IHOP - To the Hip Hip Hop, a You Don't Stop

This must be a big deal because not one, but two of my friends (and I only have like five) sent me this breaking news.  It seems that IHop will be opening more locations in Manhattan, most importantly a flagship hub in Times Square.  I am kind of indifferent towards IHop. I like it, but I am never like oh man I gotta go to IHop.  I would never eat anything but the pancakes here.   I think the best thing about IHop is the variety of syrups you can chose from.  That is pretty rad!  I am on their website now and it looks pretty good actually.  They have Simple & Fit options that are under 600 calories.  I am always into crap like that.  They have a Blueberry Harvest Grain 'N Nut Pancake that comes with a scrambled egg substitute.  I wonder if I could actually substitute the substitute for real eggs?  They also have a 55+ menu which I would bet my entire snow globe collection on that my parents order from that.  That isn't embarrassing at all.

To Veg or Not to Veg

I have something very shocking and important to share with all of my dedicated readers, 12 days ago I decided to become a vegetarian.  I have just been really grossed out by most meats lately that I figured it would be easier if I stopped eating it all together.  I don't even like animals, so the act of killing them is not what upsets me.  I think I dislike them so much, I don't even want to eat them. Blah!
Of course I realize what this means for the blog in that I am not sure I can fully be a trusted source of chain restaurant knowledge but I am going to give it a try.  When I think about what I am going to miss most, food at baseballs games is what I think about it.  I can't imagine seeing Jeter and not eating a hot dog at the same time.  That being said in the 12 days I have been a veggie, I haven't craved any meat.  Now I am not guaranteeing this veggie thing is permanent, but for now it is brussel sprouts and cous cous and hummus for me!
I have decided that today's post will be dedicated to the chain meat meals I will miss most (in no particular order)

1)  A hamburger from Houston's
2)  ChickenNuggies from Md Donald's
3)  Thai Chicken Pizza from CPK
4)  Filet Mignon from Del Friscos
5)  Baja Chicken Burritto from Baja Fresh
6)  Chicken Rice Bowl from Pita Grill
7)  Szechuan Beef from PJ Changs
8)  Chicken Parm from Carmines (yeah that one is really gonna hurt)  I guess I can get Eggplant Parm there but I can see this really annoying my family.
9)  Sesame Jack Chicken Strips from Friday's
10)  Meatballs, everywhere!

Kanye I Knew I Liked You For a Reason

Kanye, with all the BS you pull it is hard to like you but your new album got ridic reviews and I just read you are a chain restaurant owner.  OMFG that is amazing!  We have something in common, we love the chain (restaurants, not gang).  You own them though, I just eat at them and write about them. 
The article I read on Consequence of Sound says you already own 2 franchises of the chain Fatburger and are planning on opening 10 more.  Kanye, did my blog inspire you?  Not sure, but you inspire me.  In honor of your love of the chain I am going to to try to get tickets to your show tonight!
Below is a link to the article I read that mentions Fatburger.
http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/11/23/kanye-west-set-to-expand-fatburger-empire/
One more thing, we kind of have a similar style in this picture.  Gotta love the cable and collar!

With The Seven, Seven-Eleven, Seven-Eleven Seven Even Back do Lil Joe

Today was a good day.  There is a new chain opening up in the Hill they call Murray and not just any chain but a mega chain.  On 28th street there will now be a 7-Eleven.  Yup the Big Gulp is coming to the hood.  I actually have mixed feelings about this.  Part of me sees this becoming a homeless hangout. Also, I don't think I would ever eat any of their hot food.  It totally grosses me out, probably as much as when I see hot dudes dating ugly girls or obnoxious Mets fans or hippie liberals.  Also, I don't like Slurpees.  Icee drinks should not be carbonated.  But, there is also a part of me that is kind of excited.  7-Eleven reminds me of high school and I love being nostalgic.  I remember going there all the time to get their  iced coffee coolata kind of drink.  I can also see myself enjoying all of the beverage options.  For example, I imagine them having every flavor of Diet Snapple and Vitaminwater Zero.  What a treat!

Lavo was Lame-O

In honor of the President Brett's birthday this weekend my family and I dined at the new midtown hotspot Lavo.  If you read some of my earlier posts you know how excited I was about the opening of this Las Vegas Italian mecca.   I was a bit disappointed with the atmosphere in the New York location.  It was very understated but not in a good way.   I thought it would be a bit more glam, glitzy and fab (like me - on a good day of course!).  I am not really sure what the restaurant was going for, maybe some sort of older rustic thing, I wasn't feeling it though.
The food overall did not stand out.  We started the meal with kobe stuffed riceballs that were just ok.  I have had better riceballs at many other Italian restaurants.  Those balls should have been awesome because they are a mixture of everything I love Kobe (the beef and Bryant), some cheese (just a bit), rice and fried goodness, yet somehow they disappointed.  The restaurant also gives you fresh, hot garlic bread to start.  Really, you can't go wrong with butter and garlic drenched bread.  For my entree I got the Rigatoni Melanzana which was just rigatoni with some fresh mozzarella and eggplant.  I get this a lot at Max in NYC and it is much, much better there and probably half the price.  My brother got the chicken parm, which was a huge portion and very good.  If I ever go back I would get a chicken dish instead of the pasta.  The dessert was actually awesome.  We got the Roasted Apple Napoleon which was just a delish apple pastry with cinamon gelato.  That was by far the best part of the meal!  I can't believe I am saying this but the dessert was probably even better than my glass of rose.  That is saying something.
If I ever go back to the NY Lavo, I would go later in the evening hoping that the scene would be a bit better and share a few dishes with friends.  I am glad I went, but don't think I will be running back anytime soon.  I shouldn't really be running anywhere anyway because I tend to trip over my own feet on the east river and have cuts and bruises everywhere now.  Ooopppss!!

I Wish I Parked My Car in Harvard Yard

I am obsessed, obsessed, with all things related to Mark Zuckerberg and the background information on how Facebook started.  I read everything I can find about it (well just what is on NY Mag, Gawker and the Post - but that is a lot).  I relish stories like the one my friend Merryl told me about Zuckerberg's sister stealing all of her clothing when she was at sleep away camp. She even cut her name tags out.  Obviously the obsession has to do with the opening of The Social Network this weekend.  In honor of the opening, I decided to dedicate my post to Harvard, where clearly I should have spent more time.  Perhaps I would be Mrs. Mark Zuckerberg today, but I spent my time drinking dollar beers at Great Scott and shopping on Newbury Street. Stupid girl!  Oh if I could turn back time. I can't, even Mark can't do that, but what I can do is write about my favorite chain restaurants in Harvard Square.  So here it is!

John Harvards - A great American chain with lots of awesome salads, burgers and chicken sandwiches.  I remember very well the bread they serve before the meal was amazing.  They also have a ton of great craft beers.

