July 8, 2010: Montezuma’s: A Taste of Almost Authentic Mexican Food

Hello Readers!
Last night was my boyfriends birthday and we went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant located near by. This place, Montezumas, was dimly lighted with candles with a somewhat soothing atmosphere. The authenticity was thrown off with the modern pop, techno and club type music. For a Mexican joint I usually expect a mariachi. I know it sounds a little typical but hey it is what you see when you go to Mexico!

The one thing that usually buys me is the chips and salsa. The most delicious start of meals at these restaurants are the warm fresh tortilla chips that are unsalted and perfectly crisp and accompanied by a fresh spicy salsa. The salsa was addicting. I could not get enough of the spicy kick the salsa had. I was not too pleased with the guacamole. It lacked the authenticity I crave when it comes to guac. It was too oniony and lacked garlic and cilantro. It wasn’t awful but it wasn’t amazing either.

For my entree I had the vegetable enchiladas accompanied by refried beans topped with cheese and rice. The enchiladas were filled with broccoli, cauliflower and carrots and were topped with sour cream and a red chile sauce. I was a little disturbed with the great amount of sour cream plopped on top but it tasted great when mixed with a little salsa.

For a drink we all had sangria. It was a little strong for my taste but could have had more fruit and been a little sweeter. I think as far as authenticity goes I am not sure where the sangria falls.

This restaurants service was decent but the food is really what you go for.

If you are ever in the Kingsbridge area try to hit up this spot.

But for now readers I must bid you all adieu.

Peace, love and no beef!

Guramrit

July 2, 2010: Looking for a snack?

Having a hard time finding a low-fat, high protein and vegetarian snack? Well since my mom and I love snacking we decided to combine a few of our favorite things and share them as an afternoon snack.

For our afternoon snack we had some Garlic Lover’s Hummus, Wheat Thins, Carrots, Cucumbers and a little Cheddar Cheese. Yea I know this sounds like a lot but split between two people and eaten in moderation it is healthy and delicious.  My mom and I ate the Cheddar Cheese with the 100% Whole Grain Wheat Thins and dipped some Baby Carrots and Cucumbers in the hummus.  It was delicious and incredibly satisfying.

The best part about this meal? You don’t feel guilty about snacking!

Happy Snacking Everyone!

I will be back later for more of my foodie adventures.

Peace, love & no beef!

Guramrit

June 29, 2010: Subway the Smart Way

Today was a light day of eating for me.  I have been trying to keep it simple, cool and cheap.  I started my day with organic vanilla yogurt with some cut up strawberries and two Morningstar Farms Veggie Sausage links (YUM). For lunch I had a 6 inch Subway sandwich.

I had a 6 inch Italian Herbs and Cheese bread with a Veggie Patty (Subway’s version of a Veggie Burger just in a rectangular shape).  Cheddar cheese was melted on top of my veggie patty along with lettuce and tomatoes, a dash of salt and pepper and a little drizzle of ranch dressing.  I usually pile on the veggies like green peppers and cucumbers but today was different.  It was completely satisfying the way it was.

The best part about this meal?  It was only $4 and I drank homemade iced tea.

For dinner I ate oatmeal with strawberries.  Weird? Yes, I know.  I heard that eating your heaviest meal at lunch time is the best way to maintain your weight.

I have so many ideas of what I want to make this week.  Anyone have any ideas for me?

But for now readers,

Peace, love & NO BEEF!!

Guramrit

June 28, 2010: Chinos Joint Whipping up Mexican Favorites

Another scorcher today.  This extremely hot day called for food that we did not prepare. Although my mother and I went grocery shopping this morning we decided cooking was not smart for this weather.

My boyfriend and I went for a walk down to Panda House Taco and Chinese. We’ve eaten at this fast food spot for its burritos for a few years.  I usually get black bean burrito while my boyfriend opts for the chicken.  When we enter they recognize us and immediately know our order without our saying so.

I have not eaten one  of these ginormous burritos in a long time.  It was heavenly and incredibly filling.  I must warn you, burritos of this caliber usually require a fork and knife.  I don’t know how he does it but my boyfriend is able to conquer this massive monster without the use of utensils.  I think there is a proper etiquette for food of these epic proportions.  I guess I was more afraid of it falling over and collapsing since it was rather messy, messier than normal.  This burrito was loaded with black beans, spanish rice, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and guacamole.  I always add their pico- de- gallo sauce/house salsa to add a kick since I love my food spicy.  The best part was the cheap price for this grand burrito: $4.75.

Lately there has been a surplus of Asians in my neighborhood making Mexican food.  I have no complaints.  I wish we had a more legitimate Mexican spot but for now this is suitable.  I guess it is the poor mans version of Chipotle.

Next time you are in the Bronx around the 205th street area go to the Panda House and taste its huge burrito (no pun intended).

I need to make some trips to other restaurants soon!

Peace, love and no beef!

Guramrit

June 23, 2010: Guilty Pleasures on a Hot Summer Day

I spent yet another day on the beach relaxing.  After a bowl of cereal with some blueberries and almond milk I was ready to make my way to the beach for an hour of sun.  I could not tolerate the blazing sun and intense humidity so my mom and I decided to head home early and grab a Chai Frappuccino.  Once we got home we had a light salad for lunch.

This salad was easy and perfect for such a hot day.  Cooking a meal was not an option today.  For our salad we got some arugula, tomatoes, cucumbers, an avocado and a half cup of shredded cheddar cheese and tossed it together.  We make our own dressing, a combination of plain yogurt, tahini (a sesame seed paste common in middle eastern food), soy sauce and  some garlic powder. We tossed the salad in this dressing and topped it with Smart Strips Chick’n (a seasoned vegetarian version of chicken strips which we sautéed in a little vegetable oil to get them to a crisp).

Surprisingly this salad was rather filling and I decided to order some Mixed Vegetables with Tofu from my local Chinese food restaurant later on for dinner.

That’s all for now.

I think I should cook tomorrow.

Peace, love & no beef.

Guramrit