Chain of Food

Ridge Hill is Chain Hill

2011-12-01T10:37:00.001-05:00

Wow, wow, wow! We have a new chain mecca in Westchester County and it is located at the new manufactured village of Ridge Hill. Nesteled atop what might have been a landfill in beautiful Yonkers, NY right off of the NY State Thruway and up the hill from the famous Murray's Ice Skating Rink where I spent a good part of my youth, this new shopping, eating and entertainment complex is a RorDawg heaven. Since this is a food blog and not a shopping blog I will focus on all of the dining options. Stay tuned though because I have big ideas for Chain of Clothes. Big ideas, HUGE!
Right now only a portion of the chains are open at Ridge Hill but they include Yard House (where I dined and will write a full review in a later post),and Cheesecake Factory (back in my heart with their skinnylicious menu). Opening in 2012 we have Brio (an Italian chain, doesn't excite me that much - let me know if you think otherwise), Oh wait, I take it back. I just went on their website and the first thing I saw was a $5.00 martini night and $2.95 bar menu. I am in!!! Lots of fun things on that bar menu like Spicy Shrimp and Eggplant, Ravioli Caprese and Spinach Artichoke Dip. Also opening in 2012 is the one my little Yussie (Brett) is most excited for Texas de Brazil. It looks like this place has a massive salad bar. I could get behind that. The other part, all that endless meat, might not really be for me. I would try it with Yussie though. Elevation Burger is opening (cute, fun burger place but with all the other options not sure I will go), Havana Central (Cuban NY chain) and Barbes (this is the TOTALLY random one - only one other location is that weird kinda corporate, kinda Murray Hill location). The food is described as Parisian and North African. No thanks. I'll stick with the Yard House and watch sports and drink beers thank you very much!
Ridge Hill, good job! I just wish something like this would open in Rockland County. Jesus knows they ceretainly need it!

Beanie Welcome to NY!!!

2011-11-15T18:48:00.001-05:00

It is with great pride and joy that I announce the opening of a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in the greatest city in the world...New York!!!
Yes, one of my favorite coffee chains has finally open in this grand city. I knew it was opening but when my roommate/friend Cookie told me she had it after a meeting last week I was beyond stoked. This Monday I made sure to change my usual walking route to work and venture an extra avenue west so I could be one of the first people to experience the NYC Coffee Bean. If you are not familiar with Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf it is a mainly west coast coffee house chain where Perez Hilton used to sit and blog. See, you can become famous blogging!!! I have hope!
Anyway, I made my way to 40th and Broadway and was surprised to see how unassuming this new branch was. I was also surprised how empty it was. I have to assume people just don't know about it yet. I went kinda basic and just got a large iced coffee. The best thing at Coffee Bean are definittly their lattes, and Iced Blended treats, even their sugar free ones but they still have a bunch of calories so I figured for a Monday just go basic and low cal. At first sip I was transported right back to LA and all my fun times there. Then I looked up and was brought right back to the hussel of Times Square. Then I walked by that big Forever 21 and saw some cute sequin tops and was happy again. To go with my coffee I also got a yummy parfait. They have a large variety of muffins for sale too and they look smaller than the ones sold a lot of other coffee so I assume they aren't too bad for you. I have had the morning glory one a few times and have always enjoyed it.
I will admit, next time I go I will probably get a sugar free latte. The coffee was good, but it ain't a latte!
Also, since I am writing about coffee I should mention that I had Starbucks today and they were giving away samples of their Caramel Brulee flavor. UMM OMFG, that is heaven. HEAVEN. Also pretty solid my sis Sombs and her Keuric Pumpkin Spice Coffee.
Sorry, I had to mention that.
But if you are in NYC and are near Times Square, go indulge, get a fun Iced Blended Coffee Bean and enjoy! If you are not, go try that Caramel Brulee at Starbucks. You will thank me.

Getting Frisky with the Frisco

2011-11-03T13:05:00.000-05:00

There are not many chain restaurant openings that have excited me as much as the new Del Frisco's Grille in Rockefeller Center. In fact when the chain first opened in August I made sure my family was there opening weekend (and daddy's birthday) to be amongst the first to see what our favorite steak chain had up their sleeve with their new kid sister. I was so pleased with almost everything about Del Frisco's Grille that I have been back a few times since my initial tasting and have continued to be more than pleased.
Del Frisco's Grille is what those in the entertainment world might call a spin-off. Ala Melrose Place, A Different World, and the Colbert Report.   The first location is in Rock Center as previously mentioned with a second opening shortly in Dallas.
I have been able to sample many things on the menu. My favorites have been the delicious flat bread pizzas (roasted tomato) to eat as an appetizer and the generously portioned Prime Steak Sandwich that is filled with juicy steak cooked to your liking and hhorseradish sauce that gives a nice kick. It is served with chips but you can easily substitute any of their sides like I did. I went with the mashed potatoes that are of course delish!   They are buttery and or oily but worth the indulgence if you only have a few bites. I also really enjoyed the truffle mac n cheese as a side dish but admit I haven't really met a truffle mac n cheese that I didn't like.   The cheesesteak egg rolls are a signature appetizer but I will say I am not thrilled by them. I mean of course they are good but not amazing and if you are going to be eating a big steak meal of sorts you don't really need them. I would get them maybe if i was just going for drinks at the bar and was in the mood for something fun after a few glasses of vino. I also threw my bone rules out the window once and had a lollipop chicken wing that was quite tastey. If I was able to eat something with a bone that means it had to be good.
The Grille also offers classic Del Frisco steaks in addition to the more casual fare like sandwiches and entree salads. I like going with the more unique options when I am dining here though. I guess it is the novelty of it all! With it's location in Rockefeller Center I can see this being a very cool place to go during the holiday season. How nice will it be to sip a light Pinot Noir (that is for my Cookie), share a flat bread pizza and look at the tree. Sounds lovely, I am sure I will be doing just that soon!!!!

Oh wait, one thing did really annoy me. The price of their signature cocktail (THE VIP Svedka Clementine Vodka Infused with Fresh Hawaiian Pineapple) is $16 buckaroos. I think thatis a bit much. I guess ill just stick to wine there even though I am a sucker for those vodka infused drinks.

A Little Pump for Pimp

2011-10-24T12:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Fall Everyone. I usually hate this season because I am such a summer person but due to the fact that I have developed some sort of weirdo sun allergy in my old age I am learning to embrace the other seasons like Fall. Fall into the Gap ( love that old commercial). So since I am learning to love Fall I want to bring up something I that is helping me fall in love with this season and that is Pumpkin coffee. Starbucks has had their Pumpkin Spice Lattes for a while and I always enjoyed them but I wasn't as obsessed with them as everyone else and thought they weren't worth all the calories. A few weeks ago I noticed Dunkin Donuts was also promoting a new Pumpkin flavor. As an expert food blogger I knew I had to try. Well from first sip I WAS HOOKED. My first thought was OMG, I don't even need my go to sweet and low with this bad boy. Since I opted for the coffee and not the latte I thought oh there probably aren't that many calories in this. I kept on drinking them, even after my weekend runs. I made friends with the Dunkin Donuts worker in Murray Hill. He is very nice and would ask how many miles I ran. When he was making my Iced Pumpkin Coffee with skim milk I noticed how many pumps of Pumpkin flavor he put in and it was A LOT. Oh no I thought, there is no way this has minimal calories. So of course I went online and looked at the nutritional information. It isn't terrible, but it isn't good either. As you might know, I only ingest calories through drinks if it contains alcohol. I mean, why waste it you know. A medium Iced Pumpkin Coffee with skim has 160 calories. Again, not terrible but 160 can add up after a while. So my thoughts on this are it is a perfect treat. Kinda like a tasti d lite. Won't kill your diet but probably not something you should drink everyday. So for now only a little pump for the non-existent pimp!

Skinny Dipping in the Cheesecake

2011-10-05T13:04:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I had my weekly visit with my parents. Sometimes I get lucky and they pick me up and take me to a joyous NJ mall. I love that because it allows me the flexibility of having my weekend in the city but also the luxury of spending time in one of my favorite places, a mall! I am a GREAT mall shopper. Watch out Banana Republic sale rack, I am coming.
Anyway, on my latest trip to the mall I suggested we go to Cheesecake Factory. I hadn't been for a while and figured I could get something like brunch on a Sunday. Well much to my surprise and glory I was introduced to their Skinnylicious menu (ugh the name sounds like something someone at a NJ mall would say). Besides the annoying menu name, the menu is a pure delight. It isn't just a list of five bland, boring, blah dishes like salmon and broccoli. Instead it is a full menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts, with something for everyone! Including Captain Picky McPicky, me!!
I went with the chicken pot stickers for my meal. They are an appetizers so it is not a huge portion, but were quite tasty and under 500 calories! My mom got a turkey and avocado sandwich and seemed happy with her choice. Other items that stick out to me were the arugula salad because it contained raisins, nuts and cheese - a true Rori salad, chicken lettuce wrap tacos in 3 versions - Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican, a veggie burger, an Asian chicken salad, flatbreads, various chicken entrees with veggies and rice and of course many low calorie drinks like sangria and mojitos. Anyone who reads this blog knows, I love my low calorie chain options so this is obviously a welcome addition! Good job Cheesecake!!

And She's Back ...With a National List

2011-10-04T12:34:00.000-05:00

America, rest assured, I am back. Yes the economy might be tumbling, wars are going on, weirdos running around Wall Street but we do have two things to be happy about. 1 - My girl Amanda Knox is free 2 - I have decided to blog again. Why you might ask? A few reasons. The most important one is that when I run into people who haven't seen me in a long time the first thing they ask is why haven't you updated the blog. I always come up with some grandiose excuse like I am too busy volunteering at soup kitchens, rescuing dying puppies or sitting on my couch watching copious amounts of TV including Breaking Bad and my ultimate guilty pleasure Most Eligible Dallas (oh I am so happy Matt and Court are getting together!). Anyway, I decided those are bad excuses so today is the day I shall blog again and one day hope to have my dream come true. The dream you ask??? To have my blog turned into a reality show staring yours truly traveling around the world to different chain restaurants trying them out and giving my take on their offerings. A girl can dream!
So I saw this article on Huff Po (not that I read that liberal garbage, it came up on my AOL front page) and decided to blog about it and see what everyone else thought about the list Market Force (whatever that is) published of America's Favorite Casual Chain Restaurant. You will see many of the RorDawg faves are up there! See, I know what I am talking about.

1) Cheesecake Factory - holla - stay tuned for my update on their skinny menu
2) Texas Roadhouse - Yussie
3) Olive Garden - Eh
4) P.F. Changs - should be higher
5) Carrabba's - long name lot;s of repeat letters

For the rest of the list, see the link below.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/03/americas-favorite-casual-dining-chains_n_991997.html?icid=maing-grid7|aim|dl4|sec1_lnk2|101207#s384365&title=1_Cheesecake_Factory

Seasons of Love

2011-05-08T20:11:00.001-05:00

Last Friday my coworkers and I had our monthly chain lunch at Olive Garden in Times Square. We know how to keep it classy. On my way out I noticed a large number of men who looked like they were managers of the restaurant. Yes, there is a certain look to an Olive Garden manager. I wanted to impress them with my knowledge of chains so I asked them if a Seasons 52 would ever open in NYC. You see the Olive Garden and Seasons 52 both are part of the Darden restaurant group. If you are not familiar with Seasons 52 it is a lovely more upscale chain with all healthy and low calorie dishes. It is fab.

