Friday, October 19, 2012

ELECTION CUPCAKES


 FAIRWAY MARKET ELECTION CUPCAKES!

SELECT OBAMA OR ROMNEY CUPCAKES 
AND VOTE YOUR CHOICE WHILE SATISFYING YOUR STOMACH!
Available at the Douglaston Fairway Market beginning Friday, October 19, 2012


With less than three weeks to go until Election Day, Fairway Market is giving shoppers a chance to vote early – with their stomachs. Starting Friday, October 19, 2012  Obama and Romney-related cupcakes in blue and red, featuring donkeys and elephants and other election-related images, will be on sale in all Fairway Markets; tallies will be taken up to November 5 to determine the winner in each of the 11 tri-state-area locations.

“With all the bitterness emanating from the campaign, Fairway Market is eager to put some sweetness in the battle for the White House,” said Herb Ruetsch, CEO of Fairway Market.
  
The cupcakes will sell for $1.49 each through November 5, 2012 in Douglaston and at all Fairway Market locations in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Fairway Market offers an exceptional combination of traditional, organic and specialty foodstuffs at great prices. Each of the 11 tri-state locations is a fusion of the best specialty stores, organic markets and traditional supermarkets with the services of the neighborhood corner butcher, baker, cheese shop, and fishmonger, and the freshness and variety of the farmer’s market - all under one roof.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

FOLLOW MY JUICING

Let's give today, October 17th,  my official start to juicing.  My first concoction was this morning as a made a "smoothie".  It consisted of marionberries, blueberries, raspberries, and pre-made apples that were juiced.  This was mixed with some organic non-flavored yogurt.

For my protein I prepared a skinless chicken breast of approximately 6 oz, fried with olive oil.

My "dinner" juicing consisted of:  a whole head of romaine lettuce, a carrot, half of a yellow squash, a piece of broccoli to which I added some water and an apple...not much water...I wanted to make sure that it came to at least 16 oz.  I will most likely prepare another juice as it is only about 7 p.m.

Note sure of what is was that bothered my stomach from this mixture.  Raw broccoli may not be best, but I will consult my Chiropractor by having broccoli muscle tested.  I made some hard boil eggs and had one.  Perhaps I'm not eating enough protein.

October 18th.  I made a fruit smoothie.  I had bought some packs of super fruit organic smoothie consisting of pureed Acai berry and  acerola.  Found this also at Fairway Market.  Pureed with blueberries, some apple "juice" and a small scoop of the organic yogurt.

My lunch protein was a hard boiled egg.  My dinner was about 6 oz. of salmon. 

For "dinner" I made a veggie with: kale (is there a difference between the three different ones that I bought?), orange beet, celery, cilantro, carrot and a bit of apple cider for sweetness. It tasted great. I'm also making sure that I have some olive oil.

October 19th.  Smoothie consisted of: blueberries, raspberries, marionberries, coconut water, apple "juice" and yogurt.

I'm having one pork chop for lunch cooked in apple cider.

Veggie juice: celery, carrot, kale, cucumber with apple.  Later had two scrambled eggs with cilantro cooked in olive oil.

October 20th.  I'm finding that I'm not  moving my bowels as often (minimum of twice a day).  I'm not sure if it's due to not having the fiber or that there's nothing to move, really.  I'm also very tired but I think that is due to not getting a good sleep due to the arthritis in my left hip.  Otherwise, I am feeling fine.  Not sure of weight loss as I have not weighed myself to begin.  I would rather see how my clothes are fitting, instead.

This morning I made a smoothie of blueberries, raspberries, marionberries, a pack of the super fruit, apple juice and coconut juice.   My stomach is growling a bit.  I am preparing some lean beef as my first protein of the day.  I had opted for frozen berries with a brand called Stahlbush Island Farms and will look into this company as they have "sustainable farming".  I found the brand at Fairway Market.

The beef did not feel comfortable even though I chewed it well.  I'm going to pass on having beef.

October 21st.   I prepared a combo of veggies and fruit for a large sized juice.   During the late afternoon I cooked up chicken with broccoli with some olive oil.   Later on I did veggies again.   It's time to shop a bit so that I can also make a salad.  I think I need to add fiber. Later that evening I had a hard boiled egg.

October 22nd.   Got to busy with outside chores and rather than start with a juicing I had sushi rolls. I decided to not juice for the day.  I later had a salad of almost one head of romaine lettuce, cilantro, a hard boiled egg and olive oil.  I bought a dairy ice cream substitute made with almond milk and chocolate.  I can handle that.  I tried an almond milk but not the one I should have gotten as it tasted like toasted almonds.  I will use both the almond milk and coconut water in my next smoothie.  Need more fiber in my system.

