Falafel- afel- wha?

Falafel. Goodness without the guilt as Id like to call it. Actually, falafel is a ball or patty made from ground chickpeas and/ or fava beans that is deep-fried or baked. And deep-frying anything is always a good thing. Falafel is usually served in a pita along with lettuce, pickled vegetables, hot sauce, and drizzled with tahini-based sauces. (I love adding lettuce, various vegetables, and hummus to my falafel.)

I was first exposed to falafel out of curiosity. There were some food places around Union Square (of New York City) and each one those food places highlighted 'falafel'; the word was on street carts, small food shacks, restaurants. I had my first bite of falafel at MaozVeg and since then, Im hooked. They are vegetarian, packed with a lot of flavors and textures, very filling, and super healthy. When made from chickpeas, falafels are packed with plenty of proteins, minerals and vitamin B. They are also a great source of cholesterol-lowering fiber, antioxidants, iron, phosphorus, folate and zinc. To top that, the high fiber content in chickpeas helps maintain blood sugar levels after eating so you're not hungry later on.  Plus the price of falafel is cheap too, ranging from $2 to $5; and for how much food youre getting, it is totally worth it.

First introduced in Egypt, falafel has become a dish eaten throughout the Middle East. Falafel is also often considered a national dish of Israel. Some also claim that falafel was first made as a replacement for meat during Lent; and believe me, it is fulfilling and hearty as meat. The hearty fritters are now found around the world as a replacement for meat and as a form of street food especially in North America, where a lot of U.S. college students are as likely to enjoy a falafel wrap as they are other fast foods like pizza (hence why there are a lot places around Union Square that sell falafel)

Falafel has become so popular that there are now fast food chains that solely sells it. MaozVeg (first opened in Amsterdam) is sorta becoming the McDonald's of falafel. "The first Maoz restaurant opened in the heart of Amsterdam back in 1991. With the best falafel in town and a tempting fresh salad bar, Maoz drew in locals and world travelers alike, and was soon to become synonymous with outstanding quick vegetarian food." Let me tell you, I like MaozVeg; they're smallest-size falafel, the Junior, is super filling and also FREE refillable sides from their salad bar?! That's super awesome in of itself. 

I know some of the meat-eaters (I love meat too so I would fall under this category) out there are having some doubt; "What? I would never ever eat something that's vegetarian, that's for wimps!" True, vegetarian food is known for its not-so fulfilling portions, that some claim any vegetarian dish is always like a side dish or a small appetizer. But I have found that that is only the case in American food. If you explore other cultures, this is not so, like for example the falafel. And if you have one of these, you will not miss meat for a second.

The Evolution of Desserts : the Cake Pop

So it seems like the idea of dessert is making headlines and is continuously evolving. First there was this cupcake craze (view my last post on it) and now this: the cake pop.

What is a cake pop? Cake Pops are simply little cakes on a stick.

My first encounter of cake pops was at a friend's birthday dinner party. It was cheesecake pops all decorated in a tree or something. Then I started to notice its population growing on Valentine's Day when they were put on display at a bakery or something They caught my attention for a split second and then I was distracted with something else. Recently I saw them at Starbucks. Oh my gosh, if Starbucks is selling them, this must be the next big thing, I thought. Starbucks was giving them away for free as desserts called "Petities" during their three-day 40th year celebration.

Being that these little desserts are so small, I guess it kinda sheds the guilt of desserts and their unhealthy amounts of fat, calories, and sugar content which was Starbucks gimmick, "Starbucks Petites are made with only premium ingredients to offer the perfect amount of decadence. Each petite is under 200 calories, so you can still feel good about treating yourself." But regardless, too much of one thing is always a bad thing. Do the math.

In my opinion, I think these cake pops things are really a thing of art. The creative spectrum of decorating these cake pops are endless. However most of the time, they end up looking cute-looking and whimsical.

 

Plus, I think they are ingenious; they're a portable fun dessert. But if you are like me, cake pops take the fun out of actually enjoying the dessert. I like to savor and enjoy my desserts; Im not a fan taking my food on the run.