California Pizza Kitchen  - who doesn't love a good gourmet pizza (see JAP chain write up below)

Bertucci's - Good Italian food, big portions, but sometimes I think I ate too much and it made me sick.

Border Cafe - This is just another name for Jose Tejas, THE BEST CHAIN EVER.  Yes they took my Nevada fake ID here, but it has been 10 years, I am over it!

Fire and Ice - This was a staple of where you would go when your parents were in town.  Now that they opened one up in the Palisades Mall, it doesn't feel as special.

I need to write a special note for a chain that is no longer there, the TGI Friday's.  They allowed me and my friends many nights of fun that included chocolate, bananas, mudslides, DJ's wanting to go to Revere Beach and if I remember correctly a fight with the Harvard Hockey Team (Mark wasn't on that, if he was, we wouldn't have fought with them).

Happy New Year Japs!

Happy New Year to all my Jewish friends.  In honor of the year 5771 I decided to create a list of the Jappiest chain restaurants around.  I actually can't believe it has taken me this long to create such an important list for my people .   It just dawned on me when I was getting my coffee this afternoon that it would be such a genius idea.   I ran upstairs, Macchiato in hand, and told my favorite Jap that this was going to be created as soon as possible.  Without further adieu, put down your shofar and get ready... I present to you the most Jappy chain restaurants in the USA!

1) Haru - Japs love sushi and with the many outposts in NYC, this media lunch staple is a Jap heaven!  Miso Eggplant??
2) Tasti d Lite - This sort of frozen yogurt chain really started the trend of allowing Japs to indulge in their sweet tooth.  Where else could one enjoy cookies and cream for 100 calories?
3)  Berry Wild/Pink Berry/Red Mango - I am lumping all 3 together for this list because every Jap has her fave among them.  These more natural frozen yogurt chains are all the rage.  Even mommy dawg is into them with all of their fresh fruit and other fun toppings.  I am a moochi kinda lady.
4)  Houston's - What Jappy girl doesn't love to go to Houston's?  With their array of fun salads, delicious burgers, spinach artichoke dip and now SUSHI!!  This is a Jappy must!
5)  California Pizza Kitchen - With prime spots in all of the Jappy locations (Bloomingdale's, Murray Hill, Garden State Plaza, Prudential Center, etc) it is almost by default that this chain is so beloved.  I might even consider this an old-school stomping ground.
6)  Nobu - What Jap does not dream of her honeymoon in Mykonos and dinner at Nobu or her anniversary date and the chance of spotting a celeb there in NY or LA.
7)  Chop't - A salad chain must be included and this is the one I picked.  A bit pricey, but with all the fancy, low call dressings, it is a Jappy lunch dream.
8)  Dos Caminos - This made the list over the other Mexican chains because of their small portions (those tacos are tiny) and because of their new meatpacking district location.  Ample outdoor seating, yes please!

I would appreciate comments with ones I might have missed.  I am pretty, pretty low on the Jap totem pole (if I am even on it) so any feed back would be helpful. 

Eataly is Ecstacy

I came, I saw, I ate, I drank, I met Batali, I conquired Eataly!
When I first heard about Eataly opening, I was beyond thrilled.  My favorite chef Mario Batali would be opening an Italian mega food complex based on a similar concepts in Italy (hence why it is a chain and I am writing about it).   When it opened this week, I knew I had to be go and check out this land of white cheeses, tomato sauce and wine.   Having recently traveled to Italy and eating and drinking my face off, I knew I would be an expert on judging Eataly.   So this Saturday, I shook off my normal Saturday morning hangover, went for a run and made Nina come with me to see what all the buzz was all about.
There was a line just to enter, but we only waited around 10 minutes until the security man allowed us in.  When you first walk in it looks like a fancy Italian supermarket, but as you navigate through the complex you realize there is more.  What really stood out to me was how you would be in the seafood section and all of a sudden there were tables and people eating, that is how it was throughout.  We started at the wine bar of course as we waited for our table in the pizza/pasta restaurant.  Because it is so new and opened ahead of schedule there were some hiccups in the service.  They ran out of wine glasses so it took some time to get our delicious rose.  Nini and I didn't care, we were chill, just enjoying the atmosphere and the fact that seconds before I took a picture with the captain of the orange crocs club.   The same can't be said for the miserable chubster we were next to at the wine bar with the red glitter flip flops who called the establishment a sh*t show and was being quite mean to the nice men behind the bar.  If I have learned anything in my 29 years on this planet it is that you be nice to your bar tender.  Be nice to anyone who can provide you with wine!  So, after our glass of vino we proceeded to go to the pizza/pasta restaurant because it was time to check on our table.  Lucky for us it was almost ready!  Right before we sat I noticed my favorite sommelier from Otto was working there.  For some reason I feel like we are friends, but that can just be my imagination, I am not sure.  He seemed very stressed and unhappy, it was sad.  Anyway, Nina let me pick our food, that was nice, so we got the Margarita Pizza and the Pesto Pasta.  You can tell by the pictures, it was delicious!!!  The pizza was extra, extra soft and the pesto was flavorful without being too greasy.   You could totally tell the pasta was homemade too.
I would definitely come back here soon and explore more of the different eating options.  I am excited about the beer garden on the roof and Manzo's (like the Real Housewives of NJ last name - so funny) restaurant.  It is kinda of sad that I don't really know how to cook because I imagine food shopping here would be fun.  I could probably get some good Truffle Oil. 
Welcome to NY Eataly and welcome to my heart! 

Real Chains of New Jersey

I am writing this blog in utter shock of what I am watching on TV.  The Real Housewives of NJ are so nuts and disgusting and crazy and fake and broke.  These so called women or womans, whatever they call themselves should be ashamed   Gross.  Thank god for that fine piece Albie, brings some class to that show.  I also think Danielle's daughter is really pretty and should be a model.  Good luck!
Anyway, I can think of one good thing coming from NJ and it is not these women or Xanadu.  It is CHAIN RESTAURANTS!
So without further adieu here is my list of chain restaurants I want to go to but am scared I might run into a housewife (also known as my fav NJ chains).  I will pick 5 in honor of every housewife (I dont't forget about nutso Dina).

1)  Jose Tejas (no shock there)
2)  P.F. Changs
3)  Joe's Ameican Bar and Grill
4)  Houston's
5)  Bahama Breeze

Oh Theresa just said "Do we believe everything the NYPost writes."
Umm Yes.  DO NOT PUT DOWN THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE BLOG!

Pop The Champagne, It's The Birth of a Chain

Mazel Tov Lavo!  Congratulations and welcome to the world of chains.
It is with great pleasure that I announce that Lavo will be opening in NY, therefore having 2 locations and being a chain.  The original outpost is in fabulous Las Vegas at the luxurious Palazzo Hotel.  Lavo is run by the same peeps that run Tao and I certainly love me some Tao.  Lavo is an Italian restaurant.  I went in Vegas and from what I can remember, which sadly is not much, it was quite lovely and quite delicious.  I do remember the nice waiter that Nini became friends with and eating meatballs that were yummy and a pasta dish.  I was kinda a hot mess that night, not gonna lie.  Oh well.  Now that it is opening up in NY I can have it again soon.  My bro claims he has a connection and can get us into opening night.  Fingers crossed!!  If that happens, you can expect a full blog posting on it.