October 23rd.   Constipated....then again...did you know that 9 our of 10 people who are constipated don't give a shit?   I made a smoothie of all three berries, yogurt and the apple cider.  I think the cider is getting a bit bubbly.  Not constipated any more.  Lunch was some fresh flounder with ginger.

October 24th.   I did a combo fruit with coconut water for the late morning (that's when I awoke).   My protein food of the day was haddock and both green and yellow squash.   Later in the evening I made a veggie juice.

October 25thI combined blueberries with the super fruit and yogurt to make a smoothie.  My protein for the afternoon was a pork chop with steamed broccoli.  I indulged in dark chocolate in the late afternoon.  I think I had too much sugar.  Having restaurants to review, I called a few in the Queens area that pushing organic juices and food.  I will visit them next week and report.

October 27th.  I forgot to post for yesterday.  I had my main meal in the afternoon, after shopping.  I had some sushi rolls.  Found a better Almond Milk...chocolate flavored and a mint chip ice cream made with coconut milk.  Juiced carrots, kale, celery and an apple.  I have energy but still tired from the lack of a good night's sleep.  I watched Criminal Minds this evening and heard a quote. "We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone."

November 1st.  I realize that I haven't written for each day.   The hurricane has not dampened my regiment.  I went shopping prior and got not only the fresh produce but frozen as well.  I like the variety that Stahlbush Island farms has and trust the contents.  In fact, I called them because I've always wondered about whether frozen produce is washed before packaging.  All of their frozen produce is not only washed, but blanched. They said that they can't vouch for any other company's product. However, I will randomly call some companies and let you know.  I will be using their products for smoothies.

I tried another Almond Milk that chocolate flavored.  It tastes great as compared to others but I think I'll have to bring samples of the coconut water, etc. to my chiropractor, Dr. Joan Jacobs, who is also a Nutritionist.  She can test them to see if I am allergic or sensitive.  I don't seem to have a problem with regular milk digesting but don't feel "the best" with substitutes. 

I continue to basically have one smoothie for the fruit and one juicing of veggies per day.  Meals are protein with vegetables.  Did I say that I am eating dark chocolate as a snack?  Not a lot, though. 

November 7th.  This morning I had a smoothie consisting of strawberries, blueberries, another berry, coconut water and Banilla Stonyfield Yogurt.  A piece of fish was lunch.   For dinner I made kale soup.  I sauteed onion, mushrooms, sliced carrots, and ginger then added water.  I then took a pork chop and cut it into bite size pieces and added it to the soup.  Cooked it a short while and then added the chopped kale and some salt.  Great!  I'm going to make kale soup to get the fiber from the kale leaves and use the parts closest to the stems for juicing.  

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

FROM GELATO TO JUICING IN P'TOWN

No matter where I have traveled I just cannot get the perfect gelato that I have eaten in P'Town at I Dream of Gelato. Owner Michelle Jaffe has spent much time in Italy learning the craft that includes not only the best ingredients but the best method.  It's the original hot process and not using a pre-mix as used by another gelato place down the street with a purple color.

It turns out that Michelle opened a store across the way from her location at the Aquarium Mall, called Sips and Lix.  Upon entering it would appear that soft serve ice cream is the thing.  Preparing fresh juices and smoothies is what Sips and Lix is really all about.  Michelle, who has been juicing for several years, uses organic fruits and vegetables.  A juicer is used to extract the juice from vegetables such as: cucumber, kale, spinach, beets and celery.  The taste is most commonly enhanced with a piece of fruit such as a pear or apple.

Not all produce can be juiced which is why smoothies were invented.   Michelle loves the Vita Mix (I do, too).  You can juice with the Vita Mix and all will turn to liquid but the pulp stays there.  On the other hand, it is quite a fete trying to juice berries, so a smoothie would work.  If the seeds are annoying, you can strain them after "Vita Mixing".  Then, there are the more solid fruits such as bananas that lack a juice quality.

I decided to take the challenge with the guidance of Michelle, a few folks that I met in Morgantown who brought their juicer to a B&B, and my chiropractor, Dr. Joan Jacobs, a Nutritionist.

One important note is that although organic produce is more expensive, not putting pesticides in your body is a much healthier way.  Now, just because you pop into a store that says that they sell organic produce, it may not be reliable.  Since Fairway Market has a huge selection of organic produce as well as a positive reputation, that is where I made my first purchase.  I have no idea how much juice I will actually get and how many days it will last.  This is why I will be blogging my experience to include the combinations, how it tastes, how filling and at some point, the cost.

