:00.003-04:00

This Saturday, Toloache hosted the latest leg of Urbane Adventures. Latin Libation, a tasting event of several specialty Latin summer drinks, was one of the most well attended, festive and memorable events to day. The event surpassed my wildest dreams, and with only a few emails and text messages, we managed to pack the house. This event would not have been what it was without those of you

Death to Food Network (and Thank You Anthony Bourdain)

2009-07-17T09:25:00.006-04:00

DISLAIMER: All opinions expressed here are the sole view of the Urbane Epicurean and should not be taken more seriously than the ravings of a madman. With that being said… Where are all the REAL foodies?! I don’t mean those people on TV either. You know the saying “real recognize real”? The landscape of food focused individuals is beginning to look real unfamiliar right now. Why is it that every

Urbane Adventures: Latin Libations

2009-07-15T10:16:00.002-04:00

Urbane Adventures is back!Latin Libations, the latest installment of the much loved food tour series, will be a tasting session in which we will have the option of sampling 7 drinks for the recession friendly price $25.Please join me and the rest of the food frenzied crew for an afternoon of drinking and laughter at Toloache, 50th and 8th, at 3pm on Saturday July 25th.PLEASE NOTE: To have an

The Hunger Inside Me

2009-07-01T08:58:00.009-04:00

Friday night I was starving…This was not your typical hunger. The entire week I sustained myself on a meager diet of shredded wheat and NutriGrain bars from the office kitchen. My projects just had me too busy to find a proper meal. At night, I would satiate my grumbling stomach with a protein drink, in hopes of being both healthy and nutritious (eating a full steak dinner after just leaving the

Big Apple BBQ

2009-06-10T09:14:00.014-04:00

All too often, backyard barbecue goes wrong, especially in New York. People often mistake grilling, when you toss some meat on some coals in your Weber (direct heat), for true barbecue, which should be prepared with some form of smoke (indirect heat). People around here just don't get it. Arguably, the most disturbing image that has repeatedly appeared in NY is the sight of a group of men with

Love and the Food Lane

2009-06-10T09:13:00.000-04:00

Love is more than just a word. It is a tangible expression of an emotion. Some would argue that emotion is simply electrical, instinctual fight of flight reactions, but there must be something more when the word “feeling” is a synonym for our emotions and actions.I believe love has a symbiotic and inspirational attachment to us. We cannot live without it. From the moment we are born we seek the

Urbane Nightmares

2009-05-08T10:42:00.001-04:00

Dark...Cramped...Immobile...Sounds of restlessness surround me. Impatience builds to desperation, and soon we are clawing at the walls.A subway car can be a nightmare. Subterranean conduits propelling workers, warriors, queens and drones to and fro in the colony that is New York, subway systems have some amazing advantages. The release from the responsibility of defensive driving and the fear of

The Price of Red Meat (From NY Times)

2009-04-30T18:24:00.002-04:00

By JANE E. BRODY There was a time when red meat was a luxury for ordinary Americans, or was at least something special: cooking a roast for Sunday dinner, ordering a steak at a restaurant. Not anymore. Meat consumption has more than doubled in the United States in the last 50 years.Now a new study of more than 500,000 Americans has provided the best evidence yet that our affinity for red meat has

Texas Shooters

2009-04-13T00:55:00.004-04:00

Andrew shows the world how to properly eat Texas oysters!

Personal Prohibition

2009-04-12T14:04:00.003-04:00

Spirits have been an integral part of society for centuries. The ancient Romans drank wine to toast their victories. The legendary Egyptians brewed ale to satiate their innovative minds. Alcoholic beverages, whether for their nutritive properties or their ability to lift a patron from the doldrums of his surroundings, have been a cornerstone of society since the moment it was created.And for

Homemade Meals

2009-03-06T09:19:00.003-05:00

New Years is a time for reflection and goal setting. This year, the occasion found me in Los Angeles, the surf-town meets glam megapolis of the west coast. Aside from confusion over who to fear more, Crips or the LAPD, I found myself a tad perplexed on the direction I wanted to take over the next year. So many opportunities were open to me professionally and personally, and I believe I possess

The Mad Scientist

2009-02-27T13:02:00.010-05:00

Dr. Frankenstein’s got nothing on me.Let me explain. A good friend of mine hosts an annual beer tasting in Hells Kitchen, and since the first one, his offering has grown in both size and sophistication. As such, I felt it was only appropriate that the dishes brought by someone who has made the 1 year mark in writing about life through food should follow suit.So I sat and brainstormed, evaluating