My Response to Eater's List

My heterolifemate, Nini just sent me a link from Eater naming their picks for the top 10 chain restaurants that need to come to NY.  I am outraged that they did not contact me, the NYC chain restaurant extraordinaire, for input.  By not contacting me, they totally messed up and missed so many key chain restaurants that need to come to NYC.  Here are their picks with my comments.  Sonic (ok might be cool), Waffle House (no let it be a southern thing), Krispy Kreme (we had and we have enough donut stores -this is the most egregious pick), Dairy Queen (eh), Denny's (no, it is really for WT and I like my island for the lack of WT), Cracker Barrel (this is a country thing, good, but not for the city), P.F. Changs (yes, yes, yes) Chilli's (sure but not necessary), Chick Fil-A (yeah I would hit that) and In N Out (obvi yes).


For the correct list of the the top 10 Chain Restaurants that need to open in NY.  See below.

10)  Blue Ice Gelato
9)  Yogurtland (bc it is now Phileo)
8)  Katsuya
7) Panera (would be great for lunch, better than freakin Le Pain)
6) In N Out (give Shake Shack a run for it's money)
5) Cheesecake Factory
4) Del Taco (heard it was good)
3)  P.F. Changs (my parents would prob visit me more, if that is even possible)
2)  Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (please)
1) JOSE TEJAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (no shock here)

OBIKA not Obama

My favorite O, besides Olen is not Obama, but Obika.
What is Obika you may be asking yourself, well it is a fabulous mozzarella bar in Rome Italy that has found success in other cities like London, Paris and good ol'NYC!  There is never a bar I do not love.  I was lucky enough to experience this mozzarella "bar" in Campo di Fiore a lovely square in the darling historical city of Rome.  I went to Obika after a late afternoon excursion with my travel buddy JM that included gelato.  When we walked passed Obika, we knew we had to try it because it just looked fabulous.  I am so glad we did.  The focus of the menu is of course, mozzarella which is just perfect for me because it is the only cheese I really like.   We got the Burrata with pesto sauce, basil and tomato (see photo above).  It was truly outstanding and delicious!  It was so creamy and wonderful and the pesto was perfect!  JM and I weren't hungry so we tried not too pig out to much but it was really hard.  To go with our lovely appertivo snack we each had a wonderful glass of refreshing Rose.  I really can't think of a better way to end a day in fabulous Rome.  Especially when on said day, one gets their luggage back!!!!! What a way to celebrate the return of Big Bertha back in my arms.  
Now, as I mentioned before there is also an Obika in NYC but that location seems to really be a bar within the IBM office building.  Not sure what I think about that.  I wish Obika would have opened up in the village where one could sit outside and people watch the way you can in Rome.   Perhaps one day! (cue in One Sweet Day by Mariah Carrey music now)

Ronaldo McDonaldi

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A trip to a foreign land would not be complete without exploring what the McDonald's is like in that land.
It is fun to see the different personalities each country brings to its best restaurant, McDonald's.  When I was in Italy I was pretty sure that the McDonald's there would have pizza, kinda like when they tried to introduce the McPizza in the USA.  I am glad that didn't work out.  Anyway, I was wrong, no McPizza.  The menu in Rome was very similar to the one in the US, just a bit abridged.  One thing that did totally stand out to me though was that they had fried shrimp!   I thought that was cool.  As always, I was there for one thing... the Chicken McNugget.  On my last day I fought through my infantile ear infection, exhaustion & dizziness and found the McDonald's right across the street from the Pantheon, how historic!   Jen M was kind enough to go with me on this expedition.  It was an expedition because the Trevi Fountain McDonald's had no power and was closed. 
Overall, I thought the chicken nuggie was pretty good, but still prefer the American version.  I think the American version has a lighter more airy batter.   This nuggie was a bit more crisp and hard in Italy.   The meat was totally white and for my chicken, I like that.   Jen M said she prefered the Italian version.  Really, both are quite delicious!  The dipping sauces are similar to what I found in Spain, honey mustard, bbq and some curry thing.  I just went with the bbq and honey mustard one.  I guess it is Italy, it would have been cool if they had a pesto or tomato dipping sauce.  I love some sauce!
So, there it is, one more McDonalds conquered.  I can't wait for my next one!

Ice Ice Baby

Blue Ice, Ice Baby.  That tune was in my head throughout my fantastic voyage to Italy.  One of the greatest food discoveries I found during my travels was the glorious gelato chain, Blue Ice.  These are everywhere in Rome.  In fact on one cute street near Campo di Fiore there are two only about 50 feet away from each other.  It is safe to say that Blue Ice is the Starbucks of Rome.  Between me and my travel buddies we were able to sample many, many flavors.  Some of the favorites were the Black Cherries and Cream, Coconut, Grapefruit (of course), Raspberry, Stracciatelli and Tiramissu.  One of my travel companions did not like the Tiramissu, but the vacum (me) came in to scoop it up and enjoy!
So if you are ever in Rome and need a refreshing treat, I really recommend stopping by Blue Ice.  After so many days of delicious gelato, it makes going back to Tasti D, extra hard!

Bad Salad's, Bad

Beautiful day in NYC if you love the heat like I do!  Too bad my office is so cold I might freeze in a heatwave, lovely.
While reading The Daily Beast this AM I came across this long list of VERY unhealthy salads.  These are VERY bad for the super bridesmaid diet.
Everything you think would be bad is bad.  The fried chicken and buffalo chicken salads, anything with blue cheese, etc.  I was upset to see one of my favorite salads on here, The Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad.  One surprise that did stand out to me was the California Pizza Kitchen Salad Miso Shrimp Salad.  That sounds pretty healthy to me but it has over 1100 calories!  Oh well, Ill stick to their Spinach Artichoke Dip and Roasted garlic Chicken Pizza.
Check out the full gallery here.  I have a feeling they only tested a few places and that every chain had salads with over 1,000 calories in them.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/1818/1/?redirectURL=http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-07-05/40-most-unhealthy-salads/?cid=hp:beastoriginalsR1

Central Park Chain Emerges From The Meadows

In honor of my girl Brookie's upcoming nuptials this weekend, I decided to start blogging again and drinking more Stoli Raz.   I was in Central Park today getting some sun so I could be a tan bridesmaid when I saw a chain arise in the distant meadow.  Many thought it was too hot for the sun today, but not I and not Jen Roy.   Good thing I worship the sun because as I sweated in the meadow I saw the first Central Park chain, and what was this chain you may ask?  None other than one of Brookie's favorite spots, Le Pain Quotidien.  I am not a huge fan of this place because I think it is kinda expensive for what it is but I eat her with Brookie because it's a bit nicer than your typical Manhattan deli lunch spot.  No matter what, I am glad to see a chain in Central Park and could see myself getting some bread with some crap on top of it while I continue to go to Central Park this summer burning my skin.
So in honor of Le Pain Quotidien and the future Mrs. Weissman I lift up my $4.00 favored iced tea from Le Pain Quotidien and I say Mazel!

