I feel like a part of me is missing when I don’t get to cook.  Our house has been going through a ton of renovations.  It is time consuming, exhausting and draining.  No one is motivated to cook and the only real answer seems to be going out to eat.  I have lost the desire to eat because of the constant dining out.  Don’t take it the wrong way, I do eat I just eat less.  I think the whole being completely exhausted and drained adds to the whole me not eating alot.

I have made little things here and there like Mac n Cheese and mashed potatoes with corn on the cob and broccoli.  I did attempt spinach and cheese tortellini with a butter sage sauce but that could have gone better.  I think it had to do with type of butter used.  It was not as fresh, smooth and lacked a bit of saltiness.  My dad buys butter in bulk and puts it in the freezer so that he can make Ghee (clarified butter).  Next time I think I need a different butter and I have to add a bit more of Extra virgin olive oil to really enhance the flavors of the sage and the butter. 

Today I finally got the chance to bake lasagna.  Sunday’s go hand in hand with comfort foods.  Comfort to me is something baked, warm and swarming with cheese and cheese and MORE gooey cheese.

I usually make the same ol’ lasagna but today was different. I was trying to avoid spending more than $5 on ingredients and wanted to use up what was left in my fridge.  I already had oven-ready lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, a tomato, spinach, Morningstar crumbles (a soy based beef substitute) and Parmesan cheese. I went out (regardless of this “hurricane”) and got mozzarella and ricotta cheese.

In a sauce pan I added some extra virgin olive oil and some chopped garlic.  I let it get fragrant and added the Morningstar crumbles.  I seasoned it with salt and pepper then added the baby spinach.  Once the spinach slightly wilted I added the ricotta cheese and removed it from the heat.  I added one diced tomato, the left over pre-shredded Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup) and seasoned accordingly.  I layered the lasagna thickly and covered it with the shredded mozzarella and put it to bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. 

Those 30 minutes seemed never ending since I was incredibly hungry.  My apartment smelled incredibly fragrant and mouth watering.  Once I cut myself a slice of that lasagna my taste buds were sent to heaven.  I felt immediately comforted and relaxed.  All I need now is something sweet and I am set for the this Sunday.

Well readers…I hope to update more often.

I’ll keep you posted on my culinary adventures.

Peace, love and NO beef!

Guramrit

After a wonderfully eventful evening in the West Village with my mom and younger brother, we decided to grab something to eat.  As usual I was missing Italy and we happened to pass by Olio on our food hunt.  I had heard quite a few things about Olio and it was raved about in Zagat as well as in reviews on Menu Pages.  

With high hopes, you are sure to fall terribly on your face.  We originally were seated outdoors but were moved inside once monsoon weather struck. The owner was friendly but clearly didn’t find us as appealing since he stuck us in a dark corner of the restaurant near the restrooms.  We were then asked if we minded if a dog and it’s owners would sit next to us as to not disturb the “other” guests. As though our business clearly meant nothing…we were forced to sit with the dogs.  Of course, we did have the opportunity to leave but the rain really compelled us to stay where it was dry. 

I found many things of interest on this authentically Italian yet overly priced restaurant.  My mom was not feeling well and desired soup and as far as the owner had informed us, minestrone soup was on the menu.  After a dreaded 20 minute wait in which we were blatantly ignored, our server arrived.  I ordered a red wine infused pear salad with mixed greens, a blueberry vinaigrette and fresh Gorgonzola cheese.  My brother ordered a Filet Mignon served with decadently roasted herb potatoes.  And my mom ordered minestrone soup…or so we thought.  

The group next to us who we were OH SO LUCKY to be sitting next to with the dog had arrived about 20 minutes after we did and had already placed their orders, gotten drinks and even got their salad before us.  If I didn’t know any better…I would assume that we were clearly not ideal customers.  When I looked around everyone was dressed up, nose in the air and swirling their glasses of Chianti.  A woman across from us was bombarded by a smorgasbord of specialities that definitely did not appear like they came from the menu.  She had an air of arrogance about her as she nonchalantly picked up her fork and poked at her food.  She even picked up a gossip magazine and acted like she really could give two shits about the food in front of her.  And here we were drooling…hungry…and impatient.  

After waiting 20 minutes we finally got the bread basket.  Let me tell you, it was devoured within seconds.  I immediately was repulsed by the fact I was not given Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar for dipping.  I tore into the bread angrily since of course, I was famished.  

The food finally came.  I was given a beautiful presentation of this juicy pears all red and flavorful looking with all the spectacular wine absorbed into it.  My brother looked contented with his meat and my mom…she was livid.  The server claims he mentioned that there was no minestrone soup.  As far as I can recall, he did no such thing.  And as far as I know from the food business and businesses in general…the CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT.  My mom sat there in utter disgust and dismay and refused to eat anything.  I slowly poked at my salad which in all honesty was mediocre.  It probably would have tasted better if the service and energy about the place was at least decent.  

Will I ever go here again? Maybe.  I might go and check it out without the family and maybe at an earlier time.  But I must say I am hesitant.  Don’t claim you’re about your customers if you don’t even pay mind to the ones coming in plain clothing.  We like food just as much as the next snobby white collared person.

Seriously Olio…I give you a C+.  You probably don’t even deserve that much.  

I’m disgusted.

Peace, love and NO beef. 

Guramrit 

Be prepared for a merciless slaying of a highly rated restaurant.