So to make a long story short the managers smiled at me and said, "it might be sooner than you think." WOWZERS!!! Could this be true? I really hope so. I looked on their site and didn't see anything about a NYC opening but it could be soon! I did see that they are opening one in Roosevelt Field in Long Island. That in itself is very exciting and a perfect spot of a Seasons 52. I can see the pre Boca crowd really digging this place. I would perhaps take a ride to good ol' LI to check it out. Maybe? I just really hope one opens up in NYC. Stay tuned!

PANERA WELCOME TO MY ISLAND!

2011-04-20T11:19:00.000-05:00

It is with much joy that I announce the opening of Panera one of my favorite, soup, salad, sandwich chains to the great island of Manhattan. This has been long overdue. I am thinking of attending the opening.
Sadly, the first Panera is opening in the vast no mans lands of 7th Avenue between 29th and 30th not really close to my office but is actually right near the UCB training center. Too bad I am taking a break from UCB to focus on TV watching, the gym and work. It would have been nice to stop for dinner there on my way to class. Nice incentive to start taking classes again maybe.
Stay tuned for more details on the official opening date.
XOXO
http://ny.eater.com/archives/2011/04/panera.php

I am Gonna Sit at The Counter

2011-03-29T19:50:00.001-05:00

Do I believe in love at first sight? I don't really know because stuff like that is way too deep for me. Do I believe in lust at first sight? Yes! I am in LUST. With what you might be asking??? A hot Yankees fan. Nope! Charlie Sheen. Yes!   The Counter a new burger chain in Times Square. YES! Yes!! YES!!!
A few weeks ago one of my Mediavest Ad Agency friends told me about The Counter and how awesome it was. I think the topic came up because I told her about my love of sauces. She mentioned that you can create your own burgers there from lots of different varieties and add any type of sauce you could imagine. Wow, sauces galore. I was in!!  A few days later we planned a lunch with her team.
The second I walked in I could tell this place was going to be great and the lovely gay couple next to me talking about doing each other because they were bored only added to the ambiance!!!
To start everyone is given a sheet of paper and pencil where they can fill out what they want for their custom burger. You pick the meat, cheese, bread, (or no bread and make it a salad), toppings and ... wait of it...SAUCE!
I went with a amazingly fantastic pick. I got a veggie burger with grilled pineapple, craisins, lettuce and carrots. For my sauce pick, well I couldnt just pick one, so I picked two and alternated my dips. I went with the apricot sauce and the honey mustard. Both were delish!!!! Others that stood out to me were the Basil Pesto (duh, never met a Pesto I didnt like) and the Peanut Sauce (same could prob be said for Peanut Sauce). From the pictures posted I think you can tell just how delicious it was. I can firmly say it was one of the best veggie burgers I ever had in my life. I know I need to go back and try the beef too. If they can make a veggie burger that fab, I can only imagine what they can do to a cow. Moo Moo!
The Counter also has great side dishes/appetizers. We went with the sweet potato fries which are always a hit and the fried pickles. Amazing!!!!!
What is great about this place is that you can have fun and order fun stuff and stay kinda healthy if you don't go crazy with the fried stuff and stick with the veggies and salads.
According to their website they have a lot of locations on the West Coast. I hope they expand and open up more in NYC so I can sit at Counters beyond Times Square!

VICTORY!!!

2011-03-09T13:21:00.002-05:00

Wow, that was way easier than I expected it to be. I finished 2 Chipotle burritos in under 15 minutes and am really not even that full. I went with one steak burrito and one chicken burrito. I def liked the steak one better. Truthfully I found the chicken a bit gross, I am just such a picky chicken eater. I went steak first and it was no problem. It was delicious and went down easily. The chicken was a bit harder, not because I was full, because I just didn't like the quality of the chicken. Everyone in the office was quite impressed with how easily I did it. The other person participating also finished his easily but as one of my co-workers said it isn't as impressive to see a big dude eat 2 burritos, it is cool that you can do it. DUH Winning!!!!

My pre-eating technique was drinking the night before and not eating a huge dinner then only having a granola bar for breakfast. I am going to skip dinner tonight but have a feeling I might be hungry again soon. I am pretty gross. Healthy Rori starts RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!! I was thinking of giving up candy for Lent but then realized I am a Jew and then also realized I didn't want the Taste D/candy store to go out of business because I am celebrating a holiday that isn't even mine.

The Burrito Challenge

2011-03-07T13:35:00.002-05:00

It is March, I am going to Miami in less than a month, will be spending a big part of my summer on the beach in Fire Island and like always have eaten like a pig, drank like a fish all winter long and for the first time in a long time have not made the gym a priority. Instead I have been focused on other things like watching Californication and Improv. I recently decided enough is enough, I am going to get back on track and get in shape again! Too much going on to let it all go. But alas I heard a competition calling and I needed to participate. My co-workers made a statement that Chipotle Burritos are so big how do people eat them. Of course I had to butt in and say no they arent. I could probably eat 2 (when will i ever learn to just keep quiet). From there my co-workers challenged me to prove it to them and I said sure, no problem. I do not let people challenge me and then back down. If I say I am going to do something, I am. Why can't I just be normal and say, yes the burritos are so big, it is so gross to eat so much food. Nope, gotta act all big and bad. From that tiny statement, it has now turned into a floor wide event with another person also participating. Granted this dude is probably 6 foot tall and has at least 50 lbs on me. Many people have tried to give me advice on how to do it. I am torn. There are some days I do have a huge appetite and can eat a gross amount of food, but that is usually when I am drunk or hungover. Most of the time when I eat I get sick afterwards. I am very worried what will happen on Wednesday at noon in the 4th floor conference room. Do I show up to work hungover in the hopes of it helping me scarf down my two burritos or do I do the challenge RAW? Raw like the RorDAWG! I guess healthy March will start after Wednesday!

Taco Ew

2011-01-25T11:35:00.000-05:00

I think I might have to become a vegetarian again. Prob not because it was getting kinda annoying not being able to eat meatballs or chicken parm but this story is pretty gross. I used to eat a fair amount of Taco Bell in high school and college. I guess I don't really eat it anymore but how gross is it to find out that only 36% of the meat is actual beef. Here is the list of ingredients.
Water, isolated oat product, salt, chili pepper, onion powder, tomato powder, oats (wheat), soy lecithin, sugar, spices, maltodextrin (a polysaccharide that is absorbed as glucose), soybean oil (anti-dusting agent), garlic powder, autolyzed yeast extract, citric acid, caramel color, cocoa powder, silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent), natural flavors, yeast, modified corn starch, natural smoke flavor, salt, sodium phosphate, less than 2% of beef broth, potassium phosphate, and potassium lactate.

It is not the worst list ever. Water, chilli pepper and onion powder aren't that scary. I think just knowing that it is less than half actual beef is the weird part.
Here is the link to the article from Gizmodo.
http://gizmodo.com/5742413/this-is-what-really-hides-in-taco-bells-beef
Yo Quiero Taco Bell!

Brother Jimmy's is Gonna Pack Some Meat

2011-01-21T16:17:00.000-05:00

Nina just let me know this breaking news but Brother Jimmy's is going to be opening up ANOTHER location, this one in the meatpacking district. I think we have enough Brother Jimmy's in the city already. It is bad enough there is one in cheeseball heaven Windsor Court. I have a feeling this one is going to be even cheesier and be a hot spot for bridge and tunnel action. No thank you.

Here is a link to the story so you can check it out yourself.

http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/35754?utm_campaign=Feed%3A+trdnews+%28The+Real+Deal+-+New+York+Real+Estate+News%29&utm_content=Google+Reader&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=feedburner

This is totally random but they should open up a Brother Jimmy's at the Jersey Shore. That would be AWESOME. I would pay to chill with my girls JWoww and Snookie there.

RorDawg Likes Blue Dog

2011-01-18T20:36:00.000-05:00

I apologize a lot, mostly for not blogging enough. So I apologize but I am back. I figure I would start the new year of blogging by writing about my new favorite lunch spot near my new office. My new friend told me about Blue Dog Cafe and said I would probably like it. At first I couldn't remember the name which is kinda ironic because you would think RorDawg would remember Blue Dog but no. I guess all those white wines are getting to my brain, or perhaps it is old age, who knows?

There are two Blue Dogs in NYC, one on West 56th and the other on West 25th near Madison Square Park. The atmosphere here is not like your typical NY lunch spots. It looks like it should be in some hippie town not the middle of a bustling metropolis. Also there is nowhere to sit which is kinda annoying. It would be nice to take a friend here and enjoy a nice lunch but not possible with no seats.

Everything at Blue Dog is fresh and homemade. Pretty much the opposite of everything in my kitchen. They have a large breakfast menu that has lots of interesting sandwiches like Nutella and Banana as well as all these fresh fruit drinks and smoothies. I have never had any of these but I am sure they are good.

When I go for lunch I pretty much get the same thing every time. I get a small soup and half a sandwich. The soups I love are all vegetarian (of course) and my favs are the minestrone, lentil and garden vegetable. For sandwiches, I stick with two and both are fab! My true number one is the fresh mozzarella, pesto, basil and tomato sandwich on a lovely baguette. That is when I feel like splurging. When I am trying to be "healthy" I get the hummus and avocado sandwich on whole grain braid. Also delish!!! I read some reviews on Yelp on this place and it pretty much got rave reviews overall so I am clearly not the only fan.

If you live or work by this place you should def check it out. It is a little pricey, but whatevs. It is worth it for the quality.

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

2010-12-10T17:37:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-07T20:31:00.001-05:00

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

2010-11-23T11:39:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-06T19:37:00.000-05:00

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

2010-10-25T19:56:00.001-05:00

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

2010-09-27T20:19:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-09-08T20:07:00.001-05:00

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

2010-09-06T21:11:00.001-05:00

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

2010-08-30T21:47:00.000-05:00

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

2010-08-19T14:34:00.000-05:00

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

2010-08-13T14:34:00.001-05:00

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

2010-08-09T13:58:00.000-05:00

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

2010-08-02T13:04:00.000-05:00

Add caption

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

2010-07-29T13:35:00.000-05:00

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

2010-07-07T10:25:00.000-05:00

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

2010-07-05T18:43:00.001-05:00

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

2010-06-06T19:34:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-26T17:20:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-10T19:44:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-04T20:16:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-03T13:47:00.002-05:00

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

2010-04-30T16:13:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-25T18:53:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-21T21:19:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-21T16:56:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-20T16:11:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-18T19:45:00.001-05:00

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

2010-04-14T21:19:00.001-05:00

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

2010-04-12T21:10:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-05T20:16:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-23T19:55:00.003-05:00

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

2010-03-21T14:08:00.002-05:00

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

2010-03-13T07:06:00.003-05:00

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

2010-03-01T20:11:00.003-05:00

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!

2010-02-24T10:23:00.002-05:00

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

2010-02-23T21:25:00.002-05:00

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

2010-01-19T21:32:00.003-05:00

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??

2010-01-15T16:54:00.003-05:00

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!