Chang Up Your Kitchen

I was at the movie theater this week when my eyes and ears were shocked by the sight and sound of a new commercial airing before Sex and the City.  (side note, I still don't understand commercials in movies)  Anyway, one of my favorite chains, P.F. Changs now has frozen meals available in your grocery store.  You can either stir fry them in a pan (Iam so inept I cant even do that) or heat them in your microwave.  The packaging recommends stiry fry but I would try microwaving them just to see.

They offer the following varities (my favorite dishes are not available)
Beef w. Broccoli, Orange Chicken, Sweet N Sour Chicken, General Changs Chicken, Shrimp in Garlic Sauce, Shrimp Lo Mein, Ginger Chicken and Broccoli, and Shanghai Style Beef.
I have yet to try them yet, but please comment if you have.
I doubt they will be half as good as they are in the restaurant but are definitely a welcome addition to the frozen food aisle.

No Reason For This List

Want to know the best way to ruin a lovely 90 degree NY day?  Publish an article about the worst chain dishes in terms of calorie and include one of my favorite dishes on that list.
Yup, PF Changs has the honor of being included on this list.  My go to dish, the double pan fried noodles has over 1,800 calories.  Wow!   I guess when something is not fried once, but twice, the calories add up.
I wonder if I will keep on eating it knowing this info now, probably. 
For more delicious un-nutritious dishes check out the link below.
http://www.cspinet.org/nah/articles/xtremeeating2010.html

Pita Grill is Pita Good

Anyone that lives in NYC knows Pita Grill.  It really is a staple of NYC eating and I am shocked that I have not written about this grill sooner.
I became a fan of this restaurant when it opened up it's Murray Hill location a few years ago.  Everything in the restaurant revolves around, you guessed it, a Pita.  They have various sandwiches served on a pita, platters that include pita and sides where you can dip your pita.
I have a few favorite go-to's here.  For sandwiches I enjoy the Thai Chicken Lite, which is a delicious piece of grilled chicken, lettuce, onions and tomatoes, I get it without the tomatoes obvi and a lite thai peanut sauce.  What I also have been doing lately is adding hot sauce to the equation.  Another sandwich that I like is the Hawaiian Pita, you can get it with Steak or Chicken.  Both are good.  The only bad thing about their sandwiches is that they can be rather messy to eat because a lot of the time the food falls out of said Pita.
When I am on the hungrier side, I get the platters.  All sandwiches can also be platters.  The platters include rice and veggies, but the great part is that you can substitute one of those for hummus.  I sub the veggies for the California Hummus which is excellent.  They add cilantro to it which gives it a fun kick!
I also really like the Pita Salad.  It is what one might refer to as a "Rori" salad.  It comes with craisins, chicken and grilled eggplant.  It is also served with feta cheese, but I HATE feta so I order it without the cheese.  Another menu option here are the rice bowls.  Cousin usually gets that and it looks delicious.  It is essentially a big bowl of rice and salad all mixed together.  Next time I go to Pita Grill I will try this.  They also have paninis but I think if you are at Pita Grill you shouldnt get a panini, save that for somewhere else.
One thing kinda annoying about Pita Grill is that because it is so good, if you dont place your order before you arrive you probably will have to wait a good 15 minutes or so for it to be ready.  Not a huge deal but good to note.

Mixing it Up with DJ Pauly D

While we wait in anticipation for the next season of The Jersey Shore, we have two things to make us happy.  One is the new season of Real Housewives of NJ (which actually was very disappointing last night) and this new ad campaign that Baskin Robbins is running for their 31 Below Ice Cream Creation.   The 31 Below is pretty much a Mc Flurry or a DQ Blizzard so I guess they needed to find a great figure like my personal facebook friend DJ Pauly D to help sell this creation.  I really like Baskin Robbins.  When I was a kid I would get it all the time.  I really liked the Daiquiri Ice Flavor which was probably a bit of foreshadowing of my young adult life.  Anyway, check out the man and all his DJ muscles below.  If you buy one of these bad boys you can text to get a free music download.  I recommend the song Dance! by Datarock, it reminds me of DJ Pauly D.

Frozen Yogurt Companies Please Read

Dear Great Chain Frozen Yogurt Companies,
Hello, my name is Rori and I am a chain restaurant blogger.  I am also a big Yankees fan and have an idea that I think will make you very rich.  Please open up a frozen yogurt stand in Yankee Stadium.  If you do so, I promise it will be a big success.  Whenever I am at a game I am always thinking to myself, man I wish they had frozen yogurt here.  That would be the perfect treat after my foot long hot dog or buffalo chicken sliders.
TCBY, Pinkberry, Red Mango, Berrywild, Tasti d Lite, if you are reading this consider opening up a shop in Yankee Stadium.
Thank you,
Rori
CEO and President of Chain of Food

PS - I didnt address this to Yogurtland or 16 Handles because I think the topping bar would be way too intense for a stadium.

PPS - I know that there is Carvel, but sometimes you want to save a few calories for beer, hence why we need the fro you stand.

Chain Restaurant Deals

Happy Friday!  Great weather in NYC, enjoy it!
I came across this article and figured I would share with my readers.  It is some of the best chain restaurant deals going on right now.
Here are a few of my favs!
The steak ones are great!


Morton's Steakhouse - has a power hour happy hour with great deals like $5.00 mini burgers!,
Ruth's Chris Steak House is offering a three-course meal for $39.99. (note - this is where the corner kids ate on the 4th season of the wire!)

Also, Olen fam fav, PF Changs is offering a special for $39.95 4 course meal  for two.  How lovely!

 Check out the rest of the deals below
http://www.walletpop.com/specials/best-restaurant-deals?ncid=webmaildl6

Baja Fresh Cinco de Mayo Eating Contest

For all you massive eaters out there, pay attention to this post.  On May 5th at 5:00 pm Baja Fresh in NYC is hosting a Cinco de Mayo eating contest at both of it's midtown locations.
To quality you have to eat an entire Dos Manos Burrito Enchilado Style (it is just a huge burrito stuffed with cheese, beans, onions, a meat, peppers, pico de gallo and sour cream).  If you can do that, you quaility for the eating contest on Cinco de Mayo.
I don't eat most of the things in the burrito and was sick for 24 hours after I ate a very plain (but delicious) chicken burrito a few days ago, so I have to sit this contest out.
BUT if any chain of food readers wants to participate in this contest, please let me know and I will sponsor you.
Sponsor, what does that mean?  That means, if you go and qualify for the contest I will come cheer you on the day of the event, outfit you in a custom chain of food t-shirt and feature you on the blog.
Just message me on the blog if you are interested.
Ole!

