It’s Summer Time and I’m feeling Super Fine!

GREETINGS!!!

I just recently posted all my previous No Beef Here posts. *Wipes Sweat off of Forehead* Geez that was INTENSE. 

Getting back into the groove of things shall definitely be a summer goal besides my goals of getting back into shape, eating well, sleeping well and hitting the beach. 

I recently got an internship at Savored.com (please check it out!!!).  I’m definitely excited to learn a different aspect of the food industry.  It shall definitely be a learning experience! Woot!

Hopefully this gives me an opportunity to explore more good eats (as Alton Brown would say). 

Right now I’m thinking about posting a ton of pictures of food. Yum.

That’s all for now readers!

Peace, love & NO BEEF! 

December 26, 2010: Season’s Eatings

Hello Readers!

It is hard to catch up on blogging especially when I am constantly on the go, trying new things and spending time with friends and family.

Here are a few things I have ordered at a restaurant/fast food joint or cooked.  I will indicate which I bought and which I made.  The pictures I provided are only of things I truly enjoyed.

[New York City Style Pizza. Need I say more?

Definitely did not make this but my stomach sure enjoyed it!]

[Garlic Knots…literally shaped into knots rather than fists.

Have this with a side of marinara sauce and it is a delicious compliment to a pizza.

I shared this with my boyfriend of course!]

[IHOP Blueberry Pancakes. 2 delectablely moist blueberry explosion pancakes.

Small, satisfying but not worth the price.]

[IHOP Hashbrowns…like I said before. It was good…but not worth the $13 I spent on this small meal]

[Shortstack of Buttermilk Pancakes from the Yonkers Raceway Diner. Perfectly fluffy and filling.

Much better tasting than IHOP pancakes and much cheaper.]

[Homefries from the Yonkers Raceway Diner. My favorite part was the peppers and onions in it.

Delicious. I actually couldnt finish all of it!]

[Vegetarian Lasagna. Tons of Veggies, extra cheesy, super melt in your mouth good.

I sauteed zucchini, yellow squash and spinach with minced garlic.

Then I added a can of cream of mushroom soup. It provided a nice creamy

texture and great flavor.  The longer lasagna sits, the greater the flavor!]

More later readers!!!

I hope you are all staying warm during the blizzard.

Happy eating!

Peace, love and no beef!

Guramrit K.

December 17, 2010: The Best Pickle…I mean sandwich EVER

My mouth is watering as I write this entry.  The other day I went to 161st street with my mother and her friend to the Court Deli (literally across from the court-house).  I had not eaten that day and had the strange craving for a grilled cheese with tomato and french fries.  Yes, I am a random food craver.  The moment the sandwich came out I was really excited (and of course starving).  The sandwich was grilled perfectly with the right amount of tomato.  What won me over was the pickle. Yes, I said it. A pickle.  It was so cute. I took one bite and it was unlike any pickle I had ever had. It was crunchy, juicy and had an amazing flavor that was not too bitter like many pickles that may make you have a funny face after one bite.

Just reminiscing on this sandwich makes me hungry.  Although the deli/cafe is really busy at around lunch hour it does not fail to provide you with a delicious meal (reasonably priced too!).

Peace, love and no beef!!!
Guramrit K.

December 12, 2010: Farewell to the Fall Semester…HELLO Winter Break

Greetings readers!

I apologize for my lack of posting.  The end of the semester is the most difficult time especially with final exams and final projects, papers, etc.  I must say the last month was probably the most stressful of the entire semester.  I also must admit that it has taken a toll on my eating habits as well.

I found myself eating yogurt, cereal, pitas and sandwiches.  It was a rare occasion that I decided to cook since I was barely home and practically living int he library.  Luckily I survived and I am back home for the holidays.  I am hopefully going to get back on track this break and will be getting back into the kitchen and concocting some amazing dishes.   My other goal is to eat at as many different vegetarian and vegan restaurants and let you all know what I think.  I don’t consider myself a picky eater, just someone who knows what they like and that healthy does not need to taste like sawdust.