2010-01-12T17:50:00.002-05:00

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

2010-01-11T20:18:00.004-05:00

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.

Yes, I Will Pick A Bagel

2010-01-03T18:48:00.002-05:00

I recently discovered something life changing. The bagel delivery. I can wake up with my usual weekend hangover, rollover to find my phone and within 30 minutes have a hot delicious bagel, coffee and water (sometimes a Diet Peach Snapple too) at my fingertips. With this luxury, I see no need to leave my apartment in the winter months besides maybe to buy beaded t-shirts and statement necklaces at JCrew. SandiCheeks LOVES the bagel delivery too. Probably because it proves to her just how lazy I am and its not something you can do in Rockland.

Usually I order from Bagel and Schmear (not a chain) but yesterday for some reason they were not answering their phones. After a minor cardiac arrest, I got myself together and realized they were not the only bagel place that would deliver. In fact, if my memory serves me right (and it did) there is Pick A Bagel on 23rd st and they would probably deliver to my little palace in the hill.

I used my new computer to look up the telephone number and found some reviews. The reviews said the people that answer the phone to take your order are mean so I was a bit intimated at first. But, that was not the case at all. I even asked what kind of whole wheat bagels they had, and that, that is when I found my happiness. It was almost as good as meeting a tall pizza bagel, who likes the Yankees and wants to take me to Puerto Rico for the weekend. The lady told me they had whole wheat cinnamon raisin bagels. What? I never heard of that. Umm yes I will have that.

I was quite pleased when my delivery arrived. It came pretty fast, and the bagel was huge and tasty! The coffee was also good and made the way I like it, plus with extra sweet and lows. The only down side is that they have a minimum for delivery. No biggie though, I just order Diet Peach Snapple to get to the $10.oo mark.

There are 6 Pick a Bagels all around New York City. You can stop in and try it yourself or be a lazy lard like me and have it delivered to you.

New Year, New Computer, New Blogs

2010-01-03T18:40:00.005-05:00

She's back!!!
Happy New Year everyone. So far I have not been good with my resolutions, but the most important one I am going to stick to. Starting blogging again girlfriend. This is a work of art, how could I ignore it for so long? I think I was just so overwhelmed all fall with the Yankees and I lost track of what was important to me. Food, chain food to be exact. I apologize and promise to blog again. I got a new computer for Hanukkah, holla, so I have no excuses. I am also stealing lots of wireless Internet, it is kinda like using a fake idea when you are under 21. Thrilling!

Citi Field - you might not get a good game, but you can get a good meal

2009-09-01T08:03:00.003-05:00

A few days ago my cell phone rang. It was my good friend and loyal Chain of Food reader Brian calling. I must be psychic because I knew what he was going to say. I quickly blurted out, you have tickets to the Mets game, yes I want to go!

There it was, my chance to see how the other half lives. What do these lesser fools feast on while watching their team lose? The great debate could finally be put to rest. Which is the superior chain food stadium?

At Citi Field, there is your standard chain fare, like Nathan's and Carvel. I had some Nathan's fries that night and no surprise, they were delish, always are!

Of course, the big draw at the stadium is the famous Shake Shack. When I went to Shea, I mean Citi Field, I knew I had to try Shake Shack. I would wait on the ridiculously long line so I could finally see what all of the fuss was about. Brian explained I had to not just try a burger, but a shake as well. A burger and a shake? My little kosher fairy would not be happy with this move, but I am a food blogger, so I had to go all out.

At first sip, I really loved the vanilla shake. Then I realized, I don't think there has ever been a shake I didn't love. I just don't indulge in them all the time. Of course it is good, it is a shake, creamy and delicious!

When I sat down to watch the game, it was time for my first bite. The anticipation was killing me. Now, I know I am going to upset a lot of people when I write this, but I really don't understand what all of the fuss is about. Sure the burger is tasty and the special Shake Shack sauce is good, but the whole thing is rather greasy and I didn't find the actual burger that great. I like a thicker, more juicy burger.

The other famous chain option at Citi is Blue Smoke (now a chain bc of the 2 locations). I did not have a chance to try it at City yet, but I do like it in Manhattan. The menu is not that impressive at the field. There are only a few choices on the menu, no chicken, just pork, and I am not really a pork person.

Overall, there are a lot of impressive food choices at Citi Field, like Catch of the Day which has a Shrimp Po' Boy (I don't like my boys Po'), Box Frites (love me some French Fries, just not French people except the Roys and Carla Bruni) and El Verana Taqueria which has Steak Tacos and Chicken Mole Tacos. Now, all these choices are very grand and wonderful, but they are not chains. Therefore, due to actual lack of chain choices, I have to give my chain crown to that magical building in the Bronx, Yankee Stadium!

P.S. The Met obviously lost that day.

Whole Lotta Love

2009-08-25T12:42:00.004-05:00

There has been a whole lot of interntal debate about whether Chain of Food should include Whole Foods in it's marvelous blog. Clearly, by reading this posting, you'll realize that a decision was made. Let's write about it. It is too good to ignore!

While primarily a supermarket, most Whole Foods also include giant premium hot and cold food bars and options like sushi, pizza and hot entrees. It is really a foodies paradise. Walking in, one might get overwhelmed with all of the options. Sandi Cheeks for example, never knows what to do when she walks inside and usually ends up with a tuna sandwich. Then she sees me eating my feast and is alway so shocked on how I was able to navigate this food jungle.

Because of all the options, I head straight to the hot and cold bar. I am really bad at making decisions like do I wear a one shoulder dress on friday night or my black tank dress? These types of decisions keep me up at night tossing and turning. That's why I love a food bar so much! So many options - you can get everything! Actually, what bar don't I love?

Some of my favorite items are the chicken masala, which is pieces of chicken in an Indian sauce, the cranberry cous cous, eggplant parm, pesto tortillini, hummus and my most favorite........... the seasame tofu! OMFG, it is fabulous! It is the reason I am so in love with tofu. It tastes better than chicken here, which is a lot coming from the chicken finger queen!

Persy Please

2009-08-12T08:48:00.004-05:00

When one is in Cape Cod and sees a quaint restaurant that claims to have the largest breakfast and lunch men in all of New England, one seems to believe it. Well, one should not do that, because it is not true. There are a lot of things that are messed up about Cape Cod like the way they say scallop, the Barnstable cops, the traffic, and ...lying restaurants that claim to have the largest breakfast and lunch menu in New England. Now, I can't exactly tell you which restaurant in New England actually has the largest breakfast and lunch menu, but I am pretty sure it is not Persy's Place.

Persy's Place is, as I mentioned before, a quaint looking restaurant I recently dined at in Hyannis, Mass. There are a few other locations scattered around other parts of New England making it a chain. Sadly, the menu proclaims they are not a chain. Umm Persy, you're a chain. What are you so ashamed of? Craftbar, Nobu, Capital Grill, all chains. You are in good company. Persy, you should be more ashamed of your lying claim and sub par food.

So yes, the food was sub par. The menu, while large, really was not that diverse or interesting. Pretty much just standard diner options. Maybe a few unique omelet options but that is about it. I thought there would be fun wraps and salads, but no, just eggs served with Boston Baked Beans. Gross.

The one thing that did stand out on the menu was the corn chowder. It said it was grandmas secret recipe, and not that I ever met "grandma" but I figured I would give the lady a try. Well, maybe grandma should stick to knitting because the corn chowder was just ok. Hale and Hearty and Flavors in my building have much better chowder. I liked that it was served in an actual mug, but the chowder was rather oily and needs lots of salt & pepper.

For my meal I got a spinach and onion omelet which is pretty much my go to omelet. It was kind of greasy and not cooked very well. It was like a pancake with spinach and onions in the middle. The eggs came with home fries that were good and a HUGE piece of cornbread. The cornbread was definitely the best part. I don't think I ever had a bad piece of cornbread though.

The rest of the people I was dining with also did not seem too enthusiastic about their entrees. Maybe because we all were ready to get out of Cape Cod!

How Sweep It Is

2009-08-10T09:06:00.006-05:00

Last night I was pretty sure that the headline of the Post this morning was going to be How Sweep It Is. I was wrong, but in honor of the 4 game Red Sox sweep this weekend I will be blogging about the Hard Rock Cafe in Yankee Stadium. I have been a few times now for drinks and on my most recent visit some chicken fingers (obvi).

The Cafe is located in the stadium near Gate 6 on the ground floor. You don't need a ticket to go in which is very nice. Most of the times I am here, I am surprised how not crowded it is. It is not a huge place, most other Hard Rocks are much larger, but I figure the rent in the most prime South Bronx real estate must be quite high. The bar has your standard drinks, which is nice because if so some reason you want a Malibu Bay Breeze before the game, you don't feel like a tool ordering it here as you might at Stan's. That being said, if you actually did order a Malibu Bay Breeze and you are not 55+, you are a tool, actually, who am I to judge, drink what you want.

I really like the ambiance here. The Rock N Roll memorabilia on the wall is all related to NY or the Yankess. For example, the picture above with 50 in his Yankee hat.

The last time I was here I was with one of my most loyal chain of food readers, Brian. After the game we decided to let the crowds get on the subway and have a post win cocktail. Even though I ate in the Stadium we decided to get chicken fingers with multiple dipping sauces. They were excellent! Much better than anything you could get in the stadium (well maybe in the Legends seats, but I am not that fancy). The buffalo sauce was hot and the honey mustard was delicious. It was also a nice sized platter. The only annoying thing about the place is that the calorie count is listed on everything. Seeing how the chicken fingers had less calories than all of the salads on the menu was enjoyable though.

Next time I am here I would like to have a full meal, probably a hamburger or chicken sandwich with Swisher. That would be fun!

Baja Fresh - Finally

2009-07-21T12:50:00.005-05:00

Hola, so I finally did it. I treked on over to the east side from my office to check out the new Baja Fresh in ManHatTan. I know I should have gone sooner as I promised I would but at least I went! I am over the disappointment of the Post not using me in their Baja Fresh article and spoke to the editors to make sure that does not happen again.

One of Chain of Food's most loyal readers, Sarah, is leaving this great city to make her mark in DC. We met back when we were wee bit interns for Fox News (and one WWJD's roomate in college). Clearly, she is a smart girl because she loves da blog and da chain and was so enthusiastic about the Baja opening. To celebrate her big move we decided to get lunch at Baja Fresh, since DC is where I learned about its wonderfulness.

As expected it was awesome. Not too busy, boys with suits, and the amazing salsa bar. I saw a new addition to the bar, the mango salsa, very nice. I went with my old standby the Chicken Mexicano Burrito without the beans. Sarah got a Shrimp Diablo Burrito, very exotic. Both of us were happy and extremely stuffed after our meal.

Anyway, nice to have it in NY. More are opening soon so all New Yorkers can enjoy Da Freshness!!

Welcome to New York Timmy Ho!

2009-07-13T12:22:00.006-05:00

Non-stop on the news this morning was talk of the Canadian based coffee chain Tim Horton's opening up in NYC! As your go to woman for all things chain, I had to go to one this morning to see what all the fuss was about. I brought my new co-worker Kelly along for the ride. Little did I know, she was a Tim Horton's expert. She was talking about their sandwiches, special names for things, etc. She got an iced cappuccino which is actually frozen. It turns out they were free, so I got one too! It was pretty good, I still much prefer Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, but it is nice to have another option for coffee in Manhattan. You can tell Tim Horton just really wants to beat up Dunkin Donuts. Really, they are both pretty similar. I am not sure which one I like better. My allegiance is with Dunkin I guess. I have too many memories to just turn my back on them.