Overall, I think cake pops take the world of desserts to a whole new galaxy. They're decadent-looking, delicious like cake and you can even give them as gifts.

Hmm, I think I will try to attempt to bake some cake pops of my own.

Check out more from Bakerella and her creative cute cake pops.
Also purchase her book: Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Mini Treats.

"Cwazy fo' Cupcakes"

Pardon me if my speech sounds slurred by my over-zealousness. Actually, Im not THAT crazy for cupcakes. But yes, I love them; they are just that sweet dessert to reward yourself for a job well done, or to snack on when you're intoxicated or high, or to binge on when someone breaks your heart.

But you know, cupcakes weren't that huge when I was younger. Sure, you would get the occasional mom that brings cupcakes to a kindergarten class to celebrate her son's/ daughter's birthday but that was the extent as to how popular cupcakes were then.

Now, bakeries and coffee shops all sell cupcakes.  Chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, pink frosting, sprinkles, cream cheese frosting, brownie cupcakes. They are everywhere!!! with all different varieties. There are even special bakeries that solely sells cupcakes. In addition to its popularity, the size of cupcakes have increased. Forget your dinky little bite-size cupcake; at Crumbs Bakeshop, the "Colossal Crumb towers at about six and a half inches high with deliciousness and love baked into every bite." Um immense sugar high, anyone? (Dont get me wrong, if I received a six and a half inches tall cupcake as a present, by no means would I turn it down.) 

Rachel Kramer Bussel, who has been blogging about cupcakes since 2004 at 'Cupcakes Take the Cake', says that "in the last two years or so, cupcakes really exploded" with more cupcake-centric bakeries opening nationwide. "Some people say it's nostalgia, and I think that plays a small role, but even more, it's that they are so personalized,... Everyone has a favorite" she said. (Full article here: CNN)

What's my favorite? Im not sure. There are just sooo many to choose from. It's cwazy! (But I can tell you what type of cupcake I had last: Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting from Crumbs Bakeshop )

Some say the craze started when "Sex and the City" popularized New York's Magnolia Bakery and its sugary treats. I remember walking to a Magnolia's last Spring and there was actually a tour group taking photos of the place and then stood on line to get into the place (I, of course, stood on line) and buy their cupcakes; probably because that was the place where that particular "Sex and City" scene was filmed. This place was super tiny, crowded, smelled sweet, and quite warm. Others might add on to say Saturday Night Live's funny classic, "Lazy Sunday" clip might have had a role in boosting the cupcake's reputation. (See it here on Hulu)

So not only would you see cupcakes at a kid's party, they are being promoted to have as the iconic wedding cake, which I guess is a good thing that because each guest has their own individualized and equal portion of a sweet dessert.

How long will this cupcake craze last? Many say the end is near. Cupcakes can cost up to $4 to $5 each and with this economy, it's always a good idea to be wary with your money spending because you never know what will happen. Plus it sounds a little crazy to spend $5 on a single cupcake. Plus, the golden rule of economics, supply and demand, applies: the more cupcake bakeries open, the less demand for it. (But you know what might be on the rise? Cake Pops. More on that in my next post.)

But until then, let's continue to walk into those Cupcake-ries, smell the sugar in the air, get hyper on mounds of frosting; let's enjoy cupcakes, the sweet and popular dessert.

Chicken & Rice run, anyone?

It's 1 o'clock in the morning. You just stepped out of a crowded bar and into the cool brisk air. The lights of Midtown Manhattan are blinding and the world is spinning, well, only in your head. You've had enough to drink for one night but your stomach is growling. Maybe its the overload of alcohol in your stomach and you need some sustenance to soak it up or maybe youre just hungry. Where can you go for a lot of food that is filling and cheap? Chicken & Rice, of course.

Located on 53rd street and 6th avenue, this curious-looking street food cart draws in throngs of people ranging from fine-suited businessmen to disheveled drunkards. Usually street food carts in New York City are frowned upon for its dirty, street-side cooking, so whenever tourists pass by this street corner and see the long lines, they do a double-take and go, "Huh???" But who cares; if youre in need of a lot of food that is good for your buck, this is the cart you should go to.

