MetsFan5

I don’t drink coffee; I never really did. That said; I think, in my experience, Starbucks became a legit excuse to get out of the office for a break. I found this to be true when I worked in the suburbs (but since I don’t drink coffee I never participated) and even more factual when I worked in Manhattan. I lived off Venti Green tea and lemonade unsweetened ice teas. The Starbucks across from my office was usually filled with people from my office or the parent company I worked for (think advertising) and it was totally acceptable to out your phone on DND and mutter “Starbucks” and walk away. Starbucks, in my experience, was the modern day “water cooler”. We all eventually gravitated there; it wasn’t particularly good, but their iced tea is decent. Dunkin doesn’t have remotely decent iced tea.

The burger was cooked decently but it was greasy. The potatoes and vegetables were acceptable if I was in a hospital or other type of setting at best. I feel like the meals are overwhelmingly spiced (the tomato jam was on the side for dipping and had to be doused with liquid smoke) in order to compensate for being reheated for a whole 2 minutes. No big loss, six meals ran me $49. The amount of packaging is honestly overwhelming and not easily recycled. I’ll likely try the one vegan meal I ordered since I think I read those are their strong point but that’s it. Most of the meals are chicken breasts and I’m not a major fan, with cauliflower rice and green berms in various sauces. My apartment smells like hamburger helper. I think Maisey thought it was for her. I’m going to have some Ben and Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream now. I almost ordered Dominos and given my location in Northern NJ that says a lot.

Yes, after one meal I am doubting if I will eat the others. I will probably put them in the freezer and eventually toss them. The flavoring is strong, especially the liquid smoke. I tried this tonight:

I don’t have high hopes but the 50% off deal and the ability to cancel at any time is enough to motivate me to try it.

Her being called a “phony” and getting “her job because of skin color and not experience” is disgusting. It’s racist and sexist and unfounded.

Everything about this comment comes off as sexist at best. Racist at the worst.

Well I have an order coming from Factor on Tuesday. One of my neighbors uses it and with a 50% off the first week and being able to cancel at any time I signed up. I’ll follow up once I get my delivery.

Host's note: This post and the following discussion were split from Indonesian peanut sauce (sambal kacang) in RecipeGullet. Between this and your current blog I am in awe! Now where did you get those shrimp chips?

Right because Tom Collichio is the shining example of being true to his roots— hardly.

AFAIK Padma stepped away from TC mostly as her daughter is now a teenager and she wants to travel less. TC has lost its luster a long time ago for me.

No, my father has never been like this. I genuinely think his comment was just a result of his new view on food. My father had quadruple bypass 20 years ago and last fall he was in constant afib. His cardiologist determined that shocking his heart was a last resort as his bypass procedure was close to its end of usefulness date and his heart was only functioning at 30%. His cardiologist was kind of casual about it, but of course it upset him. My ex husband had dealt with afib and recommended a book on how to cope with it. I sent it to my dad and he radically changed his lifestyle and got himself out of afib without medication at 74 years old. So now he uses his smart watch (it’s not an Apple Watch which is what I have and know how to use) and tracks EVERYTHING. It makes him feel a lot better to know he can control afib on his own. So, no I didn’t feel as if he was shaming me and he’s never made comments like that before, it just gave me pause and made me think. Personally any time anyone mentions anything about what I am or am not eating even in the kindest way, I get in my head about it.

The Manor in West Orange has been a wedding and event rock in the world of events in Northern NJ for decades. Yes, my parents got married there. If you live in NJ, chances someone you know did too. I had my prom there. The Manor formerly boasted two restaurants in addition to events: a Lobster Buffet and a Fine a dining ala carte old school dining room. A little less than 20 years ago I was the reservations manager, in charge of both of the Manor’s restaurants as well as the Highlawn Pavillion. I was brought in when they change their reservation system over to Open Table. (I was also in school part time to get my bachelors in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management) I saw and heard and dealt with a LOT in the few years I worked there. Now the property has been sold. It is the end of an era, and not the first time a restaurant I worked for (a family business) was sold (assuming a lack of interest on the next generations behalf, but that is just an assumption. details here: https://www.nj.com/news/2023/07/the-manor-njs-iconic-wedding-venue-closes-its-doors-for-good-today.html?outputType=amp

I personally haven’t dealt with any eating disorder, however I think maybe disordered eating may be an issue. I would never dream of taking the last serving of anything shared— whether with immediate family for a holiday or with friends at a happy hour. Even just with my former spouse I would defer and let him choose which steak or let him serve himself then take a smaller portion so there would be a second helping for him. Buffets can be intimidating. Some situations are anxiety inducing (large family events, or even dates, lunching out with coworkers) and I hate wasting food but have yet to find a buffet other than family events I’ve enjoyed. Obviously I’m over thinking things. I also think in some form, the whole “women are dainty eaters” concept comes into play. I suppose my question is, do others also enjoy the dining experience, whether at home or not, less or more due to the environment and circumstances the way I do?