I am excited to try more stuff at Tim Horton's though like their soups and sandwiches. I tried some sort of Apple Fritter Donut thing and it was rather delicious. I also want to sample all of their iced coffee flavors like Mint and Cinnamon Bun. I tried to today, but they weren't ready yet.

Only in LA

2009-06-29T10:26:00.003-05:00

Only in LA would there be valet parking at Chili's. Whoever said that Chili's is not a classy establishment? I was lucky enough to check out the Chili's in Westwood and see it for myself after my very sweet clients invited me to their birthday shin-dig! I of course could not say no to margaritas and quesidillas.

The Airport Series - The Motor City

2009-06-28T19:18:00.004-05:00

If you are one of my close friends or just read my facebook updates, you will know that I was recently stuck in the Detroit airport on my way home from LA because of Thunderstorms in NY. I wasn't really annoyed at the situation because I figured it would be a great excuse to explore the chains of an airport I would not normally go to. I have to say, I was quite impressed, they had Friday's, Caribou Coffee, Coffee Beanery, McDonalds and my choice for dinner, Ruby Tuesdays. Right off the bat, this is by far the best chain restaurant that I have ever been to in an airport. The menu is not abridged at all and they even have their famous salad bar. I was so happy. Check out my picture above, doesn't that look awesome! That is a glass of Sangria and it was on special for just $4.00! If you are ever in an airport and see a Ruby Tuesday go in, you will have a great meal!

Best Chain Choices EVA!

2009-06-12T13:27:00.005-05:00

I am about to give an award for the Best Overall Chain Restaurant Mall in the South Eastern United States. That award is going to....drum roll please....The Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale. They have no bad chain restaurants at all, in fact they have four of the best. They include one of my all time favorites, Capital Grill, Olen family fav, PF Changs, Rori on a health kick fav Seasons 52 and Rori & SandiCheeks like to drink a lot of Martinis fav, Blue Martini. On my most recent trip to sunny and sometimes rainy Fort Lauderdale included two stops to this chain heaven. SandiCheeks and I decided to really take advantage of the 1/2 drink and appetizer specials at Blue Martini. Blue Martini is an upscale bar and lounge that features over 20 different fun martini varieties. My personal favorites were the Pink Passion (pictured above) and the Cantaloupe. If you ever are near a Blue Martini (they are mainly in the south) I really recommend going. The place is great! Even if the waitresses wear weird blue bustiers and sometimes you come across rather drunk Australians that decide they want to adopt your mom or couples that look like they could be on The Real Housewives of OC.

Breaking News!

2009-06-11T16:12:00.001-05:00

Baja Fresh has finally opened it's first NYC Location on 45th and Lexington.
I will be going there soon. Leave a message if you want to join me.
This is huge and awesome!

From What I Remember, Heartland Brewery Was Pretty Solid

2009-05-26T14:32:00.003-05:00

As a self proclaimed patriot, Memorial Day is a very special holiday to me. To celebrate the 3 day weekend I participated in pretty much a booze fest with my lady friends that are just as lady like as me. On Sunday I made my way to South Street Seaport and needed a hearty meal to get me through my marathon event. I decided that Heartland Brewery would be the best bet. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with my experience there. To start the meal we got the popcorn shrimp. They were very tasty and not too greasy at all. They were a great size to be shared with the group I was with. For my meal I got a big burger! It was cooked just the way I like it, medium and full of flavor. It was a very good burger. When I have been here before, the burgers were not as good. They also let me substitute mashed potatos for fries. The beers were also very good. I had to take a break to regroup a bit but my friends had some delicious ones, especially this raspberry flavored one. I had a sip and it was delicious. I really recommend the South Street Seaport location. With the opening of the new Water Taxi Beach down there, I have a feeling I will be down there a lot!

My Man is Mister Softee

2009-05-21T13:05:00.002-05:00

It is a beautiful day in NYC and there is no better way to celebrate than indulging in a marvelous treat, Mister Softee!! After lunch I went and got some vanilla frozen yogurt from my favorite Mister Softee truck on 45th and 6th. He offers a delicous fat free(so it says, who knows if it is true, doesnt taste fat free) vanilla frozen yogurt in a small cup for the discount price of $2.50. On a beauitful day like today, there is no better way to celebrate.

Little Chrissy got Mister Softee from a competing truck on 48th street and his chocolate soft serve (not yogurt) set him back $3.00 and came is a smaller cup. Ha ha suckah, learn from your elders!

Friday's $5.00 Special - A Great Deal Any Day of The Week

2009-05-20T15:06:00.002-05:00

If you are looking for a great food deal, here it is. Friday's is offering their entire sandwich and salad menu for $5.00. Yup just $5.00. At first I didn't believe it, but it is true, but I went and tested it out and it is.

I had the new Jack Daniels Chicken sandwich and it was delicious!!! It is a nice big, juicy chicken breast topped with bacon, onion straws, cheese and of course, Jack Daniels sauce. Friday's really perfected the Jack Daniels sauce, the same way I perfected being obnoxious!

They have expanded their sandwich and salad menu so there are a lot of great things to chose from and the portions are nice and big. I thought that the Shanghai Salad (it has dumplings on top), Strawberry Fields Salad, Chicken Parm Sliders (great idea!), and Thai Chicken Wrap all looked stellar. What I also love is that you can pick your side. I got a salad and it was delicious! Friday's - you are earning your way back to my chain of food heart!

The Chains of Dodger Stadium

2009-05-13T08:26:00.007-05:00

On my most recent visit to LA I took a trip to discover the chains of Dodger Stadium. Of course the day I chose for my expedition just so happened to be the day it was revealed that Manny was on the juice as well and would not be playing. That sucked, I was looking forward to booing him and that trader Joe Torre.
I had no idea what to expect on my arrival to the historic field. It is in a very pretty location, close to the city, yet the surrounding make you feel like you are in a mountain park wonderland.

The first chain I saw when I walked through the old, vintage gates was, OMFG, Gordon Biersch. Can you believe it, I love this place, which is surprising because usually I am no a big fan of German things. Now, they don't serve the food menu really, just beer, I had one. It was a heffenwizen and it was delicious! They also serve garlic fries and they looked and smelled off the chain! Another chain I noticed was Carls Jrs. Carls offered lots of premade burgers, fries and chicken fingers as well as a hot dog. I refused to order my hot dog there because I wanted a grilled one, not a boiled one.

In addition Dodger Stadium offers Wetzel Pretzels (which looked delicious), Panda Express and a chain pizza ( I forgot which one, sorry - bad blogger).

All and all not really stellar. I guess I am spoiled with my Yankee Stadium grandeur!

Yogurtland Is My Happy Place

2009-05-13T08:19:00.002-05:00

I know I wrote about Yogurtland already, but I am posting this picture to show my love for it.

I have figured out a way for me to move to LA. I am going to open a Yogurtland on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. It is a genius idea, hollah!

Maracas - Shake It

2009-05-04T09:44:00.002-05:00

Ahhh, what a lovely weekend I had! I was graced with the presence of Red Headed Kate all weekend! Kate?? No, no, not my old roommate, my bud from the days of being an ASSt.

To celebrate her bday and Cindo de Mayo we decided to go to a fun restaurant in the Village called Maracas. Well I order my huge Margarita and much to my delight I look at my cup and discover, Maracas is a chain. Awesome! Besides their West Village location, there is also one in Ft. Lauderdale. That means when I move to Boca to become a gym teacher (a secret dream I have) I will be able to relive my wild times as a 20 something in NY right in Ft. Lauderdale!

To start the meal we ordered guacamole. I like mine spicy, most of the girls at the table like it mild, boo, boring. Anyway, my spicy guac was just Ok. I would say most of the other Mexican chains in the city have a better, more original tasting guac. I was pretty happy with my Marg. At first I didn't think it was that strong but by my second jumbo sized glass, I could hardly get it down. For $17 bucks a glass, it better be strong! For my entree I went with the Steak and Chicken Fajitas. For fajitas, it really was not a big portion but that was ok, because when your are throwing back margs, you get pretty full and I tend to over eat and then get sick and feel rather bloated in my cute going out attire (TMI - sorry). The fajitas themselves were just ok. I mean they do not hold a candle to Jose Tejas, but really, what does? Other menu items that I thought looked good were the Avocado Shrimp Salad and Pollo Limon. Next time I would probably get the salad. Of course they also have Mexican staples like burritos, tacos and enchiladas, so you could go that way as well.

Truthfully, you don't really go here for the food, you go for the atmosphere and the fun. You see, if it is your birthday, they turn the music up, get the disco ball and lights going, play Happy Birthday and La Bamba, put a Sombrero on you, give you a cake with this crazy candle coming out and take your picture. Its a hoot!

Le Pain Quotidien - Everyday Bread or Bread Everyday - I Don't Know

2009-05-01T09:44:00.004-05:00

Not gonna lie I had to look up the definition of quotidien, I assumed it was French, but alas, I was incorrect. Le Pain Quotidien is actually a Belgian chain. Look at that.

Anyway, I apologize for taking some time off blogging. I have no excuse but I am back so...Hollah (yeah for some reason I say that a lot now).

So yesterday I met my buddy Alana for lunch here. Ah, how I miss actually having someone to get lunch with at work. I picked it because I have seen these opening up a bit and thought I should give it another try. You see the first time I ate here was when I was a wee-bit sales assistant who only ate things like chicken nuggets. When I went with some of my co-workers at the time they just loved it, I on the other hand was stuck eating bread with jelly. I believe the girls teased me about it and looked on in disgust. Perhaps that is why they would sometimes not include me on their happy hours. Whatevs, I can prob out drink them all now anyway. Ok, sorry for all the side stories, back to the food.

So yes, I totes eat more food now so I figured I would give it a try. The menu includes lots of sandwiches, tartines (just bread with stuff on top) and salads. Some that caught my eye were the Mozzarella di Bufala & Plum Tomatoes, Shrimp Salad (that has avocado and mango), Mediterranean Platter, Tofu Curry Salad Tartine and the Grilled Chicken and Smoked Mozzarella Tartine. But, the item that really caught my eye was the Black Bean Hummus Tartine and that is the one I went with. Overall it was pretty good but I found it kind of expensive for what it was. All it was, was 5 small slices of bread (that was actually a bit hard) with Black Bean Hummus and avocado on top. It it was more like an appetizer, not an actual meal. I wanted to get Mister Softee when I was done. My dining buddy said she was satisfied with her Turkey Tartine, I do not see how. I bet she was lying and probably could have gone for some Mister Softee too.

Also, the service here was not really that good. I had to ask for Sweet n Low a few times, they didn't have any, only Splenda, boo and our waitress got Alana's order wrong. Duh!

Besides the lunch items I mentioned this place has lots of teas, coffees and yummy looking desserts. I got a chamomile mint iced tea. It was just ok, nothing to write home about.