I will be eliminating many foods in this change of diet that should not only assist in loosing weight but hopefully have a positive affect on my arthritis.

My first juice consisted of cucumber, celery, carrot, kale and apple.  Tasted great.  Will sip as if it is a small meal.  Must find out what to do with the kale leaves that had the water extracted...or what to do with the remains of it all.  Compost and throw into my back yard?  


Thursday, October 4, 2012

PROVINCETOWN PHOTOS
































I thought you'd like to view some random photos that I took in Provincetown

Monday, October 1, 2012

PROVINCETOWN DAY 1

It's been three years since I've gone to Provincetown aka P'Town, Massachusetts, located at the tip of Cape Cod. I Jetblued to Boston and then took Cape Air to P'Town.  Checking in at JFK I noticed that my itinerary did not include the Cape Air trip.  In fact, I was to claim my checked luggage in Boston and then check in at Cape Air.  With a week in P'Town, I did need more than just a carry on and Jet Blue allows for one free checked bag.  So, why could I not just go on to P'Town?

Cape Air's 8 seater airplanes call for a distribution of weight.  They not only have to weigh any bags going on the plane but ask your approximate weight as well.  The Jet Blue crew did much to assist in the transfer matter as well as my enjoyment of the flight. I would in fact love to thank the following:  Captain Frank Lombardo, First Officer John Sven Kleven, flight attendants Phillip Heller (who reminded us that the tray table is not to be used as a changing table), Nakir Abdul Kabir and Daniel Rajcoomar.

The trip from Boston to P'Town took about 25 minutes and a lot smoother than I thought it would be.  There is an elevator that I was able to use to get to Cape Air's plane as I am unable to deal with the 30 stairs down to the ground. With several choices of transportation from New York to P'Town, this one is the fastest.  Jet Blue is paired with Cape Air and the gates are not far away.

I find the P'Town airport to be such a hoot.  There is a basic large piece of metal that reads, "Baggage Claim". If you are bored while waiting for a plane, you can sit in the vending machine room and do a jigsaw puzzle.

I asked the nice guy behind the counter to call Mercedes Cab to take me to Eastwood At Provincetown. Taxis are regulated in this town.  Six dollars to go from anywhere in town with the exceptions of McMillan Pier, the airport and the beach area, the price of which is 8 dollars.

P'Town has a shuttle bus which charges 2 dollars to board (1 dollar for seniors).  There are no specific stops in town other than McMillan Pier.  You flag it down and tell them where you need to get off.   It's season was ending that weekend, so the rest of the week meant using Mercedes Cab.

I think it's about a mile from Eastwood to the center of town.  Years ago it was walkable.  I am much older and require a cane, if you get my drift. Hmm...three years ago I was able to climb to the top of the Pilgrim Monument.

This weekend was the last few days of the Tennessee Williams Festival.  I took one of the plays in the afternoon at the Provincetown Theatre.  There seemed to be 4 short plays of which one was This Property Is Condemned.  The cast consisted of actors from Italy.  In each of the plays, one actor would speak in Italian and the other in English but not as if one was translating.  It was very difficult to follow without having read up on the plots.  Live background music was much a part of each of the theatrical performances at the festival.

Dinner was at a new restaurant called Hot L Bar & Grille, just steps away from the timeshare.  For those who have been there, Michael Shay's was sold and renovated.  What did I eat?

Rather than a basket of bread, out comes a few hush puppies accompanied by a cranberry butter.  Lobster Cod Cakes - a combo of lobster and cod done up as if you had crab cakes with bell peppers and some breading. Topped with a cajun sauce.

Lobster Corn Dog.  Instead of a corn dog that utilizes a hot dog, they take claw meat from the lobster and dip it in a beer batter.  You get a dipping sauce of horseradish, honey and mustard.

Get this one.  Wellfleet Oysters on the half shell topped with tuna sashimi and a dollop of wasabi sauce.  Baby Wedger of Iceberg lettuce topped with bleu cheese, bacon, chopped eggs, grape tomatoes and a buttermilk dressing.  Onto Kale Soup the Portuguese specialty of P'Town.  In case you are not aware, it's still considered to be a Portuguese fishing town.  The soup consists of kale (of course), kidney beans, tomato broth and linguica, a Portuguese sausage.










Entree was Pulled Pork with a Jack Daniels sauce.  Hot L does there own smoking.   The pork came with corn bread, baked beans, and cranberry cole slaw.  Dessert?  Couldn't resist a chocoholic's chocolate cake. 






Btw...at the end of the week I checked out the lunch menu and sampled a Lobster Grilled Cheese sandwich, Reuben Sandwich and a burger so that I could taste not just the burger but their special BBQ sauce.