Platters are offered as chicken and rice, lamb and rice, or a combination of both meats and rice. Along with your desired meat (or meats), your platter comes with yellow rice, salad, and pita bread. The salad, meh, ice berg lettuce and just a petty excuse to have your veggies of the day; the rice, at times, a couple of kernels are dry; but the meats and pita, flavorful and all good. Along with your platter, comes two sauces: red hot sauce and white sauce. Im not a brave soul when it comes to extremely spicy food so a few droplets of the hot sauce is enough to make me want to gulp a gallon of water, but I like to add a couple of droplets anyway. Despite the white sauce looking like mayonnaise or ranch dressing, it is far from it. Some call their white sauce, "crack sauce" because it is super good and addicting. Some dont know what it really is because it is their "secret" recipe.

Good tasting, very plentiful, and all for a mere $6?! I'm there! One time, I went out of my way, waited for a half an hour on the long line in the cold, just to get Chicken & Rice. And whenever I get a combination platter for dinner, I always have lunch the next morning.

Just a note: the authentic 53rd & 6th cart is open from 7:30PM-4AM. During the daytime, it is different vendor at the location who is totally unaffiliated. So there are impostors out there! Also the real "Chicken & Rice" vendor is the one next to the Hilton Hotel and in front of a fountain/ sculpture like thing, not the one across the street! But quite honestly, no matter what time of day I went, Ive always had a good experience.  I guess if you want the authentic experience, gotta go between those times and at that location.

Check this place out: http://www.53rdand6th.com/index.html

Take a Bao

So I happen to know a decent amount of the Chinese language (Oh yea, by the way Im Chinese-American) I cant recall how it happened but on one faithful night during my senior year of college, I was teaching my sleep-deprived friends a bunch of random Chinese words (Chinese food words, go figure). One of those words happen to be "bāo." They all got a kick out of it.

Bāo means bun or dumpling or a little mound of yummy goodness. You would usually hear this word being shouted out in Chinese bakeries or in Chinese restaurants when you go yum cha and eat some dim sum (yum cha literally translates to "drink tea;" it's a dining experience which involves drinking tea and eating dim sum; sorta like brunch/ dim sum is a term used for a type of small Chinese dish or simply, a type of Chinese appetizers) Regardless all of these scenes deal with yummy delicious foods.

If you ever walk into a Chinese bakery, sure, you can grab your occasional boba (West Coast saying)/ bubble tea (East Coast saying) but as walk to the counter to make your order, you'll most definitely pass by or grab a glance at a huge variety of bread-like pastries. Those are all bāos, all with different fillings and flavors.

 Here are just a few bāo you might end up hearing in that busy bakery:

• "bolo bāo" pineapple bun: no, theres no real pineapple inside this delicious bun. It's sorta decorated and shaped to look like a pineapple.

• "cha siu bāo" barbeque pork bun: yes, there is chinese barbeque pork inside this bāo- a surprisingly good combo.

Growing up, I used to eat bolo bāo almost every morning- that's how much I loved it. But the place I love hearing the word "bāo" is at a shanghai-nese restaurant.

If you ever venture into a shanghai-nese restaurant, you MUST order xiao long bao. I dont care if you're not in the mood for it or dont know what it is (you soon will find out what it is), it is staple to order this dish. Xiao long bao is a type of steamed bao from Shanghai and is traditionally steamed in small bamboo baskets (xiao long literally translates to "small steaming basket") They are often referred to as soup dumplings. At any shanghai-nese restaurant, these dumplings are freshly made to order. Each plump dumpling contains a little pork meatball surrounded by a delightful meaty broth. When you order them, they usually arrive at your table in the steam bamboo basket along with tongs. By jeebus, use the tongs! It doesnt matter if you've mastered to art of using chopsticks, these dumplings are super delicate; one little rip in its dumpling skin and the soup spills all over and basically you fail (because you lost all those flavorful juices/ soup). To savor the dumpling and also to prevent burning your mouth by the hot broth, the preferred method of consumption is to bite off a little piece of the doughy wrapper, drip the broth to a spoon (a Chinese soup spoon is a common eating utensil at these types of restaurants) or suck the broth with a "slurp", then eat the rest.