But the desserts look pretty awesome. They have this sweet Belgium Waffle (that should have probably given it away to me that this was a Belgian and not French place) thing that look amazing. They also had all sorts of tarts like a mixed berry one and a, hold on to your seats, a pistachio one. Those are probably awesome!

All in all, def not my fav place and I probably will not run back. Places like Urth Cafe are WAY better.

Nothing More American Than Times Sq, BBQ Food & Me!

2009-04-09T07:25:00.006-05:00

It has finally opened, Dave's Famous BBQ, on West 47th St. Three feet from my office and three feet from the Sbarro featured in The Office.

I went yesterday with some co-workers to test out the place and overall, it was a hit! The first time I went to a Dave's Famous BBQ, I did not love, but this time, I was much happier.

To start the meal I got a huge margarita. I was just having one of those days that I needed a drinky at lunch. I think I am old enough to do stuff like that now. Oh, I should note before I start talking about food, that the decor inside is super fun. You can tell by the pictures, they did a great job decorating the place. The bar is huge and will make a great happy hour destination. I just hope they eventually offer happy hour specials. In this tough economic climate, they would be silly not to. Also, the drink menu is very large with fun twists on Long Island Iced Teas and many Margarita flavors.

Ok, back to the food. The cutest thing they did at this place was give you a little bowl of french fries to dip all the sauces in to try them before your meal. It was a nice touch that let you see which BBQ sauce was the right one for you. No shock here, mine was Rich N' Sassy.

For my entree I went very simple, a grilled chicken sandwich and mashed sweet potatoes. The sandwich was huge, two big chicken breasts. I only ate one of them and smothered it in Rich N' Sassy sauce. The mashed sweet potatoes were not very good. They were kinda bland and could have used more cinnamon. My co-workers seemed very happy with their meal. Chrissy of course got a huge brisket platter and ate like half of it. His came with corn, corn bread (that was awesome), garlic mashed and my favorite.....mac n cheese. I ate a lot of his mac n cheese because it was awesome. It had corn and jalapenos in it. I would have got it as my side, but it said it had 710 calories and that scared me. I figured if I ate it off someone elses plate the calories would not count. Just like how they don't count in margaritas. My other co-worker who is currently touring Italy (figured I would send him off with a good ol'American BBQ meal before he has to eat awesome pasta and wine for 9 days and then find me a nice Italian Stallion to bring home in his spare time) got a pulled pork sandwich that he seemed happy with.

All and all, Dave's is a welcome addition to my work neighborhood. This is not the best BBQ you are going to find in the city, but it has a fun atmosphere, great location (for me) and some decent food.

First Look - The Chains of Yankee Stadium

2009-04-06T09:49:00.012-05:00

I was at the stadium all weekend getting pictures of all the chain restaurants.

According to Byron, the brisket at Brother Jimmy's is your best bet. I still need to have a meal at Hard Rock.

One very annoying thing, there are calorie counts on all of the items. Yup, that means every Miller Lite, you see that you are consuming 96 calories. A burrito, over 1,000. A foot long hotdog, 500 - that is a lean cuisine and 2 100 calorie snack packs (not so bad), mac n cheese from Brother Jimmy's, just 210!

The Great Debate - Which is Better for Chain Food Lovers Citi Field or Yankee Stadium

2009-04-01T15:33:00.003-05:00

It is almost spring time and all across NY there is such a buzz in the air about the opening of the two new ballparks. I am very excited because I have an obnoxious amount of tickets to Yankee games so I will be able to feast on all the new food options there a lot. I have to say though, Citi Field is definitely delivering in the chain food category and giving the new Yankee Stadium a run for their money. Everything looks so good, I might actually go to a Mets game.

Therefore I decided that I would have a Great Debate on Chain of Food asking readers which stadium has the better chain food options. As the season progresses, I will update everyone on the chain items I try. Oh and P.S. - I am going to meet the whole entire Yankee team tomorrow (hollah).

Yankee Stadium Chain Food

Hard Rock Cafe - wow a whole chain restaurant with awesome burgers - they get points for that

Brother Jimmy's - gotta love that, I love BBQ
Johnny Rocket's - I will be skipping that unless Jeter is singing to me in that white uniform

Moe's Southwest Grill - I have never been but will def hit it up, I have always wanted to try it

Famous Familigia Pizza - eh I don't really eat pizza at ball games

Nathan's Hot Dogs - I like my hot dogs kosher, unlike my men, but I know there will be Hebrew National as well

Citi Field Chain Food

Shake Shack - wowzers, that is huge and really a good idea for a ballpark. I just hope the lines are not as long as they are in Mad Sq Park bc Mets fans will miss the game

Blue Smoke - (now a chain bc they are at the Stadium) very good BBQ, but I am just as happy with Bro Jim, especially bc I read they are cooking the food in Manhattan and driving it to Queens.
Nathan's Hot Dogs - same feelings as my Yankee comments

*editors note - Citi Field has a lot of famous Chefs from the Union Sq Group and Tabla, but they are not really chains so I am not going to talk about them on the blog but they have this steak dish that looks delish.

I also refuse to talk about Sushi, because you should not eat Sushi at a game.

I have yet to read anything about Carvel, Dippin Dots or Dunkin Donuts at the stadiums but I have to assume they will still have stuff like that.

Again, I will be updating as I go to the stadiums, to let you know my thoughts as I try everything.

Let me know what you think.

Yogurtland is My Kind of Land

2009-03-24T10:34:00.002-05:00

Have you ever tried something or went somewhere and felt like you really found the place where you belong? I have similar feelings when I walk into Yankee Stadium, sip Sangria on a Yacht ( I have actually never done that, but I am sure I would love it) or stroll a sunny beach. The last time I was in LA I had this feeling again and it was when I walked into Yogurtland. Yogurtland is a chain of frozen yogurt shops located mainly on the West Coast. Thankfully they have one in Greenwhich Village so I can have my fix on both coasts.

I was talking about food in one of my meetings in LA (no shock here) and my lovely client told me about Yogurtland. I did not think much of it but when I had some time between meetings and passed one I thought I should try this place.

Wow, I am so happy I did. Yogurtland is a sweet heaven. They have a variety of frozen yogurt flavors that you can pick from, like Pistachio (my favorite), NY Cheesecake, Peanut Butter, Cookies and Cream, Mint, Vanilla, Chocolate, Pumpkin and some tart flavors that are similar to Pinkberry like Plain, Mango, Peach and Green Tea. The beauty is that it is self serve and you can pick whatever combination you like. That is awesome for someone like me who can never make up their mind on what they want. After you go crazy with the yogurt, you can go more crazy with the endless amount of toppings that they offer. Everything from mochi, cheesecake bites, sprinkles, oreos, lucky charms, granola, lychee, raspberries, bananas, chocolate chips, and gummi bears. Wow, it is a sensory overload for me in here. I love it, I can have a little coconut, a bit of strawberries, some mochi and lots of GRANOLA!!!! It is really an amazing treat and you can have as little or as much as you want because after you fill your cup, you just pay what it weighs. LOVE IT!!!!

Really, I can not sing Yogurtlands praises enough it has all I have been thinking and talking about since I got home. I have a feeling I am going to be here a lot in the coming warmer months. I just wish there more of these around and closer to my office or near my apartment.

Dunkin Donuts 100 Calorie Muffin

2009-03-03T09:05:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone is done puking after watching the pathetic Bachelor and ready for a morning filled with chain food delight. I, unlike the Bachelor, am not a pathetic Seattle rainy dork balding loser. I am a woman of my word, here to serve the loyal chain of food readers.

Therefore, when I saw that Dunkin Donuts had a new 100 calorie muffin I had to try it. A 100 calorie muffin is music to my ears, as I am the princess of 100 calorie packs. I was a few minutes early to work this morning so I decided to stop at the underground Dunkin and pickup one of these bad boys. They are called Angel Food muffins, they must be from heaven. I heard mixed reviews so I was excited to try it. At first bite, I thought hmmm not bad. A bit chewy but the cinnamon on top is quite good. The more I ate it though, the more disappointed I got. The muffin has a very strange texture, almost like it is not actually food. Perhaps, a cardboard sponge. The only part that is really tasty is the top because it is sprinkled with cinnamon. I think it would be a bit better if they sprinkled cinnamon throughout the muffin. All and all, the muffin is a 2 out of 10. I would not get this all the time, but if you are really in the mood for a muffin and only want to eat 100 calories, I guess get it, but I think there are better low calorie breakfast options out there. I do commend Dunkin for trying though. I am drinking their coffee right now and that still rocks!!!

In Honor of Top Chef

2009-02-26T14:31:00.004-05:00

Last night was the season finale of one of my new favorite shows, Top Chef. Everyone was saying how great the show was but I was afraid to watch because, 1 - I don't cook and 2- I do not eat 99% of the things they cook. For example, the thought of foie gras , venison and squab makes me sick. That being said, I started watching and am totally hooked. I was especially happy (spoiler alert) because my boy Hoosea won. He was my pick, I feel a special bond with him because he is a jew with a weird name, like moi. I do not like that he hooked up with that mess Leah though. I ate at Centro Venotecca and was not impressed. Sorry, raw egg ravioli is not good.

Anyway, in honor of the season finale where they had to cook their perfect 3 course meal, I have decided to create my perfect 3 course chain meal in 3 different categories - fast food, casual sit-down chain and high end chain. See below for my picks. This was a tough list to make and you might not agree, but alas, it is my blog and my opinions.

Fast Food

Appetizer - A Chicken Nuggets Mix from McDonalds, Chick-fil -A and Wendy's

Meal - Burrito from Baja Fresh with guac for the chips and a side of Nathan's French Fries

Dessert - Wendy's Frosty

Causal Sit-down Chain

A mix of breads from Cheesecake Factory, Texas Roadhouse and Joe's American
Appetizer - Jack Sesame Strips from Friday's

Meal - Mongolian Beef from P.F. Chang's with brown rice and extra sauce

Dessert - White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory

High End Chain

The bread basket from Capital Grill

Appetizer - Chicken Satay with peanut sauce from Tao

Meal - Filet Mignon from Del Friscos with their sweet potato mashed potatoes

Dessert - Creme Brule from Capital Grill

Free Pancakes at IHOP

2009-02-23T16:45:00.002-05:00

Another free breakfast to announce. This time IHOP is jumping on the bandwagon and giving away free pancakes on Tuesday, February 24th from 7 am - 10 am. Unlike Denny's, they are asking for donations towards the Children's Miracle Network. I am all about charity, considering I do not do any myself anymore. What an embarrassment to the Key Club I am. I think tomorrow I will stop by the closest IHOP, have some free pancakes, play around with all the different syrup options, I love the real fruity ones (of course I do) and donate a 20 spot or so to the Children's Miracle Network.

Supposedly it is National Pancake Day - I will eat to that!

Yonalisa - thanks for the info

Jackson Hole - A Chain Food Bust

2009-02-19T14:57:00.004-05:00

As any loyal reader of this site knows, I love traveling so I can explore all that different cities and countries offer in the culinary realm, especially what kind of chain restaurants they have. When I went to Jackson Hole, Wyoming I was expecting your typical fast food chains, maybe a Denny's and an Applebee's and perhaps some BBQ chains I was unfamiliar with.