During a celebration dinner (which I posted on the NJ Dining board), my father remarked to me if I knew how many calories were in the table side Caesar salad that I had. I didn’t— it was a special occasion— but the comment has stayed with me for a while. There are a myriad of reasons why my dad asked, as he loves to track everything he eats and every step he takes with his smart watch to maybe my not being slim in my “middle age”. Either way, I’m not offended. But it made me think— and realize that far too often while dining out, I can get anxious when I notice people watching me eat, or having wait staff hanging over me. I often hardly touch my entree, preferring to take it home (quickly if possible) to enjoy at home. This may be one reason why Doordash and UberEats appeal to me. Although I recently read about a DoorDasher who was delivering to a teenagers window and the teen was bedridden. The Dasher felt guilty about delivering to the teen. Which is likely for another topic. I’ve done a poor job of streamlining my thoughts. I suppose I wonder if anyone else feels judged? While dining out based on what they’re eating? I realize this is like just a “me” issue— when I waited tables I never judged anyone on their orders.

I was overly critical. But the aesthetic was off to me. If it tasted great, that’s awesome but I’d also be put off by garlic and too much oregano. (also I’m a female— the name makes it confusing)

Huh. That “margarita” does not at all look like one to me. The obviously shredded cheese versus fresh mozzarella reminds me of Elio’s frozen pizza.

Unfortunately no. They ceased all dining during Covid and never reopened them and sold the business. I don’t know who bought it or what future plans are. Kinda sad. I used to work for them and the Highlawn Pavillion, which has also since been sold.

A few weeks ago, my parents and I celebrated my father’s 75th birthday at Il Cappricio. The interior and the service were very reminiscent of The Manor’s ala carte dining room (rip). Hand painted ceiling, live piano player, tableside service. I started with the tableside Caesar salad— I miss this old tradition of having a Caesar salad made tableside. It was perfect. I had a few bits of my father’s beef carpaccio, which was a special and also very good. My mom had a special salad which she enjoyed. The bread service comes with butter but also pickled vegetables such as peppers and cauliflower and olives and mushrooms. Had a kick to it, but was a nice touch. I had the Dover Sole special in brown butter. It was amazing and also deboned tableside. My parents both had the “Scringo di Mare” which was semi shelled lobster, jumbo scallops, wild shrimp and seasonal mushrooms in a brandy cream sauce with Salsa Americain. They both finished it— I sampled the sauce and it was delicious. We concluded the meal with coffee (Irish for me), cannoli which was delicious and unique as the shell was a lacy deep fried crispy and sugary shell. Despite the dress code that prefers gentlemen in jackets, they permit neat jeans and while we were a bit dressed up, others were not. I didn’t pay the bill (I tried) so I can only say this is a fairly costly restaurant. They offered valet services, the bathrooms were clean and the service was excellent. Some of the best in a long time. They also have an incredible wine list, but as I was the only one drinking wine I passed on looking at it. I was pleasantly surprised at how great the meal was. Highly recommend. Website: https://www.ilcapriccio.com

what brand of meatballs do you use?

Wow @Shelby that galette is gorgeous! I’m in a funk taste wise. Nothing appeals to me much right now. Not sure why. But your meals looks delicious as always. I’d be happy with a fork, some fresh whipped cream and that galette!!!

A popular small chain of ramen restaurants in my area serves broth less ramen. Sometimes they refer to it as ramen, other times as mazeman. https://www.aniramen.com/menus/#summer Momofuku markets then as noodles, not ramen. I can’t seem to find the cooking instructions; only that they claim to cook in 4 minutes which is pretty “instant” to me.

Charlie is very fortunate! You’re a great dad!

@SLB Thanks for the info. Which flavor(s) did you try. I’m curious how spicy the “spicy” ones are.

I agree their Orange chicken is not great. I think it’s two servings? It’s been a while but a lot of the chicken is full of gristle which was disappointing. It was a two tries and done for me.

I’ve wavered off and on for years about trying Spam. I bought some during the pandemic and it was via an Instacart delivered and hit its expiration within like 6 months. Which I noticed a year later. While I want to try it, I’ve decided not to. If it’s on a menu while dining or ordering out, I will definitely get it. But I already love breakfast sausage, bacon, ham and Taylor ham. I don’t need another salty meat in my life!