Press Your Luck

Press is a healthy wrap focused take-out spot located on the border of Murray Hill and Gramercy.  There is also a second location near Madison Sq Park.  With 2 locations, it's...wait for it...a microchain.  I love using my new word.

After happy hour with some Post Alumni I was hungry after my typical glasses of white wine so a fellow alumni suggested we go to Press.  I thought it must have been fate, because I have been meaning to try it since it opened many months ago in the hood and cousin randomly brought the menu to my apt a few days ago.

The layout of Press is relatively minimalistic and modern.  You order the basics of the wrap at the cashier, which is the type of wrap you want, choices include white, whole wheat, sun dried tomato and rosemary, plus your main ingredient.  I went with chicken, but you could also get veggies or steak.  You quickly move to the press and fill bar (I came up with that name) where for some reason it takes a bit of time for the Press men to get your wrap ready and then fill it up with the rest of the wrap.  What I liked best about Press is that you get to pick exactly what you want inside your wrap.  I picked lettuce, sauted onions, and a bit of cabbage.  You also get to pick your sauce.  I love sauces. I went with the Blood Orange Viniagette and found it fab, but you could also get BBQ Sauce, Pesto, Honey Mustard, etc.

It is a nice sized wrap and not too messy to eat.  All and all, I was very happy with my Press.
Reviews I read said this place was expensive.  I really didn't find it expensive at all so those people saying that on menupages must be tourists or something.

Breaking Hale and Hearty News

On Monday, Hale and Hearty introduced 3 new salad dressings to their already lofty list.
They are a Lemon Vinaigrette, Smoky Chipotle and  Low Fat Summer Berry.  If you know me, you know what I sampled, the Low Fat Summer Berry obviously.
I have to say, I was very impressed.  It tastes fresh and very homemade.  I love the fact that there are seeds in the dressing, it makes it authentic.  What I also liked about the dressing is that it was not as thick as many other berry based dressings.  I would compare it to more of a berry vinaigerette that is a perfect light summer dressing.
As I told Nina earlier today, I like things that are fruity. 

BEST EMAIL EVER

 I just got the best email ever, it was from Major League Eating and the IFOCE announcing that it was that time again.  I totally forgot I joined the IFOCE.
Time for the Annual Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.  Check out the link below for key dates to see if you can qualify for the big event July 4th.  Though I do like my hot dogs as much as the next person, there is no way I could even begin to think about entering that one.  That being said, the site does mention a curly fry eating contest.  I think I have a chance there.
http://www.ifoce.com/contests.php

Pizza In a Cone, I'm Not Really Feeling That Zone

After a lovely day of running, bowling and most importantly, shopping, I decided it was finally time to try Pizza In a Cone.  I walked into the tiny shop ready to try this treat that I was talking about for so long.  After careful consideration, I opted for a small cone with tomato sauce, fresh mozzerella chese and spinach.  I was kinda surprised how long it took for the small cone to cook.  The workers put all of the ingredients into the cone and then bake it in a special oven.  When it was finally ready, it was a bit hot to eat so I waited a few seconds.  At first bite, I wasn't that impressed.   It was kind of boring.  I would compare the cone to a fresh Lean Pocket.  The cone is a bit thick and not that flavorful.  The fresh mozzerella cheese wasn't amazing and I really think there could have been much more tomato sauce.  Was it the grossest thing I ever had, no, not at all, but it definetly wasn't amazing.  A real slice of pizza is much better!  I was also kind of shocked by the price of the cone.  It cost me over $6.00 and it was really not a meal at all.  More like a snack which left me kind of annoyed.  I had to come home and have one of my Sun Chips Harvest Cheddar 100 Calorie Packs while I watched my Wire DVD.  Season 4 baby!!!!  Micheal, Randy and Duquane and my boys.

Micro Chain? Say What Now... Jo Mama

In my quest to try all the coffee places in my new work neighborhood, I stumbled into Joe The Art of Coffee.  Every morning in Grand Central Station there is a long line of midtown workers waiting in line for this artsy coffee.  I figured this place must be good if there is such a long line and many other coffee options to chose from in the area.   When I walked by today at around 11 am the line was not long so I figured this was my shot (pun) to try this shop.  I walked up to the barista and said, excuse me is this a chain.  He looked and me kinda confused and said well there are 5 locations in Manhattan, so I guess it is a microchain.  A microchain??? I never heard this term before, do I love it or do I find it too elitist.  I have decided I love it, and will embrace it as my own.  Microchain, hmmm so Dos Caminos, mircochain, Mc Donalds chain.  Got it!
Anyway, I didnt really love the coffee and think that my Machiatto is much better.  Besides all your standard coffee drinks they serve muffins, coffee and other baked treats from local bake shops like the Sullivan St. Bakery.  How microchain of them to do something like that!

Oh, I checked out their website and they feature bios and pictures of all of the baristas.  Because of that, I shall post some of their pictures on my blog.  Baristas, you are famous now!!!!!!!!!!!!

Meet-- Luke Folger, he doesn't actually drink Folgers

Here is Jessica, she went to Wellesley, and lived in Spain.  Wow.

I Went to Yogurtland in NYC and Ended up at Phileo

Yup, you are reading that title correctly.  I went on a trip to Yogurtland in Greenwich Village only to discover that it is no longer my heaven on earth Yogurtland.  Instead it is now called Phileo, which is a Philly (hence the name) frozen yogurt shop.  It is hard for me to like things from Philly since the World Series this year.  The good news, is that it is essentially the same exact shop that it was when it was Yogurtland.  I will admit though, knowing that it isnt Yogurtland doesn't make it as special. 
I guess Ill have to go to LA to get my Yogurtland fixes from now on!

MMMMMMM........Macchiato

Macchiato is the best coffee store in NY.  It is a bold statement to make, but I am making it.
If you are unfamiliar with it, it is a Europeanish coffee store that now has 2 locations in NY.  One on 44th between Lex and 3rd (right next to my office, hence how I discovered it) and the other on 52nd and 5th.
I have only had one thing here and that is the Iced Coffee.  I think testing an Iced Coffee is a great way to test how good a coffee place is.  The Iced Coffee here is perfect, you don't need any artifical flavors like vanilla or caramel, alone, this coffee is perfect.  It is smooth, not burnt and quite tasty. 
I have a new morning tradition and that is Macchiato!  I do miss Joe my coffee cart guy on 6th Ave, but I think I will grow to love the hipsters serving at Macchiato.
Actually, no, I will never love hipsters.  I will just love the coffee they serve.

I should note, that the coffee is on the expensive side, but I guess you are paying for quality.