Well, much to my dismay, Jackson Hole has only two chain restaurants, Wendys and Dairy Queen. That is it, no McDonalds, no Starbucks, no Chillis. I was shocked to say the least. I even asked the cab driver on the way to see the Elk, "Sir, do you have any chain restaurants here, you know like Friday's or Cheesecake Factory." His reply, "hmmm we used to have this 24 hr diner that was opened from 6 am - 9 pm, ha ha ha." Not funny cowboy man.

I really loved Jackson Hole, there are 7 cowboys for every cowgirl, to quote my dad, but I obviously could never live here. I would have a chapped face (like I do now) from skiing all day and then be fat from eating so much bacon wrapped steak at non-chain establishments.

The Denver Airport is a Chain Heaven

2009-02-18T18:01:00.002-05:00

I am blogging to you live from the Denver Airport and wow, it is a chain heaven. I have never seen an airport have such an amazing variety of wonderful chain choices.

In a 2 feet radius they have some of my favs, Caribou Coffee, Jamba Juice, TCBY and Wolfgang Puck Express. I never had Wolfgang Puck Express but I have to assume it is awesome. I got a spicy chicken pizza to take with me on the plane. The menu at WPE was really legit. They had tons of salads, chicken sandwiches, pizzas like the one I got, bbq chicken pizza, spinach mushroom and of course plain cheese. They also had mac and cheese and it looked awesome. I love mac n cheese in my old age now.

Other great choices here are Dominos (perhaps you are hungover on your flight and need some pizza), Auntie Annes, Burger King, Taco Bell, McDonalds, Quiznos and Ben and Jerry's.

There are also lots of great sit down restaurant options here, not all are chains. I would prob stick with Wolfgang Puck no matter what.

Ok, I have to get on my plane back home but stay tuned for more posts soon.

A Love Letter To McDonald's

2009-02-13T10:42:00.004-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day I am writing a letter to my true love....McDonald's.

Dear McDonald's,

I have been meaning to say this for a while, I love you. I love everything about you. You have been with me for as long as I can remember. You offered me a place to play in the Bronx when I was a little kid. Your hamburglar slide and fun ball pit were the home to so many wonderful memories and an array of birthday parites. Your happy meals and toys not only brought joy to me, but billions of kids around the world. The best gift you ever gave me for a happy meal were the mini barbie dolls and beanie babies (I was not even that young when I got the beanie babies).

McDonald's you taught me the true meaning of sweetness. Because of you, I learned how wonderful chicken nuggets taste with your honey. Nothing is better than your chicken nuggets dipped in honey.

You also taught me that bigger is better. What is better than a Super Sized order of fries? You should be proud my love, because you, yes you, perfected the art of french fry making. Nobody makes a french fry quite like you do. What I love most about you, is that you do not stop with the french fry, you also learn how to make the best hashbrowns in the world! I know you have helped millions of hungover people across the land with your delicious breakfast options.

You even make a great ice cream sundae. When I really want a treat, I get your vanilla ice cream with strawberries and nuts on top. It is pure brilliance, just like you.

As I grow older, I feel so does our love. You learn and do more like make a solid cup of coffee , the brilliant McFlurry and revolutionized the way we order food through your extra value meal menu.
No matter where I am in the world, when I see you, I feel sense of home and comfort.

McDonald's, I love you. Your golden arches will always have the most special place in my heart.

XOXO

Rori

I really am loving it!

Maybe Dreams Really Do Come True

2009-02-09T13:55:00.004-05:00

It is with great excitment that I bring you this breaking news. Put down your Chipotle Burrito, Baja Fresh is coming to town, midtown that is. Nini just let me know that on Lexington, between 45th and 46th a Baja Fresh is opening. Lucky me, that is not too far from my office. Someone up there is looking out for me. Baja Fresh is by far my favorite chain burrito place. It lives up to its name and is truly extremely fresh tasting.

I used to eat this all the time when I lived in DC. Especially after a big night at the Frontpage drinking dollar Coronas and flirting with GW dudes. Once in Boston, made Nina drive to some random suburb to go try it. We clearly had a lot of free time senior year. The last time I had it was when I was in LA. They have one in the Century City Mall. That is one killah food court. I could do a whole blog posting just on how kickA*s that is.

Anyway, I will keep you updated with more news about this opening. I will be sure to be there the first day it opens. Perhaps I may also do live blogging from the event.

The Ivy - Not Just A League I Will Never Be In

2009-02-08T21:39:00.004-05:00

I am back from a glorious business trip to LA. Everytime I go I love it more and more. This time I made a point to go to the grand daddy of celeb chains, The Ivy. Perhaps you live under a rock and have never heard of it but The Ivy is a LA chain. There is one on Robertson Blvd where all the celebs and paparazzi hang out. I did not go to that one because I am already a pretty bad celeb stalker, I thought going there would really be crossing the line so I decided to go to the one in Santa Monica. That being said, I had no shame in waiting in line at an Armani Exchange to get a picture with that hottie with the abs from Lip Stick Jungle.

The Ivy at the Shore has a lovely ambiance, it reminds me of a fancy southern patio. There is, you may have guessed, lots of Ivy. The menu is a large menu of very standard American food with some Mexican and Italian influences. To start we got the guacamole and I was very impressed. It was not made fresh in front of you but it was very tasty. The best part was that it was served with warm tortillas. I love that because then you can make a fun guac and tortilla sandwich, delicious. For my entree I was torn between a few choices like ravioli, mango chutney chicken and my actual choice, grilled chicken with a lemon sauce with a baked potato. On the menu it said it came with whipped squash and whipped cauliflower but the waitress told me they did not have the squash. That really sucked because that is one of the reasons I ordered that dish. The entree was really just OK. It was good, but def not wow. I also was kind of disappointed with my mojito. I really thought it was going to be killah but it was not good at all. It needed more sugar and more mint. All and all, The Ivy is Ok, not great. Oh, I did have a celeb spotting there. It was Matthew Broderick. He was not with SJP, but with his parents. They seemed like a lovely old Jewish couple who look like they donate a lot of money to public television and museums. Matthew was throwing back the mojitos like they were actually good. I did not have the heart to tell him they were pretty weak.

Starbucks - Stop Breaking My Heart

2009-02-05T09:51:00.004-05:00

Hola from LA everyone! I am still on east coast time so I decided to get an early breakfast at the Starbucks downstairs. I ordered an iced coffee and then remembered that they had all those fun new Chai Infusion drinks. I am not a big tea fan, but chai, I like.

So I quickly changed my order and got an Iced Apple Chai Infusion. At first sip I was hooked. It was absolutely delicious. It tasted like a spicy, cinnamon iced apple sauce tea. I was siked, I pictured myself enjoying this treat on a hot summer day in New York. Perhaps while taking a long lunch in Bryant Park to work on my tan or maybe a 3:00 pm break from excel sheets and powerpoints. I figured, it is iced tea, it has to be relatively healthy, no way is this thing packed with calories. Well, no shock here, I was wrong, as I am wrong about most things. A small, that is in a tiny cup, packed with ice, has 240 calories. The small is approximately 5 sips and 240 calories. If I am drinking 240 calories, it better have some alcohol in it and a cherry on top. This is ridiculous. Starbucks, I was ready to love you, but you managed to make iced tea grossly fattening. I again, am just not that into you.

Go All The Way at Denny's - For Free!!

2009-02-01T20:45:00.003-05:00

I interrupt your Superbowl to bring you breaking news. I am losing all my boxes, can care less about the Cardinals or the Steelers and am at a party where it is hard to pay attention to all the commercials. Lucky for you and me, I did notice one commercial!

This Tuesday, Denny's will be giving away a free Grand Slam breakfast for everyone in American. Hellz yeah America and Hellz yeah Denny's.

Sadly, I do not know any Denny's in the great borough of Manhattan, but for those of you living outside the Big Apple, check it out. What is better than pancakes, processed eggs and bacon.

Speaking of bacon, Nini made some killer bacon wrapped dates tonight. Yum Yum.

Oh and Bruce was good but the ref thing was REALLY chessy.

A New Chain On The Block

2009-01-16T09:52:00.002-05:00

Breaking News Chain of Food Fans.

A new chain is opening near Repub head quarters on 47th Street. I was walking to the subway yesterday and saw the signs that Famous Dave's BBQ is opening up. I went to this place in Jersey once. It was pretty good. Places like Wildwood BBQ are way better, but Wildwood is not a chain. I can see myself hanging out at Famous Dave's afterwork with Chrissy and Teddy, maybe getting a marg and then getting some BBQ grub, hollah. It will be fun. No more Langan's for us, only Famous Dave's now. Perhaps my boy and fellow BU alum Billy O will join us!!

Fig & Olive - A Fine Establishment

2009-01-14T09:33:00.003-05:00

Do not worry, I suck so much at my New Years Resolutions that I will no longer bore you with them at all anymore. Instead, I will share with you the glorious restaurant that I have been dining at frequently with some of my favorite ladies.....Fig & Olive.

Fig & Olive is a chain, with three locations in NY. One on the Upper East Side, one in midtown -hollah midtown and one in the meatpacking district, right near my girl Whitney's office (DVF).

I have been to the midtown and meatpacking locations and both have a very upscale, yet comfortable vibe. The food here is Mediterranean with, you guessed it, an emphasis on olive oil.

To start your meal you get bread and a trio of oil for dipping. They told us where they were from but I was not paying attention, I am pretty sure I heard Spain for one of them so I of course decided that was my favorite. The first time I went I was with Brookie Cookie and Jordy Wordy. The queen of Garden City(which is a chain mecca) was a bit late so Cookie and I thought it would be best to polish off a bottle of red before our little lacrosse star arrived. I love seeing Cookie drink like me, reminds me of why I love her so much.

Now this place really had Jordy written all over it. Kinda of like Talbots. I bet she was shocked that I liked it so much. She thinks I only like places like Cheesecake Factory or McDonalds. She is wrong. Fig & Olive is so a Rori place.

To start our meal we got a trio of crosstinis. I loved them!! My two favorites were the mushroom one and the shrimp and avocado one. We also got this fabulous zucchini carpaccio. It was light and delicious. It was probably my favorite thing we ordered. I bet the girls probably wanted something like the tuna carpaccio, but too bad, Rori does not eat tuna. I let them get some cheeses, I was not allowing tuna as well. Another dish we ordered that was a real home run (I am excited for baseball to start so I am already using baseball terms) was the eggplant & sundried tomato. It was just extremely tasty. I know I said I would not talk about my New Years Resolutions but you can probably see that this place is pretty healthy and you could keep your New Years Oprah Resolutions here.

The second time I went I brought Jennifer and Nina. I just knew they would like it as much as I did. To switch things up a bit I decided to order a bottle of Savignon Blanc. We never drink that kind but the description sounded wonderful and it was! I never pick a good bottle so I was giddy with glee that I finally did. With these girls we ordered the crostinis again and the chicken samosas. Our waiter, who sucked big time, recommended them. They were just Ok. For entrees, Jen got a salad (no shock there) but it looked really good and was a nice, big portion. I made Nina share the mushroom pasta dish with me and it was awesome!!! I saw other people eating it the first time I was here and I was drooling so I decided that my hetero must share it with me.
I really think this is a great place to go with your girlfriends for good wine and good fun! I do not see it as a place for dudes but that is just my opinion. I see a lot of potential for this place and can see it expanding to cities like Boston and LA in no time.