Brooklyn Food Tour Revisited

2009-02-17T09:27:00.006-05:00

I conceived Urbane Adventures as a way to combine two things I love very dearly – food and good people. I believe very much that this city offers the most unique food experiences in the entire country for the simple fact that you can have both authentic and innovative foods from all over the world within a relatively small area. Given people, such as myself, can be preconditioned to avoid leaving

Urbane Adventure - Brooklyn Video Slideshow

2009-02-16T23:06:00.004-05:00

La Inquisición de Hamburguesa

2009-02-06T08:48:00.004-05:00

Cheeseburgers have mistreated for years.Ok, you’re probably thinking meat, cheese, bun…not really sure how to abuse those. A Cheeseburger is a quintessential aspect of American food culture, and rightfully so. It is simple to make, filling, and highly caloric, providing everyone from the blue collar worker to the white shoe executive a fulfilling and cost effective hand held meal. But lately, I

It Was Only a Matter of Time

2009-02-03T22:50:00.009-05:00

I guess it was inevitable - I got into a comment war on a food blog. Hard to believe right? Me getting into an argument with someone. And of all topics, because I commented about someone writing pretentiously about blue collar foods. And what happened to me? Hilarious accusations of my hypocrisy due to my distaste for pretense.I think you guys know just how pretentious and not pretentious I

Urbane Adventures - Brooklyn [UPDATE]

2009-02-03T09:34:00.007-05:00

To My Readers,I hope you are all well. The food tour is a go this weekend. Lets plan to meet Saturday, February 7th at 1pm in front of the Whole Foods in Union Square. As you can see, we have a lot of ground to cover so please bring comfortable walking shoes, $20 cash to contribute to the pot, your metro card, and a BIG appetite.I hope to see you all soon. Please text my cell if you have any

The Meaning of a Meal

2009-01-30T09:24:00.005-05:00

When someone asks you to share a meal with you, what are they really asking of you?What do you think?Before the nightclub, designer drugs and Entourage, society used meals as a focal point to gather and commune. A meal can mean love. A meal can mean long laughs. It can mean surprise, disappointment, lust or even heartache. It means support, it means sustenance. But most of all, it means time. A

Urbane Adventure - Brooklyn Food Tour

2009-01-26T13:01:00.009-05:00

Friends, Fans and the Epicurious,It’s that time again! I would like to extend an invitation to join me and the dedicated food fans of my blog to tour parts of the Brooklyn borough. For those uninitiated, there are vast amounts of food and culture in various parts of Brooklyn, and to not visit while living in the city would be a disservice to your palette.If you are interested, please let me know.

A Lesson Before Dining: Chapter 2

2009-01-05T21:51:00.013-05:00

This week’s lesson covered some of America’s favorites - frying and sauce making. The participants met at the test kitchen, unplugged the smoke detector, and got to work. The menu was pretty robust, covering a southern classic, Fried Chicken with Country Gravy and Cheese Grits, and a twist on an Italian classic, Salmon Croquettes on a Bed of Spaghetti with Homemade Tomato Sauce. The beautiful

A Lesson Before Dining: Chapter 1

2008-12-19T11:10:00.017-05:00

This week’s lesson was all about the basics. We took on knife skills, stock making, soup making, and omelets. The class met at Whole Foods in Columbus Circle to peruse the fresh produce and meats, discuss goals for the day, and select the ingredients for the hands on course work. The class chopped carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, sage and mushrooms for the soup, and skinned chicken legs for the

Back to Basics

2008-12-19T10:16:00.006-05:00

Do I know how to cook?That was the question I’d been asking myself the last few weeks. On the surface, it would seem almost facetious. I mean, I write a freaking blog about the foods I make and host numerous self-catered gourmet dinner parties. But, through one of my characteristic self-assessments, I asked myself if it were not for those recipes, would I be able to cook?Let’s start from the

This Week, In Wine Class

2008-12-12T08:55:00.011-05:00

For the last 6 weeks, I, with my trusty companion Lemnada, have been taking the Introduction to Wine Essentials course at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE). It has been an incredibly enriching experience, despite its poor timing (Saturday from 7-9pm EST). I mean, that’s prime time!Taught by an engaging Richard Vayda, veteran of the wine industry and member of the Sommelier Society, the

Post Script - Proper Tasting Technique

2008-12-12T08:47:00.005-05:00

For those of you interested, here is a quick summary of proper wine tasting technique, and the information on the course I took. Worth every penny!https://web.iceculinary.com/icereg/details.asp?cid=WINE1&DTProper Tasting (Courtesy of Richard Vayda)Step 1 – Look Tilt the glass slightly away from you so light can shine directly onto the wine. It’s generally best to hold wine over a white surface to

10,000!!!!!