Cupcakes are the new Black

I was watching 90210 tonight and I noticed the girls enjoying cupcakes at Crumb's. I was shocked when I saw this, I had no idea Crumb's crept its way to LA. I just thought this was an east coast institution. They have In N Out and we have Crumbs. Obviously that is not the case. Seeing this revelation on the tube made me decide it was finally time to bring up a very important topic, the popularity of the cupcake. I think I can tell you when this popularity first arose, and that was when Miss Carrie Bradshaw enjoyed this little pieces of happiness on Sex and the City. Since then, Magnolia has become a New York landmark. In fact I was speaking to tourists from London last week and I told them how there was a Magnolia Bakery across from Del Frisco's in mid-town (by my old office - yes it's now my old office) and they were so excited! They were also cops so of course I brought up the Wire too, but that is for a different blog.

About a year or so ago, Magnolia opened it's second location on the UWS and of course the third across from my old office space. Having Magnolia across the street really changed the way birthdays were celebrated in mid-town. Where once Magnolia was a treat, a Sunday destination in Greenwich to get your pretty flower on your cupcake, not anymore. You can have it anytime, any place. I guess that is the beauty of a chain. My favorite of the Magolia cupcakes are the simple vanilla cupcakes with a fun colored icing and sprinkles. Recently they even had a red cross cupcake where $1.00 is donated to Haiti. I was into that so I made sure to buy a lot of those. A lot of people really love their red velvet cupcakes and their banana pudding.

As much as Magnolia is the craze, I am a much bigger fan of the Crumbs cupcake. For one thing, they are huge, and if you are spending so much on a cupcake, at least let it be huge! Also, they have so many exotic, fun flavors like Caramel Apple, Oreo, Grasshopper and Cookie Dough. They also have Passover cupcakes for all my holy jews.

While investigating this blog, I was shocked to see how quickly this chain has grown. It started in 2003 and already has locations all over NY, NJ, CT and now California. I also learned they have a Baba Booey cupcake named after Howard Stern's producer. That is pretty awesome. I want one too!!!

THE FIRST GUEST BLOG

Hi Everyone!
I am about to revolutionize the blog. Today is the day that I will allow the first guest blog on the site. Not everyone is granted this privilege, only those that are big fans. Really the only people I would allow to guest blog I can count on one hand. One of them is Brian. He loves Whole Foods and I guess one opened near his town on LI. You will read the post and see he is a much better writer than I am. See his post below to learn about the opening of a mege food chain in a suburb.

As they mobbed Long Island’s third Whole Foods Market on Wednesday, in Lake Grove, patrons complained they had waited years – years, they emphasized with an eye-popping exasperation that suggested suffering – for a neighborhood Whole Foods. I only waited months (I lived in communities with Whole Foods nearby) but I was probably more impatient than most of my Long Island neighbors.
The metaphor is a simple one: Whole Foods is like a Porsche. Once you’ve grown accustomed to it, it’s tough to stomach a Civic, no matter its dependability and superior efficiency. It’s a lifestyle choice – and, for many, a consciously political one.
At Whole Foods, the fruits dazzle and burst with savory tang. The veggies are riper, the meats firmer, the cheeses fleshier, the gelato creamier – a seductively choreographed cornucopia basking under soft lights that, with its lime green finish and wood flourishes, evokes a rustic farmer’s market. And there’s quinoa tossed with seemingly every vegetable sold.
King Arthur didn’t have it this good.
Yet, in the weeks leading up to Wednesday opening, I couldn’t gauge how receptive locals would be to it. I knew it would generate some enthusiasm – another local upscale grocery, Wild By Nature in East Setauket, has been around for more than a decade and an Italian-themed grocery in Smithtown, Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace, is popular – but it seemed as if Whole Foods hadn’t reached anything close to critical mass. Among my friends, I was the only one talking about it. Whenever I mentioned its impending arrival at the abutting gym, LA Fitness, people shrugged.
Was I the only one who viewed Whole Foods’ dawdling construction as striptease?
I also wondered whether Whole Food Market’s reputation, perhaps the sturdiest among national brands in the eyes of liberal-elites, had slipped. It wasn’t a baseless question.
Some liberals in urban environs (Berkeley, Austin, et al) – the bedrock of Whole Foods’ base – boycotted the company last summer, after CEO John Mackey opined in the Wall Street Journal that while healthcare reform is “clearly needed,” America shouldn’t add another entitlement to its increasingly vulnerable balance sheet. And in recent months, its seeming grocery opposite, Wal-Mart, has emerged as such a threat to Whole Foods’ domination of organic foods that chefs, nutritionists and elitists often selected Wal-Mart’s offerings when presented a blind taste test by The Atlantic.
But even with a final Congressional vote on healthcare days away, it was evident Wednesday that animosity toward Mackey in these parts was fleeting or forgiven. Or the appeal of organics and status won out. Maybe all of the above.
Indeed, thousands jammed the Lake Grove Whole Foods within hours of an opening – on a workday, no less – marked by a drum procession and the literal breaking of bread Wednesday. (No rabbi or minion presided over the ceremony).
Once inside, customers were mesmerized by the seeming wonderfulness of the so-called Super Green Food Drink, a smooth concoction of grass, acai and goji – the latest fads in produce – plus apple, until the tasty drink splattered out from the juicer it was held in. This pattern continued into the afternoon.
One woman, impressed that the drink didn’t actually taste like grass (that’s the problem with wheatgrass: it tastes exactly like you’d expect grass to taste), asked aloud how much a modest bottles goes for. I volunteered that it costs $13.99, prompting her friend to offer the obvious refrain: “Ya see? Whole Foods is Whole Paycheck.”
Other sample items produced less drama, just anticipation.
A seared catfish and veal teriyaki (“humanely handled in Upstate New York,” the cook preemptively told one and all) proved especially popular, but were bested by a ginger Miso dressing to dip carrots in. A 70-something woman and her middle-age daughter boasted the versatility of the Miso dressing, leading to this excited exchange:
Mother: “It can go on salads!”
Daughter: “On wraps!”
Mother: “Pasta, too! Like, whoa!”
I hope that’s the last Joey Lawrence reference I hear at a Whole Foods.
Nearby, a woman who just completed yoga class (and smelled like she had) sampled a Jade Cloud tea. “Pure,” she said before a nodding, surprisingly unaware crowd of tasters. (Doesn’t Whole Foods generally cater to the most self-aware of crowds?)
A 16-month-old who wanted no part of shopping found Whole Foods’ samples a shocking and exultant bounty, particularly the oil-dipped mozzarella ball that he chowed down. Hard to blame the kid – it was damn tasty.
I was partial to local samples. Whole Foods famously promotes – or preaches, depending on your view – causes, including buy local. (This, of course, generally pertains to produce). Fire Island Beer Co.’s IPA reminded me of the one Stone Brewery out of Escondido, Calif. makes, which is one of my favorites. And Fat Boy’s Outrageous Cookie Dough didn’t do its name a disservice. The chocolate chunk was delicious; the white chocolate macadamia was indeed outrageous, and worth the five-minute wait.
Some complaints:
- Only turkey pastrami is available, not Whole Foods’ delicious (and admittedly fatty) beef pastrami. I’m baffled as to why Whole Foods either overlooked selling beef pastrami at most, if not all, of its locations in the Greater New York Area or opted against selling the meat in a region that boasts the densest Jewish community in the country – a people widely known for loving pastrami.
- Limited Japanese options. Yes, they sell fresh sushi – I sampled a tuna and avocado roll Wednesday – and a pedestrian Miso Soup, but like the other two Whole Foods on Long Island, there isn’t a station for making chicken, salmon or unagi teriyaki bowls or more fulfilling soups, such as udon or soba. (But this disappointment is tempered by a smorgasbord of other soups, including faves Curried Apple Pumpkin and Truffles Creamy Wild Mushroom).
Then there’s the crush of people crammed into 16 busy checkout lanes, all of which were open. An impatient young woman named Regina complained: “I hate this store right about now. Maybe the novelty will wear off in a week.”
Several customers within earshot shot back disgusted looks.
“Okay,” Regina allowed, “Maybe two.