Once you've mastered the art of eating xiao long bao, you are set for life (okay, not really. But your taste buds and tummy will thank you) They are just yummy, flavorful, and delicious; words cant describe it (so below there are pictures :) ). I love eating these soup dumplings of heaven. I can eat a whole steam basket-ful if I could. Whenever my friends visit or are in town and they're super hungry for good food, I take them to a shanghai-nese restaurant and right away, order xiao long bao- a tradition that started with my dad and whenever he would take me out to Chinatown and have lunch.

These are some of my favorite places in Chinatown, NYC to get some good xiao long bao.

• Shanghai Cafe
  100 Mott St (between Canal St & Hester St)
• Shanghai Asian Manor
  21 Mott St (between Chatham Sq & Worth St)
• Shanghai Asian Cuisine
  14 Elizabeth St (between Bayard St & Canal St)

Coincidentally, all restaurants' names start with "Shanghai."

Lucky in Chicago

This past weekend, I was visiting my awesome best friend in Chicago, IL. Along with great sights to see, we also had some great food.

While most of the time it was her and her boyfriend leading the way, I discovered this place. Actually I would have to thank Travel Channel's "Man vs. Food" for finding out about this place: Lucky's Sandwich Company.

Lucky's is Chicago's home of the overstuffed sandwich. And boy, was it overstuffed and soo good. Their sandwiches are stuffed with your choice of meat, cheese, fresh cut french fries, coleslaw, and tomatoes between two slices of thick-cut French Bread. The combination was perfection. Though Im not a fan of coleslaw, in that sandwich, it all made perfect sense.

I ordered Turkey Breast with Cheese. My friends ordered different sandwiches, some added bacon along with their desired meats. I wasnt sure how to eat it at first; It was just that huge. But we all agreed it was delicious. They said that the addition of bacon made it even better. The only downfall of this sandwich was its crust. The crust was a little too hard and tough to eat but you cant deny the fact that bread has crust.

Sad that, I was only able to finish half of it. Oh well, that half was eaten the next morning for breakfast.

And I certainly dont think I could finish 3 full sandwiches in one hour which is Lucky's Food Challenge (hence the place was featured on Man vs. Food)
"Rules:

1. Contestants may only choose 3 of the following sandwiches:
• Roast Beef, Pastrami, Corned Beef, Capicola, Smoked Turkey, Ham, Cajun Chicken, The Fredo, The Two Bagger, Salami
2. The Contestant will have exactly one hour to finish all 3 Sandwiches.
3. Time is to be kept by an official Lucky's employee.
4. Once eating is started, contestant may not leave the room.
(No bathroom breaks)
5. The basket and wax paper must be COMPLETELY empty.
(This includes ALL toppings)
6. No item of the sandwich may be dropped on the floor or table.
7. The sandwich must be completely swallowed by the end of the hour.
8. All 3 sandwiches will be served at the same time.
9. Finally, after you finish your lunch, ladies and gentlemen, you have to keep it! No loosing your lunch after you've eaten it!

*Any attempt at breaking any of these rules will lead to disqualification.

*Winners will receive the third sandwich free, a Lucky's T-shirt and their photo placed on our Wall of Fame.

*If any contestant finishes all three sandwiches while abiding by the pre-stated rules within 30 minutes, all three sandwiches are free."

You think you can do it??

First Entry.

"Food is for eating, good food is to be enjoyed."

The title came from an idea my friends came up with while watching TV and well, it inspired me to create this blog and Ive been wanting to create a food blog for a while but Ive been busy or just super lazy.
I love food. I love eating it, I love making it, I love taking pictures of it. 

So here it is! I'll post photos, write reviews of food I've eaten, places I've been to, or write blog entries that are somewhat random.

Enjoy!