Since I have been home I have eaten at one restaurant, Chef Yu near West 37th and 36th on 8th avenue.  It looked like a peaceful and elegant environment to get some Chinese food.  The first thing that turned me off was the lack of attentiveness.  The lady at the door did not notice we were standing there until I got her attention.  We sat down and it took nearly 15 minutes for the server to take our orders.  Now, I am not the one to complain but when I am hungry do not get in the way of me and my meal.  The server seemed very frazzled and all over the place.  She did not even keep eye contact so I was not sure if she got the jist of my order in the first place.  My mother ordered Mixed Vegetables with Brown Rice and two orders of Vegetable Spring Rolls.  I ordered Broccoli and Bean Curd (tofu) in a spicy garlic sauce with brown rice and my friend Michelle ordered Pad Thai with Shrimp (for those pesca-vegetarians out there).

I have a pet peeve about the way my food is presented to me.  I need it to be presented with love.  The woman plopped the plate of spring rolls down in front of us and said nothing and walked away.  It is all about presentation and attitude for me.  I felt like her attitude rubbed off on my food and I could taste the lack of love in it.  Besides, the spring rolls had literally one vegetable: cabbage.  To me, that is not a spring roll.

Then things seemed to get worse as time went on.  I got my tofu and broccoli and the moment I poked my fork into the tofu it fell apart.  It was disgustingly gooey and seemed undercooked to me.  I like my tofu made crispy or at least cooked until it has a solid form.  This tofu was lifeless and had a jello-like consistency.  I refused to eat it and told the woman to take it back.  I immediately ordered what my mother had ordered: Mixed Vegetables.  That tasted amazing.  The sauce was not too salty but it was spiced perfectly to keep me eating it.  The only thing I really was not fond of was the amount of green bell peppers, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts and cabbage that took over my plate.  Yes, a vegetarian can be picky about the vegetables they like!

Overall this restaurant would get a C. The service was awful.  There was no love in the food. But at the end of the day I got to eat a pretty decent order of mixed vegetables for a good price.  For 3 people we spent $30 (including drinks).

Well, I hope that helps readers!

Keep a look out for my other foodie adventures!

Peace, love and NO BEEF!

Guramrit

November 17, 2010: Foodie Updates: The Busy College Student on a Budget

Greetings world!

The first semester of my senior year is so close to being over and I am more overwhelmed than ever.

One of the things I make sure to put aside time for is food.

I have bought amazing food while also cooked amazing things these past few weeks.  Usually when I am in rush I try to find something healthy and filling that is vegetarian friendly of course.

Here are a few of the dishes I have had on Syracuse University’s campus and that I have made myself. Enjoy!

Pesto Garlic Wrap with Hummus, Lettuce, Tomato and Provolone

From Schine Student Center

Rating: B+

[All it was missing was a little more flavor from the Hummus, otherwise it was delicious and satisfying.  The pickles gave it a good crunch]

Healthy Taco:

Whole Grain Corn Taco Shell filled with left over rice (jasmine rice with peas & corn),

spiced black beans (with taco seasoning), sauteed mushrooms and zucchini with garlic,

diced tomatoes and white cheddar cheese.

Rating: A [I made this myself with as much love and effort as possible. I even topped it with Habanero Hot Sauce YUM!]

Up close and personal in the healthy taco

Chocolate Lava Cake from the Unique Tea House on Marshall Street

This ooey gooey delectable dessert was the perfect end to a stressful week.

Rating: A [It was warm and melted perfectly.]

Grilled Cheese with Tomato with a side of waffle fries smothered in cheese

From Friendly’s

Rating: A [I wanted something comforting.

There is something amazingly comforting about a grilled cheese. Me and Cheese can never part. Sorry Veganism. I cannot do it.]

The Vegetarian Sandwich from Jimmy Johns (minus the mayo)

Provolone Cheese, Tomato, avocado spread, Cucumbers, alfalfa sprouts and lettuce on fresh made French bread.

Rating: A- [I love the sandwich but I am still not fond of the alfalfa sprouts]

Everything Bagel with Butter from Brueggers Bagels

I am in love with bagels from Brueggers. They are tiny but amazing.

Rating: A [Need I say more?]

That is all for now readers!

Peace, love and no beef!

Guramrit