Healthy Chaining 101

2009-01-07T09:57:00.003-05:00

Since we are really only a week into the New Year I am going to continue to focus on my Oprah Winfrey New Year, New You resolutions. Umm she picked the president so I am going to take her advice. I know I have already fallen off the wagon a few times but everytime you fall, you just have to pick yourself up and try again. Therefore I am dedicating this posting to some of my picks for the most healthy eating options at chain restaurants.

(these are in no particular order)

1) Applebee's Weight Watcher Entrees. I think Applebee's is just alright but if you want a good, healthy meal at a chain restaurant that is more than a simple salad with dressing on the side, this is the place to go. Some real standouts on the menu are the Chili-Lime Chicken Salad that has chicken, spinach, reduced fat mozzarella's cheese, and some veggies. Others are the Garlic Herb Chicken, Cajun Lime Tilapia (daddy would eat that), Italian Chicken & Portobellow Sandwich ( I would get that without the mushrooms). Also some of the salads, like my favorite Oriental Chicken Salad can be made healthy with grilled chicken and subbing a lower calorie dressing.

2) Panera - I know this place has some fattening sandwiches, soups and salads, but they also have some very healthy ones. If you are smart about what you order you can have a delicious meal and still make Oprah proud. There are tons of low fat soups like the new Tortilla Chicken Soup. I have tried it and it was delicious!!! My personal favorite soup there is the French Onion. If you say not too much cheese and croutons, you can save a lot of calories. Also their salads are pretty healthy and extremely delicious. My favorites are the Orchard Harvest (it has cherries!!), Asian Sesame Chicken and (seasonal) Strawberry Poppyseed. I was just looking at the calorie counts on the sandwiches, those are kinda high to I guess avoid those unless it is like turkey which I don't like so I can not recommend.

3) Cheesecake Factory - What, how can the Cheesecake Factory be healthy??? It is not really, but they do have a weigh management salad menu that is pretty decent. My pick is of course the Asian Chicken Salad.

4) Pret A Manager - I know I have spoken about this many times before but they have tons of great sandwiches, salads and soups that will not make you unable to fit into your favorite black wool Brooks Brothers skirt.

5) The Seafood Chains - Red Lobster, Legal Seafood, etc. Everyone knows I am not a huge seafood fan but if you got a Red Lobster it is not that hard to work healthy. What I would do is just get grilled shrimp on a bed of rice or a plain baked potato. It would try to avoid the bread but I know me and I would eat the bread, especially the garlic cheese biscuits. Oprah would too so it is Ok.

So that is my list for now. If you have any advice, please share. Notice I have nothing about drink restrictions on this list. That would be lame.

The Best Chain Moments of 2008

2009-01-02T11:00:00.003-05:00

Happy 2009! I am very excited for the New Year. I have a lot of resolutions and so far I have not been able to keep any of them. One of my most important resolutions (besides losing weight, drinking less, not having an attitude, not associating with anyone that looks like Seth Rogen and running more) is blogging more often. I have this dream of the Food Network or Travel Channel contacting me after reading my blog and offering me my own show where I travel to different chains across the world and sample all of the delicious food. Essentially it is the blog, but in a TV show. I watch that Anthony Bourdain show and the dude has a total attitude and gets all excited about sucking the fat out of a shrimp head. Really hot shot, there is no way that is good. Freakin eat an awesome chicken parm hero, that is good. Fat out of a shrimp head, not good. Anyway, I digress. I am pleased to present to you, my picks for the best chain restaurant moments of 2008. Drum Roll please...........

5) The opening of Sinigual in midtown Manhattan. This is a great addition to midtown. I ate here with ex-boss just a few days before he quit and then had a lovely meal here once with my family. It was one of the only times King Brett was happy with one of my food choices.

4) Discovering my love of Pret a Manger. I do not really like anything French besides fries, the architecture and half of Jen Roy, but I love Pret a Manger. It is awesome that right across from my office I can run and get a delicious sandwich and soup for under 500 calories (this will fit in very well on my New Years Resolutions).

3) Exploring the chains of LA. Oh LA, how I love thee. At first I was daunted by your traffic, smog and girly men, but now I get it. You rock, the weather, palm trees, abundance of D list spottings and array of chains make you one of my favorite cities. I was able to discover new gems like Katsuya and Urth Cafe as well as indulge in some of my old favorites like Baja Fresh, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and In n Out Burger.

2) Bennihana. What a fun, delicious place and in 2008 I finally tried it. My only wish was that I tried it sooner.

1) McDonalds in Spain. This was actually the only time I had McDonalds this year. Can you believe it, I only ate at my favorite restaurant once this year, I must have will power. I can still taste the wonderful chicken nuggets and french fries I enjoyed after wandering the streets of Madrid. I would do anything to go back there!

So there it is, the best chain moments of 2008. If you have some you think I may have forgotten, please feel free to write about them.

If You Want a Piece of This, I Suggest You Wear This

2008-12-19T14:08:00.002-05:00

This is really too good to be true. Burger King has just launched a signature scent (I have a signature color - pink is my signature color - my colors are blush and bashful, her colors are pink and pink). It is called Flame (that's hot) and it "captures the essence of love and gives it to you." Hey now. "Behold the scent of seduction with a hint of flame broiled meat." Wow I bet that smells really, really good. I mean why not smell like a really good hamburger. If you read the descriptions on colognes it is usually like oak or wood or musk, might as well smell like a good piece of meat.

Burger King, congrats, you really out did yourself on this one. I am totally going to pick up a bottle to give to my significant other (marshmallow) so he smells like all your flame broiled goodness.

Check out the site. It is hysterical. It is like one of those Mt. Airy Lodge commericals with the champagne bath.

http://www.firemeetsdesire.com/

The Travel Channel is a Wealth of Information

2008-12-18T11:31:00.003-05:00

I have a new love.... and it is The Travel Channel. It started with this special on Steaks then progressed into an obsession with the dude from Man vs. Food (he is no Eater X - but a close second). The Travel Channel should really be called the Food Travel Channel because 85% of their shows have something to do with food. What is great is that a lot of the times they focus on, you guessed it, chains! I wanted to share some of the knowledge I learned from the various shows I have been watching with you, my loyal readers.

The coolest thing I learned is that The Palm started in New York on Second Ave (that is not the cool part). If you go to any Palm (they have many because it is a chain) you will see all the cartoon drawings on the wall. That actually started because newspaper people would exchange their drawings for food. Awesome. So now, they have a frequent dining club there called the 837 club and if you earn enough points (I think it is 25,00o) you can have a cartoon of yourself put on the wall. How cool is that? I really want a cartoon Rori on the walls of The Palm. Maybe I can barter my positive blog reviews for a cartoon of me! Who would not want to have a cartoon version of me staring at them while they are dining on a piece of cow carcass and creamed spinach.

Another extremely interesting chain fact I learned while watching The Travel Channel is that the Potato Skin was invented at TGI Fridays. I like potato skins. I am not a big cheese person, but overall, skins are a great appetizer as long as the bacon bits are good and not fake.

I also learned how nachos were invented but it wasn't at a chain so I can not talk about it. I will say though, that it was in Mexico. That is all you are getting out of me.

Urth Caffe - One of the Best Places On Earth

2008-12-15T11:17:00.005-05:00

If you are in on the LA scene like I obviously am then you know what Urth Caffe is. If you aren't, it's cool, I will give you a quick explanation. Urth Caffe is a coffee, tea, salad, soup and sandwich shop located in the LA area. There are 4 locations, the one I went to and of course the most trendy is located on Melrose in West Hollywood. It was also the first location as well. Also if you watch Entourage and read the Gossip pages you might notice the name because it is always mentioned on both. I really wanted to run into Turtle there and talk about the Yankees and CC or what it it like to date my twin, something.

It is a very unassuming looking place. There are tons of tables outside so a New Yorker like me can take in the LA sun while dining, maybe even get some color on my see through skin. Inside it looks like any other coffee shop. What impressed me most about this place was the menu. It was like catered to me almost. I had a hard time picking between all the great salad and sandwich options. I figured because so many celebs go there it must be all be healthy. I went with a bowl of the butternut squash soup and a half size pesto chicken salad. Let me tell you, this was no half size portion. Huge portion, huge! It was all just so delicious. The soup was perfect and the salad was filled with chicken and a great pesto sauce that somehow managed to not hurt my belly. You order at the counter and get a number and then a waiter brings you your food. I like that a lot. I find that very relaxing. Other menu options that caught my eye was of course the hummus, a farmers market salad with lots of dried fruits, and a chicken curry sandwich. After seeing Slumdog Millionaire and The Namesake and singing Heart to Rikin all the time, I love anything with Curry! They have tons of organic coffees and teas too. I went with an iced tea because it was lunch time. Quite refreshing for my lunch time celeb spotting spree. Oh yes Urth Caffe is where I saw Queen Latifah pull up in her sick Rolls Royce Phantom Convertible. Truthfully, the car is a bit much. I like nice cars A LOT but something like that almost looks like a cartoon character of a fancy car. Give me my little Saab Convertible any day over that.

Oh they also have valet parking here which is ridiculous, but I did it. I will never risk getting towed again.

Anyway, I get why this place is so cool now. Next time I am in LA I am going to make sure to go again. I would love a place like this to open in NY. I envision it near Madison Square Park or in the village.

Katsuya - Go Stand Next to Nobu Because You Are a Chain Too

2008-12-12T09:52:00.002-05:00

Katsuya, Katsuya, Katsuya, how trendy and cool you are. Trendy and cool my friend, but obvi a chain. With three locations in the LA area plus plans to open in Vegas and Miami, you are certainly a member of the chain food family and because of that, I can blog about you.

I had the honor of dining at the Hollywood location with lovely clients and one of my bosses. As any loyaly chain of food reader knows, my immediate boss ditched me so I have a whole new slew of bosses, yippee!

The ambiance of Katsuya is very cool and very trendy. Paper boss (that is what I just decided to call him) noticed that there were all these knives near the bar that were in tall columns of glass. I guess they were kinda like cocktail tables. Interesting.

Anyway when I was seated with my clients I think they put us in the VIP section. I kinda learned how to hint to hostesses that I am a food blogger so they must put me where the important people sit. We started with edamame and these delicious sauteed shisito peppers. Those were my pick and damn were they good. Very flavorful and not overwhelming at all. Katsuya, if you couldn't tell by the name is a Japanese restaurant and the focus of the menu is sushi. RorDawg is just not a sushi fan. I know people hate that about me, but I am sorry. I need my food cooked. I do not think that is a weird thing at all. There is a reason there are stoves and pans and microwaves and all that stuff. Anyway, you pretty much just ordered a bunch of dishes and share them all here. I let everyone order all their crazy sushi dishes like spicy tail sashimi, yuck. I made sure to order Rori food too though. I got a shrimp tempura roll with rice paper. Now that is a sushi I can eat. No seaweed and my food is cooked, thank you! I also got a Kobe steak dish with mushrooms. That seemed to be a real crowd pleaser. We even ordered a second one. I liked it but for sure have had better meats at places like Koi and Tao. The drink I got here was phemon. It was a White Grapefruit Cosmo, I do not think you can have a more perfect drink for me. I only had two because I was the designated driver (can you believe it?). What a hot car it was too, a white Chevy Malibu that smelled like a camel. Every time I got in the car I said, Paper boss, do you think it smells like a camel in here. Gross dude.

