Ever crave a salad? Well, I know it’s probably absurd but it’s one of those things that I really really crave especially in the summer time.  I get excited when I find a salad I truly enjoy.  I was trapped in Jury Duty for 3 weeks and for lunch one day I decided I wanted a salad from this diner right across the street from the big court house.  I was tired of the usual taco bell (because it’s cheap and convenient).  

This salad comprised of arugula, avocado, dried cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese and a berry vinaigrette.  I could barely finish this thing since it was HUGE but it definitely hit the spot for my salad craving.  I was sitting with a fellow juror devouring this big dish of salad while she is stuffing her face with a greasy burger and fries.  I must admit I wanted to sneak a couple of her fries but I resisted temptation! (Trust me, if you know me, you know I LOVE french fries especially covered in cheese!). 

She stared at me with her eyes bulging out of her head.  She shook her head as if she couldn’t comprehend my love for a bunch of greens.  

I love greens, what can I say. 

Peace, love & all greens here. 

Guramrit 

I’ve been a tad nostalgic lately…well since I got off the plane from my Euro-trip.  I cannot stop thinking about Buffalo mozzarella. I’m in love with it. The saltiness, the tang, the creaminess, the melt in your mouth phenomenal texture.  I can go on and on for days about my cheese.  

I met up with a dear friend Noelia, a couple weeks back and we both decided to reminisce on our times in Italia over some dinner.  She chose a place called Gaia Cafe on the Lower East Side on East Houston street. Unfortunately we arrived about 10 minutes before the kitchen was about to close so we didn’t get to go extreme with our ordering of Italian delights.  We ordered paninis just to keep things simple and to not be rude to the woman who was kind enough to let us stay.  I, of course ordered a panini that consisted of tomatoes, basil and buffalo mozzarella. It was served on an interesting type of crisp flatbread with freshly cracked black pepper and salt over the top of the bread.  

At first bite it was a nice crispy texture, flakey bits of the bread just tenderly coated my mouth and then in an instant I got the bits of buffalo mozzarella and a tiny bit of tomato.  It was like a symphony of italian flavors parading in my mouth.  I was taken back to Firenze in an instant.  As soon as I realized I was day dreaming, my panini was gone.  I devoured it to the very last crumb.  I left the plate completely clean.  

I don’t understand why people think being a vegetarian is so hard.  There are PLENTY of things to eat.  I was completely contented knowing I had relieved a moment in Italy in the span of 30 minutes. 

Well readers…more later…my mom just put a plate of sweet potato fries in front of me…I think it is time to devour those too. 

Peace, love & no beef!

Guramrit 

N

Ever looked at a restaurant and thought, hey that would be a great place to eat? Yea, well my family has been going to Rancho Grande restaurant on Central Park Avenue in Yonkers for years and has raved about it.  

I must admit sometimes I can be a tad snobby when it comes to eating.  So I thought I would keep an open mind since the last time I ate at Rancho Grande it was somewhat decent.  However, my instinct served correct.  

I ordered a vegetarian quesadilla.  Carrots, cauliflower and broccoli steamed and sauteed in a light sauce coated with some shredded Monterey Jack cheese on a warmed tortilla.  On first bite it was decent but on second bite the vegetables were barely cooked.  I do NOT and I repeat I do NOT liked cooked carrots, especially if they are cut up too big. I know how weird that sounds but I just cannot stand the texture and the sweetness it provides in savory dishes.  Just my preference!! These quesadillas were served with a small side of greens, pico de gallo and guacamole.  I ate two of these quesadillas since I thought maybe the JUST the first one was not cooked right.  There was no flavor.  Nothing to make it obviously mexican.  The spices, the sauces, the technique were lacking.  I was incredibly disappointed.  

However, the rice was perfectly seasoned served with a side of refried beans covered in white mexican queso. Oh my lord it was phenomenal.  I wish I could have just eaten that and saved them the burden of making my quesadillas.  

 Well readers next time you find yourself craving mexican food…I suggest you make these babies yourself.  You can probably do a much better job.  Sorry Rancho Grande, you aren’t as authentic as you claim to be.  At least cook and season your vegetables before trying to pass it off as decently mexican. 

That’s all for now!

Peace, love & No beef!

Guramrit =]

It is definitely a challenge trying to break into this industry.  Becoming a food editor is not all sunshine and butterflies, though I wish it were.  It would make it much easier.  Sometimes I wish I could close my eyes for a moment and then when I opened them I would have my dreams painted in front of me ever so clearly.  

I need to get back on track with my job search and internship hunt.  It definitely is like a hunt…I need to approach carefully and be tactful with my methods.  Finding the right strategy is another job in itself.  

Right now I am looking into culinary school but my mom really is pushing me to work for some time.  I want to keep pushing forward and searching but right now I am feeling discouraged.  

Time to keep a positive outlook.  I will grab my skillet, spatula, fork, knife and all tons of utensils and get back in the kitchen and keep cooking. 

Peace, love and No beef.

Guramrit