2008-12-11T18:38:00.004-05:00

To My Beloved Readers,Today, Taste and See has recorded 10,000 hits to the site, in under a year. While this is not an astronomical feat in comparison to other sites, I find it infinitely motivating! This blog was established primarily as an outlet for my thoughts and creative aspirations through discussing the medium I love the most - food. For this content and these topics to continue

Bordeaux

2008-12-03T13:16:00.008-05:00

To My Favorite Bordeaux,I can't say I know too many people who liked you when you were younger. You were too caustic, too one dimensional and too obtuse. Suffice to say, you were just too sour for people to palette. Some of the less intuitive gave up on you, citing their disappointment that so much potential amounted to such an unimpressive slosh with an overpriced cork on its shoulders.But

Wine - The Original Liquid Asset

2008-10-10T11:38:00.005-04:00

The world has changed. Markets have unraveled, credit has all but dried up, and an interdependent global economy has been stunted by the concentrated greed and short-sightedness of certain members of the American economy. Now with governments scrambling to act but not knowing where to begin, and no end in sight, we the common people, must sit and wait as we helplessly bear witness to the onerous

Stream of Consciousness – A Departure from Reality

2008-10-03T08:49:00.004-04:00

Recently, the UE’s travels have propelled him to beautiful, exotic locations, enticing sunset backgrounds for some of the best, and most disappointing, food in his gastronomic career. The trip, aside from being deeply relaxing and overall pleasant, was a springboard for incredibly deep self reflection. Whether it was peering into the night across a bay while enjoying the greatest mojito of all

Urbane Adventure - Part 2

2008-10-03T08:34:00.003-04:00

Our next stops were no more than a block away from each other, but couldn’t have been any more divergent in offering. Delhi Heights is a full fledged restaurant, complete with a stocked liquor bar and a tuxedo shirt wearing wait staff. In contrast, Delhi Palace, despite its name, was actually a small bakery, manned by two ladies and offering only to-go meals in small plastic containers. Both

Urbane Adventure - Part 1

2008-09-23T08:44:00.007-04:00

Jackson Heights is home to one of the most diverse ethnic neighborhoods in the entire world. Within less than 10 blocks of the subway, you may procure Korean, Thai, Indian, Filipino, and Ecuadorian food (just to name a few). Jackson Heights is a literal cornucopia of food choices with which to tantalize and entice the palette. Armed with a map of treasure locations, and a few bottles of aperitif

Urbane Adventure - Photo Slideshow

2008-09-23T08:01:00.000-04:00

Queens - Just Another Stamp in the Passport?

2008-09-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

Queens, New York.When one hears this faux-city title, immediately images of grimy airports, the Mets and famous Eddie Murphy movies come to mind. Queens is technically a borough in New York City proper, but how can New York actually consider this a part of its immediate family? How is it possible that such a refined, classy, educated and cultured lady as Manhattan possibly be related to the foul,

One Meal, Two Plates

2008-09-18T15:05:00.001-04:00

Ever wonder how twins can grow up in the same household, go to the same schools, and turn out totally different? Consider this a case study in how two people can sit at the same dining table, eat the same foods, drink the same wines, and have totally divergent worlds in their heads…The UE Said... I tend to be a person who is constantly seeking greater knowledge from the pundits of life, wanting

Urbane Adventures - Queens Borough Tour

2008-09-18T12:17:00.000-04:00

Friends, Fans and the Epicurious,Until now, the UE has inundated your intellectual and visual palette with tales and photos of some of the most exquisite food and experiences from the most rural parts of the United States to some of the most clandestine and luxurious parts of the world. While Taste and See has been a great outlet for readers to kill time at work, enjoy food vicariously, or even

Colombia - More Than Just Nose Candy

2008-09-17T12:17:00.012-04:00

One of the most memorable food comments I have ever heard, and to this day still ponder, came from Anthony Bourdain, a person with whom I strongly identify and, but for the grace (or lack of grace) of God could have followed. He said “it is through food that the people of the world embody and interpret the sum of their cultures.” Direct quote (I think). No better example of a how a people’s