The End of an Era

As many of you know I am no longer a soldier for Rupert Murdoch. After much internal and external debate I have decided it was time to move on. Now that I have stopped crying, I want to write a posting about the best chain memories at the NYPost. Yes, all of a sudden I became a girl and cried about leaving. There are so many it was hard to pick out the best ones. Almost as hard as trying to carry home 40 snow globes from your desk in a dirty pink Longchamp bag.

Here it goes. This posting is dedicated to you Ruppie. I never met you, but I saw you in the lobby a few times. Cheers!

7) This one is actually not a restaurant but instead an event. I was in Atlanta traveling for business trying to pitch the site to a small ad agency. Midway through the meeting the client said that they don't want to hear about the Post anymore, instead can we look at my blog. He was very persistent so finally we went to chainoffood and I talked about the blog. It was at that point that I knew this baby was gonna take off someday!

6) Going to Chili's with the Mediaedge team in LA for one of the girls birthdays. I was having lunch at a chain in LA (Katsuya) when I learned it was Ashlee's birthday. Not being from LA she wanted a little piece of home and that was Chili's. Long story short the girls invited me out for the birthday party. I blogged about the experience, you can see the posting below. I was just so touched that they invited me out as their friend and to a chain, can't get better than that.

5) Learning about Yogurtland. I was at a meeting and my love of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf came up. Somehow from that my client told me about Yogurtland and all the wonders of it. That same day I was driving and had some time in between meetings. I spotted a Yogurtland and decided to check it out. OMFG, I found my heaven. I later learned that they actually had one location in NY, in the heart of Greenwich Village. I quickly taught all my NY friends about the wonders of this place and would often be found with some of the account coordinators eating frozen yogurt after a meeting downtown.

4) The opening of Fresh & Co. in my building. When this place first opened it was called Flavors, now it is Fresh & Co. Anyway, doesn't matter, I fell in LOVE. The salads were a lunchtime staple as of late for me. I would pretty much get the same one everyday - Organic Mixed Greens, Carrots, Edamame, Grapes, Tofu, Raisins, Walnuts and either the Caribbean Mango or Thai Basil dressing. It was always delicious and chopped with care! I usually grabbed one and ate it at my desk but sometimes my buddy Brookie would meet me there and get the Turkey Chili or Roadie and I would get lunch and catch up. She was a Steak Salad fan.

3) Going to Del Frisco's with the VP of Advertising. When I first started at the Post the VP wanted to take me out to lunch just to get to know me. He took most people to Langan's the neighborhood watering hole, but I was special so I got Del Friscos! I was going to Greece the next day so he said he wanted me to have a good meal before I left. It was then that I discovered their stellar lunch menu. For $30.00 you could get a great soup or salad, a nice steak and excellent dessert. A meal fit for a queen or king if you ask me. A few years later I took little Chrissy here for that same meal to celebrate Jesus' birthday.

2) A Tasti D'Lite Birthday! Our office is pretty big so there is a birthday almost every week. Most people get cookie cakes or cupcakes. I like them, but frozen yogurt is really my sweet of choice. On my birthday this year the girls decided to get me Tasti D'Lite flying saucers! I loved it and so did everyone else!

1) This choice was the easiest and most obvious. The best chain memory I have at the NYPost is of course dining, yes dining, at Red Lobster with the entire online team and Rohit! For a while I was talking about how great Red Lobster is and how much I loved their cheese biscuits and shrimp choices. Finally I talked the entire team to have lunch there so they could see what all the fuss was about. Rohit found out about this and decided to come too. Most of the team was not a fan, haters, I guess they are too fancy (Jordan) but it was there that the blog was born. My bosses said, you are just so passionate about Red Lobster why don't you write a blog about chain restaurants. The rest is history my friends.

So, thank you NYPost for giving me the opportunity to eat a lot of meals at a lot of chains. Now I am off to continue my 2 weeks of doing nothing but sleeping, watching the Wire, a little GTL and of course some drinking and celebrating!

Scarpetta - I Had No Idea You Were a Chain

While reading Page Six today I found out some of the most interesting information I have learned about in a very long time. No, not that Katie Holmes is undergoing special treatment from the Scientologists to get pregnant again, but that Scarpetta, one of the nicest restaurants in NYC is actually a chain. Yup, fancy pants Scarpetta also has a location in Miami, therefore... it is a chain! My people, Jay-Z, Beyonce and my future husband, Arod were spotted eating there. Don't laugh, because when it happens, you won't be invited to the platinum wedding.

I was lucky enough to dine at Scarpetta a few months ago with the lovely, Nina, Jessica and Jemini. Jems is a fan of fine dining as of late so she suggested it. I was game, because I love food. If at the time I knew it was a chain I have a feeling it would have been a totally different experience.

Anyway, let me tell you about the restaurant. The ambiance is very low key cool and modern. It is probably more of a date place then a place you would go with your girlfriends, but hey, I take what I can get.

There are definitely specialty items here and I got them! For an appetizer I got the Creamy Polenta with truffled mushrooms. It was definitely good, but I wouldn't say it was the best polenta or truffled dish I ever had. The item that really stands out here is their spaghetti. It is by far the best spaghetti I can remember tasting. It is rather simple, just tomato sauce and basil. You almost think you should order something else when you are eating here but I urge you not to. This is definitely the entree to get. That night I also shared a chicken dish with Nina and it really wasn't that good at all. I think next time I would try a beef dish instead of the chicken to go with the spaghetti.

The desserts here I assume are very good. Truthfully I don't remember if I got one but looking at the menu online, I would eat all of them, especially the Coconut Pana Cotta, Vanilla Parfait, and Banana Budino.

I can totally see Scarpetta also opening an LA location in Beverly Hills and even one in Vegas. Don't be surprised if that happens soon.