At the end of the meal Paper boss was still hungry and was making all these jokes about needing a pizza still. I was rather stuffed but still had room for dessert. Besides the drink, the dessert was my favorite part. We got Mochi Ice Cream, I never heard of it before but it was so so so good. It is really just little balls of ice cream wrapped in some sort of thin jello like material. I was afraid at first to try it because it sounded weird, but boy am I glad I did. We also got Creme Brulee and a very rich Chocolate Cake.

The real amazing part of my journey at Katsuya was all of the great celebrity sightings. The first was John Leguizano and that cutie Jay Hernandez. I have always had a thing for him since he was in that movie Crazy Love with dirty Kirsten Dunst. Also sitting two tables away was Cacee Cobb, who was celebrating her birthday, Donald Fiason, Zach Braff and Ken Paves. Not too shabby for one night.

Everybody Starts Somewhere

2008-12-07T20:34:00.003-05:00

Is it just me or is everyone and their mother pregnant? Between my office and my little Tyrone, it is babypalooza. Don't worry, I am not preggers so I can continue drinking my way through my twenties. Let's face it, I can't even get a dude to buy me dinner, how can I expect someone to care for me and little Shelby Aiden.

So I am not preggers and can't find a dude to buy me dinner BUT I do have some fabulous friends. So fabulous in fact that they always send me links to articles about chain restaurants. Here is one that really caught my eye. I have had it for a while but I have been so busy traveling that I have not been able to talk about it. Alas, here it is. It is all about where some of the most famous chain restaurants got their start, their birth!

For example, Carvel was born in Hartsdale, NY. Westchester!!!! I have actually been to that Carvel because so much of my summer life was spent in my favorite NY suburb. I am way too classy for Rockland, my parents should have moved to Scarsdale. I should have spoke up more when I was 12 and we moved out of the city.

Other interesting things learned in this article are that Subway was originally Pete's Super Submarine and was founded in Bridgeport, Ct. The first McDonalds was in Illinois. Well, well, well Illinois, you are the home to my baby McDonalds and the home to our 1st black president, arent you special. Wow, you make NY look pretty weak. The first Burger King was in Miami, I am surprised about that one. The first Starbucks is obvi in Seattle. I have been there and it was really nothing special. I am just not a Starbucks girl at all. Give me Coffee Bean, Caribou or Dunkin anyday over that stuff. Wendy's which mommydawg served for dinner many nights was born in Ohio (dont you think Wendy's should do a takeover on the Post and Chain of Food). I don't really like Ohio. I feel people from there are pretty lame. They are. I mean the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame is cool besides that, what the hell is cool about Ohio. Actually I take that back, P&G is in Ohio and if you know me, I love me some P&G. Atlanta, home of Nene, Kim and all the other housewives is actually the birthplace of Chick Fil A, OMFG, so freaking good and Applebees. I am not going to lie. I always wished that my picture was up in Applebees representing NRHS. I think I deserve it. Maybe a prom pic or a Key Club event, something. The first Dunkin Donuts is in Quincy, Mass. Hmm, I usually hate everything out of Massachusetts. Not Dunkin. I am proud to say the NYC is the birth place of TGI Friday's. Yeah, NYC, go big or go home. TGI Friday's was for so long my favorite chain so it makes me smile to know that we share the same birthplace.

Anyway, see the link below for some more chain birthplaces. My third favorite city, Beverly Hills is the mommy of many awesome chains like CPK and the Cheesecake Factory.

http://www.walletpop.com/specials/chain-restaurants-where-it-all-began

East Side Mario's - Will Always Have a Special Place on the West Side of My Heart

2008-11-24T09:24:00.003-05:00

Oh East Side Mario's, how did it take me this long to write about you. I actually forgot about you for awhile but when I was brainstorming ideas for new blog posts you came up again.

For those that do not know, East Side Mario's is an Italian chain restaurant that has a NY, Little Italy theme. The best way to describe it is that it is like the NY, NY casino in Vegas but a restaurant. It is based in Canada and had a few locations in the USA - one was once in Ramsey, NY. It was at that location that I had my first date with HSB (high school boyfriend) and many more after. Looking back now, of course HSB would take me to a chain. He was so smart and somehow knew that one day I would make a career of writing about chain restaurants (ok, maybe not a career but def a hobby.

I vividly remember pulling up to East Side Mario's in that hot white Ford Taurus. Damn that was a sweet ride. From the second I walked inside, I know I was going to love it. It had such a fun, lively atmosphere. Maybe it was not romantic, but who cares, I have Nina when I need romance.

At East Side Mario's you start the meal with delicious hot garlic bread. HSB was so excited for me to try these. I bet he doesn't eat carbs anymore because it would ruin his healthy physique. Obvi, I eat carbs. You also get unlimited soup or salad here. I got the soup because back in HS I did not eat salad. I wish HSB could see me today because I think he would be proud to see me eating my veggies. His mom would be too. For my entree I got the Chicken Parm. It was a huge delicious portion.

This is my favorite part of the story. I guess I did not really know how to cut my food that well back then which is just bizarre, but whatever. Anyway, HSB was so cute and noticed me having problems with my chicken parm so he taught me the proper way to hold a knife and fork. It is a skill I still use today! In fact, I was recently out to lunch with my friend Ted and he complimented me on my table manners. So HSB, thank you for sharing your skills with me.

I can not tell you about the drinks here because back in HS I did not really drink. Yes you read that correctly. Clearly and thankfully that has changed.

Sadly HSB and I broke up when he was in college and I could never go back into an East Side Mario's. It was just too painful. Whenever Brett wanted to tease me he would say, Rori, where should we go to dinner - East Side Mario's - ha ha. That was mean little Bretty. I hope Fordham loses. Ironically, East Side Mario's closed its Ramsey doors a few years after I stopped going. I think that was very symbolic.

Sinigual - Just a Bitter Sweet Memory Now

2008-11-20T09:56:00.002-05:00

I am wiping the tears off my keyboard as I write this posting. The only thing that gets me out of bed and into work is the thought of my new brown riding boots (they are very Betty Draper).

My boss, and one of the Chain of Food Board members did an unthinkable thing to me. He quit!

Not cool dude, not cool at all. Who else will leave me sick in a sketchy South Beach Hotel so he can dine in luxury at Nobu or literally kick me out of a car my first time in LA so he doesn't miss a second of the Boston - Lakers Championship game.

Before he deserted me we dined at a chain. A new chain in fact! It is called Sinigual and is located in the heart of mid-town Manhattan.

I have been dying to try this place ever since I saw it being built. Then when I was in LA and I passed one I almost lost control. Sinigual, that restaurant I have been passing everday is a chain I said to myself. No way!!!! What a lucky little duck in brown riding boots I am.

Sinigual is a contemporary mexican restaurant that can easily be compared to Dos Caminos or Rosa Mexicana. The atmosphere is lively and not as dark as Dos Caminos.

To start the meal I of course got a margarita. Princess loves herself some margaritas. The one I got was some sort of grapefruit one. I really liked it. My ex boss was not as happy with his marg. It was small and full of ice and expensive. I did not care about the price.

Then we got guacamole, spicy! It was really good. What I loved the most is that they give you warm soft tortillas as well as chips. Daddy dawg would tell you that the soft tortillas are way more authentic. The chips were also good. Ex boss even let me have the red ones (he equated them to red states - very smart). For my entree I got the Chipotle Barbecue Shrimp and was really happy. It was nice large shrimp with rice and crispy plantains. I enjoyed that they put the plantains. It was a nice touch. Other things on the large menu that caught my eye were the Steak Fajitas, Steak and Shrimp Skewers, Grilled Fajita Salad and a Chicken in an Orange Sauce. The menu was quite good, so I would love to dine here again. I did not get dessert because I figured I would just drink margaritas as my dessert.

This place is lovely and a welcome addition to mid-town east. The only thing that might make it better is if they hire Billy Bingo from Austin, TX to sing in the restaurant.

Good Taste in Men and Food

2008-11-17T09:25:00.004-05:00

Happy Monday!

Just a quick post about an article I stumbled upon this morning. It turns out our future first lady hangs out at California Pizza Kitchen with friends. How cool is that?

According to the New York Times, "Michelle has spent most Saturday evenings for the past decade with two friends and their families, most recently at a local California Pizza Kitchen where the group recaps the previous week. "

I wonder what kind of pizza she gets. I hope she is not lame and just gets salad. Oh I bet she starts with the spinach artichoke dip then her and Barry decide on two pizzas to share and fist pump when they pick two they both like. It is probably the Hawaiian (to celebrate BHO's home) and the Thai Chicken Pizza. Oh maybe the Jamaican Jerk Chicken.

Lucky for the first family there is a CPK right near the White House so they can continue to dine on gourmet pizza for the next 4 to 8 years.

Also if they are ever in NY I am more than happy to take them to the CPK near my apt. It would be so bi-partisan of me. That is just the kind of patriot I am. I would also invite Rahm of course. I can see him eating The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza.

Welcome To My Blog Mommy Dawg

2008-11-14T10:26:00.002-05:00

So I have a new loyal reader, Mommy Dawg. I am so excited that she decided to join the 21st century and learn how to use the internet. Little did I know that her favorite thing to do would be reading Chain of Food (one would assume it would be online shopping). The first thing she said about the blog was not, Ror, I am concerned, you refer to yourself as an alcoholic a few times or maybe you should not blog so much and focus on selling ads. Nope, she said, "Why don't you write about me more." Well old lady, be careful what you wish for cause you just might get, cause you just might get it.

I would like to highlight some memorable Mommy Dawg chain moments throughout my life (I wish I had some background music for this).

My most favorite is of course watching her drink 3 sips of her sour apple martini at Carmine's a few years ago and getting so drunk from 3 sips that she could hardly walk up the stairs and then giggled her cute Mommy Dawg giggle throughout the whole dinner. She is now forbidden to drink sour apple martinis because I do not like being embarrassed at Carmine's, especially in front of the cute waiter we always have.

Most great chain mommy memories come from TGI Friday's. One summer we actually ate their EVERY single day after camp. It would be 4:30 and we would be the only ones in the restaurant. Even though I was a teenager at the time, I ordered from the kids menu and had to lie and say I was 12. I wonder why I am a chicken finger freak, it is probably because I spent a good portion of my life eating nothing but chicken fingers and french friends from Fridays. Nice way to teach you kids about nutrition mom. Oh and then the Friday's points. Nothing made Mommy Dawg happier than collecting her Friday's points so she could earn things like free appetizers. Getting a free Sesame Jack Chicken Strips would be the highlight of her month. I am pretty sure that if she saved all her points we would totally have earned a free vacation. Collecting the Frequent Friday's Points was always a difficult process for Mommy Dawg because she could never find her card because it was floating around in the great dark abyss also know as her purse. The waiters would have to stand around waiting for her to find her card, "one second I know it is in here somewhere." One second, yeah right, how about 15 minutes. Luckily the Friday's staff has so much flair that they never would get annoyed at her. She was their best customer after all.

See Mommy Dawg, I write about you! I hope this weekend we can create some more chain memories. Jose Tejas baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!