St Lucia - The Caribbean Awaits

2008-09-09T07:56:00.009-04:00

The UE touched down in St. Lucia in early July, and happily spent his 4th of July sans fireworks and with one of the best mojitos and travel partners he could have asked for. The beaches were gorgeous and sandy white. The landscape was dense with lush green forests, highlighted with a spattering of rich, rosy red flowering indigenous trees. There could not be a better place to relax and regain

Around the World in 40 Meals

2008-09-09T07:53:00.002-04:00

I love food – the smell, the taste, the look, the ambiance. I love food so much that I have often toyed with the possibility of disappearing from my current stable and lucrative position in search of a position in a faraway Northern Italy kitchen.I heard this quote recently, at the tail end of a 6-week stint into beard growing, globe trotting, and food demolishing. It was spoken by my new hero

The UE Returns!

2008-09-08T23:49:00.006-04:00

Friends, fans and foodophiles~After months of waiting, and countless visits to the site, your favorite verbose culinary author has returned, invigorated from world travels, and 10 lbs heavier.So as an appetizer, the UE would like to share with you his most recently made meal. It was a design generally of his own, though the recipe for the broccoli was inspired by a recipe seen in Food and

An Appetizer for the Hungry

2008-08-20T11:51:00.002-04:00

The UE is cooking up some good reflections on his recent travels. In the mean time, enjoy a sampling from today's WSJ. Remember, just because you do what you do today doesn't mean that's what you have to do forever...http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2008/08/20/in-vino-veritas-former-ubs-banker-starts-wine-fund/?mod=homeblogmod_dealjournal-The UE

Pardon the Interruption

2008-07-07T00:07:00.002-04:00

Friends and Fellow Food Lovers,The UE will be on temporary hiatus given his intense travel schedule over the next month, however these travels promise to bring amazing and thought provoking experiences around our favorite topic. Until then, happy eating!-The UE

Hang on Little Tomato

2008-06-19T15:02:00.007-04:00

On a merry vine in a quiet garden somewhere in a humble town, a tomato was born. It was happy and free, and delighted in the company of all the citizens of the gardens. The Watermelons were so sweet and had a great sense of humor. The Apples liked to hang out all day, cruising through life with a crisp sense of gaiety. The Carrots had very keen vision for the future of the garden, and could

The Gatorade of Life

2008-06-11T11:05:00.009-04:00

In pursuit of fine food, wine and laughter, I have come across interesting individuals of varying ages, ethnicities, income levels and industries. All of whom were successful, and all of whom wouldn’t trade what they did for the world. For the longest I couldn’t put my finger on what exactly it was that I felt holding me kindred to these people, but recently while at a late night barbecue

Across the Street

2008-05-30T10:34:00.005-04:00

I awoke on Sunday with an awful hangover. I spent the previous evening enjoying the visit to my Alma Mater irresponsibly, and as a result my body was tired and racked with pain. Instinctively, I made a phone call to a friend to set the wheels in motion to recover from this awful state. The plan was to eat at Highland Bakery, a very prestigious and delicious restaurant near Midtown Atlanta which

McLovin

2008-05-16T10:33:00.004-04:00

Did you know, in 1996 the average American had sex 138 times a year. Compare that to 2007, when people reported having sex just 85 times a year. That's a staggering 38 percent decrease in a little more than a decade. Furthermore, psychologists estimate that as many as 1 in 5 couples are in a sexless marriage, which means sex less than 10 times a year. Sex drive is losing because of one thing –

1500 – The Final Showdown

2008-05-16T10:15:00.003-04:00

4 weeks1500 calories3-4 workouts a week45 minutes or more cardio a day1 awesome workout partner good for commiserating and motivating1 inch in waist gone6 pack emerging (though not totally due to periodic cheating in the diet)Discipline + Consistency = Achieving The GoalThe Biggest Loser – The UE

1500- Last Stand on Manorexia

2008-05-16T10:11:00.003-04:00

Anorexia is a very serious disease to which most people know at least one person who has fallen victim. Given my recent borderline unhealthy obsession with my diet, caloric intake and physical appearance, several people have made the joke that the UE is “Manorexic”. Now I personally shrug this off as good humor, but it led me to wonder about other men who may be so stricken and affected by the

Training for 1500

2008-05-02T10:33:00.003-04:00

I find it tough for people trying to find their way to a healthy lifestyle to come up with their own distinct habits. I found it useful to read others’ struggles, and learn from their regimen, to get a sense for what is acceptable, and how hard I should be pushing myself to attain my goal. It is in this spirit that I would like to share a typical day in my regimen, so that others may find the