Pizza in a Cone - Hellz Yeah!

I do not usually like to reference the enemy, NYMag.com, but they do have a lot of good articles about new restaurants opening up.

When I saw this one I had to write about it.

K!Pizzacone just opened up in midtown Manhattan today. It is on 33rd and 5th in that no-mans land near the Empire State Building. My fav cuz lives around there so I perhaps will take him on date here.

K!Pizzacone is actually pizza in a cone like shape. I belive a lot of my friends gave up pizza for lent. Good thing I am a jew and don't have to do things like that.

Anyway, what is awesome about this place is that you get to pick what you what in your pizzacone. They have two sauces types, tomato and pesto. I would get pesto (obvi), mozzerella cheese, garlic and maybe chicken. They also have standard choices as well. I am picky so I would pick my own.

I doubt this is as good as a NYC slice, but it is a fun concept that is a welcomed in NYC.
Please comment if you have tried this yourself. I am really interested in how it is.

Mesa Grill - Super Chill

It turns out pretty much every time I have a client lunch the topic of my blog comes up. Probably because it is so freaking rad, everyone around me always wants to talk about it.

Today I went with my girl TSwan and a new client to Mesa Grill. It was my second time there. The first time was for brunch a couple of years ago, but I cant remember what I had to save my life.

Today when I went I was pleasantly surprised with the Grill. The ambiance is lovely and is located in one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC, 5th Ave - Flatiron.

I started with a salad which was by far the weakest part of my meal, Sophie's Chopped Salad. Not sure who Sophie is, but we sure have different taste in salad. There was no description on the menu so I figured it was just lettuce and some veggies chopped up. Plain and simple, nope not at all. It was filled with all types of beans, olives, tomatoes, cheese and just a little bit of lettuce. Others might like it, but not for me.

For my entree I got the shrimp tacos and they were AWESOME!!! It was a relatively small size, 8 little shrimp, 2 tortillas, slaw and three spreads, a green salsa, some yummy yellow sauce and guac! Even though I thought the portion was kinda small, it actually filled me. The shrimp and all the accompaniments were just delicious. I really could not ask for more.

I didn't get dessert but I did get a cappuccino that was perfect. It really hit the spot.

My dining companions also seemed happy with their choices. They got Tuna Nachos that got good reviews, a burger that looked huge and delicious and a fancy Cobb salad.

Sadly, there were some stomach aches after, but that is just par for the course sometimes my friends.

Good job Bobby Flay, my crush on you will continue!

Glen W. Bell - Rest in Heaven, Not Hell

This week the chain world lost one of it's great innovators, Glen W. Bell the founder of Taco Bell.

The first Taco Bell was in started in California is 1962. It now has thousands of locations in many different countries around the world.

I am pretty sure it was the first taco chain and the reason we have so many great Mexican chains to chose from today.

Taco Bell will always hold a very special place in my heart. I remember when I was in Teen Travel Camp, we would stop there for lunch or a snack before heading back after a trip. I would get a hard beef taco and cinnamon twists. It was such a delicious, fun treat.

When I went to college at BU and lived in Warren Towers, there was a Taco Bell on the first floor. I had many a meal here, usually two hard shell beef tacos. Then I learned about the wonders of burritos so I would have a beef burrito. For a college student, it was a cheap, quick meal. I loved Taco Bell because they let me alter my tacos and burritos to whatever I wanted and never fussed about it. I know there are a lot of fancy tacos and burritos on the menu like the Gordita and Nacho Crunch Burrito, but I kept it simple, kept it easy, like Greyhound!

Since living in Manhattan, I admit I don't go to Taco Bell as much as I used to. I am intrigued to go again, especially with their new drive thru diet thing going on now. It seems kinda gimmicky, but there are 7 choices, with 4 of the choices, all of them the tacos, all under 200 calories. Not terrible, but you would probably need 2 to be full.

I think in honor of the great Glen Bell I will go try some of these items in his honor.

RIP good man, you were truly an innovator.

Yo Quiero Taco Bell - iconic!

Wendy Williams Embraces the Chain - How you doin??

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to appear on the fabulous Wendy Williams show. It was a dream come true. Wendy was a very sincere person and seemed very down to earth. She acted the same when the cameras were running and when they were off.

One of the nicest things about the experience of going to the show is the fact that while you waited for the show to begin, she provided lots of Dunkin Donuts munchkins and coffee for everyone in the audience. How lovely is that? She should get them to sponsor her show the way Starbucks does Morning Joe. If I was Starbucks, I would demand Mika be removed from the show because she is so nauseating, she might make people throw up their Starbucks every morning.

New Mexian Chain Opening Soon!

I interupt your online surfing for a breaking news alert.
Nina just informed me, throught an article on NYMag.com (please note, I am in no way promoting the competitor) that there is a new mexican buritto chain opening in midtown east. It is called Oaxaca. The menu pretty much looks exactly the same as Chipotle. I guess once it opens I will go and taste it to see how it compates.
Here is the link to the article to see for yourself.

http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2010/01/tropical_twofer_oaxacan_and_po.html

Beyond that link, it was hard to find much info on the chain itself. Oaxaca is a pretty common name for Mexian joints.

Amber - Not My Color of Choice

Since it is so cold in NY, I really do not enjoy leaving my apartment except for work purposes or meeting my people for wine.

Good thing, pretty much every place in NY delivers.

In my old age, I have tried to acquire some sort of taste for sushi. No, I am not putting Tuna or Eel or some other weird thing in my delicate mouth, I eat what I have dubbed "Rori Sushi." What is that you might be asking yourself. Well it is strictly "sushi" only made with vegetables, shrimp and rice. Also, I refuse to put any form of seaweed in my mouth so I sub for some rice paper. I know, you are saying, Rori, that is not sushi and therefore you have no right to comment on sushi. I see your point and I don't usually agree with people. That being said, this is my blog, if you don't like my views, too bad. Go read some fancy food blog where people eat pork belly and bone barrow.

OK, back to the food. First mistake with my delivery, they forgot the edamame. That sucked, because I was really in the mood for it. They didn't charge me at least. I ordered a cucumber avocado roll and a shrimp avocado roll. Neither of them were very good at all. I was eating it, just to eat it, I really wasn't enjoying it. Especially the cucumber avocado roll. It was way heavy on the cucumber, should have had more avocado if you ask me. Also for some reason the thought of the shrimp was making me sick. Perhaps I should stick to shrimp tempura.

Amber also has a full menu of Asian cusine of non-sushi choices so maybe that stuff is better.

There are two locations in Manhattan, one in Murray Hill and one on the Upper East Side. The one on the Upper East Side has actually been featured on Real Housewives of NYC (Ramona and her husband dine there). How is that for a fact you don't need?

Anyway, the atmosphere here is really nice, trendy, for a not too expensive Asian place. They also have a nice drink menu too. I think I would give them another try if I was in the mood for a more upscale restaurant in the hill.