The Battle of 600

2008-05-02T10:31:00.003-04:00

One of the most difficult challenges I faced while on the pursuit of 1500 was finding satisfying meals that would fill me up, and be tasty. This, coincidently, seems to be the plight of almost every “dieter”. How does one replace such rich and lush food with fruits and berries? It almost sounds blasphemous.Well, I did some brain storming and came up with a 600 calorie meal (easily split into 2

1500

2008-04-25T10:37:00.002-04:00

After spending significant time in Houston pursuing my Mission:Burrito, I began noticing that Texans are not the most food responsible people. Spanish Omelette for breakfast, Whataburger for lunch, brisket and potato salad for dinner – not the most healthy of diets. Though my roommate knew this already, as his subscription to Men’s Fitness informed him weeks ago, but I just began to fully

Mission: Burrito Part 3

2008-04-25T10:20:00.005-04:00

Deceit is the act of intentionally fooling a person through disguise, lies or trickery. There are many an imposter in the world of Tex Mex – places that claim "original" or "authentic" as though simply the moniker lends the bearer some semblance of legitimacy. Nay, I argue that it is the substance - the actual product - that validates a brand's prowess. In this vein, my anger and frustrations

Mission: Burrito Part 2

2008-04-09T15:51:00.006-04:00

A nacho, for those uninformed, is a delightful tortilla chip treat, mini meals on a corn platter served to satiate hunger either as an appetizer, or a full meal. The pagans would have you believe this word is synonymous for dog pile, a term for a mass of bodies haphazardly strewn about. The generic nacho, found in traitorous Faux-Mex restaurants, piles ground beef, cheese and whatever cheap

Mission: Burrito Part 1

2008-03-24T11:25:00.007-04:00

The first full day in town found me eager to attack the craving for the ancient foods for which I had been longing for eons. I heard, through critics and friends, that a place near the Galleria Mall had phenomenal and memorable food. Armed with the advice from this month's food and wine, I attacked the restaurant. Luling City Market, located on Richmond, was founded by people who had

Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It

2008-03-19T17:19:00.005-04:00

I am a Texan. Period. No debate, fuss or lack of cowboy hat will make it otherwise. As a Texan, there are certain things towards which I will always have strong affinity - rodeos, bull riding, Pat Green, the Southside (fade, dance and side of town), Polo, speakers in my trunk, lifted trucks...the list could go on forever.But I have recently realized that the last few years in NY have saddled me

Tastefully Done, Again

2008-03-07T09:45:00.006-05:00

I was recently the recipient of a most thoughtful and satisfying charitable gift – an RSVP to a hyper-exclusive, 50 person list tasting party hosted by UrbanDaddy at a local high brow spa. Though this was not done with my knowledge, I was thankful that my benefactor knew me well enough to sponsor me, and grateful in every sense that I was even considered for inclusion in this avant-garde group.

The Maturing Palette

2008-02-29T15:28:00.004-05:00

There was a time in my development when onions were the scourge of my life. To punish me, my mom would actually put onions in the food she made me to teach the lesson that food is food and I need to eat it. As a child, I would actually prefer getting a spanking over eating the foul tasting, slimy, pungent, tear jerking, grimy, awful vegetable. I love broccoli (the adolescent’s nemesis), but can’t

My New Toy

2008-02-25T10:58:00.007-05:00

A real Texan always finds a way! Even if its cold and snowing outside.Introducing the DeLonghi Cast Aluminum Indoor GrillMenuLamb RibsLamb ChopsStrip SteakRoasted AsparagusRoasted Rosemary and Garlic PotatoesChimay RedI can't wait until the summer! Im having my mother bring some hickory wood to save me in this pitless, yardless, pagan land...-The UE

My First Taste of Life

2008-02-22T13:46:00.007-05:00

Do you remember the first time you had a taste of your favorite dish? Maybe that perfect spaghetti, with a rich and meaty homemade tomato sauce. Or maybe that unforgettable piece of pizza topped with pepperoni, rich, creamy cheese, and a crust as close to perfection as 3.14 is to Pi. How about the silky, smooth and luscious piece of cake, freshly baked, with a scoop of your favorite ice cream? Or

Food > Life?

2008-02-19T11:15:00.003-05:00

What is it about food that makes it so amazing? Well, I mean besides the fact that it tantalizes your palette, awakens your olfactory senses, is aesthetically more pleasing than 75% of women in NY, provides quiet time to converse with people….I could go on for days about what makes food so important. But one thing I cannot get is why people put food before their own lives. Take this lady for

Texture Torture: Squid

2008-02-13T14:27:00.005-05:00

I never thought my kitchen would evolve into a place of torture. I’m a female but not stereotypically squeamish. Others are free to disagree but this is my opinion. On Saturday, I was struck by my usual craving spell. This time it was for calamari. Due to my upbringing I believe in the integrity of natural ingredients. I submit to the school of “the fresher the better”.I therefore decided to

Tastefully Done

2008-02-12T13:35:00.001-05:00

HazelAnn is a formidable new catering service based in Chicago, IL, with the promise not to be ignored by competitors in the region. The UE paid a visit to his cohort, L.A.C., this weekend for a chance to sample the exquisitries she planned to offer guests at her baked goods tasting party – a sort of debutant ball of sorts in the food world. Little did I know (and much to my delight) I would

Revival - Spirtually More Than Literally

2008-02-04T11:20:00.002-05:00

Revival is a Nuevo-Caribbean themed restaurant in West Harlem. While I had passed it many times in my life, I never considered going in until recently when a friend and I had to compromise on an event we planned to attend but were more than a bit late for it. The restaurant is modern in decoration, with new fixtures and dark wood tables (covered in paper table cloths). That is where the success

Fast Foodies

2008-02-01T15:20:00.001-05:00

I found myself exploring the web for some cohorts. People like me. Foodies. I discovered that there is a plethora of comrades in the revolution. Enumerate amounts of people understand that to discover taste is to live LIFE. To eat, and to create fine things to eat, is like a compliment and a thank you to God for blessing us with so many gifts – the breath in our bodies to even be here; the

Euphoria

2008-02-01T14:31:00.001-05:00

First Rule: You must always take your time All great chefs do prep work. Think of it as cooking foreplay. Make it easy on yourself... cut up all of your vegetables a head of time, season the meat early so that the flavors slowly soak into it, making the meat tender and juicy, thus ready to cook. Start from the top of the list and slowly work your way to the bottom.When looking at a recipe or even

Whats the Wurst That Could Happen?

2008-02-01T12:42:00.001-05:00

Radegast, also called Radigost, Radhost, Redigast, is a hypothetical West Slavic god of hospitality, fertility, and crops, associated with war and Sun. It is also an amazing bier garten in Williamsburg (in the far, FAR away land of Brooklyn). Now I had my doubts about several things in this place – the location, the menu, the focus on German beers – but this Epicurean is now a believer. Rosemary

A Date with Poulet Aux Câpres

2008-01-30T15:39:00.001-05:00

By nature I am an unusually happy person. As bizarre as it may sound cooking for loved ones excites in me great pleasure. I find it quite therapeutic to satisfy the hunger of my family and friends: sadly often to the point of satiety. On Monday I did something directly opposing my nature; I decided to cook a gourmet meal for myself. I cook frequently but cooking for one never appealed to me,

A Lesson Before Dining

2008-01-24T11:08:00.001-05:00

I am a control freak who loves to cook. Cooking allows me to be master of my domain and take full ownership over the art I am creating. I generally HATE anyone in my kitchen while I am putting my chisel to marble, sculpting a culinary delight which will last in people’s memories for generations to come. This weekend, I uneasily broke with that tradition.The meal was a delicious mustard and herb

Intro Into My Soul!!!

2008-01-23T14:40:00.000-05:00

To be rapt is to be deeply engrossed or absorbed.... when I cook I forget the world around me. The aroma rising with every swift move of my chef’s knife through the herbs of life. Hmmm... it’s like I can breathe again. With every dash of salt, drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, flavors melt and marry together to make nothing short of the ambrosia of mortal souls. On occasion I get so swept into

Sabor

2008-01-21T22:47:00.000-05:00

I am happy to introduce myself as a fellow food fanatic. I’m in my early twenties (slightly younger than UE) and currently residing in Atlanta, GA. I come from a distinctive background, grounded in family and friends. Born in Trinfo de la Cruz, Honduras I moved to Houston, TX at the age of seven. My mother who is a master chef has always instilled in me a love for cooking. However, I’ll admit

I Say Sake, You Say Bomb

2008-01-21T12:53:00.001-05:00

This weekend after being stranded in Atlanta due to inclement weather, I decided to spend the day with a good friend who had no work to do. Our journey began with a trip to purchase some electronics. Upon returning to the car from the store, we found it unwilling to start. Given the combination of our insurmountable intellects we surmised that we could fix the car, and though we found what seemed